Quick Summary: A dry pumpkin spice latte mix that stores in your pantry and ships in care packages. Scoop into a mug, stir in hot water, and you have a coffeehouse-worthy latte in seconds. Originally developed for shipping to my kids in college, it has become a fall staple at our house and at the farmers market. Prep: 10 min | Makes: 18 servings | Stores: 6 months
Jump to: RECIPE | Why Make Your Own? | Mexican Spice Variation | Shipping in Care Packages | Grow your own Pumpkins | FAQ
When the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte became a major trend, my kids were in college and I was always looking for things to send them in holiday care packages. This homemade dry mix for an instant pumpkin spice latte was a big hit for them at the time, and remains a staple fall treat at our house. It is so easy and inexpensive and rivals Starbucks version (in my humble opinion).
Why Make Your Own Pumpkin Spice Latte Mix?
The coffeehouse versions cost $5-9 per cup and the store-bought instant packets are loaded with ingredients you can’t pronounce. This dry mix costs pennies per serving, uses ingredients you can control, and keeps for 6 months in an airtight jar.
I originally made it to ship to my kids in college care packages. It traveled beautifully and they liked it better than the campus coffee shop version.
It’s also become one of my fall bestsellers at the St. Paul Farmers Market, where customers buy jars as gifts alongside my spice blends.
Mexican Chile Spice Variation
For a pumpkin spice latte with a little warmth and complexity, add 1/2 teaspoon of ancho chile powder and a pinch of cayenne to the base mix.
The ancho chile adds a smoky depth that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice. The cayenne can be pretty spicy, so moderate the amount (or leave it out) if you don’t like heat.
This is inspired by my Mexican hot chocolate (champurrado) recipe , where chile and cinnamon are traditional partners.
Alternatively, you can also add 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger and a pinch of cardamom for a chai-style variation. If chai is one of your favorite flavors, be sure and check out this collection of chai-inspired drinks and treats.
How to Ship Pumpkin Spice Latte Mix in Care Packages
This is one of the easiest homemade gifts to ship for the holidays or in care packages. Scoop the pumpkin spice dry mixture into a small mason jar or a resealable bag, include a label with the “2-3 tablespoons in hot water” instructions, and tuck it into a care package.
It travels without refrigeration, doesn’t leak, and lasts for months. I pair it with homemade pumpkin chai biscotti in the fall care package.
This dry mix is essentially a preserved spice blend with a long shelf life, which makes it a natural fit alongside other preservation projects. For more ways to put up your harvest and stock your pantry for winter, check out these 10 ways to preserve fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs.
Grow Your Own Pumpkins for Fall Treats
We grow a lot of heirloom squash and pumpkins at Heathglen Farm, but one of my favorite varieties are the bright orange, ribbed Cinderella pumpkins (winter squash) you see below. They’re actually quite tasty, as well as beautiful!
If you would like to learn more about growing or storing your own winter squash check out this guide to the best winter squash for flavor and cooking.
FAQ
Up to 6 months in an airtight container at room temperature. Mason jars with metal lids work best. If using plastic lids, the seal isn’t as tight and the mix may clump sooner.
Yes. Use 1-2 tablespoons of the mix stirred into a cup of brewed coffee instead of 2-3 tablespoons in water. The brewed coffee adds its own strength, so you need less mix.
No. The mix contains sugar, milk powder, and pudding mix, all of which add carbs. For a lower sugar version, substitute the sugar with a sweetener like Truvia and omit the pudding mix (the texture will be thinner but the spice flavor holds up).
This is a dry powder you mix with hot water — no espresso machine needed. It stores for 6 months, costs pennies per serving, and has no artificial flavors. The Starbucks version uses espresso, steamed milk, and a pumpkin spice sauce. This is the pantry-friendly alternative.
Not to the dry mix (the moisture would cause it to spoil). But you can stir a tablespoon of canned pumpkin puree into the finished latte after mixing for a more authentic pumpkin flavor.
Yes. Dissolve 2-3 tablespoons of the mix in a small amount of hot water first (just enough to dissolve the powder), then pour over ice and top with cold milk. Add a shot of espresso for extra caffeine.
Instant Pumpkin Spice Latte Mix
Equipment
- Blender optional
- measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 cup nonfat dry milk powder
- ½ cup powdered nondairy creamer spiced pumpkin flavor is you can find it
- ½ cup instant coffee granules
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ¼ cup instant vanilla pudding mix pumpkin if you can find it
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 Tbsp. pumpkin pie spice less if you are using pumpkin instant pudding mix
Instructions
- In a blender, combine all ingredients; blend until mixture is a fine powder. Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.1 cup nonfat dry milk powder, 1/2 cup powdered nondairy creamer, 1/2 cup instant coffee granules, 1/3 cup sugar, 1/4 cup instant vanilla pudding mix, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 Tbsp. pumpkin pie spice
- To prepare hot latte: Dissolve 2-3 Tablespoons mix in hot water and stir well. Garnish with whipped cream, a dash of nutmeg and a cinnamon stick if desired.
I can’t wait to try the biscotti recipe. Thanks!
Hope you like it Connie. I saw a savory biscotti yesterday (parmesan & cheddar) that I might have to try soon.