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



Step-by-step guide to make a pumpkin spice latte
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
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!


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