Starbucks-Inspired Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew at Home

Say Hello to Fall’s Most Loved Coffee

There’s one drink that signals the arrival of fall more than anything else: the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew. While Starbucks made it famous, this sweet and spiced iced coffee drink is surprisingly easy—and much healthier—to make at home. With real pumpkin purée, cozy fall spices, and creamy cold foam topping over bold cold brew, this homemade version delivers everything you love about the original.

Best part? No artificial ingredients, no lines, no $7 price tag. Just you, your kitchen, and a delicious fall drink that feels like a cozy sweater in a cup.

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Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew Copycat

• 🎃 Authentic flavor with real pumpkin

• 💰 Cheaper than Starbucks (and customizable)

• 🧂 No artificial flavors or preservatives

• ❄️ Perfectly refreshing yet cozy

• 🥛 Dairy-free & sugar-free options available

• 🕒 Ready in under 10 minutes!

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What Is a Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew?

The Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew features:

• Unsweetened cold brew coffee

• Pumpkin spice sweet cream cold foam

• Vanilla syrup

• A dusting of pumpkin spice on top

Our homemade version is just as creamy, spiced, and energizing—without using bottled syrups or sketchy ingredients. You control the sweetness, spice level, and dairy preference!

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Homemade Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew: Ingredients

For the Cold Brew Base:

• 1 cup cold brew coffee (homemade or store-bought)

• 1–2 teaspoons maple syrup or vanilla syrup (optional)

For the Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam:

• ½ cup heavy cream or coconut cream

• ¼ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)

• 2 tablespoons pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)

• 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey

• ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Toppings:

• Pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon

• Whipped cream

• Extra maple drizzle

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Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Hand frother or blender

• Mason jar or tall glass

• Small bowl or measuring cup

• Whisk or spoon

• Strainer (if making homemade cold brew)

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How to Make Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew at Home – Step-by-Step

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☕ Step 1: Make or Buy Cold Brew

You can use pre-made cold brew (like Starbucks, Chameleon, or Califia) or make your own:

DIY Cold Brew Recipe:

• Combine 1 cup coarsely ground coffee + 4 cups cold water

• Stir, cover, and steep in fridge for 12–18 hours

• Strain with fine mesh or cheesecloth

• Store in fridge for up to 7 days

✅ Tip: Cold brew is smoother and less acidic than iced coffee.

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🎃 Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam

In a bowl or measuring cup, whisk or blend together:

• ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut cream)

• ¼ cup milk of choice

• 2 tbsp pumpkin purée

• 1–2 tbsp maple syrup or honey

• ½ tsp pumpkin spice

• ¼ tsp vanilla extract

Use a handheld frother or blender to whip until thick and foamy, but not stiff like whipped cream.

✅ Tip: Use chilled ingredients for best foaming results!

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🧊 Step 3: Assemble Your Drink

1. Fill a tall glass with ice

2. Pour 1 cup of cold brew over ice

3. Add a splash of maple or vanilla syrup to sweeten (optional)

4. Spoon the pumpkin cold foam over the top

5. Finish with a dusting of pumpkin spice or cinnamon

Grab your reusable straw or stirrer—and enjoy!

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How to Customize It: Make It Your Own

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🌱 Dairy-Free or Vegan Version

• Cream → Use full-fat canned coconut milk or coconut cream

• Milk → Use oat, almond, soy, or cashew milk

• Sweetener → Use maple syrup or agave

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🍬 Sugar-Free or Low-Sugar

• Swap maple syrup for monk fruit syrup, stevia, or erythritol-based sweeteners

• Use unsweetened almond milk and skip the sweet foam entirely

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💪 Protein Boost

Blend 1 tbsp unflavored or vanilla protein powder into your milk base for a morning energy boost.

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☁️ Froth Without a Frother?

No electric frother? No problem:

• Use a French press – pump plunger up and down for 30 seconds

• Shake in a mason jar with a tight lid

• Use a small whisk or hand blender

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What It Tastes Like (And Why It’s Addictive)

This drink is:

• Smooth and bold from the cold brew

• Lightly sweet and spiced from the pumpkin foam

• Creamy and dreamy with every sip

• Nutty and earthy thanks to real pumpkin

• Refreshing with autumn flavors in iced form

If a cozy campfire, a slice of pumpkin pie, and your favorite café all met in a cup—you’d get this.

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How to Store Pumpkin Cream Mixture

• Store leftover pumpkin cream foam (before frothing) in an airtight jar

• Keep in fridge for up to 3 days

• Shake or re-froth before using

❄️ Avoid freezing—it will separate and lose its creamy texture.

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Make It a Meal: What to Serve with Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew

Pair this cozy cold coffee with:

• Pumpkin muffins or scones

• Granola bars

• Apple cider donuts

• Cinnamon toast

• Savory breakfast sandwich (egg, avocado, or veggie-based)

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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❓ Is this drink caffeinated?

Yes! Cold brew contains more caffeine than regular iced coffee. You can reduce by diluting it with milk or using decaf cold brew.

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❓ Can I use pumpkin pie filling?

No. Pumpkin pie filling has added sugar and spices that can throw off the flavor. Use plain pumpkin purée.

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❓ What milk works best?

• Whole milk or oat milk = best froth

• Almond milk = lighter, mild flavor

• Coconut milk = thicker, richer foam (especially canned)

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❓ Is this Starbucks’ exact recipe?

This is a cleaner copycat version made with simple, real ingredients. No artificial syrup, stabilizers, or dairy blends—just the same fall flavor profile, with more control and better nutrition.

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❓ Can I make it hot?

Absolutely! Simply heat the cold brew (or use espresso), then warm the pumpkin cream and froth before pouring it over the top. Still delicious.

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