If you’ve ever found yourself craving that cozy, autumnal magic from your favorite coffee shop, this Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe is here to satisfy your soul. This dreamy drink combines the spicy warmth of chai tea with the creamy, luscious flavors of pumpkin and vanilla, all finished with a cloud-like pumpkin cream foam that feels like a hug in a glass. The perfect balance of sweet and spice makes it an irresistible treat for chilly days or whenever you want a taste of fall in a refreshing iced form. Trust me, once you try this Starbucks-inspired version, you won’t be reaching for the drive-thru anymore!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun and magic in making this Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering that perfectly balanced flavor, creamy texture, and beautiful visual appeal.
- Heavy whipping cream: This is the base for the luscious pumpkin cream foam, giving it that thick and dreamy texture.
- Whole milk: Adds richness and helps smooth out the foam without overpowering the delicate spices.
- Canned pumpkin puree: Brings authentic pumpkin flavor and vibrant color to the foam.
- Vanilla syrup: Adds just the right amount of sweetness and warmth to complement the spices.
- Pumpkin pie spice: The signature blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that instantly evokes all things fall.
- Milk of choice (such as 2%): The creamy base for the latte itself, feel free to use your preferred type, dairy or plant-based.
- Chai tea concentrate: The heart of the drink, packed with spicy chai flavor and boldness.
- Ice: Keeps your latte refreshingly cool and perfectly balanced.
How to Make Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe
Step 1: Whip up the Pumpkin Cream Foam
Start by combining heavy whipping cream, whole milk, canned pumpkin puree, vanilla syrup, and pumpkin pie spice in a mason jar or a tall glass. Use a milk frother to vigorously whip the mixture until it thickens and becomes fluffy—this usually takes about 10 to 20 seconds. This step is where the magic happens, creating the airy, silky pumpkin foam that crowns your latte.
Step 2: Prepare the Chai Latte Base
Next, fill your favorite serving glass with plenty of ice to keep things cool. Then pour in half a cup of the milk you chose for the latte base, followed by half a cup of chai tea concentrate. The strong chai flavor combined with the milk forms a warming but refreshing base that contrasts beautifully with the sweet foam topping.
Step 3: Top with Pumpkin Cold Foam
Generously spoon the freshly whipped pumpkin cream foam over the iced chai latte. The foam floats on top like a fluffy blanket, tempting you with its creamy texture and inviting aroma.
Step 4: Sip and Enjoy!
If you like, give it a gentle stir to blend some of the foam into the drink, but don’t overdo it—part of the joy is savoring the layers separately. Take your first sip and relish the perfect harmony of spicy, sweet, creamy, and cool that this homemade treat offers.
How to Serve Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a little extra flair can elevate your latte experience. A light sprinkle of cinnamon or a pinch of extra pumpkin pie spice on top of the pumpkin foam adds visual appeal and an extra burst of fall flavor. For a festive twist, consider grating some nutmeg or adding a cinnamon stick as a stirrer — it’s both pretty and aromatic.
Side Dishes
This Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte pairs wonderfully with seasonal snacks like pumpkin muffins, spiced cookies, or even simple biscotti. The flavors complement each other beautifully, making your cozy afternoon or morning break feel that much more special.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your latte in a clear glass or mason jar so you can admire the gorgeous layers of chai and pumpkin foam. For a party or fall gathering, consider topping each glass with whipped cream and a dusting of pumpkin pie spice to impress your guests. You can also drizzle a little caramel sauce over the foam for an extra special treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any pumpkin cream foam left, it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Keep in mind it may lose some of its fluffy texture, so give it a quick whisk before using again. The chai latte base is best made fresh for optimal flavor and texture.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this latte because the foam’s delicate texture won’t hold up well to thawing. However, you can freeze extra pumpkin puree and spice mix separately to save time next time you want to whip this up.
Reheating
Since this is an iced beverage, reheating isn’t really ideal. If you want a warm twist, simply prepare it fresh and enjoy it as a hot latte without the ice and with warm milk instead.
FAQs
Can I use a dairy-free milk for this recipe?
Absolutely! This Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe is very flexible. Almond, oat, or coconut milk all work wonderfully in both the latte and the pumpkin cream foam for a delicious dairy-free version.
Is canned pumpkin puree different from pumpkin pie filling?
Yes, it is! Canned pumpkin puree is plain pumpkin without added sugars or spices, which makes it perfect for controlling the flavor balance in this recipe. Pumpkin pie filling already contains sweeteners and spices, so it’s best to stick with the pure puree here.
Can I make the pumpkin cream foam without a milk frother?
You can! Use a whisk or an electric hand mixer to whip the cream mixture, though it may take a bit longer. The goal is to achieve a light and fluffy texture, so keep whipping until you get close to that consistency.
How spicy is this chai latte? Can I adjust it?
The chai concentrate provides a medium spice level, but you can always adjust by using more or less concentrate or by adding extra pumpkin pie spice to the foam to suit your taste preferences.
What’s the best chai tea concentrate to use?
Look for a quality concentrate that is rich in spices without being overly sweet. Brands vary, so a little experimentation might be fun. You can also make your own by brewing strong chai tea and reducing it, but store-bought concentrate keeps this recipe quick and simple.
Final Thoughts
I really hope you give this Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe a try soon! It’s the perfect way to bring a little autumn joy into your day without leaving home. The way the spicy chai mixes with the sweet pumpkin cream foam is simply addictive, and once you experience that first refreshing sip, you’ll understand why it’s become one of my all-time favorite seasonal drinks to make and share.
Print
Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte is a delicious Starbucks copycat recipe featuring a creamy pumpkin-spiced foam topping over a refreshing chai tea latte served cold over ice. It combines the warm flavors of pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla syrup with creamy dairy and chai concentrate, perfect for an autumn-inspired beverage at home.
Ingredients
Pumpkin Cream Foam
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon whole milk
- 1 tablespoon canned pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup
- 1/8 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Chai Latte
- 1/2 cup milk of choice (such as 2%)
- 1/2 cup chai tea concentrate
- Ice, as needed
Instructions
- Prepare the pumpkin cream foam: In a mason jar or glass, combine the heavy whipping cream, whole milk, pumpkin puree, vanilla syrup, and pumpkin pie spice. Use a milk frother to whip the mixture until it becomes thick, fluffy, and well-combined, about 10-20 seconds. Set aside.
- Fill the serving glass: Fill a serving glass with ice, then pour in the 1/2 cup milk of your choice and 1/2 cup chai tea concentrate.
- Add the pumpkin foam: Spoon the pumpkin cold foam generously over the top of your iced chai latte.
- Serve and enjoy: Stir gently if desired, then sip and enjoy your homemade iced pumpkin cream chai tea latte!
Notes
- Use a good quality chai tea concentrate for the best flavor.
- If you don’t have a milk frother, you can vigorously shake the foam mixture in a tightly sealed jar until fluffy.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less vanilla syrup depending on your taste.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream and whole milk with coconut cream and a plant-based milk.
- Ensure the pumpkin puree is plain, without added spices or sugar, to control flavor balance.
