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This pumpkin cream cold brew recipe is the fall drink of your dreams! Super-silky smooth and full of that pumpkin flavor we all know and love, you’ll fall in love with this homemade oat milk cold brew recipe that is better than the Starbucks version!
It truly isn’t pumpkin season until you’ve had your first pumpkin coffee. And although it might still be 90 degrees out where you are (it is here for me!), once you take that first sip suddenly it’s all about boots, cozy sweaters, pumpkin patches, and baking a loaf of pumpkin bread. Am I right or am I right?!
If you follow me on Instagram then you know I’m a fan of pumpkin year-round, and especially in the fall. I saw a funny meme the other day that said there are only two seasons. Fall and waiting for fall. I couldn’t agree more!
What is a Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew with Sweet Cream Cold Foam?
New in 2019, the pumpkin cream cold brew was Starbuck’s newest addition to the pumpkin spice latte family. They describe it as a “super smooth fall treat” and I’ve got to say, I totally agree. The pumpkin cream cold foam is uber silky and super pumpkin-y.
It’s essentially cold brew coffee (ice, with brewed coffee) with vanilla syrup added, and topped with a semi-sweet pumpkin cream cold foam topping. The topping is made from cream and pumpkin spice sauce.
If you haven’t tried it and love all things pumpkin, it’s simply a must. But for the days you want to make coffee at home, this recipe is the perfect stand in!
Homemade Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew vs. Starbucks’ Version
This recipe gives Starbucks a run for its money. Here are a few reasons why my recipe wins over Starbucks’ in my opinion:
- Made dairy free (theirs is not)
- Lower in sugar (theirs has 31 grams)
- Cheaper (I didn’t calculate cause math’s not my thing but I’m assuming here!).
I know you’ll love it! So let’s start at the beginning and make this delicious pumpkin coffee drink at home!
Homemade Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew Recipe Ingredients
1. Cold brew or iced coffee
Starbucks uses cold brew in the traditional drink but you could totally use iced coffee too. I used Califia Farms.
2. Milk: Unsweetened oat milk, other non-dairy, or dairy milk of your choice
I used oat milk in this recipe because it has a higher fat content than other non-dairy milks like almond. This makes it thicker and gives it those silky-smooth vibes. I ended up testing this recipe with two different oat milks and it worked well with both.
My very favorite oat milk to use for coffee is this one. I also think this recipe would work really well with this Califia Farms Almond Milk Half and Half. It’s on the thicker side and dairy free. I usually find it at Whole Foods or Target.
If you prefer cow’s milk, you can sub that in for the oat milk too!
3. Pumpkin puree
Hopefully you’ve stocked up because if you’re going to make any recipe you see on this blog you’re going to need it! P.S. make sure it’s pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie mix. Pumpkin puree is just pumpkin while pumpkin pie mix contains added sugar.
4. Maple syrup
Maple syrup offers the perfect amount of sweetness without being overpowering in flavor. Honey would also be a great natural sweetener to use in this recipe.
5. Pumpkin spice or cinnamon
Either one of these will work! If you can’t find pumpkin spice you can definitely make your own or use cinnamon.
6. Vanilla extract
The Starbucks version contains vanilla syrup. I’m lightening things up with no added sugar from this ingredient by using vanilla extract.
7. Salt
Trust me on this one you need a pinch of salt to really bring out the flavors.
Equipment Needed to Make This Starbucks Cold Brew Recipe
- Milk frother – this Aeroccino frother is the one I have. I use it everyday and love it! This hand-held frother would also work!
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
How to Make Pumpkin Sweet Cream Cold Foam
Add the the oat milk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, pumpkin spice or cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt to a frother. You can also use a hand-held frother to get it nice and frothy (a high-speed blender on the highest setting would also work).
How to Make Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew Coffee with Pumpkin Cold Foam
- Make the pumpkin cream cold foam. Combine the ingredients for the pumpkin cream cold foam in a small saucepan. Whisk until combined, remove from heat, transfer to a cup and refrigerate to let cool.
- Get your cold brew ready. Pour a glass of cold brew or iced coffee.
- Make your sweet cream cold foam. See instructions below!
- Put it together and start sipping! Pour the pumpkin cream over the cold brew, top with extra pumpkin spice, and enjoy! The cold foam will slightly mix with the coffee.
Alternatively, you can make this recipe by making this homemade pumpkin spice syrup, adding that to oat milk and frothing it and then pouring your cold brew on top!
