There’s something enchanting about the first hint of fall in the air, isn’t there? As the leaves turn and the days grow shorter, my cravings shift to cozy flavors that warm the soul. Enter the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte—a delightful twist on a classic Starbucks favorite that I can whip up in my kitchen without the long lines. With its creamy pumpkin cold foam and warm chai spices, this drink is like autumn in a glass!
Whether you’re entertaining friends on a crisp afternoon or simply seeking a sweet escape from fast food monotony, this recipe is your answer. The beauty of it lies not just in its taste but in its versatility—feel free to customize it to fit your individual cravings. So, let’s dive into the easy steps and savor the season’s best flavors together!
Why Love the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte?
Simplicity: This homemade version is a breeze to prepare, requiring only a few common ingredients.
Versatility: Personalize your latte just the way you like it—add more spices or swap in your favorite milk.
Rich, Creamy Texture: The pumpkin cream cold foam transforms every sip into a luxurious experience.
Perfect for Autumn: Embrace the cozy flavors of fall that will make you forget about fast food.
Crowd-Pleaser: Impress your friends and family with this delightful drink that’s sure to become a seasonal favorite!
Ingredients for the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte
For the Latte
• Ice – Essential for serving the drink cold.
• Chai Tea Concentrate – Provides warming spices and flavor base; use decaf for a caffeine-free option if desired.
• 2% Milk – Adds creaminess to balance the spices; substitute with any milk of choice, including almond or oat milk.
For the Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam
• ¾ cup 2% milk – Use this as the base for a rich and creamy foam.
• ¼ cup heavy cream – Important for achieving a luscious texture in your foam.
• 2½ tbsp pumpkin spice sauce – This signature ingredient gives the chai latte its distinctive pumpkin flavor.
• 2 tsp vanilla syrup – Adds a touch of sweetness to complement the spices.
For the Pumpkin Spice Sauce
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk – Provides sweetness and creaminess to the sauce.
• 1 cup pumpkin puree – Enhances the pumpkin flavor in the cold foam.
• 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice – Infuses the sauce with that signature fall touch.
• ¼ tsp salt – Balances the sweetness for a well-rounded flavor.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds depth and a hint of warmth to the sauce; for a lower-calorie option, use fat-free sweetened condensed milk.
How to Make Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte
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Fill the Glass: Start by filling a tall glass with ice to the brim. This will ensure your Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte stays refreshingly cold from the very first sip.
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Add Chai Concentrate: Pour 3 oz of chai tea concentrate over the ice. This rich, spiced base is what gives your drink its warmth and comfort, reminiscent of fall.
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Pour in the Milk: Gently add 4 oz of 2% milk into the glass. The creaminess will beautifully balance the warming spices of the chai, making each sip smooth and decadent.
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Prepare the Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam: In a jar, mix together ¾ cup of 2% milk, ¼ cup of heavy cream, 2½ tablespoons of pumpkin spice sauce, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla syrup. Shake until everything is well combined and luscious.
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Froth the Mixture: Using an electric frother, hand mixer, or blender, froth this mixture until it becomes thick and airy. The goal is a light texture that sits perfectly on top of your latte!
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Top with Cold Foam: Spoon or pour the airy pumpkin cream cold foam over your chai and milk mixture. Watch as it floats gently, creating a beautiful visual before you drink!
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Finish with Spice: Sprinkle a dash of pumpkin pie spice on top of the foam. This finishing touch not only adds flavor but also a lovely aroma as you enjoy your drink.
Optional: Pair with a slice of homemade pumpkin bread for a festive treat.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte?
As the weather cools and the leaves turn, embrace the warm, cozy vibes with delightful pairings that elevate your drink experience.
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Homemade Pumpkin Bread: The moist, spiced flavor of this bread beautifully complements the pumpkin notes in your latte, making every bite a comforting indulgence.
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Spiced Apple Muffins: Fluffy and fragrant, these muffins bring a touch of sweetness and a hint of cinnamon that harmonizes perfectly with the chai spices.
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Maple Pecan Cookies: Rich and nutty, these cookies offer a delightful crunch and a sweet contrast to the creamy goodness of your iced latte.
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Cheese and Charcuterie Board: A mix of bold cheeses and cured meats pairs wonderfully with the drink’s spices, adding a savory element to balance the sweetness.
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Caramel Popcorn: For a fun twist, this sweet and salty snack elevates your cozy drink to a delightful treat that everyone will love.
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Warm Cinnamon Rolls: Freshly baked rolls drenched in icing contrast the refreshing chill of the latte, creating the perfect balance of textures and flavors.
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Apple Cider: Serve this warm cider alongside your latte for a flavorful duo that captures the essence of fall in every sip.
