Crock Pot Pumpkin Spice Latte
This homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe is EASY to make and is my go-to drink when entertaining in the fall or winter. It’s made with REAL ingredients from your pantry and everyone is amazed that it’s made in a slow cooker.
Crock Pot Pumpkin Spice Latte has become a fall staple in my home. I serve it regularly anytime we host a group of people and have even taken it to fall parties and Halloween events. My mother-in-law now serves it at every Thanksgiving! It comes together quickly and smells SO delicious.
What’s in the Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe?
Unlike the Starbucks version of a Pumpkin Spice Latte, our slow cooker version includes all REAL ingredients. No artificial flavoring, no color dyes, no unrecognizable ingredients. Plus, it tastes just as rich and luxurious as their version…even better in my opinion. To make your batch, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- whole milk
- strongly brewed coffee
- pumpkin puree
- real vanilla extract (here is how to make your own vanilla at home)
- sugar
- ground cinnamon
- cinnamon sticks
Sounds delicious already, doesn’t it?! Serve this with our Snickerdoodle Cookies, and you’ll be in heaven!
More Reasons to Love Crock Pot Pumpkin Spice Latte
- It makes your house smell SOOO good. Its scent is a warm-vanilla-cinnamon-pumpkin-y aroma that’s better (and more all-natural) than any fall candle!
- It serves 15+ people. It’s a great recipe for large groups.
- It’s super easy to make and uses REAL ingredients. No syrups.
- You can make it up to 2 hours before your event, so you’re not scrambling to put it together as guests arrive.
- The taste rivals any coffee shop’s pumpkin latte. It’s warm and sweet with a hint of pumpkin flavor.
- Who doesn’t love to warm up with a special cozy drink with a bunch of friends?!
Watch How to Make Our Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte
FAQs about Crock Pot Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
Do you really use 1/4 cup of vanilla? Yep. Trust us. This recipe has been tested and retested for years. Don’t skimp on the vanilla. And please be sure to use REAL (or pure) vanilla not imitation vanilla extract.
Can I substitute non-dairy milk? Sure, you’re welcome to, but it won’t be nearly as creamy.
Can I make this ahead of time and slow cook it later? We suggest making it fresh and serving within a few hours of it being done.
Does it work to keep leftovers in the refrigerator and rewarm them? You are certainly welcome to try, but our readers have said the pumpkin gets kind of weird the next day.
Have you tried our Homemade Hot Chocolate?
Avoid all the junk in store-bought hot chocolate mix by using just 3 simple ingredients to make your own. This recipe makes the best homemade hot chocolate ever!
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Homemade crock pot pumpkin latte. This recipe is EASY to make and is my go-to drink when entertaining in the fall or winter. Try this delicious version of a coffee shop favorite!
Ingredients
- 6 cups whole milk
- 6 cups of strongly brewed coffee
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup real (or pure) vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 3 cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- In your crock pot, whisk together the milk and coffee.
- In a mixing bowl, stir or whisk together the pumpkin, vanilla, sugar and cinnamon. Add that mixture into the crockpot.
- Whisk everything together until combined and then toss in 3-4 cinnamon sticks.
- Cover the crockpot, and cook on high for 2 hours. Once guests arrive, turn down the heat to the low or warm setting.
Notes
If you don’t have a large group, you could easily halve the recipe.
I’ve been told that heating up the leftovers doesn’t work so well.
A few other fall-inspired recipes and articles you might like:
Want more pumpkin recipes?
With YEARS worth of content and recipes on Thriving Home, it can be easy to forget about some amazing pumpkin recipes that we have shared over the years. Here are our Top 10 Pumpkin Recipes that you simply must try!
I got this recipe in half does that mean I only need to put it in the crockpot for one hour?
We haven’t tested that, but I would guess you could do less time in the crockpot for it.
I want to half this recipe. Can this be made on the stovetop?
Oh yes, you could definitely do this on the stove top over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until all the flavors are combined and it’s warmed through. I would say 1-2 hours.
Hello! Any idea if I can do this recipe on my stove top? Thanks in advance!!
Could you please clarify which vanilla. I am having a heck of a time finding a non-vanilla extract, vanilla.
Thank you, can’t wait to make this!!
Try to avoid the ones labeled imitation vanilla extract. You’re looking for real or pure vanilla. It will cost more, but it tastes SO much better. Hope that helps!
Hello!! Has anyone made this in an instant pot??
I love this recipe and have made it several times in my crockpot. Just wondering how to adjust time for cooking in instant pot.
