If you look forward to Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Lattes every fall, this copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Sauce recipe is a simple way to bring that cozy flavor home. It uses only three basic ingredients and requires no cooking. Stir it into hot coffee, iced lattes, tea, cold brew, or homemade blended drinks whenever you want a quick pumpkin spice treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fall and pumpkin spice season go hand in hand, and the Pumpkin Spice Latte has become one of the most recognizable seasonal coffee drinks. The good news is that you do not have to wait in line or buy a specialty drink every time you want that sweet pumpkin spice flavor. This homemade pumpkin spice sauce is quick, creamy, warmly spiced, and easy to keep in the refrigerator for everyday use.
This recipe is especially helpful if you enjoy making coffeehouse-style drinks at home. You can use it to make a hot pumpkin spice latte, an iced pumpkin spice latte, pumpkin-flavored cold brew, or even a cozy cup of tea. Because the sauce is already sweetened, it blends easily into coffee and adds both sweetness and pumpkin flavor at the same time.
Another reason to love this recipe is how simple it is. There is no stovetop, no blender, and no complicated syrup-making process. You only need a bowl, a whisk, and a jar for storage. In just a few minutes, you will have a rich homemade pumpkin spice coffee sauce ready to use throughout the week.
If you are gluten-free or careful about cross-contact, making your own drinks at home can also give you more control over the ingredients you use. This homemade version keeps the ingredient list short and easy to understand, while still giving you that familiar fall flavor.
Ingredients
The ingredient list for this homemade pumpkin spice sauce is intentionally simple. Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Sauce includes sweetened ingredients, dairy, pumpkin, and flavoring. This copycat version keeps the same general idea but simplifies it into three easy-to-find ingredients.
For this homemade version, sweetened condensed milk provides the creamy texture and sweetness, pumpkin puree adds real pumpkin flavor, and pumpkin pie spice brings the warm cinnamon-forward flavor that makes the sauce taste like fall.
Here is what you will need:
- Real pumpkin puree: Use plain canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Make sure it is sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated milk.
- Pumpkin pie spice: This gives the sauce its classic fall flavor.
Some homemade pumpkin spice sauce recipes start with simple syrup or add extra sugar, maple syrup, or other sweeteners. For this version, that is not necessary. Sweetened condensed milk is already thick, creamy, and sweet, so it does most of the work for you. The result is a smooth sauce that is easy to stir into both hot and cold drinks.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Sauce
This no-cook pumpkin spice sauce could not be easier. Once the ingredients are measured, all you have to do is stir them together until smooth. If the pumpkin pie spice clumps slightly, a whisk will help create a more even sauce.
- Stir the sweetened condensed milk, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice together in a bowl.
- Whisk until the sauce looks smooth and the spice is evenly distributed.
- Pour the pumpkin spice sauce into a mason jar or another airtight container.
- Refrigerate the sauce before using for the best texture and flavor.
- Use about 1 tablespoon in coffee, espresso drinks, iced lattes, cold brew, tea, or homemade Frappuccino-style drinks.
The finished sauce is thick, sweet, and full of pumpkin spice flavor. One batch makes about 36 tablespoons, so it is a convenient option if you like making homemade pumpkin spice drinks often. Start with 1 tablespoon per drink, then add more if you prefer a sweeter or stronger pumpkin flavor.
Top Recipe Tip
Let the sauce rest in the refrigerator before using it. When the sauce is freshly mixed, the pumpkin pie spice can taste a little sharp or feel slightly dry. Chilling gives the spices time to hydrate and blend into the sauce, which creates a smoother drink.
For the best flavor, make the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to prepare your coffee or latte.
Dairy-Free Options
A dairy-free version may work if you replace the sweetened condensed milk with a dairy-free sweetened condensed milk alternative. Choose one that is thick and sweet so the sauce keeps a similar texture. Coconut-based sweetened condensed milk may add a mild coconut flavor, so keep that in mind when choosing your substitute.
- Use a homemade dairy-free sweetened condensed milk if you have a favorite recipe.
- Choose a lactose-free sweetened condensed milk if lactose is your concern, while noting that it may still contain milk.
- Use sweetened condensed coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
Storage
Store the pumpkin spice sauce in a clean jar with a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator. It may last for up to two weeks when properly chilled. Always use a clean spoon when scooping out the sauce, and discard it if you notice mold, an off smell, separation that does not stir back together, or anything unusual.
More Fall Pumpkin Recipes
If you enjoy pumpkin desserts and cozy fall baking, these pumpkin recipes are a great place to start.
- Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cream Pies
- Gluten-Free Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies
- Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bars
- Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread
Starbucks Recipes You’ll Love This Fall
- Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam
- Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Latte
- Starbucks Vanilla Sweet Cream
- Apple Brown Sugar Syrup
Recipe
Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Sauce
Katie Olesen
Ingredients
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated milk)
- ½ cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
Instructions
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Add the sweetened condensed milk, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice to a small bowl.
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Stir well, then whisk until the sauce is smooth and evenly combined.
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Transfer the sauce to a clean jar with a lid and refrigerate.
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Use about 1 tablespoon of sauce in your favorite coffee, espresso, tea, or iced drink.
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Estimated Nutrition
Calories: 37kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 1g
Sugar: 6g
* Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and should be used as an estimate only.