Skip the coffee run! This Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte is creamy, perfectly spiced, and topped with an irresistible salted caramel cream.
Fall is here, which means the beloved iced PSL is back. But those Starbucks trips can get expensive pretty quickly. So, homemade it is.
I love a hot coffee, but it’s been sweltering in LA lately. So, to get my fall flavor fix without melting in the heat, I made an iced pumpkin spice latte instead.
The combination of espresso, pumpkin spice caramel, and cold milk hits all the right notes. And if you have a few extra minutes, add the salted caramel cream. It’s rich and creamy with just the right touch of salt to balance the sweetness.
So, the next time that pumpkin spice craving hits, make this Starbucks copycat at home. It takes just a few minutes and costs a whole lot less.
Why You’ll Love This Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Full of fall flavor. Pumpkin spice caramel, espresso, and cinnamon give you those classic fall flavors in every sip.
- Easy to customize. Adjust the sweetness, switch the milk, add more espresso, or skip the ice and serve it hot.
- Quick and easy. It takes just a few minutes to make from start to finish.
- Cheaper than Starbucks. Make your favorite iced PSL at home for a fraction of the price.
Ingredients for an Iced PSL
Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few substitutes:
- Espresso. I use two shots. If you don’t have an espresso machine, use about 1/2 cup strongly brewed coffee instead.
- Pumpkin spice caramel. I use Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice Caramel for sweetness, caramel flavor, and warm pumpkin spice. If you don’t have it, use regular caramel sauce with a pinch of pumpkin pie spice.
- Flaky sea salt. A little salt balances the sweetness of the caramel. I use about 1 gram, but you can adjust it to taste.
- Milk. I use whole milk, but feel free to use 2%, oat, almond, or whatever milk you like.
- Ice. Add as much as you need to fill the glass and chill the latte.
- Heavy cream. For the optional salted cream topping.
- Cinnamon. Sprinkle a little ground cinnamon on top and add a cinnamon stick for garnish. You can also use pumpkin pie spice instead.
How to Make Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte at Home
1. Mix the Espresso and Caramel: Add pumpkin spice caramel and salt to a glass. Pour in the hot espresso, then whisk with a handheld frother until smooth and well combined.
2. Add the Milk and Ice: Pour in the cold milk and give it a quick stir. Fill the glass with ice.
3. Make the Salted Cream: Add the heavy cream, pumpkin spice caramel, and a pinch of salt to a small cup. Whisk until thickened to soft peaks.
4. Finish and Serve: Spoon the salted cream over your iced PSL. Sprinkle with cinnamon and add a cinnamon stick for garnish.
Pro-Tip: Use a Handheld Frother for the Best Iced PSL
Believe me, it makes a difference! The pumpkin spice caramel is pretty thick, so a quick whisk with a handheld frother blends it right into the hot espresso.
You get a much smoother drink with no caramel sitting at the bottom. Plus, it adds a little body to the drink and gives it a smoother, creamier texture.
It’s also great for the salted cream. Just whisk the cream, caramel, and salt until you get soft peaks. Quick and easy.
Can I Use Regular Coffee Instead of Espresso?
Yes, you can absolutely use regular coffee instead of espresso. Use about 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee in place of the two espresso shots.
How to Customize Your Starbucks Iced PSL
Here are a few ways to switch it up:
- Change the milk. Use whole, 2%, oat, almond, or any milk you like.
- Adjust the sweetness. Use more or less pumpkin spice caramel to suit your taste.
- Add more coffee. Use an extra shot of espresso for a stronger coffee flavor.
- Adjust the salt. Use less for a subtle sweet-salty flavor or add a little more to taste.
- No Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice Caramel? Use 2 tablespoons regular caramel sauce and 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice. Adjust the spice to taste.
- Skip the ice. Leave out the ice and enjoy it as a hot pumpkin spice latte instead.
Pair your Iced PSL with These Fall Treats
Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte (Starbucks Copycat)
Ingredients
- 2 shots espresso
- 2 tablespoons Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice Caramel
- ¼ teaspoon flaky sea salt or to taste
- 180 ml your choice of milk
- Ice as needed
- Ground cinnamon and/or cinnamon stick for topping
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice Caramel
- Pinch of flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Add the pumpkin spice caramel and flaky sea salt to a glass.
- Pour two espresso shots over the caramel. Use a handheld milk frother until the caramel dissolves and everything is well combined.
- Pour in your choice of milk, then fill the glass with ice.
- Optional: Make the salted cream. Add heavy cream, pumpkin spice caramel, and a pinch of salt to a small cup. Whip with the handheld frother until thickened to soft peaks.
- Spoon salted pumpkin cream over the iced PSL, then sprinkle with cinnamon and add a cinnamon stick for garnish. Serve and enjoy!