I would also like to know this!
Hi. Did you make your own pumpkin puree or did you buy canned.
We just buy the canned pumpkin puree. We find it is in most grocery stores year round in our area.
I’m also late to this recipe…but better late than never! Made for the first time today. I didn’t get much pumpkin flavor so might try adding more next time. I also think I will either add more coffee or cut back on the milk to have more coffee flavor. I brewed my coffee on the strong setting and it tasted strong, but just seem really diluted after adding everything else.
Also, it seemed like the pumpkin puree settled at the bottom of my cup. Did I need to cook it longer for things to better incorporate?
★★★★
I realize this is many years after this post, but just tried this recipe and it is delicious! Have tried other pumpkin coffee recipes and this is BY FAR the best! I substituted for unsweetened almond milk- I actually think vanilla almond milk would have been even better and may could have cut back on the added vanilla. Don’t be confused by the amount of vanilla listed on the recipe, this is correct! I just halved the recipe and was able to bring it to a simmer in a pot on the stovetop. Thank you for the delicious recipe! This is definitely one I will revisit 🙂
★★★★★
Thanks for the comment and substitution feedback, Katrina.
Thank you! I was just wondering this!!
Hello Katrina! Just wondering if you could elaborate for how long you left it on the stovetop?? Did you boil for two hours? Thanks in advance for all your help, I will be trying to make this recipe on the stove.
Thanks for sharing! Does it separate much?
can I make this without coffee? I’m allergic but this sounds so good!!
Hmmm. I think you’d really need that coffee flavor. Sorry!
Maybe try a chai tea or chai vanilla.
You just do more milk like a steamer at Starbucks. Could add heavy cream for a creamier texture.
This sounds Amazing, and I’ll be making soon!
Question: I have family members who Hate the taste of coffee, so I always make them a separate hot drink in crock pot.
ANY recommendations on what I can use as a substitute for the actual “coffee” in recipe??
Thank You in advance!!??
I’m confused. In the recipe it calls for 1/4 cup of vanilla but in one of the comments you stated it was 1/2 cup vanilla. Which is it please? I really want to try this.
Sorry for the confusion! It should be 1/4 cup vanilla.
Have you ever used cold brew Concentrate in place of the strong brewed coffee?
No I’m sorry we haven’t but it’s a good idea!
1/4 CUP of vanilla?
Yep, you read that correctly. Feel free to cut down and add to taste.
Great!
★★★★★
I made this last year for my Halloween party. Instead of milk I used 3c. Irish cream and 3 c. Rum chata, and it was delicious…cooked it in crockpot, made house smell awesome
★★★★★
Ooo, sounds delicious, Pamela. Thanks for sharing!
6 literal cups of coffee or 6 cups that’s marked on the coffee pot?
6 literal cups
This looks amazing! Will it work if I substitute almond milk or soy milk in place of the whole milk?
We haven’t tried substituting the milk, but if Starbucks can do it, it’s worth a shot!
I made this with coconut milk and it came out beautifully.
Glad to know that works!
Hi! I am SOOOOOO excited to make this for Christmas- can you please clarify how much sugar and vanilla…. Tablespoons or Cups?!?!! THANK YOU :)!
It’s all correct as listed in the recipe and has been tested many times over. Merry Christmas!
I made this for my fall Halloween party. I used a little less sugar but added some pumpkin/vanilla creamora to it. It was delicious.
Awesome!
A ½ cup of vanilla extract? Is that right?
Yep, works every time. But feel free to cut back to 1/4 cup to save $. That works too.
Hello!! I know you wrote this post many years ago but I just wanted to tell you this was amazing!!! I made this for a bunch of kids for after homecoming and it was a hit!! I was worried about the sweetness so I bought whipped cream for the top but the kids drank it up so fast I forgot the whipped cream!! Thanks again!!
★★★★★
That is awesome! I know Polly still makes this every fall, even though it’s an older recipe. P.S. Good job on hosting all those teenagers, mom!
This will be great for a halloween party I’m throwing. May I ask what size crockpot you used. I have a 6qt. Thank you
Mine was a 6 quart. That should work!
Is it really a 1/2 cup of vanilla??
Yes, but feel free to cut back to 1/4 cup if you don’t have that much.
1/2 CUP??? VANILLA EXTRACT???
Do you think there is something that could replace the pumpkin purée so it will last longer after it cools? I’m not sure what, but something pumpkin flavored?
