If you’re looking for the perfect cozy drink to welcome autumn, the Pumpkin Cream Chai Latte is an absolute must-try. This delicious beverage blends warmly spiced chai with the rich creaminess of pumpkin, creating a comforting experience that’s both indulgent and refreshing. Whether you’re curling up with a book on a crisp day or serving guests something special, this Pumpkin Cream Chai Latte hits all the right notes with a blend of exotic spices, smooth pumpkin flavors, and velvety cream that’s hard to resist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Flavorful: The combination of chai spices and pumpkin creates a complex and inviting aroma and taste that screams fall.
Comfort in a Cup: It instantly warms you up on chilly days, making every sip feel like a cozy hug.
Easy to Customize: Whether you want it dairy-free, less sweet, or extra spicy, this latte easily adapts to your preferences.
Perfect for All Skill Levels: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it ideal for both beginners and seasoned home baristas.
Instagram-Worthy: Its creamy, frothy top and beautiful amber color make it as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Pumpkin Cream Chai Latte is carefully chosen to create the perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and creaminess. Together, they ensure a delightful texture and a flavor profile that brightens up the entire fall season.

Chai Tea Bags: Use robust chai blends packed with cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves to bring authentic chai flavor.
Pumpkin Puree: Adds natural sweetness and that unmistakable fall vibe, plus creamy richness.
Milk or Milk Alternative: Choose your favorite dairy or plant-based milk for a creamy texture and added smoothness.
Pure Maple Syrup or Honey: Provides gentle sweetness without overpowering the spices.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the warm notes and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Ground Cinnamon: Adds a punch of familiar coziness and complements the chai spices.
Heavy Cream or Coconut Cream: For that luscious, frothy topping that makes this latte irresistibly creamy.
Optional: Pumpkin Pie Spice: For an extra layer of festive flavor.

Variations for Pumpkin Cream Chai Latte

Feel free to make this Pumpkin Cream Chai Latte your own with these easy variations that cater to different tastes, dietary needs, or ingredient availability.

Dairy-Free Version: Swap regular milk and cream for almond, oat, or coconut milk and coconut cream for richness without dairy.
Less Sweet Option: Reduce or omit the maple syrup and add a dash of cinnamon for natural sweetness.
Extra Spicy: Boost the chai spice blend with extra ginger or black pepper for a warming kick.
Vegan Style: Use plant-based milk, coconut cream, and maple syrup to keep it fully vegan and delicious.
Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Latte: Perfect for milder fall days; simply chill the latte and serve over ice.

Why Pumpkin Cream Chai Latte Is a Fall Must-Try

How to Make Pumpkin Cream Chai Latte

Step 1: Brew the Chai

Start by steeping two chai tea bags in hot water for about 5 to 7 minutes to extract all the spicy, fragrant flavors that form the base of your latte.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin Mixture

In a small saucepan, whisk together pumpkin puree, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon over medium heat until warm and well combined, stirring gently to avoid curdling.

Step 3: Combine and Heat

Pour the brewed chai tea into the pumpkin mixture, whisking continuously. Heat the combined mixture until hot but not boiling to ensure full melding of flavors.

Step 4: Froth the Cream

Whip heavy cream or coconut cream until it forms soft peaks. You can add a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to the cream for extra fall flair.

Step 5: Assemble Your Latte

Pour the warmed latte into your favorite mug, then dollop the frothy pumpkin cream generously on top. Sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg to finish this gorgeous fall treat.

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Cream Chai Latte

Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground cinnamon and cardamom elevate the chai tea and pumpkin flavors to the next level.
Don’t Skip the Cream: The whipped cream topping is the signature that makes this latte truly creamy and festive.
Adjust Sweetness Gradually: Add sweetener little by little to suit your taste without overpowering the spices.
Warm, Not Boiling: Keep the pumpkin milk mixture hot but below boiling to maintain a smooth texture.
Strong Chai Base: Steep your chai tea longer if you want a more pronounced spice flavor to balance the sweetness.

How to Serve Pumpkin Cream Chai Latte

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even crushed graham crackers to the whipped cream topping to enhance the aroma and appearance.

