Table of Contents
- 1 Why Make a Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino at Home?
- 2 What’s in a Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino?
- 3 Ingredients for Homemade Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino
- 4 How to Make Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino at Home
- 5 Pro Tips for the Perfect Pumpkin Frappuccino
- 6 Dairy-Free & Kid-Friendly Version
- 7 Recipe Card: Easy Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino
- 8 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 9 Best Toppings & Mix-ins
- 10 Storage Tips
- 11 Why This Pumpkin Frappuccino Wins Over Starbucks
- 12 Final Thoughts: Your Fall in a Cup 🎃
Why Make a Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino at Home?
Pumpkin spice season is basically a personality trait for some of us—and we love it. But while Starbucks is the fall HQ of pumpkin drinks, those daily Frappuccinos can get pricey, overly sugary, or hard to customize. That’s where this homemade Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino comes in.
It’s dairy-optional, budget-friendly, caffeine-adjustable, and blended in minutes with no preservatives, no alcohol, and no artificial flavors. Whether you want a caffeine-free treat for the kids or a Starbucks-style afternoon pick-me-up, this recipe delivers serious fall flavor.
What’s in a Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino?
At Starbucks, the Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino is a blended coffee drink made with:
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Ice
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Milk
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Coffee or crème base
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Pumpkin spice sauce
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Whipped cream
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Pumpkin spice topping
While it’s delicious, it also contains artificial syrups and a lot of sugar. Our homemade version keeps it simple and clean—with real pumpkin, real spices, and customizable sweetness.
Ingredients for Homemade Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino
You only need a few pantry staples and a blender to make this cozy drink.
Base Ingredients:
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1 cup ice (adjust for thickness)
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¾ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy like oat, almond, or coconut)
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¼ cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
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¼ cup strong brewed coffee or espresso (optional for caffeine)
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3–4 tablespoons maple syrup or brown sugar (to taste)
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½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
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½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
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Whipped cream (dairy or coconut-based)
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Cinnamon or nutmeg
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Extra pumpkin pie spice sprinkle
Optional Add-ins:
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Frozen banana (for a creamier texture)
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Greek yogurt (for added protein)
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A scoop of vanilla ice cream (for an extra-indulgent version)
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino at Home
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brew and Chill Your Coffee (If Using)
If you’re using coffee or espresso, brew it ahead of time and let it cool completely. You can also use cold brew or instant coffee dissolved in cold water.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to Blender
In a high-speed blender, combine:
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Ice
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Milk
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Pumpkin purée
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Brewed coffee
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Maple syrup or sugar
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Pumpkin pie spice
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Vanilla
Blend until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Taste and Adjust
Taste the mixture. Add more sweetener or spice if needed. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk. Too thin? Add a few ice cubes and blend again.
Step 4: Pour and Top
Pour into a tall glass and top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Pumpkin Frappuccino
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Use cold ingredients: Cold coffee and chilled milk help keep your frappe icy without melting too fast.
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Customize sweetness: Start light on the sweetener, then adjust to your taste.
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Pumpkin tip: Use canned pumpkin purée (not pie filling). Look for a brand that contains only pumpkin.
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Make it creamy: Add ¼ frozen banana or a tablespoon of yogurt for a thicker, creamier texture.
Dairy-Free & Kid-Friendly Version
This recipe is naturally adaptable! Try these swaps:
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Oat or almond milk instead of dairy milk
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Coconut whipped cream instead of dairy-based
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No coffee for a caffeine-free version—just leave it out and enjoy a pumpkin spice milkshake vibe!
Recipe Card: Easy Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino
Prep Time | 5 minutes |
---|---|
Cook Time | 0 minutes |
Total Time | 5 minutes |
Servings | 1 |
Calories | ~180–250 (est.) |
Vegan | Yes (with plant milk) |
Gluten-Free | Yes |
Alcohol-Free | Yes ✅ |
Ingredients
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1 cup ice
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¾ cup milk of choice
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¼ cup pumpkin purée
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¼ cup cooled strong coffee (optional)
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3 tbsp maple syrup or sweetener
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½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
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½ tsp vanilla extract
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Optional toppings: whipped cream, cinnamon
Instructions
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Add all ingredients to a blender.
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Blend on high until smooth and creamy.
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Pour into a glass.
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Top with whipped cream and cinnamon.
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Serve immediately and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make it without coffee?
Yes! Leave out the coffee entirely to make a kid-friendly or caffeine-free version.
Can I use cold brew instead of brewed coffee?
Absolutely. Cold brew gives a smoother coffee flavor and blends perfectly.
Is it sweet like the Starbucks version?
Yes, and you can control the sweetness. Add more or less maple syrup to suit your taste.
How do I make it thicker?
Use more ice, frozen banana, or add a scoop of yogurt or vanilla ice cream.
Can I make a big batch for guests?
Yes! Just multiply the ingredients and blend in batches if needed.
Best Toppings & Mix-ins
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Whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice
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Crushed graham crackers or gingersnaps
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Caramel drizzle (optional, dairy-free versions available)
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Dash of sea salt for salted pumpkin flavor
Storage Tips
Since it’s a blended drink, it’s best served immediately. But if you must store:
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Pour into an airtight jar
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Keep in the fridge for up to 24 hours
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Shake well before drinking (some separation may occur)
Why This Pumpkin Frappuccino Wins Over Starbucks
Feature | Starbucks Version | Homemade Version |
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Customizable sweetness | ❌ Limited | ✅ Fully adjustable |
Clean ingredients | ❌ Some preservatives | ✅ Real pumpkin + spices |
Dairy-free options | ✅ Limited | ✅ Full control |
Alcohol-free | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Kid-friendly (caffeine-free) | ❌ Not default | ✅ Easily made that way |
Budget-friendly | ❌ $5–6 per cup | ✅ Less than $2 per serving |
Final Thoughts: Your Fall in a Cup 🎃
There’s something magical about making a fall drink at home. You control the ingredients, sweetness, and how cozy it feels in every sip. Whether you’re skipping the coffee shop or just love to DIY your favorites, this Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino recipe is a keeper.
It’s quick. It’s festive. And most importantly—it tastes like fall in a frosty glass.