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To me, nothing says fall quite like pumpkin spice, whether it’s a cozy latte, a spiced chai, or even pumpkin spice pancakes. And what better way to kick off the season than with a batch of homemade pumpkin spice syrup? I honestly think this recipe is even better than Starbucks, not only for its rich flavor but also for the satisfaction of making it from scratch right in your own kitchen.

As of writing this, fall-inspired treats are back in the spotlight at Starbucks, and there’s no better time to make your own homemade pumpkin spice syrup. This easy recipe brings cozy fall flavor to every cup, whether it’s a pumpkin spice latte, an iced coffee, or a chai tea. Best of all, it tastes even better than the $6–$7 Starbucks version, and you can enjoy it anytime right at home

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Iced pumpkin spice latte in a clear glass topped with cold foam and cinnamon, held on a wooden surface — Pumpkin Spice Latte Made with Homemade Pumpkin Spice Syrup

This homemade pumpkin spice syrup isn’t just for coffee, it’s incredibly versatile! I love using it to make my own pumpkin spice lattes and pumpkin spice chai tea lattes at home, and it’s just as delicious drizzled over pancakes or French toast. I just recently drizzled this pumpkin spice syrup over warm pancakes on a colder Saturday morning, and I swear nothing has ever felt more like fall! If you’re craving a Starbucks copycat drink, try making your latte iced and topping it with a pumpkin spice cold foam for the ultimate fall treat.

To make a quick pumpkin spice cold foam recipe, combine ¼ cup whole milk, ¼ cup heavy cream, and 2 ounces of your pumpkin spice syrup. Use a milk frother to whip it until light and creamy, then spoon over your iced latte or cold brew. It tastes just like Starbucks pumpkin cream cold foam, but better (and way cheaper)! Want to it up a notch? Sprinkle some cinnamon (or pumpkin pie spice) on top of your cold foam for the best finishing touch!

Jars of homemade pumpkin spice syrup with a bottle of Rodelle vanilla paste on a wooden counter. — Pumpkin Spice Syrup

Why You’ll Love This Syrup

Saves you money. You can make quality fall drinks from the comfort of your own home that are cheaper (and better) than Starbucks!
Customizable. The sweetness and spice levels can be adjusted to your liking making this syrup super customizable.
Perfect for anything. This syrup is the perfect add-in for coffees, lattes, chai tea lattes, cocktails, and even perfect for drizzling on desserts.
Quick recipe. This recipe is quick and easy with minimal ingredients!

What you will need

Pumpkin puree. You can use homemade pumpkin puree, but store-bought is just fine as well.
Dark brown sugar. I prefer to use dark brown sugar, as gives it a deeper, richer flavor which enhances the warm fall spices.
Sweetened condensed milk. Adds a creamy richness and smooth body that sugar alone can’t achieve.
Pumpkin pie spice. Very important for… obvious reasons.
Cinnamon. Perfectly complements pumpkin.
Vanilla bean paste. You can use vanilla extract instead, but I prefer vanilla bean paste!

Pumpkin spice syrup ingredients labeled: pumpkin puree, brown sugar, water, condensed milk, cinnamon, vanilla, spices. — Pumpkin Spice Syrup Ingredients

Step-by-step pumpkin spice syrup

Gather all ingredients.
- The ingredients needed for this recipe are pumpkin puree, brown sugar, water, sweetened condensed milk, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract.
Combine pumpkin, water, and brown sugar.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the pumpkin puree, water, and brown sugar and bring to a simmer.
Strain mixture.
- Over a bowl strain the mixture through a strainer, ensuring to remove the pumpkin pulp. Using a rubber spatula, press out as much of the liquid from the pulp of the pumpkin.
Combine pumpkin liquid with sweetened condensed milk.
- In the same saucepan, add the strained pumpkin liquid with the can of sweetened condensed milk. Mix until thoroughly combined. (This will take some time to combined fully)
Add spices and vanilla.
- Add in the ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract). Stir to completely combine.
Storing.
- I like to store my pumpkin spice syrup in squeeze bottles for easier use, but you can totally store your syrup in mason jars or tupperware containers.

Step-by-step collage showing ingredients, cooking, straining, and finished jars of homemade pumpkin spice syrup. — Step-By-Step Pumpkin Spice Syrup

Creative Ways to Use Pumpkin Spice Syrup

One of the best things about homemade pumpkin spice syrup is how versatile it is. Beyond the classic pumpkin spice latte, there are countless ways to bring a cozy fall flavor into your everyday treats:

Coffee & Tea. Stir a spoonful into your morning coffee or chai tea for that amazing autumn flavor at home.
Breakfast Favorites. Drizzle over pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, or even Greek yogurt for a warm, spiced topping.
Iced Drinks. Froth it into a pumpkin spice cold foam and pour over iced coffee or cold brew for a refreshing seasonal twist.
Desserts & Baking. Add it to cake batters, muffin mixes, or whisk it into a glaze for cookies and scones. It also works beautifully in fall cocktails or milkshakes.

This simple syrup is more than just a coffee add-in, it’s an easy way to infuse pumpkin spice flavor into nearly any recipe you love!

Jar of homemade pumpkin spice syrup next to a bottle of vanilla bean paste on a wooden counter. — Pumpkin Spice Syrup

How to Store Pumpkin Spice Syrup

Once you’ve made your pumpkin spice syrup, proper storage will keep it tasting fresh and flavorful. After the syrup has cooled, transfer it into a clean, airtight glass jar or bottle. Or you can store it in a squeeze bottle for easy use! Store it in the refrigerator, where it will stay good for about 1 to 2 weeks.

For longer storage, you can freeze the syrup in small portions, ice cube trays work perfectly. Just pop out a cube when you’re ready to use it, and stir it into hot drinks or let it melt into cold beverages. This way, you’ll have cozy pumpkin spice flavor on hand all season long.

Homemade pumpkin spice syrup stored in a labeled squeeze bottle, held in hands on a wooden counter. — Pumpkin Spice Syrup

Pumpkin Spice Syrup FAQ

Do I need to refrigerate pumpkin spice syrup?
- Yes… always store it in the refrigerator in a sealed container. This helps maintain freshness and food safety.
How long does homemade pumpkin spice syrup last?
- Stored in an airtight jar in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for about 1 to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze in small portions.
Can I use this syrup in iced drinks without it clumping?
- Absolutely! You should have no issues with this syrup clumping in your iced drinks (Just make sure to mix well).
Can I adjust the sweetness of the syrup?
- Yes! Use more or less brown sugar depending on your taste. You can also substitute the vanilla bean paste with maple syrup or honey!
What’s the best way to use this syrup besides coffee?
- Try it in chai tea, hot chocolate, cocktails, milkshakes, over pancakes or waffles, stirred into oatmeal, or drizzled on ice cream. :)
Can I double or triple the recipe?
- Definitely. Just be sure to use a larger saucepan and increase the cooking time slightly so it reduces and thickens properly.
Why strain the syrup before storing?
- Straining removes excess pumpkin pulp, giving you a smoother, café-style syrup that blends easily into drinks.

Final Thoughts

This homemade pumpkin spice syrup is an easy way to bring the cozy flavors of fall into your kitchen! It’s easy to make, far more flavorful than store-bought, and perfect for everything from morning lattes to weekend pancakes. Give it a try and let me know your favorite way to use it… I’d love to hear your creative drink or dessert ideas in the comments!

Watch my Homemade Pumpkin spice syrup Video Here:

The best and easiest homemade pumpkin spice syrup that’s seriously better than Starbucks!

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