There's nothing quite like that first sip of an iced pumpkin cream chai tea latte when the weather starts cooling down. This creamy, spiced drink has become a fall favorite for coffee lovers everywhere, and honestly, making an iced pumpkin cream chai tea latte at home is way easier than you think. The best part? You can skip the long lines and expensive coffee shop prices.
With this simple guide, you'll learn exactly how to make an iced pumpkin cream chai tea latte that tastes just like the famous Starbucks version, but with your own personal touch. The iced pumpkin cream chai tea latte is the perfect blend of warm spices and creamy pumpkin flavor that works for any time of day.
Making your own iced pumpkin cream chai tea latte lets you control the sweetness, creaminess, and strength of the chai spices. Whether you're a chai tea lover looking to switch things up or someone discovering this drink for the first time, this recipe is about to become your go-to fall drink. Best of all, once you master this iced pumpkin cream chai tea latte, you can tweak it based on your mood and what you have in your kitchen.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
The iced pumpkin cream chai tea latte combines two beloved fall flavors into one incredible drink. Chai tea brings that warming, aromatic blend of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves; while the pumpkin cream adds a smooth, slightly sweet layer that makes this drink feel like fall in a glass. This recipe stands out because it focuses on real, simple ingredients instead of artificial flavoring; giving you a homemade version that feels genuine and tastes amazing.
What makes this iced pumpkin cream chai tea latte so special is how balanced it is. You get the boldness of the chai spices, the sweetness of the pumpkin cream, the smoothness of milk, and the cooling power of ice all working together. The iced pumpkin cream chai tea latte has become such a popular copycat recipe because people love recreating Starbucks drinks at home, and this one is definitely worth the effort. With just a few ingredients and about five minutes of your time, you'll have a café-quality drink that feels fancy but tastes comforting.
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Ingredients
For the Iced Chai Tea Base
Chai tea bags (or 1 tablespoon loose chai tea)
Hot water
Honey or agave syrup
Ice cubes
For the Pumpkin Cream Mixture
Heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free) ;
Pumpkin puree (canned or fresh) ;
Vanilla extract ;
Maple syrup or brown sugar ;
Pumpkin pie spice ;
Pinch of salt
To Serve
Milk of choice (whole milk, oat milk, or almond milk work great)
Additional ice cubes
Whipped cream or pumpkin cold foam topping
Why These Ingredients Matter: Chai tea bags give you all those warming spices in one convenient package. Pumpkin puree adds natural flavor and creaminess without being overpowering. The pumpkin pie spice blend (which contains cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves) deepens the fall flavor profile. Using real vanilla and maple syrup keeps this drink tasting natural and delicious.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Step 1; Brew Your Chai Tea
- Pour 8 ounces of hot water into a mug or small pot.
- Add your chai tea bags and let them steep for 4 to 5 minutes.
- Remove the tea bags and stir in 1 tablespoon of honey to sweeten it.
- Set the brewed chai tea aside and let it cool slightly while you prepare the other components.
Step 2; Create the Pumpkin Cream Mixture
- In a small bowl, combine the heavy cream, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice.
- Whisk these ingredients together until smooth and well combined.
- Make sure there are no lumps of pumpkin; the mixture should be creamy and uniform.
- This is your secret weapon for getting that signature creamy texture that makes the iced pumpkin cream chai tea latte so good.
Step 3; Assemble Your Drink
- Fill a tall glass about three-quarters full with ice cubes.
- Pour your cooled chai tea over the ice.
- Add your ½ cup of milk, stirring gently to combine.
- Now slowly pour the pumpkin cream mixture on top; letting it create a beautiful layered effect if you want that café look.
Step 4; Final Touches and Serving
- Stir everything together or leave it layered; it's totally up to you.
- Top with whipped cream or pumpkin cold foam if you're feeling fancy.
- Add a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon on top for extra visual appeal.
- Grab a straw and enjoy your homemade iced pumpkin cream chai tea latte right away.
Expert Cooking Tips
Making the perfect iced pumpkin cream chai tea latte is all about getting the details right. Here are the pro tips that will make your drink shine every single time;
- Use Quality Chai Tea Bags; Invest in good-quality chai tea bags or loose-leaf chai; the flavor difference is noticeable and makes your iced pumpkin cream chai tea latte taste much better.
- Don't Skip the Cooling Step; Always let your brewed chai cool slightly before adding the milk and ice. Pouring hot tea over cold ingredients can water everything down.
