Healthy pumpkin spice latte - It's Simply Lindsay

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.

  1. I want pumpkin spice lattes every day.
  2. I can easily take a route to work to pass popular coffee shops.
  3. $5 a cup can start to add up.
  4. 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)

Make your own pumpkin latte - It's Simply Lindsay

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?

Everywhere