Fall is here, and with it comes the craving for pumpkin spice.
The Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino is a seasonal favorite, blending the comforting flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
While it’s a Starbucks classic, you don’t have to head to the café whenever you want one.
Making it at home is cheaper, healthier, and fully customizable.
Ready to enjoy a pumpkin spice treat that’s tailored to your taste?
Let’s get blending!
How To Make A Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino: At A Glance
- Step 1: Prepare the Base
- Step 2: Add a pinch of Pumpkin Spice
- Step 3: Add Xanthan gum
- Step 4: Blend for 30-45 Seconds
- Step 5: Add Optional Toppings and enjoy!
Why Make a Homemade Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino?
Making a homemade Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino is not just convenient, it’s also cost-effective.
Compared to buying it from Starbucks, you can save up to 50% by making it yourself.
Plus, the flexibility of ingredients makes it perfect for those with dietary preferences.
You can easily swap out dairy for almond, oat, or coconut milk to make it vegan or dairy-free.
Controlling the ingredients allows you to adjust the sweetness and calories to suit your taste.
Use sugar substitutes or low-fat milk to make it lighter without compromising on flavor.
And for an extra boost, you can even add protein powder, syrups, or your favorite toppings.
Key Ingredients
- Cold brew or espresso: ¾ cup cold brew, or use strongly brewed coffee or 2 shots of espresso.
- Pumpkin puree: 2-4 tablespoons (canned or homemade).
- Milk: 1 cup of regular dairy milk, or non-dairy options like almond, oat, or soy milk.
- Pumpkin spice syrup or spice mix: 2-3 tablespoons of pumpkin spice syrup (homemade or store-bought).
- Ice cubes: 1 to 1 ½ cups of ice cubes, or use coffee ice cubes for added richness.
- Xanthan gum (optional): ¼ to ½ teaspoon to make the frappuccino creamier and prevent separation.
Substitutes
- Non-dairy milk: Replace dairy with almond, oat, or coconut milk.
- Natural sweeteners: Use 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey instead of sugar.
- Ice cream for richness: Add ½ cup vanilla or pumpkin ice cream for a creamier texture.
Step-by-Step Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base
In a blender, combine ¾ cup of cold brew or 2 shots of espresso, 1 cup of milk (regular or non-dairy), 2-4 tablespoons of pumpkin puree, and 2-3 tablespoons of pumpkin spice syrup.
Then, add 1 to 1 ½ cups of ice to the blender.
Step 2: Enhance the Flavor
Add a pinch of pumpkin pie spice to boost the fall flavors.
Step 3: Optional Smoother Texture
For a creamier texture, blend in ¼ to ½ teaspoon of xanthan gum.
Step 4: Blend
Blend on high speed for about 30-45 seconds, or until the mixture is smooth and thick.
Step 5: Add Optional Toppings
- Whipped Cream: Top with either dairy whipped cream or coconut whipped cream for a dairy-free option.
- Spices: Sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon for extra warmth.
- Indulgent Drizzle: Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel for a richer, dessert-like treat.
Tips for the Best Frappuccino Texture
Achieving the perfect texture in your homemade Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino is key to enjoying that smooth, creamy consistency.
Here are a few tips to ensure your drink turns out perfect:
Use Strong Coffee or Espresso
For a bolder, more flavorful frappuccino, use strong coffee or espresso.
Regular coffee might get overpowered by the pumpkin and spices, so it’s best to brew a stronger batch or use espresso.
This ensures that the coffee flavor comes through, balancing out the sweetness and spice.
Freeze Leftover Coffee Into Ice Cubes
To avoid a watery texture, try using frozen coffee ice cubes instead of regular ice.
This simple trick keeps the frappuccino thick and creamy without diluting the flavors as the ice melts.
Whenever you have leftover coffee, pour it into an ice tray and freeze it.
These coffee cubes are perfect for maintaining the richness of your drink while still keeping it chilled.
Add Xanthan Gum for Creaminess
Xanthan gum is an optional but highly effective ingredient to improve the texture of your frappuccino.
Just a small amount, around ¼ to ½ teaspoon, helps prevent separation and gives the drink a smoother, creamier consistency.
It acts as a stabilizer, keeping everything blended together for that Starbucks-quality finish.
If you don’t have xanthan gum, you can skip it, but it does make a noticeable difference.
Blend for 30-45 Seconds
Blending time is crucial for achieving the right texture.
Blend your frappuccino for about 30-45 seconds, or until all the ingredients are smooth and there are no ice chunks left.
Over-blending can make the drink too runny, so aim for that perfect balance where the mixture is thick, creamy, and well incorporated.
Customization Options
One of the best things about making a Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino at home is how easily you can customize it to fit your preferences.
There are plenty of ways to make this drink uniquely yours.
Dairy-Free
If you’re avoiding dairy, simply swap out the whole milk for a non-dairy alternative like almond, oat, or coconut milk.
These plant-based options provide a creamy texture without the lactose, and oat milk in particular is a great choice for a rich, frothy consistency.
Feel free to top it off with coconut whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Low-Calorie
Looking for a lighter version of this fall favorite?
You can easily make a low-calorie Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino by using sugar-free syrups and non-fat milk.
This allows you to enjoy the same delicious flavor without the extra calories.
You can also adjust the sweetness level to your preference, giving you control over the amount of sugar in your drink.
Pumpkin Spice Chai Variation
For an exciting twist, try adding chai concentrate to your frappuccino.
The blend of chai spices—like cardamom, ginger, and cloves—enhances the warmth of the pumpkin spice, creating a deeper, spicier flavor.
It’s a great option if you’re a fan of spiced tea, offering a fusion of pumpkin spice and chai that’s perfect for cooler weather.
Kid-Friendly Version
If you’re making this drink for kids or prefer to avoid caffeine, simply skip the coffee.
Instead, increase the amount of milk by ¼ cup to maintain the same volume and creamy texture.
This creates a delicious, pumpkin-flavored frappuccino without any of the buzz, making it a perfect treat for all ages.
Storing and Making Ahead
Another advantage of this recipe is that you can prepare parts of it in advance.
The pumpkin mixture, which combines pumpkin puree, milk, and spices, can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the fridge in an airtight container.
This makes it easy to whip up a quick frappuccino whenever you’re in the mood.
Just blend the mixture with ice and coffee when you’re ready to enjoy.
If you end up with leftover frappuccino, you can store it in the freezer for up to five days.
When you’re ready to drink it again, let it thaw for a few minutes at room temperature, then give it a quick reblend.
Conclusion
Now that you have the perfect Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino recipe, it’s time to give it a try at home.
Customize it however you like, whether you want a dairy-free version or a lower-calorie treat.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and flavors!
Once you’ve made your frappuccino, share your results and let us know how it turned out.
And if you’re in the mood for more seasonal drinks, check out the other recipes on the blog for even more fall-inspired flavors!
FAQs
Does a Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino contain coffee?
Yes, the traditional recipe includes coffee, but it can be made without coffee for a caffeine-free version by simply adding more milk.
Can I use espresso instead of cold brew?
Absolutely! Espresso works perfectly and adds a stronger flavor to the frappuccino.
What’s the calorie count for a homemade Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino?
A homemade version typically contains between 200 and 400 calories, depending on the ingredients and substitutions used.
