Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Inspired)
This Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Inspired) is the perfect way to enjoy a cozy drink at home that captures all the flavors of fall. With creamy pumpkin sweet cream and spicy chai tea, it’s a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you want to sip it on a sunny afternoon or serve it at a gathering, this homemade latte is not only budget-friendly but also customizable to fit your dietary needs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe comes together in just 5 minutes, making it a quick choice for any busy day.
- Budget-Friendly: Skip the coffee shop lines and save money while enjoying your favorite drink at home.
- Customizable Flavor: Adjust the sweetness or spice level to match your personal taste perfectly.
- Dairy-Free Option: With oat milk and coconut milk, this latte can easily be made dairy-free for those with dietary restrictions.
- Seasonal Delight: Embrace the flavors of fall with pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice, creating a warm, comforting experience.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare your Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte, you’ll need a few simple tools to make the process smooth and easy.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Milk frother
- Mixing container or jar
- Serving glass
Importance of Each Tool
- Milk frother: This tool helps achieve that velvety texture for your pumpkin sweet cream, ensuring a café-quality finish.
- Mixing container or jar: A good mixing container allows for easy blending of ingredients without mess.
- Serving glass: Choosing an appealing glass enhances the presentation of your drink, making it feel like a special treat.
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Sweet Cream
- 5 tbsp full fat coconut milk or heavy cream of choice (chill for 10 minutes for the best results)
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or vanilla syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp pumpkin puree
- ⅛ tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- 1-2 tbsp oat milk (to thin as needed)
For the Chai Latte
- ½ cup chai tea concentrate (note: if vegan, Starbucks boxed version contains honey)
- ½ – ¾ cup oat milk (or milk of choice)
- Handful of ice
How to Make Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Inspired)
Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin Sweet Cream
In a jar or mixing container, combine the following ingredients:
1. 5 tbsp full fat coconut milk or heavy cream
2. 1 tbsp maple syrup (or vanilla syrup)
3. 1 tbsp pumpkin puree
4. ⅛ tsp pumpkin pie spice
5. ½ tsp vanilla extract (if using)
Step 2: Froth the Mixture
Using a frother:
– Mix until the ingredients reach a smooth, velvety consistency.
– If too thick, add 1-2 tbsp of oat milk until it’s pourable but still thick.
Step 3: Assemble Your Drink
In your serving glass:
– Add a handful of ice.
– Pour in ½ cup chai tea concentrate over the ice.
– Add ½ – ¾ cup oat milk according to your taste preference.
– Stir gently to blend the tea and milk together.
Step 4: Top with Pumpkin Sweet Cream
Gently spoon or pour the prepared pumpkin sweet cream over your chai latte.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Optionally sprinkle extra pumpkin pie spice on top before serving immediately with a straw or spoon so you can stir as you sip.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte!
How to Serve Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Inspired)
This delightful iced pumpkin cream chai tea latte is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cozy afternoon or serving guests, there are several ways to enhance your experience.
With a Cinnamon Stick
- A cinnamon stick adds a warm spice element and can be used as a stirrer for your latte.
Drizzled with Caramel
- Drizzling caramel sauce over the pumpkin sweet cream elevates the sweetness and adds a beautiful presentation.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- For an extra indulgent treat, top your latte with dairy or non-dairy whipped cream for a rich finish.
Served in a Mason Jar
- Presenting your latte in a mason jar gives it a rustic charm, making it perfect for gatherings or picnics.
Accompanied by Biscotti
- Biscotti pairs wonderfully with your latte, offering a crunchy bite that complements the creamy drink.
How to Perfect Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Inspired)
Creating the perfect iced pumpkin cream chai tea latte at home is easier than you think. Follow these tips for the best results!
- Chill Your Ingredients: Ensure both the coconut milk and chai concentrate are chilled for a refreshing drink.
- Use Fresh Pumpkin Puree: Fresh puree enhances flavor; however, canned pumpkin works well too if pressed for time.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste before serving and adjust maple syrup or vanilla syrup according to your preference.
