Indulge in the cozy flavors of autumn with this homemade pumpkin chai latte recipe. This delightful beverage combines the warm spices of chai tea with the rich, comforting taste of pumpkin purée, creating the perfect drink for chilly days. To elevate the experience, top it with fluffy coconut whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
When preparing this recipe, you might need to pick up a few special ingredients at the supermarket. Arrowroot starch is used as a thickening agent and can be found in the baking aisle. Pumpkin purée is often located near the pie fillings. Full-fat coconut milk is essential for making the whipped cream, so be sure to grab a can from the international foods section.
Ingredients For Homemade Pumpkin Chai Latte
Spiced chai tea bag: Adds a robust, aromatic flavor blend of tea and spices.
Plain unsweetened almond milk: Provides a creamy base without dairy.
Pumpkin purée: Gives the drink its rich, seasonal flavor.
Maple syrup: Adds a natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall taste with a subtle vanilla note.
Pumpkin spice blend: A mix of warm spices that accentuates the pumpkin flavor.
Salt: Balances the flavors.
Arrowroot starch: Thickens the latte for a richer texture.
Cinnamon stick: Serves as a garnish and adds an aromatic touch.
Full fat coconut milk: Used to make the luxurious whipped cream topping.
Cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy note to the whipped cream.
Maple syrup: Sweetens the whipped cream naturally.
Vanilla extract: Complements the coconut cream with a hint of vanilla.
One reader, Korrie Kunz says:
This homemade pumpkin chai latte is a cozy delight! The blend of pumpkin, spices, and creamy almond milk is perfect for fall. The coconut whipped cream adds a luxurious touch. Highly recommend!
Techniques Required for Making a Pumpkin Chai Latte
How to steep tea: Bring water to a gentle boil, remove from heat, add the tea bag, and let it steep for 4 minutes. How to whisk in arrowroot starch: Add the arrowroot starch to the mixture and whisk until fully combined. How to blend: Pour the mixture into a stand blender and blend for a minute or two until well blended and creamy. How to make coconut whipped cream: Scoop the solid coconut cream into a chilled bowl and beat with an electric hand mixer until fluffy and smooth. Add maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon, then blend again to combine.
How To Make Homemade Pumpkin Chai Latte
Enjoy fall flavors with our delicious chai latte recipe! It’s made in just 10 minutes for an easy, warm drink in the winter.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Latte:
- 1spiced chai tea bagor decaf spiced chai rooibos
- ½cupplain unsweetened almond milkor milk of choice
- 2tbspreal pumpkin purée
- 1tbspreal maple syrupor honey
- ¼tspvanilla extract
- ¼tsppumpkin spice blend
- dashsalt
- ½tsparrowroot starchor cornstarch, optional
- 1cinnamon stickor star of anise, optional garnish
For Coconut Whipped Cream (Optional):
- 14ozfull fat coconut milk,1 can, chilled for at least 10 hours
- 1tbspmaple syrup
- ½tspvanilla extract
- ⅛tspcinnamon
Instructions
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In a small saucepan, bring ½ cup water to a gentle boil.
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Remove the water from the heat, add the tea bag, and let it steep for 4 minutes.
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Squeeze any water remaining out by pressing the tea bag against the side of the pan with the back of a spoon. Remove tea bag.
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Add the almond milk, pumpkin purée, maple syrup, vanilla, pumpkin spice blend and salt to the pan.
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Whisk in the arrowroot starch.
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Pour the mixture into a stand blender and blend for a minute or two, until well blended together and the drink is creamy.
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Pour the mixture back into the pan and gently rewarm on the stove, then pour it into a mug.
Coconut Whipped Cream:
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Pull out the chilled can of coconut milk and mixing bowl.
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Open the can of coconut milk and scoop the solid coconut cream into the chilled bowl.
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Using an electric hand mixer, beat the cream until fluffy and smooth.
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Add the maple syrup, vanilla extract and cinnamon and gently blend again to combine.
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Top the whipped coconut cream onto the latte and garnish with cinnamon stick, serve, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Make your own pumpkin spice blend: ⅛ ground cinnamon, ⅛ ground ginger, dash of nutmeg, and dash of cloves.
Nutrition
- Calories: 937.15kcal
- Fat: 86.18g
- Saturated Fat: 75.58g
- Trans Fat: 0.00g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.11g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.30g
- Carbohydrates: 46.10g
- Fiber: 3.21g
- Sugar: 25.69g
- Protein: 9.22g
- Sodium: 1391.45mg
- Calcium: 389.96mg
- Potassium: 1122.95mg
- Iron: 14.34mg
- Vitamin A: 238.76µg
- Vitamin C: 5.47mg
Helpful Technique for Making Homemade Pumpkin Chai Latte
To achieve a perfectly creamy texture for your pumpkin chai latte, make sure to blend the mixture thoroughly in a stand blender. This step ensures that the pumpkin purée and almond milk are fully integrated, giving you a smooth and velvety drink. Additionally, when making the coconut whipped cream, ensure the coconut milk is well-chilled before whipping; this helps the cream to become fluffy and hold its shape better.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Homemade Pumpkin Chai Latte
Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and set aside pumpkin purée, maple syrup, and spices before starting.
