You can always tell for sure that the seasons have changed, as opposed to just entering a cold snap, by one simple litmus test: where the cat sleeps. If it is still summer, no matter how cool the day and how aggressive the air conditioning, the cat avoids the bed like the plague. If, however, it is fall or winter, you’ll be woken up several times throughout the night (if, that is, you sleep at all, but that’s a discussion for another day) by paws in your face and a dense, furry body trying to burrow directly into your ribcage for warmth. And so, after a cold, sleepless undoubtedly-fall night of being pawed in the face and ribs, only the promise of a (homemade) pumpkin spice latte is consolation enough to expend the effort necessary to get out of bed and face the day.
Pumpkin Spice Latte
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup vanilla almond milk
- 1-2 teaspoons espresso powder (see note)
- Heaping 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 Tablespoon maple syrup (or to taste)
- Dissolve the espresso powder into the almond milk and bring to a scald (tiny bubbles around the outer rim). Do not let boil.
- Whisk in the remaining ingredients.
- Serve immediately.
(3) Makes one large or two small lattes.
Colleen says
I used to looove PSL’s but I haven’t had one in a few years. I’d go for a homemade version like yours any day over the one from the ‘buck (as I call it :))! Looks great.
Nora @ A Clean Bake says
Thanks, Colleen!
Allie|Baking a Moment says
You know I had a PSL over the weekend and it made my teeth hurt! I couldn’t believe how sweet it was. Too much for me. I love this version so much better! The maple is such a nice addition!
Nora @ A Clean Bake says
You’ll love this one, then, Allie! It’s very, very light on the sweetener. 🙂
Nancy says
Nora, yaaaaaaas!!! This is the PSL that we need, not the drivel that Starbucks serves. I used to drink the PSL a LOT before I learned better. The last time I had it, I couldn’t even swallow more than a few gulps because it was so sweet and artificial. I can just imagine how satisfying your real version is. I love this!
Nora @ A Clean Bake says
I had the SAME experience w/ the Sbux version! It tasted like dirty, sugary dishwater!!
Beth @ bethcakes says
Nora, I love that you actually used pumpkin in this! I’m not a huge psl fan, and actually didn’t know that people referred to them as psl’s until like a month ago? Haha. This one sounds way better than anything from a coffee shop. 🙂
Nora @ A Clean Bake says
Thanks, Beth!
Traci | Vanilla And Bean says
Yes, we shall! On the list! No #PSL for me… I’ll take fresh please! Thank you, Nora!
Nora @ A Clean Bake says
I couldn’t agree more!
Justine@Cooking and Beer says
This is just fabulous, Nora! I think I love your spin on a “psl” the absolute best. You go girl. Oh, and Cilantro, although a dog, is just like your cat! I swear I think he grows a foot each night! At least that’s what it feels like when I’m smashed into one corner of a king sized bed! Anyway, totally pinning this. Love it!
Nora @ A Clean Bake says
Hahaha, it is nice to know someone else understands the sacrifice in sleep, bed space and un-bruised ribs (ok slight exaggeration) we make! Thanks for pinning!
Ala Shih says
That title was just everything I needed in my life at this very moment, Nora. Vegan AND sugar-free AND mega-delicious? Sign me up!
Nora @ A Clean Bake says
Yes, ma’am!
Monica Cheng says
I like that this recipe doesn’t try to “copy” the Starbucks pumpkin spice latte, and I can imagine how much better the homemade version tastes, especially with the authentic ingredients (:
Nora @ A Clean Bake says
Thanks, Monica! The Starbucks version is so fake-y tasting to me, I don’t know why anyone would want to copy it exactly! Well, maybe that’s just me 😉