Fall is here, and there’s nothing better than sipping on an Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte.
Originally crafted by Starbucks, this cozy, spiced drink quickly became a seasonal favorite.
Now, you can easily recreate it at home with a few simple ingredients.
Whether you love the warm, earthy taste of chai or are looking for a coffee-free treat, this drink is the perfect autumn indulgence.
How To Make A Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte: At A Glance
- Step 1: Preparing the Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam
- Step 2: Assembling the Chai Tea Latte
- Step 3: Topping with Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam
- Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Ingredients Overview
Chai Concentrate
The base of your Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte starts with chai concentrate.
You have two options: store-bought or homemade.
Store-bought chai concentrate is convenient and consistent, offering a balanced blend of spices and tea.
Simply pour and go.
However, if you prefer more control over the flavor intensity, making your own chai concentrate is a great option.
Homemade chai allows you to adjust the spice level to your liking, whether you want it milder or with an extra kick of ginger and cinnamon.
Milk Options
The choice of milk significantly influences the texture and flavor of your latte.
Traditional 2% milk is commonly used, providing a creamy consistency without overpowering the chai spices.
If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, oat milk is an excellent option.
It’s smooth, creamy, and pairs beautifully with the spices, adding a subtle sweetness.
Almond milk is another popular choice, offering a lighter, nuttier flavor.
Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam
The pumpkin cream cold foam is what sets this drink apart.
It’s made with a few key ingredients that create a rich, velvety topping.
Start with ¾ cup of 2% milk and ¼ cup of heavy cream to achieve the right consistency.
Add in 2 ½ tablespoons of pumpkin spice sauce, which you can either purchase or make at home.
To sweeten the foam, mix in 2 teaspoons of vanilla syrup.
If you don’t have vanilla syrup, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract works as a substitute.
Blend these ingredients until frothy using an electric frother, hand mixer, or by shaking in a mason jar.
Pumpkin Spice Topping
No pumpkin drink is complete without a sprinkle of pumpkin spice.
A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, pumpkin spice brings warmth and depth to your latte.
A light dusting on top of the cold foam enhances the flavor and gives the drink its signature autumn aroma.
It’s a small touch, but it makes a big difference in capturing the essence of fall in every sip.
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam
Start by gathering your ingredients for the pumpkin cream cold foam.
You’ll need ¾ cup of 2% milk, ¼ cup of heavy cream, 2 ½ tablespoons of pumpkin spice sauce, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla syrup.
If you don’t have vanilla syrup on hand, you can substitute it with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Combine all the ingredients in a large mason jar or mixing bowl.
If you’re using a mason jar, make sure it’s large enough to allow room for the foam to expand.
Shake the jar vigorously for about 30 seconds to a minute until the mixture becomes frothy.
Alternatively, you can use an electric frother or hand mixer to whip the mixture until it thickens into a creamy foam.
The electric frother is the quickest and most efficient method, giving you a smooth, airy texture in just 15-20 seconds.
If you don’t have any of these tools, simply shake the mixture in the jar as vigorously as possible until you reach the desired consistency.
Once your cold foam is ready, set it aside while you prepare the rest of your drink.
Step 2: Assembling the Chai Tea Latte
Now that your pumpkin cream cold foam is prepared, it’s time to assemble the chai tea latte.
Start by filling a tall glass with ice.
Next, pour ½ cup of chai tea concentrate into the glass.
If you prefer a stronger chai flavor, you can adjust the amount of concentrate to your taste.
After adding the chai concentrate, pour in ½ cup of your chosen milk.
The milk will mix with the chai as it flows over the ice, creating a chilled, smooth base for your drink.
Stir gently to combine the chai and milk.
Step 3: Topping with Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam
The final step is adding the pumpkin cream cold foam to your latte.
Carefully spoon the cold foam on top of the chai and milk mixture, letting it sit as a thick, creamy layer.
Use about ¼ to ½ cup of the foam, depending on how much topping you prefer.
To finish, lightly sprinkle a pinch of pumpkin spice over the top of the foam.
This adds a touch of extra flavor and gives the drink its signature autumn aroma.
Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte!
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 395 calories per serving.
- Fat: 22 grams total fat, including 14 grams of saturated fat.
- Carbohydrates: 37 grams, with 29 grams of sugar.
- Protein: Around 11 grams, depending on the milk used.
Tips to Reduce Sugar and Fat
- Milk Substitutes: Use almond or oat milk instead of 2% milk to reduce fat content.
