Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte {Starbucks Copycat}

This cozy iced pumpkin cream chai tea latte is the perfect blend of creamy oat milk, spiced chai tea concentrate, and homemade pumpkin sweet cream. Inspired by Starbucks’ fall themed drinks, this pumpkin chai latte is sweet and comforting, perfect for a crisp autumn day. Bonus, it can easily be made vegan and dairy-free!

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Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Cream Chai Latte

Fall is just around the corner, and nothing says autumn quite like the comforting taste of pumpkin. If you don’t feel like leaving the house for a Starbucks iced chai latte, you can make this tasty version in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Here’s why we love this Starbucks copycat chai latte and you will too!

• Starbucks at Home – I love a good Starbucks run as much as the next person. But sometimes you just want to make your own tea in the comfort of your own home (and save a few bucks while you’re at it).

• Creamy Pumpkin Goodness – The homemade spiced pumpkin sweet cream gives this beverage a rich and creamy texture, making it a perfect fall treat.

• Customizable – Adjust the sweetness to your liking, choose your preferred milk, and make it vegan if you want to!

• Easy to Make – With just a handful of simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you’ll have a pumpkin cream chai latte that tastes like it came straight from the barista.

What is Chai Tea?

Chai tea is a blend of black tea and various spices that give it its characteristic warm, aromatic flavor. The specific spices used in chai tea concentrate can vary by brand and region, but the most common ones include:

• Cinnamon: Adds a sweet and warming flavor.
• Cardamom: Gives a unique and aromatic taste, with citrusy and herbal notes.
• Ginger: Contributes a spicy kick that complements the other spices.
• Cloves: Provide a pungent, slightly bitter, and warm flavor.
• Black Peppercorns: Offer a bit of heat and spiciness to balance the sweetness of other ingredients.
• Star Anise: Adds a hint of licorice flavor (some blends may include this, but not all).
• Nutmeg: Occasionally used for an extra layer of warmth and complexity.

These spices are often simmered with black tea leaves, and often sugar, to create a rich and flavorful concentrate that forms the base of a chai latte.

I’m using a store-bought chai tea concentrate for this recipe, but you could certainly make your own at home.

Ingredients

This recipe uses just a handful of simple ingredients, but it’s worth mentioning that the quality and type of ingredients you choose can make a big difference in the flavor. 

Homemade Starbucks Pumpkin Sweet Cream

Starbucks sweet cream is a popular addition to various beverages on their menu, offering a rich and velvety texture that elevates the drink’s taste. It’s traditionally made with a combination of heavy cream, vanilla syrup, and 2% milk, creating a delightful, creamy sweetness that’s hard to resist.

However, in this recipe, we’re giving the famous Starbucks sweet cream a unique, seasonal twist, and, best of all, making it vegan-friendly!

Rather than using dairy-based heavy cream and milk, this recipe opts for full-fat coconut milk and oat milk. These vegan alternatives provide the same creamy consistency without any animal products, making it suitable for vegans or those looking to cut down on dairy. Below is what you’ll need:

For the Pumpkin Sweet Cream:

• Coconut Milk or Heavy Cream – Full fat coconut milk gives the cream a luscious texture. For a non-vegan option, use the heavy cream of your choice.

• Maple Syrup or Vanilla Syrup – This adds a touch of sweetness, allowing you to adjust to your preference.

• Pumpkin Puree – The key to the pumpkin flavor, bringing that autumn vibe.

• Pumpkin Pie Spice – For that authentic pumpkin spice taste.

• Vanilla Extract – Optional, but adds an extra layer of flavor.

For the Chai Tea:

• Chai Tea Concentrate – You can use the Starbucks boxed version, but be mindful if you’re making it vegan as it contains honey. I used one by Good and Gather from Target which doesn’t contain honey.

📌 A Note About Chai Tea: Chai tea concentrate brings together a blend of black tea, spices, and often sweeteners to create the characteristic spicy and flavorful base for chai lattes. Keep in mind, the concentrate you use will have a big impact on the overall flavor and sweetness of the drink.

• Oat Milk or Milk of Choice – Oat milk adds a creamy texture, but you can substitute with your preferred milk.

• Ice – For that perfect iced chai latte experience.

Substitutions

Want to mix it up a bit? Here’s how you can substitute some ingredients:

• Coconut Milk – Not a fan? You can replace it with another dairy free heavy cream or milk alternative.
• Vanilla Extract – You can swap this for other flavorings like maple extract.
• Maple Syrup – You can use other sweeteners such as agave nectar or simple syrup to adjust the sweetness level.

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Helpful Equipment

• Mason jar or container: for mixing
• Frother or small whisk: for the milk
• Tall glass: for serving

Step By Step Instructions

Exact quantities are in the recipe card below!

STEP 1: Use a frother to mix the coconut milk or heavy cream until it foams slightly. Add the maple syrup, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract (if using) with the coconut milk in a jar.

STEP 2: Mix until the pumpkin sweet cream is combined and is smooth. Add 1-2 tbsp of oat milk to thin the cream if needed. 

STEP 3: Add ice and the chai tea concentrate to a glass.

STEP 4: Pour oat milk on top, and then top with the pumpkin sweet cream. Stir gently to combine. That’s it…so simple!

Serving

Serve your homemade iced chai latte immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of extra pumpkin pie spice if you want. Perfect for enjoying on a crisp fall afternoon!

This pumpkin cream chai latte pairs wonderfully with a variety of fall-inspired breakfasts and snacks. Whether you’re indulging in a lazy weekend brunch or just looking for the perfect accompaniment to your morning treat, here are some ideas:

• Pumpkin Pancakes: Fluffy and flavorful, these are a must-try during pumpkin season.

• French Toast: Serve with a dusting of cinnamon and a dollop of whipped coconut cream.

• Vegan Coffee Cake: A moist and crumbly cake that’s perfect with your chai latte.

• Apple Cinnamon Oat Cake: These muffins offer a delightful blend of apple and spice.

• Spiced Oatmeal: Warm and comforting, spiced oatmeal brings all the autumn flavors.

• Cinnamon Rolls: Soft and gooey, cinnamon rolls are the ultimate comfort pastry.

Storage

Any leftover pumpkin sweet cream can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The chai tea mixture is best enjoyed fresh.

Helpful Tips

• Adjust Sweetness To Taste: Add more maple syrup to the pumpkin sweet cream or the chai latte.

• Use Chilled Ingredients: Use a chilled glass and cold ingredients to prevent the ice from melting.

• Use a Chai Concentrate That You Love: The concentrate has a huge impact on the overall flavor of the drink. Be sure to use one that you enjoy the taste of.

FAQ

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