If you’ve ever been enchanted by the cozy embrace of Starbucks’ seasonal flavors, you’re in for a treat with this Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe. It perfectly blends rich pumpkin cream foam with spicy chai tea over ice—a harmonious, refreshing autumn treat you can whip up at home in minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Flavor: Captures the beloved Starbucks taste without leaving your kitchen.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples that come together in minutes.
- Customizable: Adapt the milk, sweetness, or spice level to your personal preference.
- Refreshing & Comforting: A delicious balance of cold and creamy perfect for any season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk ingredients—this Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe relies on simple, accessible ingredients that each bring a specific magic. From the velvety creaminess to the warm spices of pumpkin pie, every element plays a role in crafting this dreamy beverage.
- Heavy Whipping Cream & Whole Milk: These combine to create the luscious pumpkin cold foam that crowns your latte with silky texture.
- Canned Pumpkin Puree: The star ingredient that delivers rich pumpkin flavor and beautiful color, essential for that autumn vibe.
- Maple Syrup or Vanilla Syrup: Adds a natural sweetness, balancing the spices and enhancing overall flavor complexity.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: The warming blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves that spark seasonal nostalgia.
- Chai Tea Concentrate: Intensely spiced chai tea that pairs perfectly with creamy pumpkin.
- Milk of Choice: Use whatever you love—dairy or plant-based—to suit your taste and dietary needs.
Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
Variations
One of my favorite things about this Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe is how easy it is to customize! Whether you’re adjusting for taste, lactose intolerance, or just personal flair, there are plenty of ways to make this drink uniquely yours.
- Dairy-Free Version: Swap out the whipping cream and milk for coconut cream and almond or oat milk to keep it creamy without dairy.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or black pepper to your pumpkin foam for a little unexpected kick.
- Sweetness Level: Use honey, agave, or your favorite syrup instead of maple or vanilla syrup to perfectly suit your palate.
- Chai Concentrate DIY: Make your own chai concentrate with black tea and freshly ground spices if you’re feeling adventurous!
How to Make Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up the Pumpkin Cold Foam
Gather your heavy whipping cream, milk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice into a mason jar or any sturdy glass. Use a handheld milk frother to blend everything vigorously until you achieve a thick, creamy foam—usually about 10 to 20 seconds. This fluffy layer is what makes your drink extra special.
Step 2: Combine Chai and Milk
Fill a clean glass with ice, then pour in equal parts milk of choice and chai tea concentrate—half a cup each is the perfect balance. Gently stir to blend the flavors without disturbing the ice too much. This forms the comforting spiced base of your latte.
Step 3: Top with Pumpkin Cold Foam and Enjoy
Finally, spoon—or better yet, gently pour!—the luscious pumpkin cold foam over the chai milk. Take a moment to admire the beautiful layers before diving in and savoring the delightful mingling of creamy pumpkin and spiced chai in every sip.
Pro Tips for Making Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe
- Use a Good Frother: A handheld milk frother creates the perfect airy pumpkin foam—avoid shaking in a jar which tends to produce uneven texture.
- Chill Your Glass: Pre-chilling the glass keeps your latte colder longer and prevents foam melting faster into the iced chai.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice is Key: If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, mix cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of ground cloves to nail the authentic flavor.
- Sweetness Adjustment: Taste your pumpkin foam before topping your drink—adjust syrup quantity if you want it sweeter or more subtle.
How to Serve Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation, sprinkle a dash of cinnamon or freshly grated nutmeg atop that dreamy pumpkin foam. Even a light drizzle of caramel sauce adds an indulgent touch that’s perfect for when you want to impress or simply treat yourself.
Side Dishes
This latte pairs beautifully with warm, spiced treats like cinnamon rolls, gingerbread cookies, or buttery pumpkin muffins. Their flavors complement the chai spices and pumpkin cream perfectly, turning your snack time into a little autumn celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your iced latte in a clear glass mug to showcase those stunning layers of chai and foam—the visual is almost as delightful as the taste! For added charm, wrap a cinnamon stick around the glass with a rustic twine bow or sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds on top for crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover pumpkin cold foam, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Give it a quick whisk before using again to revive the creamy texture, though fresher foam is always best for peak fluffiness.
Freezing
Freezing the pumpkin foam isn’t recommended, as it can separate and lose its whipped consistency. However, you can freeze the chai concentrate ahead of time—just thaw it gently and stir before mixing your latte.
Reheating
This iced delight is best served cold, so reheating isn’t typically necessary. But if you want a warm chai pumpkin drink, heat the chai tea and milk mixture before assembling, then skip the ice and pumpkin foam or add a warm pumpkin cream drizzle instead.
FAQs
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Can I make the pumpkin cold foam without a milk frother?
Absolutely! While a milk frother gives the best texture, you can vigorously shake the pumpkin foam ingredients in a tightly sealed jar until it thickens. Just be aware the consistency might be less stable and not as airy.
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What can I use if I don’t have chai tea concentrate?
If you don’t have chai concentrate, brew strong chai tea using tea bags or loose leaf with spices, then reduce it by simmering to concentrate the flavor before storing in the fridge and using in your latte.
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Is canned pumpkin necessary, or can I use fresh pumpkin?
Canned pumpkin puree is convenient and smooth, but if you want to use fresh pumpkin, roast and puree it until very smooth. Keep in mind fresh pumpkin may have a slightly different texture and flavor intensity.
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How can I adjust this recipe for more or fewer servings?
This recipe scales up easily—just multiply the ingredients by the number of drinks you want to make. For larger batches of pumpkin foam, froth in batches for best texture, and keep chilled until ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely can’t recommend this Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe enough—it’s your shortcut to savoring autumn’s best flavors any time of year. Whether you need a cozy pick-me-up or a festive refreshment, this drink invites you to slow down, savor, and smile with every cooling, creamy sip. Give it a try and watch it become a fast favorite!
PrintIced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe
This Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte is a delightful Starbucks copycat recipe that combines the warm, spicy flavors of chai tea with a rich, creamy pumpkin foam. Perfect for autumn or any time you crave a cozy, refreshing treat, this homemade latte offers the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, made easily with simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pumpkin Cold Foam
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon whole milk
- 1 tablespoon canned pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or vanilla syrup)
- 1/8 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Chai Tea Latte
- 1/2 cup milk of choice (2% milk recommended)
- 1/2 cup chai tea concentrate
Instructions
- Prepare Pumpkin Cold Foam: Add all the pumpkin foam ingredients into a mason jar or glass. Using a milk frother, froth the mixture until it becomes whipped and well-combined, which should take about 10-20 seconds. Set the foam aside for topping.
- Assemble the Iced Chai Latte: Fill a glass with ice cubes, then pour in ½ cup of your preferred milk followed by ½ cup of chai tea concentrate.
- Top and Serve: Spoon the prepared pumpkin cold foam over the iced chai mixture. Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing, autumn-inspired chai latte.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use plant-based milk.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of maple syrup or vanilla syrup in the pumpkin foam.
- Use a high-quality chai concentrate for the best flavor.
- To make your own chai concentrate, brew strong chai tea and reduce it by simmering.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor, as the foam will start to dissolve over time.