- Make Your Own Pumpkin Cream in Batches; Prepare a larger batch of the pumpkin cream mixture and store it in the fridge. You'll have your iced pumpkin cream chai tea latte ready in seconds on busy mornings.
- Experiment with Milk Types; Oat milk adds natural sweetness; almond milk keeps it light; whole milk makes it extra creamy. Find your favorite and stick with it.
- Control the Sweetness; If you like it less sweet, use less honey in the chai and less maple syrup in the pumpkin cream. You can always add more; but you can't take it out.
- Create Pumpkin Cold Foam; Blend the pumpkin cream mixture with an extra tablespoon of heavy cream to get an airy foam topping that looks exactly like the Starbucks version of an iced pumpkin cream chai tea latte.
- Temperature Matters; Cold ingredients mixed with slightly warm tea create the perfect drinking temperature. You want it refreshing but not ice-cold within two minutes.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
There are so many fun ways to make this iced pumpkin cream chai tea latte your own. Check out these creative twists;
Make It Even Creamier
Swap regular milk for cold brew coffee mixed with milk for an iced pumpkin cream chai tea latte that has extra depth. You could also use sweetened condensed milk for an ultra-creamy version that tastes more indulgent. If you want it dairy-free, coconut milk creates the richest texture while almond milk keeps it lighter and fresher.
Add Extra Spices
Go all-in on the fall vibes by adding a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or even a tiny bit of black pepper to your pumpkin cream mixture. Some people love adding a shot of espresso to their iced pumpkin cream chai tea latte for a more coffee-forward drink. You could also muddle fresh ginger in the bottom of your glass before adding ice for a more authentic chai experience.
Flavor Variations
Replace pumpkin puree with butternut squash puree for a slightly different flavor profile. Try using cinnamon syrup instead of maple syrup for a spicier kick. Some people make their iced pumpkin cream chai tea latte with brown sugar syrup for a deeper molasses flavor. You could also experiment with caramel syrup mixed into the pumpkin cream for something sweeter and more decadent.
Lower-Sugar Options
Use sugar-free vanilla syrup and sugar-free pumpkin spice syrup to cut down on calories while keeping the taste amazing. Monk fruit sweetener or stevia work great as honey replacements in the chai base. Unsweetened pumpkin puree combined with a small amount of sweetener lets you control exactly how much sugar goes into your iced pumpkin cream chai tea latte.
Equipment Recommendations
To make the best iced pumpkin cream chai tea latte, you'll want to have these items on hand;
- Tall Iced Beverage Glasses; 16 to 20-ounce glasses are ideal for this drink with plenty of room for ice and toppings.
- Tea Infuser or Strainer; Makes brewing loose-leaf chai easier if you go that route instead of tea bags.
- Small Whisk or Fork; Perfect for mixing the pumpkin cream until it's completely smooth.
- Blender (Optional); If you want to create pumpkin cold foam for your iced pumpkin cream chai tea latte, a small blender or milk frother works wonders.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups; Accuracy matters when you're trying to replicate that Starbucks taste.
- Stainless Steel Straws; Reusable straws work great and look nice when you're sipping your homemade iced pumpkin cream chai tea latte.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Prep your iced pumpkin cream chai tea latte like a pro so you can enjoy it whenever you want;
Make-Ahead Pumpkin Cream
Prepare your pumpkin cream mixture in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This way, making your iced pumpkin cream chai tea latte every morning takes just a few minutes. You could even portion it into small mason jars so you can grab one and go.
Brew Chai in Batches
Make a big batch of chai tea concentrate by brewing multiple tea bags in hot water for 5 minutes; then let it cool. Store this concentrate in the fridge for up to one week. Each morning, just pour some concentrate into a glass with ice and milk to create your iced pumpkin cream chai tea latte quickly.
Storage Guidelines
; The pumpkin cream mixture lasts 5 days refrigerated in a sealed container. ; Brewed chai tea stays fresh for up to 7 days when covered and refrigerated. ; Pre-made iced pumpkin cream chai tea latte should be consumed within 1 day for best flavor. ; The pumpkin cream will naturally separate a bit; just give it a quick stir before using.
Freezing Options
You can freeze the pumpkin cream mixture in ice cube trays for long-term storage lasting up to 2 months. Pop out a few cubes whenever you want an iced pumpkin cream chai tea latte. You can also freeze leftover brewed chai tea in the same way for quick smoothie bases or future iced drinks.