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Chocolate Chip Cookies: Soft, gooey cookies are a timeless classic that provide a comforting sweetness to accompany the richness of the iced drink.
Embrace these delightful pairings to make your Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte experience even more memorable!
How to Store and Freeze Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte
Fridge: Keep your Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure to stir well before serving, as the ingredients may separate.
Pumpkin Spice Sauce: Store any leftover pumpkin spice sauce in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to a week. This allows for easy preparation of your lattes whenever the craving strikes!
Reheating: If you’ve prepared the chai concentrate in advance, you can warm it on the stove or in the microwave before mixing it with milk and cold foam. Just be cautious not to overheat.
Freezer: Though the assembled latte isn’t recommended for freezing, you can freeze leftover pumpkin spice sauce in ice cube trays for longer storage. Simply thaw as needed!
Expert Tips for the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte
- Perfect Cold Foam: Froth the pumpkin cream mixture until it reaches a thick, airy consistency for the best texture in your iced latte.
- Flavor Intensity: If using chai tea bags instead of concentrate, steep two bags per cup of boiling water to maintain flavor intensity for your drink.
- Sweetness Balance: Adjust the syrup quantity to cater to your sweetness preference; a little goes a long way in your iced pumpkin cream chai tea latte!
- Make Ahead: Prepare the pumpkin spice sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week to streamline your latte assembly.
- Customize Wisely: Feel free to swap the milk for your favorite alternatives, like almond or oat milk, to make the drink your own!
Make Ahead Options
These Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Lattes are perfect for busy home cooks who want to save time! You can prepare the pumpkin spice sauce up to a week in advance and store it in the refrigerator to maintain its flavor. Additionally, the pumpkin cream cold foam can be whisked together up to 24 hours ahead; simply refrigerate it until needed. When you’re ready to serve, pour the chai tea concentrate and milk over ice, then top it with your prepared foam and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice. This way, you can enjoy a delightful, homemade drink with minimal effort any time!
Variations & Substitutions for the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte
Feel free to play around with flavors and ingredients to make this delicious latte uniquely yours!
- Espresso Boost: Add a shot of espresso for an extra jolt of caffeine and rich coffee flavor.
- Non-Dairy Delight: Substitute 2% milk with almond or oat milk for a creamy, nutty twist.
- Pumpkin Spice Alternative: Swap out pumpkin spice for chai spice or apple pie spice for a different autumn vibe.
- Sweetness Adjustments: Use maple syrup or honey instead of vanilla syrup for a natural sweet touch.
- Coconut Cream: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream in the cold foam for a tropical hint that pairs beautifully with chai spices.
- Chai Variations: Try a flavored chai concentrate, such as vanilla or caramel, to give your drink a unique flavor profile.
- Heat it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick that complements the flavors of fall.
- Frozen Treat: Blend the ingredients with ice for a slushier version, perfect for warm afternoons.
Each variation adds a personal touch to your Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte, making it all the more special!
Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte Recipe FAQs
What type of chai tea concentrate should I use?
You can use any chai tea concentrate you prefer! For a caffeine-free option, simply opt for decaffeinated chai concentrate. If you’re using regular chai tea bags, I recommend steeping two bags per cup of boiling water for the best flavor.
How should I store my Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte?
Absolutely! You can keep your assembled latte in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember to stir well before enjoying, as the ingredients may separate during storage.
Can I freeze the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte?
While I wouldn’t recommend freezing the assembled latte due to the texture changes, you can freeze any leftover pumpkin spice sauce in ice cube trays! Simply thaw a cube or two whenever you want to whip up a fresh latte.
What are some dietary considerations for this recipe?
If you’re concerned about allergies, be aware that this recipe contains dairy and pumpkin. For those with lactose intolerance, feel free to substitute with non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. Always check the labels of any pre-made sauces for potential allergens.
How do I troubleshoot a runny or flat cold foam?
For the perfect cold foam, it should be thick and airy! If your foam isn’t frothing up, ensure you’re using enough heavy cream in the mixture—this ingredient is key for creating that luscious texture. Also, consider frothing longer and using a handheld frother or blender for better results.
Craft Your Own Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte {Starbucks Copycat}
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by filling a tall glass with ice to the brim.
- Pour 3 oz of chai tea concentrate over the ice.
- Gently add 4 oz of 2% milk into the glass.
- In a jar, mix together ¾ cup of 2% milk, ¼ cup of heavy cream, 2½ tablespoons of pumpkin spice sauce, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla syrup. Shake until well combined.
- Froth the mixture until it becomes thick and airy.
- Spoon or pour the airy pumpkin cream cold foam over your chai and milk mixture.
- Sprinkle a dash of pumpkin pie spice on top of the foam.