Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Embrace the feeling of autumn with a comforting mug of this special latte. We’ve brought together two beloved seasonal flavors—the rich, earthy taste of matcha and the warm, aromatic spices of pumpkin—to create a beautifully balanced and satisfying drink that’s pure comfort in a mug. It’s a cozy experience perfect for crisp afternoons and chilly nights.
Best of all, since it’s made with decaf matcha, you can enjoy its soothing warmth in the evening without a second thought. Making this delicious latte at home is surprisingly simple, and you can customize it to be just the way you like it. Prepare to fall in love with your new favorite seasonal treat, a healthier and cozier alternative to expensive coffee shop drinks.
Ingredients
- Decaf Matcha Powder: 1 teaspoon, high-quality
- Hot Water: 2 tablespoons (not boiling, ~175°F / 80°C)
- Milk of Choice: 1 cup (e.g., dairy, oat, or almond milk)
- 100% Pure Pumpkin Purée: 2 tablespoons
- Pure Maple Syrup: 1 to 2 teaspoons, or to taste
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: ¼ teaspoon, plus extra for garnish
- Vanilla Extract: ¼ teaspoon
Instructions
- Prepare the Matcha: In a mug, sift 1 teaspoon of decaf matcha powder to remove clumps. Add 2 tablespoons of hot water.
- Whisk the Matcha: Using a bamboo whisk (chasen) or a small electric frother, whisk vigorously in a zigzag motion until the matcha is completely dissolved and a fine foam forms on top. Set the mug aside.
- Prepare the Pumpkin Milk: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of milk, 2 tablespoons of pumpkin purée, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract.
- Heat the Milk: Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it is hot throughout. Do not allow it to boil.
- Froth the Milk (Optional): For a frothy latte, use an electric frother or another method to froth the warm pumpkin milk mixture until foamy.
- Combine and Serve: Pour the warm, frothed pumpkin spice milk into the mug with the prepared matcha. Stir gently, garnish with an extra sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice if desired, and enjoy immediately.
Secrets to a Café-Quality Froth
A creamy, airy foam makes any latte feel luxurious. One of the easiest methods is to use an electric milk frother after you’ve gently heated your pumpkin milk mixture. For a manual option, pour the warm mixture into a French press (no more than halfway!) and pump the plunger rapidly for 30 seconds to create a rich foam. In a pinch, even a sealed jar shaken vigorously for a minute works wonders! For the best results, use whole dairy milk or a barista-style oat milk, as both are fantastic for creating a stable, creamy froth.
Your Own Homemade Pumpkin Spice Mix
Making your own pumpkin spice mix is incredibly easy and so much more fragrant than store-bought versions! It also lets you customize the flavor to be exactly how you like it. To start, combine three tablespoons of ground cinnamon with two teaspoons each of ground ginger and ground nutmeg. For depth and complexity, whisk in one and a half teaspoons each of ground allspice and ground cloves. Mix everything until the color is uniform, then store it in an airtight jar. You’ll have a fresh, delicious spice blend ready for all your autumn treats!
Make It Your Own: Fun Variations & Swaps
This latte recipe is wonderfully versatile, so feel free to get creative! Instead of maple syrup, you can use honey, agave, or a few drops of liquid stevia for a sugar-free option. Not a fan of oat milk? Creamy cashew, rich macadamia, or even coconut milk are all delicious alternatives. For a fun twist on the flavor, try adding a pinch of aromatic cardamom or even a teaspoon of cocoa powder for a rich, chocolatey version. You can also enjoy this drink iced—just let the mixture cool and pour it over a tall glass of ice for a refreshing autumn cooler.
What Exactly Is Decaf Matcha?
Matcha is a vibrant, finely ground powder of special green tea leaves, famous for its health benefits. While it traditionally contains caffeine, our decaf matcha allows you to enjoy its unique flavor without the stimulating effects. The caffeine is removed using a natural water processing method, where the leaves are soaked to dissolve the caffeine. This clever process removes the vast majority of the caffeine while carefully preserving the tea’s original taste and antioxidants, making it perfect for a calming cup in the afternoon or evening.
The Healthy Side of This Cozy Treat
This latte is more than just delicious—it’s packed with nutrients! Matcha is rich in antioxidants called catechins, which help protect your body’s cells, and contains L-theanine, an amino acid known for promoting a sense of calm focus. Pumpkin is a nutritional powerhouse, famously high in beta-carotene (which your body converts to vision-boosting Vitamin A) and a great source of fiber. Together, these ingredients create a drink that is both comforting and wonderfully nourishing.
Saving Your Latte for Later
This latte is always best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can easily save them. Let the latte cool to room temperature, then pour it into an airtight jar and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, gently warm it in a saucepan on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Avoid the microwave, as it can heat unevenly. Once it’s warm, give it a quick whisk to revive some of that lovely foam.
Your Questions, Answered
Can I use regular matcha?
Absolutely! If you’re not concerned about caffeine, regular matcha works perfectly. The taste will be very similar.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
Easy! Just be sure to use a plant-based milk (like oat or almond) and a vegan sweetener like maple syrup instead of honey.
Can I make a big batch ahead of time?
While the final latte is best fresh, you can make the pumpkin spice milk mixture in advance. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready, just heat the mixture and whisk in your freshly prepared matcha!
