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