I absolutely love how this Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe turns out—it’s like fall in a glass! Whether you’re craving something cozy on a crisp afternoon or just want to impress your friends with an easy homemade treat, this little latte hits all the marks. The creamy pumpkin foam on top adds that perfect seasonal flair without needing a trip to your nearest café.
When I first tried recreating this Starbucks favorite at home, I was hooked instantly. You’ll find that making it yourself lets you tweak sweetness and spice just how you like it. Plus, it only takes about 5 minutes from start to finish, which is perfect when you want a delicious, chilled drink without fussing around.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You can whip up this latte in just 5 minutes — perfect for busy mornings or afternoon pick-me-ups.
- Homemade Goodness: Control the sweetness and spices exactly how you like them, with fresh pumpkin puree and real cream.
- Seasonal Favorite: It captures that perfect fall flavor that both kids and adults enjoy year-round.
- Starbucks Copycat: Enjoy your favorite pumpkin chai latte without the café price or wait time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe is all in the ingredients working together — creamy, spiced pumpkin foam balanced by bold chai concentrate and your choice of milk. Let me walk you through what to look for at the store.
- Heavy whipping cream: This gives the pumpkin foam its rich, velvety texture—don’t substitute with lighter cream or it won’t whip properly.
- Whole milk: Whole milk adds a bit of creaminess and helps lighten the foam without losing flavor—feel free to swap for any milk you prefer.
- Canned pumpkin puree: Make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, for that authentic autumn flavor.
- Vanilla syrup: Adds sweetness and just a little extra warmth; you can make your own or buy pre-made for convenience.
- Pumpkin pie spice: The soul of the drink—it brings together cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove flavors in perfect harmony.
- Milk of choice: I use 2% for balance, but oat or almond milk work beautifully if you want dairy-free.
- Chai tea concentrate: The star chai flavor—grab a concentrate from the store or make your own strong chai tea to keep it authentic.
Variations
I like to customize this recipe depending on my mood or who’s coming over. It’s super flexible, and you can easily make it dairy-free or add a little extra spice punch if you want.
- Dairy-Free Version: I swap heavy cream with coconut cream and use oat milk—still creamy and delicious without dairy.
- Extra-Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch more pumpkin pie spice or a dash of cinnamon on top gives it a nice warmth that really wakes up your taste buds.
- Sweetener Swap: Try maple syrup instead of vanilla syrup for a deeper, woodsy sweetness that pairs nicely with pumpkin.
- Stronger Chai Flavor: Using less milk and more chai concentrate can make it bolder if you want that chai punch to really shine.
How to Make Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up the Pumpkin Cold Foam
Grab a mason jar or a tall glass and throw in the heavy whipping cream, whole milk, canned pumpkin puree, vanilla syrup, and pumpkin pie spice. I use a handheld milk frother for about 10 to 20 seconds, just until it thickens and looks beautifully whipped. You want it light and airy but with enough body to float atop your latte. Pro tip: If you don’t have a frother, a small whisk or even a blender on low speed works great too.
Step 2: Prepare the Iced Chai Latte Base
Fill your serving glass with ice—be generous because you want it nice and chilled. Pour in ½ cup of your preferred milk, then add ½ cup of chai tea concentrate. Stir lightly to blend them together just a touch but don’t waste too much time or the ice will melt. I love this step because it’s where the bold chai spices meet creamy milk.
Step 3: Top with Pumpkin Cream and Serve
Spoon that luscious pumpkin cold foam gently over your iced chai latte. Watch it float on top like a little cloud of autumn magic. Now all that’s left is to grab a straw or a spoon and dig in! The creamy foam blends perfectly as you sip, giving you layers of flavor with every mouthful.
Pro Tips for Making Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe
- Use Pure Pumpkin: I learned the hard way that canned pumpkin pie filling is way too sweet and seasoned—use pure pumpkin puree for the best flavor.
- Froth Quickly: Don’t over-froth the cream; stop as soon as it’s thickened—otherwise, it can turn buttery or separate.
- Chill Ingredients: Keeping your milk and chai concentrate cold before mixing keeps the foam from melting the ice too fast and watering down your drink.
- Customize Your Sweetness: Taste your vanilla syrup before adding; some brands are sweeter than others, so adjust accordingly.
