Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe

Imagine cozy sweater weather in a cup, bursting with the spiced, pumpkin-rich flavors you crave each fall—right in your own kitchen. The Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Copycat) is a soul-warming, frothy blend of creamy pumpkin cold foam and aromatic chai, poured over ice for the ultimate pick-me-up. This homemade version captures everything you love about the Starbucks original, but you get to control the sweetness, customize your milk, and savor each sip whenever the craving strikes. If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping, autumn-inspired treat you can whip up in minutes, you’re about to fall in love with this Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Copycat).

Ingredients You’ll Need

This latte is all about simple, quality ingredients that come together to create something way more special than the sum of their parts. Each element offers a pop of flavor or creamy texture you’ll want in every sip, so don’t skimp—even if you’re tempted!

• Heavy whipping cream: This is the secret to ultra-rich, velvety pumpkin cold foam that sits beautifully on top of your latte.
• Whole milk: Just a touch adds body to the cold foam and helps it blend seamlessly with the other flavors.
• Canned pumpkin puree: Real pumpkin gives the foam its unmistakable autumn color and earthy sweetness—make sure you’re using puree, not pumpkin pie filling!
• Vanilla syrup: Sweet, fragrant, and essential for tying the creamy foam together with a gentle touch of dessert-like flavor.
• Pumpkin pie spice: Just a pinch brings cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves front and center, making every sip smell and taste irresistible.
• Milk of choice (for the latte): 2% milk gives a classic creamy feel, but any milk you love will work perfectly—try oat or almond for a dairy-free twist.
• Chai tea concentrate: Pre-made chai is a huge time-saver and delivers robust black tea and spice flavor with zero fuss.
• Ice: Not an ingredient per se, but plenty of cubes are vital for chilling and diluting your drink to that perfect café-style strength!

How to Make Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Copycat)

Step 1: Whip Up the Pumpkin Cold Foam

Start by pouring the heavy cream, whole milk, pumpkin puree, vanilla syrup, and pumpkin pie spice into a mason jar or a glass measuring cup—something roomy enough for frothing. Grab your milk frother and whip it all together for about 10 to 20 seconds until everything is beautifully creamy, airy, and well-blended. The pumpkin cold foam should look supple and just thick enough to pour in a billowy cloud over your latte. Set it aside while you get your chai ready.

Step 2: Assemble the Iced Chai Latte

Fill a tall glass with a generous amount of ice. Pour in your preferred milk (about half a cup) for that creamy café-style body, followed by half a cup of spicy chai tea concentrate. The ice chills everything instantly, so you get a refreshing sip with every gulp—no watered-down flavors here!

Step 3: Top and Serve

Gently spoon or pour your homemade pumpkin cold foam over the top of the iced chai latte. Don’t worry if it cascades down the sides—those streaks of pumpkin foam are half the fun and make your drink look ultra-inviting. Grab a straw and swirl it all together for the perfect marriage of spice, tea, and pumpkin cream. Sip and savor immediately!

How to Serve Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Copycat)

Garnishes

For a festive finishing touch, try a light sprinkle of extra pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon right on top of the pumpkin foam. If you’re feeling a bit decadent, a tiny dollop of whipped cream and a cinnamon stick make your Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Copycat) look and feel like a true treat, perfect for impressing friends (or just yourself!)

Side Dishes

This frosty latte was practically made for pairing with classic autumn bakes—think pumpkin bread, spice muffins, or crisp biscotti. If you’re enjoying it as an afternoon pick-me-up, a small plate of cookies or even a bowl of crunchy granola makes a delightful match without overpowering your creamy, spiced drink.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your presentation up a notch by serving your latte in clear glass mugs or tall mason jars to show off those gorgeous pumpkin and chai layers. For brunch gatherings, offer a DIY Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Copycat) bar, complete with a toppings station—mini marshmallows, extra spices, and caramel drizzle all bring café vibes home in style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftover pumpkin cold foam (lucky you!), transfer it to an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll stay delicious for about one day—the foam may lose some of its pillowy texture but can be revived with a quick whisk or another spin with the milk frother. Assembled lattes are best enjoyed fresh for maximum flavor and texture.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t ideal for finished lattes or the pumpkin cream itself, since dairy tends to separate and compromise the texture when thawed. If you’re determined to prep ahead for busy mornings, try freezing extra chai tea concentrate in ice cube trays—these melt right into your drink for that just-made taste and chill.

Reheating

The Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Copycat) is meant to be served cold, but you can warm things up if you like! Simply assemble your chai latte base, omit the ice, and carefully heat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Froth the pumpkin cream separately, then spoon it over the hot latte for a cozy twist—think of it as your own pumpkin chai tea “steamer.”

FAQs

Can I use non-dairy milk for this recipe?

Absolutely! The Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Copycat) works beautifully with oat, almond, soy, or even coconut milk, so feel free to substitute based on your taste or dietary needs. The pumpkin cold foam is richest with dairy, but you can use coconut cream or thick oat milk for a plant-based version.

What’s the best chai concentrate to use?

Choose a chai concentrate you love to sip on its own—some are spicier, others are sweeter, so let your palate guide you. Brands like Tazo and Oregon Chai are easy to find in most grocery stores and deliver that bold, fragrant base essential for this recipe.

Can I adjust the sweetness?

Of course. If you prefer a less sweet Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Copycat), simply reduce the amount of vanilla syrup in the pumpkin cold foam or opt for unsweetened chai concentrate. You can always add more syrup or a pinch of sugar after tasting!

Is canned pumpkin puree the same as pumpkin pie filling?

No, they’re not interchangeable! Pure pumpkin puree is just cooked and blended pumpkin, whereas pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices. For this recipe, always use plain puree to avoid your foam turning overly sweet or spiced.

What if I don’t have a milk frother?

No problem—just add your pumpkin cream ingredients to a mason jar, screw on the lid, and shake vigorously until frothy. A handheld whisk, a blender, or even a small electric mixer can also do the trick in a pinch.

Final Thoughts

There’s something extra special about treating yourself to a homemade Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Copycat)—it’s easy, endlessly customizable, and always guaranteed to bring a little autumn magic to your day. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself making this quick, creamy favorite on repeat, well beyond sweater season!

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