There’s nothing quite like the cozy embrace of fall wrapped up in a glass, and the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe delivers exactly that. Imagine layers of smooth, spiced chai tea combined with luxuriously whipped pumpkin cold foam, all served over ice for the perfect chilled treat. This beloved copycat recipe is incredibly easy to whip up at home, letting you customize sweetness and milk choices while capturing the warm, comforting flavors of autumn in every sip. If you adore that seasonal Starbucks favorite but want the pleasure of making it yourself, this recipe is your new go-to!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of simple, everyday ingredients, you can create a latte that tastes like it came from a café, but with the comfort of home. Each component plays a vital role, whether it’s adding creamy texture, vibrant color, or that signature pumpkin spice aroma.
- Heavy whipping cream: The key to achieving the rich, velvety pumpkin cold foam that floats beautifully on top.
- Whole milk: Adds just the right amount of body and creaminess to the foam blend.
- Canned pumpkin puree: Provides authentic pumpkin flavor and the unmistakable golden color; be sure to use pure pumpkin, not pie filling.
- Vanilla syrup: Sweetens the foam with a gentle floral vanilla note, perfectly playing off the spices.
- Pumpkin pie spice: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that brings warmth and complexity to every sip.
- Milk of choice (such as 2%): Forms the creamy base of the latte—feel free to experiment with oat, almond, or your favorite alternative.
- Chai tea concentrate: Infuses bold tea and spice flavors with minimal effort and maximum taste.
- Ice: Essential for chilling the drink to refreshing café-style perfection without diluting flavor.
How to Make Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up the Pumpkin Cold Foam
Starting with the pumpkin cold foam is the best way to set yourself up for latte success. Mix together heavy whipping cream, whole milk, pumpkin puree, vanilla syrup, and pumpkin pie spice in a mason jar or glass. Use a milk frother and whisk until the mixture is thick, airy, and creamy—usually about 10 to 20 seconds. This luscious foam is what transforms your chai into a festive treat, so get it nice and fluffy, then set it aside while you prepare the rest.
Step 2: Assemble the Iced Chai Latte
Grab a tall glass and fill it generously with ice, creating the perfect chill base. Pour in half a cup of your chosen milk for that smooth, creamy body, then add half a cup of chai tea concentrate. This simple combination is where the spicy tea magic starts. The ice quickly cools everything down so each sip stays refreshing yet packed with flavor.
Step 3: Top with the Pumpkin Cold Foam
Now, for the show-stopping moment—carefully spoon or pour the pumpkin cold foam atop your iced chai latte. Don’t worry if the foam spills over the sides; those little streaks are part of the charm! This thick, velvety layer adds a luxurious texture and rich pumpkin flavor that perfectly balances the chai’s spice. Stir gently if you like before diving in.
How to Serve Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of extra pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon right on the foam makes your iced latte look as good as it tastes. For a touch of decadence, add a small dollop of whipped cream and a cinnamon stick. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also amps up the flavors, turning your homemade creation into a café-worthy experience you’ll love sharing with friends or savoring solo.
Side Dishes
Pairing is part of the pleasure! Classic fall treats like pumpkin bread, spice muffins, or crisp biscotti complement the spicy, creamy chai beautifully. If you prefer a lighter snack, a handful of crunchy granola or a few buttery cookies make a delightful accompaniment that won’t overshadow your frothy beverage.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress at your next brunch or cozy gathering, serve this latte in a clear glass mug or tall mason jar. The layers of creamy pumpkin foam resting atop the chai look stunning and inviting. For added fun, set up a DIY Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Copycat) bar complete with toppings like mini marshmallows, extra cinnamon, and caramel drizzle. It’s a sure way to delight your guests and bring the café vibe right to your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftover pumpkin cold foam, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay tasty for about one day. The foam’s texture might soften, but a quick whisk or a few pulses with your frother can revive it. Note that fully assembled lattes are best enjoyed fresh to keep that perfect texture and flavor balance.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for the finished latte or the pumpkin cream, as dairy separates and textures can suffer. However, you can freeze extra chai tea concentrate in ice cube trays to have convenient portions ready to melt perfectly into your latte when you’re craving that fresh-from-the-café taste.
Reheating
Though this recipe is designed to be served cold, you can enjoy a warm version by assembling the latte base without ice and gently heating it on the stove or microwave. Froth the pumpkin cold foam separately and spoon it on top for a cozy hot pumpkin chai “steamer” that’s just as comforting on chilly days.
FAQs
Can I use non-dairy milk for this recipe?
Absolutely! The Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe works beautifully with plant-based milks like oat, almond, soy, or coconut. For the pumpkin cold foam, dairy gives the creamiest result, but coconut cream or thick oat milk can be great vegan substitutes that still deliver lush texture.
What’s the best chai concentrate to use?
Choose a chai concentrate that suits your flavor preference — some brands are bolder and spicier while others are sweeter. Popular options like Tazo or Oregon Chai are reliable, widely available choices that provide a robust tea and spice base to bring this latte to life.
Can I adjust the sweetness?
Of course! You can reduce or increase the vanilla syrup in the pumpkin cold foam depending on your taste. Selecting an unsweetened chai concentrate and adding syrup slowly lets you find the perfect balance without overwhelming the delicate pumpkin and spice flavors.
Is canned pumpkin puree the same as pumpkin pie filling?
They’re quite different! Pumpkin puree is simply cooked pumpkin with no added sugar or spices, while pumpkin pie filling contains sugar and spice blends. This recipe calls specifically for plain pumpkin puree to keep your cold foam’s flavor clean and customizable.
What if I don’t have a milk frother?
No worries! You can create the pumpkin cold foam by shaking the ingredients vigorously in a tightly sealed jar until frothy. Alternatively, a handheld whisk, blender, or electric mixer can work to whip your foam to the perfect airy consistency.
Final Thoughts
Making your own Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe at home is a simple joy that brings cozy fall vibes straight into your kitchen. It’s customizable, fresh, and utterly delicious—a true delight to have on hand whenever the craving strikes. So go ahead, give it a try and enjoy a fabulous, festive treat that’s sure to become a seasonal favorite you reach for year after year!
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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: Drinks
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte is a deliciously creamy and spiced autumn-inspired drink that mimics the popular Starbucks favorite. It features a frothy pumpkin-flavored cold foam layered over a chilled chai tea latte, creating a cozy, flavorful beverage perfect for fall. The recipe is quick and easy to make at home, allowing you to control sweetness and customize the milk to your preference.
Ingredients
Pumpkin Cold 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 Tea Latte
- 1/2 cup milk of choice (such as 2%)
- 1/2 cup chai tea concentrate
- Ice, as needed
Instructions
- Make the Pumpkin Cold 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.
- Assemble the Iced Chai: 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 Cold Foam: Spoon the pumpkin cold foam generously over the top of your iced chai latte.
- Serve and Enjoy: Stir gently if desired, sip, and enjoy your homemade pumpkin cream chai tea latte!
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk and a coconut or almond milk-based creamer in the cold foam.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less vanilla syrup to taste.
- Make ahead: The pumpkin cold foam can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to one day.
- If you don’t have a frother, you can shake the foam ingredients in a tightly sealed jar until thick and frothy.
