Vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte (Quick and Easy)

Celebrate the fall season with this amazing vegan pumpkin spice latte. It's quick, easy, and better than Starbucks!

Yes, yes, and yes! The pumpkin spice latte is finally making its debut here on Shane & Simple. Sorry, it took so long. Let me just go on record and say it is my absolute favorite drink when autumn arrives and for that, I make no apologies.

Look, I’m a sucker for fall. The cozy recipes, the cooler temps, the flannel shirts, the smell of the kitchen, and college football. What’s not to love? Now, there’s one more thing to add to that love list. This amazing homemade pumpkin spice latte!

It’s time to stop handing your money over to Starbucks for some overpriced “pumpkin-flavored” java that’s loaded with sugar and preservatives. You can now sip on the famous pumpkin spice latte without all the dairy and refined sugar, with this quick and easy plant-based version.

Alright, let’s do this!

What Is A Latte?

A latte is a coffee beverage that originated in Italy and is made with espresso and steamed milk. Popular flavor variants include the mocha and the popular pumpkin spice latte.

Coffee is sometimes replaced with another beverage to make turmeric lattes (Golden Milk), chai tea lattes, or matcha lattes.

Lattes are easily made vegan by using non-dairy milk alternatives such as soy milk, cashew milk, oat milk, or almond milk. (source)

What Makes This A Healthy Pumpkin Spice Latte

The pumpkin is a type of winter squash and is part of the same plant family as cucumbers and melons. 

Pumpkins are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It’s a very low-calorie food which makes it a very weight-loss-friendly food. Its nutrients and antioxidants help to boost the immune system, lower your risk of certain cancers, and promote heart and skin health. It’s also a great source of fiber.

This pumpkin spice latte doesn’t use any fake or processed ingredients like the ones you buy. It’s flavored with real pumpkin, non-dairy milk, and no refined sugar. (source)

Vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe Ingredients

With the coming of fall, pumpkin spice lattes are in the air. This vegan version uses very simple and wholesome ingredients, is a much healthier alternative, and it only takes a few minutes to whip up.

• Sweetener: maple syrup is my go-to sweetener for recipes. It adds a nice buttery essence to hot recipes and is better than regular sugar. You could also use date syrup, agave, or honey (not vegan).
• Pumpkin: real pumpkin is essential in this recipe for flavor and health. You can roast fresh pumpkin if you wish but I find it’s much easier to just use canned pumpkin puree.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: don’t even try to make this recipe without this warming autumn spice blend. It’s a simple mixture of cinnamon, ground ginger, allspice, nutmeg, and ground cloves. I prefer to make my own instead of buying it because it’s so simple and much cheaper.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: for adding such a nice depth of flavor to sweet recipes.
• Dairy-free Milk: you can use any of the unsweetened plant-based milks you wish. I prefer unsweetened almond milk simply because it’s so accessible and always in my fridge. But, I do like using oat milk, soy milk, and cashew milk from time to time because they tend to yield a thicker consistency…IMO.
• Coffee: the key to making a really good latte is strong coffee so be sure and use dark roast. If you can see through it throw it out because you’ll make a really weak a$$ drink no one will like.

How To Make Vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte

This vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte is as simple as pie to make and 100% plant-based but will satisfy all your PSL cravings.

First, add the maple syrup and pumpkin to a small pot or saucepan then stir or whisk over medium heat. Be sure and keep an eye on your mixture and if starts to bubble cut back on the heat just a bit.

Next, add the pumpkin pie spice mix and milk and stir until the mixture is hot, but DON’T let it boil! Again, watch the heat so it doesn’t burn.

Finally, reduce to low heat and add the coffee. Stir or whisk until everything is well combined then taste it for sweetness. If not, add a little more maple.

All that’s left is to pour it into your favorite mug, top it with my homemade coconut vegan whipped cream, and some chopped roasted pecans, and sprinkle a little more pumpkin pie spice mix on top.

SO…FREAKING…GOOD!

Can I Make Pumpkin Spice Latte In A Blender?

Yes, you can. But again, you will need to reverse the process just a bit.

Add all of your ingredients to the blender and process, then pour the mixture into a small pot and warm over medium heat. 

Can I Use A Milk Frother

If you want to get all fancy you could froth your milk by using a milk frother like this one. But, you will have to reverse the recipe just a bit. 

Simply make this pumpkin spice latte as written but froth the milk and add it at the end.

Substitutions & Tips

• If you prefer a thicker and richer latte use homemade cashew milk or canned coconut milk. 
• Use 3-4 shots of espresso instead of coffee if you have it.
• Toppings are a great way to liven up this delicious seasonal drink. A few of my favorites are chopped nuts, chocolate chips, and sprinkling with cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice. I would recommend a drizzle or two of this amazing pumpkin spice sauce on top…it’s life-changing!

More Cozy Vegan Pumpkin Recipes

• The Best Vegan Pumpkin Bread
• The Best Vegan Pumpkin Pie Recipe
• Pumpkin Pie Hummus
• Vegan Pumpkin Muffins (Healthy and Easy)

If you make this pumpkin spice latte be sure and let me know! Please leave a comment and rate it. Be sure to share a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #shaneandsimple. I want to see your work. Enjoy!