HOW TO MAKE A PUMPKIN PIE CHAI LATTE AT HOME
This cozy latte blends spicy chai, creamy milk, and real pumpkin sauce for a festive fall drink that’s caffeine-kissed and easy to make at home — no espresso machine required.
Cozy up to autumn with a twist on your favorite fall flavors — this Pumpkin Pie Chai Latte blends spicy black tea with real pumpkin and warm seasonal spices. The chai base offers a softer, spiced flavor with more mild caffeine than a traditional espresso-based PSL. It’s perfect if you’re craving a homemade hot latte this fall without the bold intensity of coffee. If you can’t make it into a cafe to grab this great fall drink, here’s how you can make it at home!
PUMPKIN PIE CHAI RECIPE
Whether you’re watching your caffeine-intake or simply a tea lover, this chai-based take on the Pumpkin Spice Latte is comforting and easy to customize.
Ingredients:
- 1–1.5 tbsp pumpkin sauce (store-bought or homemade) or homemade pumpkin syrup
- 2 oz Tazo chai latte concentrate (made with black tea)
- 6 oz milk of choice (dairy or non-dairy)
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or chai spice (optional garnish)
Instructions
PREPARE THE PUMPKIN FLAVOR BASE
Add the pumpkin sauce (homemade recipe below) or your homemade pumpkin syrup to your glass.
MIX THE CHAI CONCENTRATE
Add your store-bought chai latte concentrate or your own strongly brewed chai tea.
STEAM THE MILK
Steam 6 oz of milk until hot and frothy. Heat it on the stove or in the microwave and use a frother or whisk to create foam.
ASSEMBLE THE PUMPKIN PIE CHAI
Slowly pour your steamed milk into the chai-sauce mixture. Stir gently to combine.
GARNISH & SERVE
Top with whipped cream, and a light sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, or chai spice.
MAKING A HOMEMADE PUMPKIN SAUCE FOR LATTES
This sauce is thicker, sweeter, and silkier than syrup — ideal for milk-based drinks like your pumpkin pie latte.
INGREDIENTS
- ½ cup pumpkin purée
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar
- ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk all ingredients together until smooth.
- Simmer gently for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently. The mixture should thicken and darken slightly.
- Strain if desired through a fine mesh sieve to avoid any pumpkin purée chunks.
- Let your homemade pumpkin sauce cool before transferring to a jar. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
MAKING A PUMPKIN COLD FOAM
Perfect for your pumpkin pie chai or pumpkin spice iced lattes!
INGREDIENTS
- ¼ cup cold milk or heavy cream
- 1 tbsp pumpkin purée
- 1 tsp maple syrup (or brown sugar/simple syrup)
- ¼ tsp pumpkin pie spice
- Splash of vanilla extract
INSTRUCTIONS
- Chill your glass. Use very cold milk, and ideally a chilled glass or frothing container.
- Froth until thick and foamy. Using a handheld milk frother or blender, froth. The foam should roughly double in volume and be pourable but airy. It won't be stiff like hot foam—it should be silky and settle over your iced drink.
- Slowly pour over your latte. Let it cascade over your chai latte, creating a layered, coffee-shop-style effect.
TIPS & VARIATIONS
- Make it spicier. Add a dash of ground ginger or cardamom to complement that chai flavor.
- Go dairy-free. Use non-dairy milk (like oat, almond, or coconut) and sub the sweetened condensed milk in the sauce with full-fat coconut milk plus extra sweetener if needed.
- Switch to iced. While a hot latte is a fall favorite, you can skip steaming the milk, pour everything over ice, and top with cold foam instead of whipped cream for a creamy iced chai.
PUMPKIN PIE CHAI LATTE FAQS
Does a PSL made with chai tea have less caffeine than a traditional PSL?
Yes. Chai is made with black tea, which typically has about half the caffeine of espresso. So a chai-based PSL is a great option if you’re looking for a gentler energy boost.
Can I use store-bought pumpkin sauce?
Yes! Use about 1 tbsp and adjust to taste. Some sauces are sweeter or thicker than others.
Can I substitute pumpkin pie extract for vanilla extract?
You can, but use it sparingly. Pumpkin pie extract is more concentrated and already contains spice notes, so it can easily overpower your drink. Start with just a few drops, and consider reducing or omitting other spices in the recipe to keep the flavors balanced.