- Lower Sugar: Opt for sugar-free chai concentrate or reduce the amount of pumpkin spice sauce to cut down on sugar.
- Lighten Up: Consider using a smaller portion of the pumpkin cream cold foam or making a lighter version with coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
Variations and Customizations
Dirty Pumpkin Chai Latte
If you’re looking for an extra caffeine kick, try making a Dirty Pumpkin Chai Latte.
This variation includes a shot of espresso, which blends beautifully with the spicy chai and creamy pumpkin foam.
To make it, simply brew a shot of espresso and pour it over the chai concentrate before adding your milk.
The espresso adds depth and richness, creating a more robust flavor profile.
This version is perfect for those mornings when you need a little extra boost.
Dairy-Free/Vegan Options
For a dairy-free or vegan version of this latte, you can easily substitute plant-based milks and creams.
Oat milk is a popular choice because of its creamy texture and neutral taste.
Almond milk offers a lighter, nuttier flavor, while coconut milk adds a hint of tropical sweetness.
When it comes to the pumpkin cream cold foam, you can replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free whipping cream.
Flavored Syrup Additions
Adding flavored syrups is a simple way to customize your Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte.
Caramel syrup adds a rich, buttery sweetness that pairs well with the spices in the chai.
Cinnamon dolce syrup enhances the warmth of the drink, making it even cozier.
For a more autumnal twist, try adding a touch of maple syrup.
Each of these syrups brings a unique flavor profile, allowing you to tailor the drink to your preferences.
Mix and match to find your perfect combination.
Serving Suggestions
Serving your Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte can be as enjoyable as making it.
To elevate the experience, consider pairing the drink with fall-inspired treats like warm pumpkin pancakes or gooey cinnamon rolls.
These comforting flavors complement the spicy, creamy notes of the latte, making for a perfect autumnal breakfast or afternoon treat.
For a beautiful presentation, serve the latte in clear glassware to showcase its layers—the rich chai base, the smooth milk, and the frothy pumpkin cream on top.
A sprinkle of pumpkin spice over the foam adds a finishing touch, making the drink not only taste delicious but look inviting as well.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
To keep your Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte as fresh and delicious as possible, proper storage is key.
If you have leftover pumpkin cream cold foam, store it in an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator.
It should stay fresh for up to three days.
When you’re ready to use it again, give it a good shake or a quick whisk to bring back its frothy texture.
As for the chai concentrate, it can also be stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to a week.
This allows you to prepare the concentrate in advance and quickly assemble your lattes whenever you’re craving one.
If you’re planning to entertain guests, consider making larger batches of both the chai concentrate and pumpkin cream cold foam.
This way, you can easily serve multiple drinks without having to prepare each one individually.
Simply keep the cold foam chilled until you’re ready to top each drink, and enjoy the convenience of having everything prepped ahead of time.
Conclusion
Making your own Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte at home is simple and satisfying.
With a few basic ingredients, you can recreate this Starbucks favorite and enjoy the cozy flavors of fall whenever you like.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with the recipe—try different milks, add a shot of espresso, or mix in your favorite syrups.
Have fun with it, and feel free to share your own delicious variations!
FAQs
Can I make a hot version of this drink?
Yes, you can easily make a hot version of the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte.
Simply heat the chai concentrate and milk in a saucepan or microwave until warm.
Prepare the pumpkin cream cold foam as usual, and instead of serving over ice, pour the warm chai and milk mixture into a mug and top with the cold foam.
The foam will slowly melt into the warm chai, creating a cozy, creamy drink perfect for cooler weather.
How can I adjust the sweetness?
You can adjust the sweetness of this drink to suit your taste.
If you prefer a less sweet latte, reduce the amount of pumpkin spice sauce or use a sugar-free chai concentrate.
Conversely, if you like it sweeter, add more vanilla syrup or use a sweeter milk like oat milk.
You can also try adding a flavored syrup like caramel or cinnamon dolce for a different kind of sweetness.
Can I make this drink ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare parts of this drink ahead of time.
The chai concentrate and pumpkin cream cold foam can both be stored in the fridge for a few days.
When you’re ready to serve, simply assemble the drink by combining the chilled chai concentrate with milk and ice, then topping it with the cold foam.
What if I don’t have a frother?
If you don’t have a frother, you can still make the pumpkin cream cold foam by shaking the ingredients vigorously in a mason jar.
Another option is to whisk the ingredients by hand or use a blender to achieve a frothy texture.