Made this today with lactose free 2% milk. It tasted great. I also had coconut milk or almond milk in mind but decided staying as close to the original recipe would be best. I’m lactose intolerant and will make this again with lactose free whole mik. Yum!
Does anyone know if I want to put the heat on low, would it be 4 hours or how would you convert that time?
What is the brown powder spinkle on the top of the coffee in the cups?
Cinnamon
Thank you!
Hi, I’m a student that writes for a school magazine. I’m doing a page on fall recipes, I wondering if I would be able to use the picture you provide as well as the recipe, while still giving you recognition.
Thank you,
Morgan
Thanks for asking. I just emailed you about it.
What brand of vanilla do you use? I’m thinking that you might use a different type of vanilla extract than me, because I’m sure 1/2 cup of mine would be quite overpowering. Please respond!
I’ve used lots of different kinds. I’m not really loyal to a brand. If you lessened the amount, I think you’d be ok.
Oh My Word!!! This is soooo good! Thats it, I’m shredding my Starbucks card!
Wahoo! Glad you liked it.
My work is having a ppkin themed food day and am bringing this. The smells that are in my house right now are amazing! So excited to try it!
Hi! I was really excited to do this recipe, so I halved it and used skim milk instead but it turned out terrible, there’s a lot of chunked stuff and n it, what did I do wrong? Do you have any suggestions. (Also I did not have 1/4 cup of vanilla, I could only fill it half way)
I’m making this right now and it’s really grainy and sediment-y and the dry ingredients are not really dissolving into the coffee/milk mixture. 🙁 Will it dissolve more the longer it’s in the crockpot?
Oh no! It sounds like you used dry coffee instead of brewed coffee? There aren’t really dry ingredients except for the sugar and cinnamon.
How do you think you could put this in the crockpot to cook overnight to have in the morning?
I wish that was possible! I think that it would get a bit overcooked though.
I made this with light vanilla almond milk and it turned out delicious. I also put the leftovers into jars in the fridge. Just a quick shake to blend it all added a bit of cream and poured over ice and it was fantastic.
I’m so glad you found a way to use the leftovers! I’m for sure going to try that next time.
Just wondering with the coffee what you’ve used or consider as strong brewed?! Thanks can’t wait to try!
When I say “strongly brewed” I mean using more coffee grounds than I typically would than when drinking a typical cup. Whatever it takes to give it a strong coffee flavor. The amount will depend on the brand you use. If it’s a cheap brand, it will likely take more scoops than a quality brand. Hope that helps.
I made this a few times last year and tried to change up the recipe a few times and it was really good. Then I copied this recipe exactly, and it was AMAZING! I was excited to find this recipe again and am making it in the morning for a coffee play date. Yum!
My question. I have all the ingredients expect pure vanilla extract, I only have imitation vanilla. I’m guessing it’s worth a run to the store to get the real stuff, but I was just curious if you’ve heard of imitation vanilla working. 🙂
Thank for sharing such a tasty recipe!
I was excited to try this out on our first really chilly morning. I had dinner in the crock pot but thought it would work the same if I simmered it on the stove until hot. It smelled delicious, but ended up with the consistency of apple sauce. I had to pitch the whole pot.
Oh gross! Yeah, simmering milk would probably cook it a bit too much. Next time, try the crock pot. 🙂
I really don’t need a crock pot full. So how would I do just for a cup or two.
Haha. I have no idea. Sorry!
I made this for a ladies fellowship. I was so excited to drink my first pumpkin spice latté of the season. I added some all spice to give it a little more spice. And added a little more coffee cause i thought it was a little weak. After trying my first sip I would have to say this is more of a creamer than an actual latté. Maybe add expresso instead of strong coffee and waaaaay less milk. I was thoroughly disappointed with it and so was everyone else I ended throwing away almost the whole crockpot of it.
I’m sorry to hear it was a bust for you, Jennifer. Our experience has been different.
I am glad I am not the only one that this recipe didn’t work for. I follow the recipe, and it was still bland. It did not taste like pumpkin latte at all. I am not giving up though, the reviews are wonderful, I will give it another try.
Thanks for the feedback, Andre. I’m sorry it didn’t work for you. 🙁
I am so trying this, Starbucks is supposed to be using real pumpkin in their lattes this year but I am betting I can save a boatload of money by using this recipe! Thanks!
how many people does this feed?
Hi Amber. I’m guessing it feeds about 10-15 people depending on serving size. Enjoy!
1/2 cup of vanilla extract? Is this correct? It just seems like a lot?
Yes, it’s been tested many times. It’s delicious!