Use a microwave: Heat the almond milk in the microwave instead of the stove to save a few minutes.
Skip the blender: Whisk the mixture vigorously in the pan to avoid transferring to a blender.
Pre-chill coconut milk: Store a can of coconut milk in the fridge so it's ready for whipping anytime.
Batch make chai: Steep multiple chai tea bags in a larger batch of water and store in the fridge for quick use.
Substitute Ingredients For Homemade Pumpkin Chai Latte Recipe
spiced chai tea bag - Substitute with black tea bag with chai spices: If you don't have a spiced chai tea bag, you can use a black tea bag and add a pinch of ground cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves to mimic the chai flavor.
plain unsweetened almond milk - Substitute with plain unsweetened oat milk: Oat milk has a creamy texture similar to almond milk and works well in lattes.
real pumpkin purée - Substitute with sweet potato purée: Sweet potato purée has a similar texture and sweetness to pumpkin purée, making it a good alternative.
real maple syrup - Substitute with honey: Honey provides a similar sweetness and can be used in the same quantity as maple syrup.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but complementary flavor that can enhance the latte.
pumpkin spice blend - Substitute with individual spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves): If you don't have a pumpkin spice blend, you can mix these individual spices to create a similar flavor profile.
arrowroot starch - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can be used as a thickening agent in place of arrowroot starch.
cinnamon stick - Substitute with ground cinnamon: A pinch of ground cinnamon can replace a cinnamon stick for flavoring.
full fat coconut milk - Substitute with heavy cream: Heavy cream can provide a similar richness and texture for making whipped cream.
maple syrup - Substitute with agave nectar: Agave nectar is another natural sweetener that can be used in place of maple syrup.
vanilla extract - Substitute with vanilla bean paste: Vanilla bean paste offers a more intense vanilla flavor and can be used in the same quantity.
cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg provides a warm, spicy flavor that can complement the other ingredients in the whipped cream.
Presentation Ideas for Your Homemade Pumpkin Chai Latte
Serve in a clear glass mug: Use a clear glass mug to showcase the beautiful layers and creamy texture of the pumpkin chai latte. The visual appeal is enhanced when the latte is visible through the glass.
Garnish with a cinnamon stick: Place a cinnamon stick elegantly on the side of the mug. This not only adds a touch of sophistication but also enhances the aromatic experience.
Top with coconut whipped cream: Generously dollop the coconut whipped cream on top of the latte. The fluffy texture contrasts beautifully with the smooth drink below.
Sprinkle with pumpkin spice blend: Lightly dust the top of the coconut whipped cream with a pinch of pumpkin spice blend. This adds a final touch of color and flavor, making the presentation more inviting.
Serve on a wooden tray: Place the glass mug on a rustic wooden tray. The natural wood complements the autumnal flavors of the pumpkin chai latte and adds a touch of warmth to the presentation.
Add a side of maple syrup: Serve a small, elegant pitcher of maple syrup on the tray. This allows guests to adjust the sweetness to their liking and adds an interactive element to the experience.
Include a small spoon: Provide a dainty, silver spoon on the side of the tray. This is perfect for stirring the latte and scooping up any remaining coconut whipped cream.
Use a linen napkin: Fold a crisp, white linen napkin and place it under the mug on the tray. This adds a touch of elegance and ensures a clean, refined presentation.
Essential Tools for Making a Pumpkin Chai Latte at Home
Small saucepan: Used to bring water to a gentle boil and to rewarm the latte mixture.
Tea bag: Essential for steeping the spiced chai flavor into the water.
Spoon: Used to press the tea bag against the side of the pan to extract remaining liquid.
Whisk: Helps to mix the almond milk, pumpkin purée, maple syrup, vanilla, pumpkin spice blend, salt, and arrowroot starch together.
Stand blender: Blends the mixture to ensure it is well combined and creamy.
Mug: The final vessel for serving the pumpkin chai latte.
Chilled mixing bowl: Used to whip the coconut cream to a fluffy consistency.
Electric hand mixer: Beats the coconut cream until it is smooth and fluffy.
Can opener: Opens the can of coconut milk to access the solid coconut cream.
Measuring spoons: Measures out the ingredients like maple syrup, vanilla extract, pumpkin spice blend, and arrowroot starch accurately.
Cinnamon stick: Used as a garnish to enhance the presentation and flavor of the latte.
Storing and Freezing Your Homemade Pumpkin Chai Latte
- To store the homemade pumpkin chai latte, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container or jar.
