Make a pumpkin spice latte - Fun at-home activities for Kids.

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Make a pumpkin spice latte

Make a simple pumpkin spice latte using milk, pumpkin puree, spices, and gentle heating. Learn measuring, stirring, and safe adult-supervised cooking.

Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to make a pumpkin spice latte

What you need

Milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract (optional), measuring cup and spoons, small bowl, small saucepan, whisk or spoon, mug, strong brewed coffee or instant coffee (decaf recommended), adult supervision required

Step 1

Wash your hands with soap and water so your cooking is clean and safe.

Step 2

Gather all your materials on the counter so everything is ready to use.

Step 3

Measure 1 cup of milk into the measuring cup.

Step 4

Measure 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice into the small bowl.

Step 5

Stir the pumpkin mixture in the bowl until it looks smooth and even.

Step 6

Pour the measured milk into the small saucepan.

Step 7

Add the pumpkin mixture from the bowl into the milk in the saucepan.

Step 8

Whisk the milk and pumpkin in the saucepan until the liquid looks smooth and mixed.

Step 9

With adult supervision heat the saucepan over low heat and stir constantly until the milk is warm and steamy but not boiling.

Step 10

Brew 1/2 cup of strong coffee or dissolve 1 teaspoon of instant coffee in 1/2 cup of hot water.

Step 11

Pour the brewed coffee into your mug.

Step 12

Have an adult pour the warm pumpkin milk into the mug.

Step 13

Stir the latte once and sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top for a fun finish.

Step 14

Share your finished pumpkin spice latte on DIY.org

Help!?

What can we use if we can't find pumpkin puree or pumpkin pie spice for the recipe?

If you don't have pumpkin puree, use canned pumpkin or 2 tablespoons of applesauce and if you lack pumpkin pie spice, add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon plus 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg to the small bowl before stirring.

What should we do if the pumpkin mixture is lumpy or the milk starts to boil while heating in the saucepan?

If lumps form, whisk the pumpkin mixture vigorously in the saucepan and if the milk begins to boil, remove the pan from heat and let it cool for a few seconds while stirring constantly until the milk is warm and smooth but not boiling.

How can we adapt the steps for younger kids versus older kids to keep it safe and fun?

Let preschoolers wash hands, help gather materials, and pour pre-measured ingredients into the mug while an adult handles measuring and all saucepan heating, and let school-age kids measure the 1 cup milk, whisk the pumpkin into the milk with supervision, and brew the 1/2 cup coffee with an adult nearby.

How can we personalize or upgrade the pumpkin spice latte after finishing the basic steps?

After stirring the latte and sprinkling cinnamon, top with whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel or vanilla extract in the pumpkin milk before heating, or swap the milk for oat milk for a dairy-free version to personalize the flavor.

Watch videos on how to make a pumpkin spice latte

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How To Make A Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte At Home // by a barista

3 Videos

Facts about cooking and kitchen safety for kids

🎃 Pumpkins are fruits — botanically they're giant berries!

☕ The Pumpkin Spice Latte was popularized by Starbucks in 2003 and started a huge seasonal craze.

🥛 Milk forms a skin and can scald if heated above about 180°F (82°C), so gentle heating is important.

🍂 Traditional "pumpkin spice" mixes usually combine cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.

🥄 1 tablespoon equals 15 milliliters — a helpful rule for measuring ingredients.

How do I make a simple pumpkin spice latte with my child?

To make a simple pumpkin spice latte with your child, combine milk and 1–2 tablespoons pumpkin puree in a small saucepan. Add 1/2–1 teaspoon sweetener and 1/4–1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg). Warm gently over low heat, stirring or whisking until steaming—do not boil. Remove from heat, froth or whisk, pour over a small amount of cooled coffee or hot chocolate, and top with whipped cream. Always supervise heating and pouring.

What materials and ingredients do we need for a kid-friendly pumpkin spice latte?

You’ll need milk (dairy or plant-based), canned pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice or spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger), and a sweetener like sugar or maple syrup. Tools: small saucepan, measuring spoons and cups, whisk or spoon for stirring, heatproof mug, frother or jar with lid for shaking, and oven mitts. Optional: whipped cream and cinnamon for topping. Use child-safe utensils and adult supervision for the hot parts.

What ages is making a pumpkin spice latte suitable for?

This activity suits different ages with adult supervision: toddlers (2–4) can help scoop pumpkin and stir with assistance; preschoolers (4–6) can measure ingredients and stir with guidance; school-age kids (7–12) can help heat gently and whisk under close supervision; teens can follow the full recipe with minimal help. Always adapt tasks to each child’s motor skills and comfort around heat.

What safety tips and benefits are there for children making pumpkin spice lattes?

Safety: always supervise heating, keep children away from the hot stove, use oven mitts and low heat, check beverage temperature before serving, and avoid raw eggs. Benefits: measuring and pouring teach math and coordination; stirring and following steps build fine motor skills and sequencing; sensory play with spices encourages curiosity. Variations like decaf coffee or cocoa make a kid-friendly version while keeping learning and fun.

Ready to create?