- Froth Well: Frothing the sweet cream until velvety ensures it blends beautifully into your drink.
- Experiment with Spices: Try adding nutmeg or ginger to customize the spice profile of your latte.
- Choose Quality Tea Concentrate: A high-quality chai concentrate will elevate the overall flavor of your drink.
Best Side Dishes for Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Inspired)
Pairing side dishes with your iced pumpkin cream chai tea latte can enhance your drinking experience. Here are some excellent options:
- Pumpkin Muffins: Moist and flavorful, these muffins echo the pumpkin theme perfectly.
- Apple Slices with Nut Butter: Crisp apple slices paired with almond or peanut butter provide a healthy crunch.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can create a savory contrast to the sweetness of your latte.
- Spiced Oatmeal Cookies: Chewy cookies flavored with spices complement the warm notes of chai.
- Granola Bars: Nutty granola bars offer energy and balance out the creamy texture of your drink.
- Savory Scones: Cheese or herb scones make an excellent savory pairing that balances flavors nicely.
- Mini Quiches: These bite-sized delights add protein and richness to round out your snack time.
- Dark Chocolate Squares: The bitterness of dark chocolate contrasts wonderfully with sweet drinks like this latte.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making your own Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to avoid for the best results.
- Using warm ingredients: Always chill the coconut milk or cream before mixing. This helps create a creamy texture for your pumpkin sweet cream.
- Neglecting sweetness adjustments: Don’t forget to adjust the maple syrup or vanilla syrup to your taste. This ensures your latte has the perfect balance of flavors.
- Skipping the frothing step: Frothing is key! If you skip this step, your pumpkin cream won’t have that smooth, velvety consistency that makes this drink special.
- Overdoing the chai concentrate: Using too much chai tea concentrate can overpower the pumpkin flavor. Stick to the recommended amount for a balanced taste.
- Not garnishing: A sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice on top adds flavor and visual appeal. Don’t miss this easy step to elevate your drink!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep the pumpkin sweet cream separate from the chai tea mixture until you’re ready to enjoy.
Freezing Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Inspired)
- It’s best not to freeze as it may alter the texture of the coconut milk and chai tea.
- If you must freeze, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
Reheating Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Inspired)
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring frequently, until warmed through. Avoid overheating!
- Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat in a saucepan, stirring continuously until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making an Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte.
How do I make my Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte vegan?
You can easily make it vegan by using oat milk and ensuring that your chai tea concentrate does not contain honey.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes! Feel free to add more or less pumpkin pie spice based on your taste preference for an extra kick or milder flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! You can prepare both the chai concentrate and pumpkin sweet cream ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge.
What other milk alternatives can I use?
Besides oat milk, you can use almond milk, soy milk, or any other non-dairy milk you prefer for this recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte is a delightful treat that captures all the cozy flavors of fall. It’s versatile and easy to customize with different sweeteners or spices. Whether you’re sipping it on a chilly day or enjoying it as an afternoon pick-me-up, give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!
Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Inspired)
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 1
Description
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of fall with our Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte, inspired by Starbucks. This creamy homemade latte combines spiced chai tea and a velvety pumpkin sweet cream that you can whip up in just minutes. Perfect for sunny afternoons or cozy gatherings, this delightful drink is customizable to suit your dietary preferences, making it an ideal treat for everyone. Whether you’re looking to save money on coffee shop visits or simply want to enjoy the essence of autumn at home, this recipe is your go-to choice.
Ingredients
- 5 tbsp full fat coconut milk (or heavy cream)
- 1 tbsp maple syrup (or vanilla syrup)
- 1 tbsp pumpkin puree
- ½ cup chai tea concentrate
- ½ – ¾ cup oat milk (or milk of choice)
- Pumpkin pie spice (to taste)
Instructions
- In a mixing container, combine coconut milk, maple syrup, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice. Froth until smooth.
- Fill a glass with ice and pour in the chai tea concentrate followed by oat milk. Stir gently.
- Top with the pumpkin sweet cream mixture.
- Garnish with additional pumpkin pie spice if desired. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drink (12 oz)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