- Seal the container tightly and place it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- When ready to enjoy, pour the desired amount into a mug and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the latte mixture:
- Pour the cooled latte into freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
- Seal the containers or cover the ice cube trays with plastic wrap and place them in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- To thaw, transfer the frozen latte mixture or cubes to the refrigerator overnight or until completely thawed.
- Reheat the thawed latte in a mug using the microwave or stovetop, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
- If you have leftover coconut whipped cream, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Before using, give it a quick stir or whisk to restore its fluffy texture.
- Note that the pumpkin chai latte may separate slightly during storage, but a quick stir or shake before reheating will help recombine the ingredients.
How To Reheat Leftover Pumpkin Chai Latte
The best way to reheat leftover homemade pumpkin chai latte is to pour it into a small saucepan and gently warm it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired temperature. This method ensures that the latte heats evenly and the flavors remain well-blended.
Alternatively, you can reheat the pumpkin chai latte in the microwave. Pour the leftover latte into a microwave-safe mug and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it reaches your preferred temperature. Be careful not to overheat the latte, as it may cause the almond milk to separate or the flavors to become less pronounced.
If you find that the reheated latte has separated or lost some of its creaminess, use a milk frother or immersion blender to quickly blend the latte and restore its smooth texture. This will also help to reincorporate any spices that may have settled at the bottom of the mug.
For a quicker and more convenient reheating method, consider transferring the leftover pumpkin chai latte to a sealed, microwave-safe container before storing it in the refrigerator. This will allow you to reheat the latte directly in the container, minimizing the need for additional dishes and making it easier to enjoy your leftover latte on the go.
If you have leftover coconut whipped cream, store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating your latte, top it with a fresh dollop of the chilled whipped cream for a refreshing contrast to the warm, spiced drink.
Interesting Fact About Pumpkin Chai Lattes
A fun fact about this pumpkin chai latte recipe is that it incorporates arrowroot starch, which acts as a natural thickener. This ingredient not only helps achieve a creamy texture but is also gluten-free, making the latte suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Is Making Pumpkin Chai Latte at Home Cost-Effective?
This homemade pumpkin chai latte recipe is relatively cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like almond milk, pumpkin purée, and maple syrup are affordable and can be used in multiple recipes. The optional coconut whipped cream adds a luxurious touch without breaking the bank. Overall Verdict: 8/10. Approximate cost for a household of 4 people: $10-$12 USD.
Is This Pumpkin Chai Latte Recipe Healthy?
This homemade pumpkin chai latte recipe is a healthier alternative to store-bought versions, as it uses natural ingredients and avoids excessive sugars and artificial additives. The recipe incorporates several nutritious elements:
- Unsweetened almond milk provides a low-calorie, dairy-free base rich in vitamin E and healthy fats
- Real pumpkin purée offers fiber, vitamin A, and antioxidants
- Maple syrup is a natural sweetener with a lower glycemic index compared to refined sugar
- Chai tea contains beneficial spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom, which have anti-inflammatory properties
However, there are a few aspects that could be improved to make the recipe even healthier:
- The coconut whipped cream, while delicious, adds extra calories and saturated fat. Consider using it sparingly or omitting it altogether for a lighter version
- The recipe calls for 1 tbsp of maple syrup per serving, which may be too sweet for some. Reducing the amount of syrup or using a sugar-free alternative like stevia could further minimize the sugar content
To enhance the nutritional value of this pumpkin chai latte, you could:
- Add a scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder to boost protein intake and keep you feeling full longer
- Incorporate a pinch of turmeric, a potent anti-inflammatory spice that complements the flavor profile
- Use a stronger brew of chai tea or add an extra tea bag for more antioxidants and a bolder taste
- Experiment with other non-dairy milk alternatives, such as coconut milk or oat milk, for variety and different nutritional benefits
Editor's Opinion on This Pumpkin Chai Latte Recipe
This homemade pumpkin chai latte recipe is a delightful blend of autumn flavors. The combination of real pumpkin purée and a spiced chai tea bag creates a rich, comforting base. The use of almond milk keeps it light, while the maple syrup adds a natural sweetness. The arrowroot starch ensures a creamy texture, and the optional coconut whipped cream elevates the drink to a luxurious treat. The recipe is well-balanced and perfect for cozying up on a chilly day. Overall, it's a thoughtfully crafted beverage that captures the essence of fall in every sip.
Enhance Your Homemade Pumpkin Chai Latte Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Homemade Pumpkin Chai Latte Recipe:
This homemade pumpkin chai latte recipe combines the rich flavors of pumpkin purée and spiced chai tea for a comforting and seasonal drink. Using real maple syrup and vanilla extract ensures a natural sweetness, while pumpkin spice blend adds a warm, aromatic touch. The optional coconut whipped cream topping offers a luxurious finish. Each ingredient is carefully chosen for quality and taste, making this recipe both delicious and trustworthy.
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