When you are a coffee addict like myself, the autumn season is synonymous for “pumpkin spice latte.” But when you eat a vegan diet, learning how to make a vegan pumpkin spice latte might be the first thing on your fall to-do list. Thankfully, you do not have to be a barista in order to make that happen.
It all comes down to basic skills and ingredients. Plus, making your own lattes will help you save money on coffee. This is especially useful when you are hopelessly in love with the most glorious caffeinated beverage of all time. I mean, indulging in pumpkin spice lattes is an expensive habit. Simultaneously, it doubles as the road to a full heart and empty wallet. I know you feel me on this one.
However, once you learn how to make a vegan pumpkin spice latte, everything will change. You will develop the power to control the strength, sweetness, and flavor. Does this mean you should totally ditch the beloved coffee store PSL? Most definitely not. It does not hurt to treat yourself once in a while. But when you know how to make a homemade vegan latte, you can whip one up whenever the craving hits. Count me in.
1. Brew strong coffee
To get the PSL party started, brew one cup of strong coffee. This will ensure that the coffee flavor is present after all the autumn goodness is mixed in.
2. Pour into a small pot over medium heat
Once the coffee is good to go, pour it into a small stainless steel pot over medium heat. Alternatively, you can add it directly to a mug if you're feeling impatient. The only caveat is that the coffee might not remain warm enough to dissolve the ingredients. To prevent this, work your magic before the coffee cools down.
3. Add pumpkin purée
This is where the fun starts. Add two tablespoons of canned pumpkin purée. Feel free to add a little more or less according to your preference.
4. Add non-dairy milk
Bring in two tablespoons of coconut, almond, or soy milk. These options are vegan, healthy, and delicious. Personally, I prefer the creamy consistency of coconut milk in my coffee creations. If you want a lighter latte, use three tablespoons of milk instead of two.
5. Add a vegan sweetener
Next, add two to three teaspoons of a vegan sweetener. Try agave or maple syrup.
6. Add pumpkin pie spice
Toss in one teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice. If you don't have pumpkin pie spice on hand, try a combination of nutmeg and cinnamon. You can even get crafty and make homemade pumpkin pie spice with some help from Joy the Baker.
7. Stir well
Mix, mix, and mix some more. Double check that there aren't clumps of sweetener or pumpkin purée floating around. No one likes a chunky latte, after all.
8. Pour into mug
Carefully pour the wonderful concoction into your favorite mug. Don't forget to protect those digits with a trusty oven mitt.
9. Top with vegan whipped cream
Feeling extra indulgent? Finish off your latte with a hefty dose of vegan whipped cream. Soy and rice-based whipped cream can be purchased at health food stores. Otherwise, you can make it with canned coconut milk or silken tofu.
10. Add a dash of cinnamon
Top it off with a dash or five of cinnamon... or more pumpkin pie spice. No one will judge you.
11. Enjoy!
Take a sip and savor the homemade deliciousness. Finally, give yourself a pat on the back for channeling your inner Martha Stewart.
Images: Pexels; Boss Fight; Joy the Baker; Morgue File