Just found this recipe! I made it for a pumpkin-themed pot luck at my work and it was a big hit! I made a few alterations which I would recommend –
I used vanilla coconut milk instead of regular milk.
And I used only about 6 teaspoons of vanilla since the coconut milk was vanilla flavored.
And hazelnut coffee gives it another flavor dimension.
Hope this helps for future recipe makers!
I made this recipe today and was very disappointed.. the portions did not blend well together and I had to change the amounts of ingredients and it still does not taste very well. Sorry but I will not be making this again..
I will be taking it to a Teacher’s Workday in the morning…I am expecting it to be a hit. I will let you know,
What a fabulous idea, Linda!
Excited to make this for Thanksgiving this year!
We are not big into sugar, do you think honey and/or pure maple syrup would be a good substitute?
Any ideas about transporting this? I’d like to take it to a small group but my crockpot’s lid isn’t a tight fit. I’ve been reading the comments about it cooling. I’m thinking if I put it in another container would it stay hot enough to not solidify?
I just saw Rachael Ray discussing transporting chili to a tailgate. Maybe you could do what she suggests. She said put it in a big pot. Wrap in foil. Put in a big cooler and surround with towels to create a thermos. In your case, could you just put your crock in a cooler and surround with towels to keep it from moving? Not sure how to secure the lid tightly, though.
What I do when transporting Crock pot goodness is stretch a rubber band from under one handle, across to wrap around the knob on the lid, then do the same on the other side. Works like a charm!
Genius idea, Jo!
Use a crockpot liner……tie the top off with a twist tie and then put the lid back on …..works for me when I have to transport liquids
I’ve also seen Rachael Ray demonstrate how to place it in a cooler and pack towels around it to wedge the crockpot in.
Any ideas about transporting this? I’d like to take it to a small group but my crockpot’s lid isn’t a tight fit. I’ve been reading the comments about it cooling. I’m thinking if I put it in another container would it stay hot enough to not solidify?
Have you ever transported it?
I had to transport too, I ended up using two 1/2 gallon mason jars. It nearly filled them both. If you don’t have those, you can just use 4 quart jars (tighten the lids well!). Beware of pickle/non canning jars, as the hot liquid may cause them to crack when you pour in the liquid (maybe preheat the jars in hot water?). Good luck!
How many servings does this recipe make?
Around 10-15 depending on your mug size.
Has anyone made it with Vanilla Almond milk?
I made this today, I used pumpkin pie spice instead for added spiciness. I paired it with pumpkin muffins and it was awesome!! I also went onto sparkrecipes and tallied the points for the drink. It is 3 points per cup for 12 cups. Just thought I’d add that just in case there are some Weight Watchers out there! 🙂 Great recipe! TFS!
Glad you enjoyed it and made it your own!
so I was thinking, since the pumpkin puree starts to solidify when cooled, maybe I would try ground pumpkin pie seasoning?
I really want to make this for a party tomorrow but I only have 1 hr after work…. Would you get the same product if cooked on low for 4 hrs???????
I’m sorry but I’m really not sure! I have never tried it so I’m afraid to say if that will work or not.
Can a sugar substitute be used in this?
I have never tried it but I don’t see why not.
1/2 cup of vanilla? I made my own vanilla using vodka and vanilla beans. That’s an awful lot of vodka even for @ 15 cups of latte.
Yep, 8 tablespoons of vanilla or 1/2 cup. We’ve tested this numerous times and it’s delicious.
Vanilla vodka at the end might make a nice grown-up drink!
Fun idea!
This was fabulous!!! I will make it again and again this fall!
Good! I can’t wait to make my first batch of the season. It’s been too long!
Hiya! Love the recipe. I have a question though… the recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of cinnamon AND 3 cinnamon sticks??? If that’s not an error, do you think replacing the 2 teaspoons of cinnamon for 2 teaspoons of homemade pumpkin spice would work out??? Thanks bunches.
It’s not an error. Pumpkin spice would give it a different flavor but not necessarily bad. It might be very pumpkiny!
This sounds wonderful and I plan on making this right away. Just a thought… knowing that 8 Tablespoons makes 1/2 Cup might be helpful.
Haha- good to know! I’ll update it now.
I would think that if you wanted to save it to serve again you could probably just skim the pumpkin chunks out. The flavor would probably already be mixed into the liquid from cooking for so long.
What about using brewed pumpkin flavored coffee instead of adding the pumpkin purée? Then maybe it could be cooled and saved as iced lattes or reheated.
Interesting idea! Thanks, PT.
