Healthy pumpkin spice latte - It's Simply Lindsay

10/10/18

It’s fall, the best time of the year for so many reasons, especially pumpkin spice lattes. You don’t need to spend a small fortune on a sugar-loaded coffee house drink because you can easily make a healthy pumpkin spice latte at home! My love for pumpkin spice runs deep, and I set out to create my own because of the following serious quandaries.

I want pumpkin spice lattes every day.
I can easily take a route to work to pass popular coffee shops.
$5 a cup can start to add up.
I’ve been actually starting to care about the junk that’s in my food.

I also have various specifications when I order, and sometimes I forget to mention my preferences (my old order was a tall skinny decaf pumpkin spice latte with coconut or almond milk). While I used to think the “skinny” part of my order meant healthy by cutting calories and fat, I realized that any sugar free foods are more dangerous for you. You can read about the dangers of popular sugar-free substitutes like Sucralose here. If you think you’re being healthy by ordering a sugar-free drink, think again – it would be better to have real sugar than a sugar substitute (that goes for your own cooking, too).

Healthy Pumpkin Spice Latte

I decided I could have my favorite drink year-round, save money, and control what goes into my pumpkin spice latte by making it myself. I hope you enjoy as much as I do.

Pumpkin latte - It's Simply Lindsay

Ingredients

1/4 C strong coffee
1 C milk of choice (coconut, almond, cow’s)
2-3 T pumpkin puree
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 T real maple sugar (honey or real sugar can be used)
Sprinkle of cinnamon and shredded coconut for garnish (optional)

Directions

Make 1/4 C of strong coffee. I use instant decaf.
Put milk, pumpkin, vanilla, spices, and syrup in a saucepan over medium low heat. Heat, stirring frequently, until it reaches a slow simmer. Or put in microwave for 30-45 seconds.
Take off heat and either use an immersion blender or pour into a blender to mix until the milk is frothy. I prefer an immersion blender and blend right in the sauce pan for about 45 seconds for a good froth.
**Note: If you don’t have time or don’t want that delicious latte froth, you can skip this!**
Use a large spoon to separate from milk foam from the liquid. Pour liquid into mug with the coffee, and add the milk foam to the top.
Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon and shredded coconut.
Sit outside where there’s a crisp, chilly breeze, sip, and enjoy.

Are you willing to give up your favorite coffee shop’s lattes to make your own, healthy version at home?

Hi, I'm Lindsay!

Writer. Mom. Wife. Teacher. I'm passionate about family, manners, and learning and fervently stand up for (and write about) what I believe in. I strive to make myself and the world around me better through blogging. Don't forget to never say no to tea, cookie dough, peonies, or kindness.