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This Pumpkin Spice Steamer will warm you on a cold, autumn day. The drink is rich and creamy with flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
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The first time I had a Pumpkin Steamer was at a Kneader’s bakery. It was a chilly autumn day and something creamy and pumpkin-y just sounded perfect. Needless to say that steamer was far from my last. I immediately knew I had made the right choice and that I was going to figure out a way to make it at home. I’m not going to lie, I like my version even better!
So many local cafes and bakeries, as well as Starbucks, carry a pumpkin spice steamer drink around this time of year, and while they are delicious, they can get a little pricey when everyone in the family wants one! From what I can tell, most places use a pumpkin flavoring, not pure pumpkin. You can really taste the difference.
This recipe uses real pumpkin! You can use 100% pure pumpkin from a can or you puree your own from a cooked pumpkin. That may not sound too appetizing, but if you like pumpkin pie, you will LOVE this drink. It is so flavorful and comforting. I highly recommend you make up a batch of Pumpkin Spice Steamer on Halloween night to keep your trick-or-treaters warm and toasty.
Steamer Ingredients
Get ready for a mug of deliciousness! These ingredients are pantry staples and easy to whisk together. Create one of the most popular drinks from Starbucks right in your own home.
- Milk – I like the balance of the 2% milk with some heavy cream. I tried this recipe the first time with straight 1% milk and skim milk, trying to stay on the healthy side, but the consistency and flavor of the drink were too weak.
- Heavy cream – Your dairy mixture is going to be thick and creamy, just the way you want it.
- Pumpkin puree – Is rich, soft, and made from a real pumpkin. You will not want to use pumpkin pie filling. But real pumpkin puree adds authentic pumpkin flavor to this homemade pumpkin spice latte.
- Brown sugar – Light brown sugar or dark brown sugar both work for this recipe.
- Sweetened condensed milk – You can’t go wrong with extra sweetness to a hot beverage!
- Pumpkin pie spice – This adds all the fall feelings!
- Vanilla extract – Always adds in a dash of flavor!
- Whipped cream – Top off the drink with a light and airy cream for an extra creamy texture.
- Cinnamon – Gives a hint of spice!
Starbucks Copycat, but Better!
If you’re obsessed with Pumpkin Spice latte drinks from Starbucks, you will love this version. Pumpkin drinks on the menu at Starbucks can be expensive, and even if they are full of fall flavor, they can empty your bank account fairly quickly. So instead of swinging through a drive-thru, whip up a batch of this delicious comfort drink to satisfy that fall beverage craving. It has a similar flavor to the pumpkin spice crème Frappuccino. So delicious!
Health Benefits of Pumpkin
There truly are great health benefits that come from eating pumpkin – and this Pumpkin Spice Steamer drink uses real pumpkin. Pumpkin has a squash-like taste and texture, and whenever pumpkin is added it brings a lot of flavor to recipes. It’s worth giving it a try to get the boost of vitamins and antioxidants pumpkin provides.
- Better Eyesight – One cup of cooked pumpkin contains more than 200% of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin A. Vitamin A aids vision, especially vision in dim lighting.
- Weight Loss – One cup of cooked pumpkin has 3 grams of fiber and only 49 calories! This makes you feel a little better when you eat that slice of pumpkin pie, right? Fiber makes you feel fuller longer, so you eat less.
- Possible cancer and wrinkle prevention – Like carrots, sweet potatoes, and butternut squash, pumpkin is loaded with beta-carotene. According to the National Cancer Institute, beta-carotene may play a role in cancer prevention. Health Magazine also reported that the carotenoids in pumpkins can also help keep skin wrinkle-free.
- Energy – Pumpkin contains more potassium than bananas! Potassium restores electrolyte balance after a workout and keeps muscles functioning at their best.
Tips and Variations
This creamy pumpkin spice steamer is always a popular drink in the fall. Make this drink just the way you like it with the best tips and extra variations to help create the drink of your dreams. Soon you will be enjoying the rich pumpkin spice flavor and a dollop of whipped cream on top, this drink is sure to be the best!
- Dairy – When you are making this recipe, you can play with the balance of milk and heavy cream, or even try half and half or whole milk depending on how creamy you like your hot drinks. If you’d rather make it dairy-free, you can try oat milk or almond milk instead.
- Cooking – It is best to simmer the warm drink in a heavy bottom saucepan on low heat. Depending on how much you are making you can use either a small saucepan or medium. Make sure to stir so the milk it doesn’t scald or boil.
- Almonds – Rather than having dairy, change the flavor with almonds, almond milk, and add some shredded toasted coconut or a dollop of coconut whip on top. Using this variation basically alters the taste and flavoring of the drink.
- Pumpkin pie spice – Make your own homemade pumpkin pie mix with cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Give it an extra kick with some allspice too.
- Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetener.
- Turn your steamer into an iced pumpkin spice latte by adding ice to the drink, and give it a little shake.