Side Dishes

Pair this latte with autumn-inspired treats like pumpkin muffins, cinnamon biscotti, or ginger snaps to complement the spices and pumpkin goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in clear glass mugs to showcase the creamy layers, or drizzle caramel sauce on top of the cream for an extra touch of indulgence that guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover pumpkin chai mixture refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days; just reheat and froth fresh cream when ready to serve.

Freezing

This latte is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the pumpkin milk mixture separate from the chai base for up to 1 month and thaw slowly overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Warm the mixture gently in a saucepan or microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally to prevent separation, then add fresh whipped cream.

FAQs

Can I make a Pumpkin Cream Chai Latte without tea bags?

Yes! You can use loose leaf chai tea or even chai concentrate for convenience, adjusting steeping time as needed for a bold flavor.

Is this latte dairy-free and vegan friendly?

Absolutely, swap out dairy milk for almond, oat, or coconut milk and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream to make it completely vegan.

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of puree?

It’s best to use plain pumpkin puree because canned pie filling contains added sugars and spices that can alter the flavor balance.

How spicy is this Pumpkin Cream Chai Latte?

The spice level is moderate and adjustable; you can easily customize it by adding more or less chai spices or cinnamon to suit your palate.

Can I prepare this latte for a large group?

Definitely! Simply multiply the ingredients and keep the chai and pumpkin mixtures warm in separate containers before combining and serving.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a warm cup of Pumpkin Cream Chai Latte on a crisp fall day. This recipe is a beautiful balance of spicy, creamy, and sweet all in one cozy sip. Whether you’re new to chai lattes or a seasoned fan, this delightful twist with pumpkin cream is sure to become your new favorite seasonal treat. So go ahead and give this comforting concoction a try — you’ll wonder how you ever spent autumn without it!

Pumpkin Cream Chai Latte

Author: Amelia
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

The Pumpkin Cream Chai Latte is a cozy and indulgent autumn drink combining warmly spiced chai tea with creamy pumpkin puree and a luscious whipped cream topping. This comforting beverage features exotic chai spices blended with smooth pumpkin flavors, sweetened gently with maple syrup or honey, and can be customized to suit dairy-free, vegan, or spicier preferences. Perfect for crisp fall days, it’s an inviting treat to warm you from the inside out.

Ingredients

Scale

Chai Base

2 chai tea bags (robust blends with cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves)
2 cups hot water

Pumpkin Mixture

1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup milk or milk alternative (almond, oat, coconut, or dairy milk)
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup or honey
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional: 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Cream Topping

1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
Pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Brew the Chai – Steep two chai tea bags in 2 cups of hot water for 5 to 7 minutes to release the spicy, fragrant chai flavors that serve as the latte’s base.
Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin Mixture – In a small saucepan, whisk together 1/2 cup pumpkin puree, 1 cup milk or alternative, 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (plus pumpkin pie spice if using) over medium heat until warm and well combined, stirring gently to avoid curdling.
Step 3: Combine and Heat – Pour the brewed chai tea into the pumpkin mixture while whisking continuously. Heat the combined mixture until hot but not boiling to meld the flavors fully.
Step 4: Froth the Cream – Whip 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream until soft peaks form. Optionally, add a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to the cream for extra fall flavor.
Step 5: Assemble Your Latte – Pour the warm latte into your favorite mug and generously top with the frothy pumpkin cream. Finish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a beautiful and aromatic presentation.

Notes

Use freshly ground spices like cinnamon and cardamom for the best chai and pumpkin flavor.
Don’t skip the whipped cream topping—it’s key to the latte’s creamy, festive character.
Adjust the sweetness gradually to your taste, adding syrup a little at a time.
Keep the pumpkin milk mixture warm but avoid boiling to maintain a smooth texture.
Steep the chai longer for a stronger spice flavor that balances the pumpkin sweetness perfectly.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Beverages
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 latte (approx. 1 cup)
Calories: 180
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 70mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: pumpkin chai latte, pumpkin cream latte, fall drink, autumn beverage, chai tea, pumpkin spice latte, dairy-free pumpkin latte, vegan chai latte