Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Inspired)

This Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Inspired) is a delightful way to bring the cozy flavors of fall into your home. Perfect for any occasion, this homemade version offers all the rich taste of your favorite coffee shop drink at a fraction of the price. The creamy pumpkin sweet cream paired with spiced chai makes it an irresistible treat that you can easily adjust to fit your dietary needs. Whether you’re celebrating a special moment or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon, this latte is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this delicious latte in minutes.
• Customizable Flavor: Adjust the sweetness and spice levels to suit your personal taste.
• Dairy-Free Option: Made with oat milk and coconut cream, this recipe caters to those who prefer dairy-free alternatives.
• Perfect for Any Season: While it’s a fall favorite, you can enjoy this iced latte year-round.
• Cost-Effective: Save money by making your favorite coffee shop drink at home.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the process seamless and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Milk frother
• Mixing container or jar
• Serving glass
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Milk frother: This handy tool helps achieve the velvety texture needed for the pumpkin sweet cream.
• Mixing container or jar: A sturdy container is essential for combining ingredients efficiently without any mess.
• Serving glass: Choose a clear glass to showcase the beautiful layers of your latte.

Ingredients

To create this delightful Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Inspired), you’ll need the following ingredients:

Pumpkin Sweet Cream Ingredients

• 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)

Chai Latte Ingredients

• 1-2 tbsp oat milk (to thin as needed)
• 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:
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. Optional: ½ tsp vanilla extract

Mix these ingredients together until well combined.

Step 2: Froth the Mixture

Using a milk frother, blend the pumpkin sweet cream ingredients until achieving a smooth and velvety consistency. If it’s too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of oat milk to reach a pourable texture.

Step 3: Assemble Your Latte

Add a handful of ice into your serving glass. Pour in:
1. ½ cup chai tea concentrate over the ice.
2. Add between ½ – ¾ cup oat milk, adjusting based on your preference.

Gently stir to mix the chai tea and oat milk together.

Step 4: Top with Pumpkin Sweet Cream

Spoon or pour the prepared pumpkin sweet cream over the top of your chai mixture.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Optionally sprinkle additional pumpkin pie spice on top for garnish. Serve immediately with a straw or spoon so you can stir as you sip! Enjoy your 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 a quiet morning or hosting friends, serving this drink can elevate the experience.

For a Cozy Morning

• Pair with a warm croissant for a buttery, flaky treat that complements the spiced flavors of the latte.
• Serve alongside a slice of pumpkin bread to enhance the pumpkin notes in your drink.

Afternoon Delight

• Enjoy with some cinnamon sugar donuts for a sweet and spicy afternoon pick-me-up.
• Accompany with apple slices and almond butter for a nutritious, crunchy contrast.

Evening Treat

• Pair with dark chocolate-covered espresso beans for a rich, indulgent experience.
• Serve alongside spiced nuts for a savory snack that balances the sweetness of the latte.

Save it!

How to Perfect Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Inspired)

Achieving the ideal iced pumpkin cream chai tea latte is all about balance and technique. Follow these tips to ensure your drink is delicious every time.

• Chill Your Ingredients: Start with chilled coconut milk or cream for an extra refreshing taste.
• Froth Thoroughly: Make sure to froth your pumpkin sweet cream until it’s smooth; this ensures it blends well with the tea.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste as you go; you can always add more maple syrup or vanilla syrup to suit your preference.
• Use Quality Chai Concentrate: A good chai concentrate makes all the difference in flavor; choose one that suits your taste.
• Experiment with Milk: While oat milk is great, try almond or cashew milk for different flavor profiles.
• Garnish Creatively: A sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice on top not only looks great but adds an extra kick of flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Inspired)

Complementing your iced pumpkin cream chai tea latte with the right side dishes can enhance your overall experience. Here are some tasty options to consider.

1. Pumpkin Muffins: Moist and flavorful muffins that pair beautifully with your latte’s spices.
2. Scones with Clotted Cream: Flaky scones provide a delightful texture contrast while clotted cream adds richness.
3. Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like brie and sharp cheddar alongside crackers for savory balance.
4. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits brightens up your meal and adds natural sweetness.
5. Granola Bars: Homemade or store-bought bars offer a chewy texture that complements the drink’s creaminess.
6. Cinnamon Rolls: Warm, gooey rolls drizzled with icing make for an indulgent treat beside your latte.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte even better!

• Ignoring the Coconut Milk Temperature: If you don’t chill the coconut milk or cream before using it, your pumpkin cream may not froth well. Chill it for at least 10 minutes to achieve the best texture.
• Over-Sweetening: Adding too much maple syrup or vanilla syrup can overwhelm the flavors. Start with 1 tablespoon and adjust based on your personal sweetness preference.
• Skipping the Pumpkin Puree: Omitting pumpkin puree will make your latte taste bland. Ensure you add it for that authentic pumpkin flavor that makes this drink special.
• Using Regular Milk Instead of Oat Milk: If you’re aiming for a dairy-free option, stick to oat milk or another plant-based milk. Traditional dairy milk will alter the intended flavor profile.
• Neglecting to Froth Properly: Not frothing the sweet cream enough can lead to a runny consistency. Use a frother until you reach a smooth, velvety texture.

Save it!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Containers: Use an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Freezing Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Inspired)

• Duration: Can be frozen for up to 1 month.
• Containers: Store in a freezer-safe container or ice cube trays for easy use later.

Reheating Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Inspired)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe mug for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat while stirring constantly until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making your Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

You can easily make this Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte vegan by using coconut milk or any other plant-based milk. Also, ensure your chai tea concentrate is honey-free.

Can I use a different type of milk?

Absolutely! While oat milk is recommended for its creamy texture, you can use almond, soy, or any other dairy-free milk of your choice.

What if I don’t have chai tea concentrate?

If you don’t have chai tea concentrate, brew strong chai tea bags instead. Just steep them longer for a more robust flavor.

Can I prepare this drink in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the pumpkin sweet cream ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just assemble the drink when ready to enjoy.

Is this drink suitable for kids?

The Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte is generally kid-friendly, but consider reducing the amount of sweetener if concerned about sugar intake.

Final Thoughts

This cozy Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte is not only delicious but also highly customizable. Whether you prefer it sweeter or creamier, adjustments are easy to make. Enjoy making this delightful treat at home and savor its rich flavors anytime!