- Since this drink doesn’t have coffee, you can enjoy it caffeine-free.
“This is literally fall in a cup! Loved the cozy flavors in this. Will definitely be making again once it gets colder 🙂”
-Emily
Frequently Asked Questions
A pumpkin spice steamer is a milk-based beverage that has steamed milk with pumpkin pie spice mix. Add whipped cream on top and dust extra fall spices to make this a delicious hot beverage.
I like to leave the drink in a slow cooker during a party on the warm setting. Throughout the party, I will make sure to go and stir it together so the spices don’t settle at the bottom.
I love to serve these drinks with our Pumpkin Cobbler, Pumpkin Coffee Cake or in the mornings with Pumpkin Waffles. It can also be served with our Fall Trifle Recipe for an easy to make dessert combo.
Warm Up with More Delicious Drinks this Season
Make the drink the star of the party! We all love to celebrate and when we do so, we have a cup in our hand. Celebrate any holiday big or small with a fun beverage that is delicious and beautiful!
Pumpkin Spice Steamer
Video
Ingredients
- 3 cups milk 2% or whole
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup pumpkin puree 100% pure pumpkin
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 Tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Toppings
- whipped cream
- ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Blend all steamer ingredients in a blender until smooth and frothy.
- Pour into a large pot. Heat on medium-high, stirring constantly, until warmed through, about 5 minutes. Make sure to stir so the milk doesn't scald or boil.
- Pour into mugs.
- Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with cinnamon.
Notes
How to Serve This Drink at a Party
- When I serve this drink at a party, I like to leave it in a slow cooker on the warm setting. Throughout the party, I will make sure to go and stir it so the spices don’t settle at the bottom.
- When you are making this recipe, you can play with the balance of milk and heavy cream or even try half-and-half, depending on how creamy you like your hot drinks. If you’d rather make it dairy-free, you can try oat milk or almond milk instead.
- It is best to simmer this drink in a heavy-bottom saucepan on low heat.
Nutrition Information
This is an absolutely amazing recipe! You must follow it to the TV if you had too much of anything else it kind of gets off kilter so just follow the recipe perfectly. Also if I’m really feeling indulgent I will make this and put it in a thermos cup to keep it warm and then stop by my favorite coffee shop and put in a shot of espresso. Best pumpkin spice latte ever!
So glad you like it! It’s my favorite in the fall.
This is delicious!
I want to make it for a party of about 40 people. What would you suggest for the spices? Should I add less pumpkin pie spice? I’ve noticed that sometimes there is a point where you don’t actually need the full amount of spices.
I will probably 5x the recipe in 2 different crock pots.
I would start with a few teaspoons and then taste it and see how you feel! You can always add more!
Loved it! Thank you for sharing 🙂
I really like how you cook, simple and fun.
Made with Almond/Cashew milk – added 4 scoops collagen – Amazingly delicious !
Huh… never heard the word steamer! Very interesting drink, seems so delicious and warming! Thank you for the recipe!
This looks so delicious and tasty! I can’t wait to give this a try!
What a great idea! I can’t wait to try this.
This is literally fall in a cup! Loved the cozy flavors in this. Will definitely be making again once it gets colder 🙂
My daughter loves when I make steamers for her and this pumpkin one was so good!! We will be making this on repeat all Fall!
This looks so yumm! I want it
Drinking it now….best pumpkin steamer out there! Better than Starbucks. Thank you!
So glad you like it! Thanks for the 5-stars!
I made this today and it was yummy.
nice, love that you’re using the real thing! The flavoring definitely has a “flavoring” aftertaste that gives it away as artificial, also good idea to serve it in a slow cooker and finally, good to know which milk fat works best, thank you for all for all of this!
You are very welcome! Glad you liked it!
This sounds wonderful. Does it keep in the refrigerator for a few days? I’m the only one in my household who would drink it but don’t think I want to drink 4 cups in one day:) Thanks for sharing.
Hi Cheryl, Yes, it will keep for a few days in the fridge. You will just want to make sure you stir it very well before pouring out a cup to reheat. Enjoy! It is delicious!
do ou have to use heavy cream too
You don’t have to use heavy cream. It will taste really good and it be really creamy if you do. You can substitute half and half or add more whole milk, or even skim milk. It will change the richness and even the taste of the drink some, but it will still have the delicious flavor of the pumpkin and the spices. Good question. Thank you for asking!
I can’t have dairy, but do ok with butter and goat cheese. Any tips because I’ve heard goat milk is pretty strong… I hated drinking milk as a kid and my parents were uneducated on allergies, to say the least. 🤦🏼♀️ Am I completely out of luck? I’m 57, and pumpkin pie is my fave, but I don’t have much any more, and I can’t cook which makes matters worse. 😢
You can make this with almond milk and it will turn out great. It might not be as thick and creamy, but you could use a non-dairy cream substitute to make it more creamy. Good luck!
These look delicious. I could use one now 🙂 Pinned.