How to Serve Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe
Garnishes
I usually finish my latte with a light dusting of extra pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon right on top of the foam—it adds a nice touch of color and warmth. Sometimes, I’ll even sprinkle a little nutmeg or drizzle a tiny bit of caramel for a fancy twist when friends come over. These simple touches make it feel extra special without complicating the recipe.
Side Dishes
This latte pairs beautifully with warm cinnamon rolls, buttery scones, or even a slice of pumpkin bread. When I’m feeling indulgent, I serve it alongside some apple fritters—the spicy-sweet flavors marry so well. It’s an easy pairing for brunch or a cozy afternoon snack.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve presented the iced pumpkin cream chai latte in clear glass mugs instead of standard cups so you can admire the layers. I’ve also experimented with colorful straws and cinnamon sticks as decorative stirrers. If you want to impress kids, add a dollop of whipped cream and some edible gold dust for a little sparkle—it really elevates a simple drink.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover pumpkin foam (which rarely happens in my house), you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a quick whisk or flick with your frother before using again to revive that fluffy texture.
Freezing
Freezing the pumpkin foam isn’t something I recommend because the texture changes and it won’t whip up properly after thawing. However, you can freeze leftover chai concentrate or make your own frozen chai ice cubes to speed up preparation next time.
Reheating
This is a cold drink, so reheating isn’t typical. But if you want a warm pumpkin chai latte, simply warm the chai concentrate and milk gently on the stove, then top with warmed pumpkin cream (just heat gently and whisk to recombine). It’s a cozy twist when chilly weather hits.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade chai concentrate for the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade chai concentrate made by steeping strong chai spices and black tea works wonderfully. Just make sure it’s strong enough to retain that bold chai flavor when mixed with milk and pumpkin foam.
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Is it possible to make this drink vegan?
Yes, you can! Use coconut cream or any plant-based cream alternative to froth for the pumpkin foam, along with your favorite non-dairy milk like oat or almond. Swap the vanilla syrup for a vegan-friendly version to keep it completely plant-based.
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How long does the pumpkin foam stay fresh?
Pumpkin foam is best enjoyed immediately, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just whisk it again before serving to bring back the texture. It won’t keep longer because the pumpkin can affect the foam’s stability.
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Can I premix the latte part ahead of time?
Sure! You can mix the chai concentrate and milk and store it chilled for up to a day. Just add ice and fresh pumpkin foam right before serving to keep everything tasting fresh and perfectly textured.
Final Thoughts
This Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe has become a staple for me every autumn—and honestly, anytime I need a cozy, refreshing treat. It makes me feel like I brought a little café magic right into my kitchen. I hope you give it a try and find as much joy sipping it as I do making it. Trust me, once you nail this recipe, it’ll become your go-to seasonal pick-me-up to share with friends and family!
Print
Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte is a delightful Starbucks copycat recipe that combines the warm, spicy flavors of chai with a creamy, frothy pumpkin cold foam topping. Perfect for fall, this refreshing iced beverage is easy to make at home using simple ingredients and requires no cooking.
Ingredients
Pumpkin Cold Foam:
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon whole milk
- 1 tablespoon canned pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup
- ⅛ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Chai Tea Latte:
- ½ cup milk of choice (2% milk recommended)
- ½ cup chai tea concentrate
Instructions
- Prepare the Pumpkin Cold Foam: Add heavy whipping cream, whole milk, canned pumpkin puree, vanilla syrup, and pumpkin pie spice to a mason jar or a tall glass. Use a milk frother to blend and whip the mixture until it becomes light, creamy, and well-combined, approximately 10-20 seconds. Set aside.
- Assemble the Chai Tea Latte: Fill a glass with ice cubes. Pour in ½ cup of your chosen milk, followed by ½ cup of chai tea concentrate.
- Top and Serve: Spoon the prepared pumpkin cold foam on top of the iced chai tea latte. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, spiced flavors.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream and milk with coconut cream and almond milk respectively.
- Adjust the amount of pumpkin pie spice according to your spice preference.
- Use a strong chai tea concentrate for a bold flavor; you can make your own or purchase pre-made from stores.
- Serve immediately after assembling to enjoy the best frothy texture of the pumpkin cold foam.
- Vanilla syrup can be replaced with maple syrup or honey for a different sweetener option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drink
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
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