Pumpkin spice season is a vibe, isn’t it? Every year, as soon as the leaves start turning (or even just the calendar flips to September), pumpkin-flavored everything takes over. The coffee shops? Packed. The drinks? Delicious, but they can be a total wallet-buster—and sometimes, not even vegan. However, that’s why learning how to make your own iced pumpkin spice coffee recipe vegan at home is such a game-changer. It’s easy, totally customizable, and way more budget-friendly. Moreover, you can sip on it any time without even leaving your house. Let’s get into it!
Why Make Iced pumpkin spice coffee recipe vegan?
Sure, it’s tempting to grab one from a café—it’s convenient, and let’s be honest, they know how to nail that cozy flavor. But there are a lot of perks to making it at home:
- Total Control: You control the ingredients, sweetness, and spice levels. No more overly sugary drinks unless that’s your thing!
- Diet-Friendly: Skip the sneaky dairy or questionable additives. When you make it yourself, you know it’s 100% vegan.
- Cost Savings: Those $6 PSLs add up fast. With this recipe, you can enjoy the same flavors for a fraction of the cost.
- Convenience: Want a pumpkin spice fix at 10 p.m.? No problem. Plus, you don’t have to deal with long lines or limited seasonal menus.
Once you try this, you might not even miss the store-bought version.
The Perfect Ingredients
Let’s break down what you need to make this drink magical. The good news? You probably have most of these ingredients already.
1.Pumpkin Purée
The star of the show! Use canned pumpkin purée (make sure it’s not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugar and spices) or homemade if you’re feeling fancy. Pumpkin adds that iconic flavor and a creamy texture. In fact, it’s the key ingredient that gives your iced pumpkin spice coffee its rich and satisfying taste.
2.Plant-Based Milk
The milk you choose matters. Almond milk keeps things light, oat milk makes it creamy, and coconut milk gives it a hint of richness. Go with what you love or experiment to find your favorite. Moreover, the right milk can transform the texture and flavor of your drink.
3.Maple Syrup
This natural sweetener is a game-changer. It pairs perfectly with the warm spices, giving a subtle caramel-like sweetness. Plus, it keeps everything vegan. Additionally, maple syrup adds a cozy, earthy sweetness that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
4.Pumpkin Pie Spice
You can buy pre-made pumpkin pie spice or make your own blend using cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Adjust the proportions to match your taste. Furthermore, the spices create that familiar fall flavor profile that ties everything together.
5.Vanilla Extract
Just a splash of vanilla takes the flavor to the next level. It adds depth and rounds out the spices. In fact, the vanilla brings a sweet, aromatic note that enhances the overall taste.
6.Strong Coffee or Cold Brew
Coffee is the backbone of this drink. Whether you prefer cold brew for its smoothness or a strong brewed coffee that’s been chilled, make sure it’s bold enough to complement the pumpkin and spices. The coffee provides the perfect balance to the sweetness and spice of the pumpkin.
7.Optional Toppings
Coconut whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a drizzle of vegan caramel can give your drink that Instagram-worthy finishing touch. These add-ons make your homemade iced pumpkin spice coffee even more indulgent and visually appealing.
Step-by-Step Recipe: Vegan Iced Pumpkin Spice Coffee
Follow these simple steps to whip up a refreshing, creamy iced pumpkin spice latte at home:
1 – Blend Your Latte Base:
Start by adding the essentials to your blender: espresso (or strong coffee), soy milk, pumpkin purée, Medjool dates (for natural sweetness), pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of sea salt. Then, blend everything together until smooth.
2 – Assemble Your Latte:
Grab two glasses and fill them with ice cubes. Then, pour your blended pumpkin spice latte mixture over the ice, letting it cascade down for that beautiful, layered look.
3 – Add the Finishing Touches:
Top your latte with a dollop of coconut whipped cream for a creamy touch. Finally, sprinkle a little pumpkin pie spice on top to boost the flavor and add a festive look.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Iced Pumpkin Spice Coffee
- Chill Everything: Starting with cold ingredients helps prevent the ice from melting too fast.
- Blend for Creaminess: For an ultra-smooth drink, you can blend the coffee, syrup, and ice together for a frothy texture.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Not a fan of overly sweet drinks? Use less maple syrup, or add more if you like it sweet.
- Make It Decaf: If you want a late-night treat, swap out regular coffee for decaf. Same great flavor, no sleepless nights.
- Experiment with Milks: Oat milk is my personal favorite because it’s creamy and complements the spices, but almond, soy, or even cashew milk work too.
Why This iced pumpkin spice latte vegan Is a Must-Try
There’s something about the combination of pumpkin, spice, and coffee that just screams fall. And when it’s iced, you get the best of both worlds—refreshing and cozy all at once. This recipe hits all the marks:
- It’s vegan, so it’s accessible for everyone.
- It’s simple enough to whip up on a busy morning.