Nutrition of Starbucks’ vs. This Homemade Version
| Nutrient | Grande Starbucks Pumpkin Cold Brew Nutrition | Homemade Pumpkin Cold Brew with Oat Milk | Homemade Pumpkin Cold Brew with Almond Milk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal | 150 kcal | 90 kcal |
| Fat | 12 grams | 4 grams | 5 grams |
| Carbs | 31 grams | 26 grams | 13 grams |
| Sugar | 31 grams | 10 grams | 6 g added sugar |
| Protein | 3 grams | 2 grams | – |
Because the sugar is so high in the Starbuck’s version, I would definitely put this drink in the treat category vs. an everyday type of drink! My recipe is lower in sugar and calories if you’re looking for a healthier alternative.
Cost Comparison of Pumpkin Cold Brew at Starbucks vs. At Home
| Grande Starbucks Pumpkin Cold Brew Nutrition | Homemade Pumpkin Cold Brew with Oat Milk | Homemade Pumpkin Cold Brew with Almond Milk | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Estimated Cost | $5.25 depending on store and tax | $3.34 | $3.32 |
Is The Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew Made Dairy-Free at Starbucks?!
Unfortunately no, because it is made with cream it’s not dairy free. As of right now there isn’t a way to order it dairy free. My recipe is a great dairy-free option!
How I Order the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew at Starbucks
I want to get one thing straight – although I’m a dietitian, I’m not the food police! That said, I don’t think it’s the worst thing if you want to treat yourself to the real version of this drink a few times during the season. I just don’t think it’s an everyday kind of thing.
Here’s how I would order it if I want something that’s less sweet, and dairy free but still full of pumpkin flavor:
- tall
- light pumpkin spice topping
- 1 pump of vanilla syrup OR 1/2 pump OR no vanilla syrup OR 1 pump sugar-free vanilla syrup
A grande would have 2-3 pumps of syrup in it, which is way too much in my opinion taste and sugar wise! I think one or half would definitely do the trick if you’re looking for something less sweet.
Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew with Pumpkin Cold Foam
Maggie Michalczyk, RDN
This homemade pumpkin cream cold brew recipe with pumpkin cold foam is super silky-smooth, dairy-free recipe that's better than Starbucks!
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Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 5 minutes mins
Servings 1 serving
Equipment
Small saucepan
Whisk
Frother
Ingredients
Pumpkin cold foam:
- 1 cup oat milk
- 1 1/2 tbsp. pumpkin puree
- 1 tbsp. maple syrup
- 1 tsp. pumpkin spice or cinnamon
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- pinch of salt
Pumpkin cold foam cold brew:
- 1 cup cold brew coffee
- handful of ice
- sprinkle of pumpkin spice
Instructions
In a small saucepan combine the oat milk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, vanilla, pumpkin spice, and salt over low to medium heat. Whisk to combine until it's slightly steaming but not boiling. Alternatively, you can combine all of the ingredients in a glass and use a hand-held frother to mix together.
Remove from heat and pour into a glass. Refrigerate for 5-10 minutes.
Remove from the fridge and add to a milk frother. Froth until nice and frothy.
Add to a glass with ice and pour the cold brew on top or add the cold brew first and pour the milk mixture on top. Sprinkle extra pumpkin spice on top and enjoy! Cold pumpkin foam can be stored in the fridge for up to a day but may need to be re-frothed.
Notes
You can also make this homemade pumpkin spice syrup, add that to your oat milk and froth it and pour your cold brew on top.
Keyword homemade pumpkin cream cold brew, pumpkin coffee, pumpkin cold foam, pumpkin cream cold brew, pumpkin cream cold brew; starbucks pumpkin cream cold brew; pumpkin spice latte
Pumpkin Recipes to Pair with Pumpkin Coffee
Sip on your pumpkin coffee and enjoy one of these healthy pumpkin recipes all fall long! Whether hitting the pumpkin patch or just taking in the season, enjoy the season a little more with these recipes you’re sure to fall in love with!
- Pumpkin Cookie Protein Balls {GF & DF}
- Pumpkin Chickpea Blondies {GF & DF}
- Pumpkin S’mores Bars {GF & DF}
- Pumpkin Zucchini Bread {GF & DF}
- Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oats {GF& DF}
If you like this pumpkin coffee drink recipe, be sure to check out this recipe for a hot pumpkin spice oat milk latte.
pin this pumpkin recipe for later!
This content has been updated from its original publish date in 2020.
