I admit it. I’m a coffee snob. I love to have a hot, aromatic cup of java in the morning when I start work.
I also love Starbucks. Before I cut way back on sugar in my diet, I used to indulge in their flavored coffee drinks whenever I’d visit a Starbucks. Since then, I just order black coffee with room on top. Then, I add my own unsweetened coconut milk and a packet of Sweetleaf Stevia.
When I spotted the Copycat Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe over on the ABC News Lifestyle blog, I gave it a try. It’s a great recipe, but it was way too sweet. So, I decided to try and create a healthier version that I could feel really good about.
My recipe actually creates a smaller batch because I don’t think I could ever drink 64 pumpkin spice lattes before I stopped enjoying them. I also like to use more coffee in my latte and less milk. You can also use my healthy Coconut Milk Coffee Creamer to give it a fabulous, creamy taste. So, give it a try! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup pure Stevia
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 cup canned pure pumpkin
- 6 ounces unsweetened coconut milk (or your choice of milk)
- Or try my healthy Coconut Milk Coffee Creamer
- 6 ounces strong brewed coffee or espresso
Instructions
- Add the Stevia and 1 cup water to a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat, whisking until the Stevia dissolves.
- Add the cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice and pumpkin.
- Simmer about 5 minutes, whisking occasionally.
- Remove from the heat and set aside for about 5 minutes.
- Strain through a fine-mesh strainer into an airtight container. (I use a small canning jar)
- Store in the refrigerator for up to one month.
- Microwave the milk on high for about 1 minute or until very hot.
- If you like frothy milk, blend in a blender for about 20 seconds (I froth my milk using my Capresso Ultima machine)
- Put 1 to 2 tablespoons pumpkin spice syrup in the bottom of a mug.
- Add the coffee and warm milk.
Notes
I choose to keep my sugar intake low, so I use pure Stevia to sweeten this recipe. If you'd rather use regular sugar, substitute the Stevia for 1 cup sugar.
ALSO, when I've been in a hurry, I've skipped the straining of the syrup. It tastes just fine, but you may notice small flecks of the ingredients in your coffee.
When making your latte, you may prefer a stronger coffee flavor as I do. Feel free to adjust the ratio of coffee and milk to suit your taste.
Julie Smith is a certified Life Coach, Leadership Coach and Health Coach. She empowers others to create calm and clarity through work and life transitions. Together, they build confidence, create postive change, and greater well-being so they can lead themselves and the organizations and families they serve. Her clients include purpose-driven professionals, leaders and organizations. 