- The flavors are rich and perfectly balanced.
Plus, you can make it as indulgent or as light as you want. Go big with whipped cream and caramel, or keep it simple with just the syrup and coffee. Either way, it’s guaranteed to taste amazing.
How to Store Leftover Pumpkin Spice Syrup
If you make extra syrup (and trust me, you’ll want to), store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about five days. When you’re ready to use it, just give it a quick stir or shake, and you’re good to go.
Bringing Café Vibes Home
Let’s be real—there’s a special kind of joy that comes with sipping a perfectly made drink in the comfort of your own home. No crowds, no waiting in line, just you and your pumpkin spice goodness. Moreover, light a fall candle, throw on some cozy socks, and you’ve got a coffee shop vibe without ever leaving your couch.
Making your own iced pumpkin spice coffee isn’t just about saving money (although that’s a nice bonus). In fact, it’s about creating something exactly the way you like it. Want more spice? Add it. Need it a little sweeter? Go for it. The beauty of homemade drinks is that they’re completely customizable. Additionally, this allows you to control the ingredients and make a drink tailored to your tastes.
The Health Benefits of iced pumpkin spice latte vegan
Adding pumpkin to your coffee isn’t just about the cozy fall vibes—it actually comes with some health perks too! Pumpkin is packed with vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. These nutrients can support your immune system, help with digestion, and even give your skin a glow. Moreover, pumpkin is naturally low in calories, making it a great addition if you’re looking for a flavorful yet light drink. Additionally, the rich nutrient profile of pumpkin makes it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a healthy boost. When combined with the warming spices in pumpkin pie spice, it’s like a healthy treat you can feel good about sipping.
The Health Benefits of iced pumpkin spice latte vegan
Adding pumpkin to your coffee isn’t just about the cozy fall vibes—it actually comes with some health perks too! In fact, pumpkin is packed with vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. These nutrients can support your immune system, help with digestion, and even give your skin a glow. Moreover, pumpkin is naturally low in calories, making it a great addition if you’re looking for a flavorful yet light drink. Additionally, the rich nutrient profile of pumpkin makes it an excellent choice for anyone aiming to boost their overall health. When combined with the warming spices in pumpkin pie spice, it’s like a healthy treat you can feel good about sipping.
The Best Plant-Based Milks for Iced Coffee
Choosing the right plant-based milk can make or break your iced pumpkin spice coffee. Almond milk is a classic option that’s light and slightly nutty, while oat milk brings a creamy texture that blends beautifully with the spices. If you’re craving something rich, coconut milk adds a tropical hint and makes the drink feel extra indulgent. Soy milk is another great choice because of its protein content and neutral taste. Whatever you pick, make sure it’s unsweetened so the flavors of the pumpkin and spices can shine through.
FAQs
Can Starbucks PSL Be Vegan?
The classic Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) isn’t vegan by default because the pumpkin spice sauce contains dairy. However, you can customize it to be dairy-free by swapping out the regular milk for a plant-based option like almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk. Unfortunately, the sauce itself still includes dairy, so while you can make it dairy-free, it can’t be made fully vegan. For a truly vegan pumpkin spice latte, your best bet is making one at home with this recipe!
What Are the Ingredients in Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Coffee?
Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Coffee is made with a blend of espresso and steamed milk, flavored with pumpkin spice sauce, which includes sugar, condensed skim milk, pumpkin purée, and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. It’s topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice. While the drink is undeniably tasty, the inclusion of dairy in the sauce and whipped cream makes it unsuitable for vegans without significant modifications.
Is Dunkin’ Pumpkin Coffee Vegan?
Dunkin’s Pumpkin Spice Flavored Coffee can be made vegan with a few tweaks! The pumpkin swirl syrup they use contains dairy, so skip it and opt for a plain pumpkin-flavored coffee instead. Pair it with a plant-based milk like almond or oat for a creamy, vegan-friendly option. While it’s not quite the same as the classic pumpkin spice latte, it’s still a delicious way to enjoy fall flavors without the dairy.
How to Ask for a Skinny Pumpkin Spice Latte?
If you’re watching your calorie intake, you can easily make your Pumpkin Spice Latte “skinny” at most coffee shops. Start by requesting a plant-based milk like almond or oat for a lower-calorie option. Then, ask for fewer pumps of the pumpkin spice syrup or choose a sugar-free alternative if available. Finally, skip the whipped cream or replace it with a light or dairy-free version, if offered. This way, you can enjoy the seasonal flavors guilt-free!
Final Thoughts
This Iced pumpkin spice coffee recipe vegan is more than a drink—it’s a fall ritual. It’s the perfect way to kick off your morning or treat yourself during an afternoon slump. Plus, it’s so good you might find yourself making it year-round.
So, grab your ingredients, toss on your favorite sweater, and get ready to sip on some autumn magic. Oh, and don’t forget to snap a pic—your friends are definitely going to want the recipe.