If I do not have a crockpot (cooking in Spain :), do you think 2 hrs with the stovetop set on low would work?
Both Rachel and I think that if you cook it on a very low heat, it would work. Keep an eye on it though!
I did mine on the stovetop, and yes cook it on low and watch it. It was great.
This was amazing. To make it healthier I used 2% milk, truvia instead of sugar & real pumpkin instead of pumpkin puree & it still tasted great. Thx
Good ideas!
Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of the pumpkin puree?
I think pumpkin pie filling has some added ingredients that may change the flavor of the drink a bit. I can’t say for sure if it will taste ok though. Let us know if you try it out!
I just found this recipe and realized I have every ingredient in my house to make this right now (SO excited!!) EXCEPT for the cinnamon sticks. =/ Would I be able to use ground cinnamon instead..?
I don’t think the cinnamon sticks will make or break the recipe. Add a dash of cinnamon and I bet it will have a similar effect.
This sounds sooo wonderful! I would love to try it with my small group, but some of the girls are lactose free. Any idea on if this would work with soy milk or almond milk?
I don’t see why it wouldn’t work with those. Let us know how it works out!
I made it with almond milk, and just like other coffee drinks it was less sweet than cow’s milk but still delicious!
This looks fabulous! Can’t wait to make it for our cold night out Trick ‘r Treating 🙂 Can you tell me how many servings you think this recipe yields? I ask because I will enter it in Sparkpeople recipe builder to get the nutritional value. I have to watch my diet very closely. I can have pretty much anything I want. I just have to adjust for guilty pleasures such as this 🙂
What a good idea! I’d say it serves around 15 or so. It also depends on the size of your coffee mugs!
I made this today, and of course, it is amazing! Definitely an equal to the Starbucks version. I used Hazelnut flavored coffee and I thought it was wonderful; also added some whipped topping and cinnamon on top for added effect 🙂
I don’t recommend letting it get cold though, for whatever reason the pumpkin pie filling started to re-solidify in mine when it did. That was an interesting mouthful… haha.
I wrote a post about this recipe as well, to share with my friends!
http://itspolymyositisjack.blogspot.com/2013/10/homemade-pumpkin-spice-lattes.html
Oooh, good call on the hazelnut! I’m hearing similar feedback from other people who have tried to let it cool and use leftovers. It’s for sure a no-go.
There’s a difference between pumpkin pie filling and pumpkin puree… That’s probably where you’re getting problems
What would the recipe be like for a small crock pot?! All I have is the 1.5qt crock!!!!
Hmmm. You could probably halve the recipe. Would that still be too much for your crock pot?
I cannot wait to try this! I am wondering if anyone has put the leftovers in the fridge and then had iced lattes?
I’d love to know this as well!
I haven’t tried it myself but have heard that letting the latte cool doesn’t work so well. Apparently the pumpkin solidifies or something…
I have put the leftovers in the fridge and it is great cold. I didn’t put any ice in it though
Good to know! I’ve never tried to save the leftovers.
I’ve had leftovers and I actually thought they were wonderful. It gets kind of thick as it sits and cools, but I liked that. The flavors meld more, too.
I did!!! In my opinion it’s amazing as iced latte. 🙂
For the record, I have made this 3 times this week!!! Amazing and yummy recipe… thank you!
Haha! Me too!
Is the vanilla 8 T of vanilla extract?
Yes, real vanilla extract.
I’m not a coffee drinker, do you think it would work with tea?
I’m actually not a tea drinker so I’m really not sure. I’m thinking it would turn out pretty sweet with tea since the bitterness of the coffee probably dilutes some of the sweetness. If you try it out, let us know how it is!
My best guess is that strong black tea might not be too bad. That’s what is in an actual chai anyway. It’s an interesting idea. We’d love to know if it works out.
I put everything in the crockpot and realized… I’m out of vanilla!! Would it mess up the taste you think?
★★★★
Alice, I LOVE the look on your face in the girl pic! Totally something I would do.
Love that mug! Are there supposed two 8 T of sugar in the recipe? I want to go make me a pot o’ this right now! Thanks!
Thanks! I actually got it free at a garage sale. And yes, add 8 tablespoons of sugar to the crock pot.
Hi, could i use decaf coffee instead of regular? I dont drink caffennie, it makes me way to jittery
★★★★★
I’m sure you could! I’m the same way. Can’t drink coffee at night or I’ll be up FOREVER.
Thanks for the heads up on the mistake. I will fix it right now. Only 8T of sugar! 🙂