Top Tip
Sometimes the simplest tricks make the biggest difference in your iced pumpkin cream chai tea latte. The real secret is letting your brewed chai cool to room temperature before mixing it with cold ingredients. This prevents the drink from becoming watered down and keeps all those delicious chai spices tasting bold and fresh. When you skip this step; the warm tea melts the ice too quickly and dilutes everything.
Another game-changer for making your iced pumpkin cream chai tea latte taste exactly like the café version is using a milk frother to create pumpkin cold foam instead of just pouring cream on top. Blend your pumpkin cream mixture with an extra splash of heavy cream until it's light and airy; then float it on top of your drink. This one technique transforms your homemade iced pumpkin cream chai tea latte from good to absolutely incredible; and it looks so impressive that your friends will think you spent ten dollars at a fancy coffee shop.
FAQ
What's in the Starbucks Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte?
The Starbucks version combines their signature chai tea concentrate with 2 percent milk and is topped with their famous pumpkin cream cold foam made from cream, pumpkin puree, sugar; and spices. This homemade iced pumpkin cream chai tea latte recipe recreates that exact experience using readily available ingredients you probably have at home or can grab easily from any grocery store.
What Does the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte Taste Like?
Expect a creamy, mildly sweet drink with prominent warm spices from the chai tea. The pumpkin adds a subtle nuttiness and smoothness that balances the boldness of the tea. It tastes like autumn in a glass; comforting and sophisticated at the same time. The iced pumpkin cream chai tea latte is warming despite being served cold; which is part of its magic.
How Do You Order Pumpkin Chai Latte at Starbucks?
Simply ask for an iced chai tea latte and request adding their pumpkin cream cold foam on top. You can also ask the barista to add a pump or two of their pumpkin sauce if you want extra pumpkin flavor in your iced pumpkin cream chai tea latte base. Many Starbucks locations have it on their seasonal menu during fall months; so check your app or ask in-store.
How to Make Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Less Calories?
Use sugar-free vanilla syrup instead of honey; swap heavy cream for half-and-half or milk in your pumpkin cream; and reduce the maple syrup to just half a tablespoon. These adjustments let you enjoy your iced pumpkin cream chai tea latte without all the extra calories. Using unsweetened pumpkin puree and monk fruit sweetener cuts even more sugar while keeping the taste delicious.
Your New Fall Favorite Is Ready
The beauty of making your own iced pumpkin cream chai tea latte at home is the freedom to customize it exactly how you like it. Once you master this recipe; you'll never wait in a coffee shop line again when you're craving those cozy fall flavors. Your homemade iced pumpkin cream chai tea latte rivals the café version at a fraction of the cost; and you get to enjoy it whenever you want.
Ready to expand your fall drink repertoire? Try pairing your iced pumpkin cream chai tea latte with an Iced Peach Green Tea Lemonade Recipe for a refreshing twist on the season; or balance it with a Homemade Apple Iced Tea Recipe that brings warm apple cinnamon notes to your fall beverage collection. Each of these drinks brings something special to your autumn drink rotation; so experiment and find your perfect combination.
With love from my kitchen to yours,
Taylor Monroe
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this iced pumpkin cream chai tea latte recipe:
Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Tall glass 16–20 oz recommended
- 1 Small bowl For pumpkin cream
- 1 Whisk or milk frother For mixing cream or cold foam
- 1 Saucepan or kettle To brew chai
- 1 Measuring cups and spoons Accuracy helps replicate Starbucks flavor
Ingredients
- 2 bags chai tea or 1 tablespoon loose chai tea
- 8 ounces hot water for brewing tea
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
- 1 cup ice cubes divided for serving
- ¼ cup heavy cream or coconut cream for dairy-free
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree canned or fresh
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract adds smooth sweetness
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice adds warm fall flavor
- 1 pinch salt balances sweetness
- ½ cup milk of choice oat, almond, or whole milk work great
- optional whipped cream or pumpkin cold foam for topping
Instructions
- Brew chai tea in hot water for 4–5 minutes, then stir in honey and let it cool.
- Whisk together heavy cream, pumpkin puree, vanilla, maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth.
- Fill a tall glass with ice, pour in the cooled chai, add milk, and top with pumpkin cream mixture.
- Add optional whipped cream or pumpkin cold foam, sprinkle pumpkin pie spice, and serve immediately.
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