Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew (Starbucks Copycat)

Pumpkin cream cold brew is the fall drink of your dreams! Super-silky smooth and full of that pumpkin flavor we all know and love, you’ll fall in love with this homemade (and dairy-free) cold brew recipe!

It truly is not pumpkin season until you’ve had your first pumpkin coffee. And although it might still be 90 degrees out where you are (it is here for me!), once you take that first sip suddenly it’s all about boots, cozy sweaters, pumpkin patches, and baking a loaf of pumpkin bread — am I right or am I right?!

If you follow me on Instagram then you know I’m a fan of pumpkin year-round, and especially in the fall. I saw a funny meme the other day that said there are only two seasons. Fall and waiting for fall. I couldn’t agree more!

My Version vs. Starbucks

Pumpkin coffee truly signifies the start of the season, which is why I’m excited to share this recipe with you that could truly give Starbucks a run for its money. Made dairy free (theirs is not), lower in sugar (theirs has 31g) and cheaper (I didn’t calculate cause math’s not my thing but I’m assuming here!). I know you’ll love it!

So let’s start at the beginning and make this delicious pumpkin coffee drink at home!

What is pumpkin cream cold brew?

New in 2019, the pumpkin cream cold brew is Starbuck’s newest addition to the pumpkin spice latte family. They describe it as a “super smooth fall treat” and I’ve got to say I totally agree. The pumpkin cream cold foam is uber silky and super pumpkin-y.

It’s essentially cold brew coffee (ice, with brewed coffee) with vanilla syrup added, and topped with pumpkin cream cold foam topping which is made from cream and pumpkin spice sauce.

If you haven’t tried it and love all things pumpkin, you simply must. But for the days you want to make coffee at home, this recipe is the perfect stand in!

ingredients for pumpkin cream cold brew — note: your pumpkin puree doesn’t have to be organic for this recipe

PUMPKIN COLD BREW INGREDIENTS

Cold brew or iced coffee. Starbucks uses cold brew in the traditional drink but you could totally use iced coffee too. I used Califia Farms
Unsweetened oat milk or other non-dairy or dairy milk of your choice. I used oat milk in this recipe because it has a higher fat content than other non-dairy milks like almond, making it thicker and giving it those silky-smooth vibes. I ended up testing this recipe with two different oat milks and it worked well with both.. My very favorite oat milk to use for coffee is this one. I also think this recipe would work really well with this Califia Farms Almond Milk Creamer. It’s on the thicker side and dairy free. I usually find it at Whole Foods or Target.
Pumpkin puree. Hopefully you’ve stocked up because if you’re going to make any recipe you see on this blog you’re going to need it! P.S. make sure it’s pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie mix.
Maple syrup. Honey would also be a great natural sweetener to use in this recipe.
Pumpkin spice or cinnamon. Either will work! If you can’t find pumpkin spice you can definitely make your own or use cinnamon.
Vanilla extract. The Starbucks version contains vanilla syrup. I’m lightening things up and adding no sugar by using vanilla extract.
Salt. Trust me on this one you need a pinch of salt to really bring out those crispy fall flavors

equipment needed to make this coffee recipe:

Milk frother – this is the one I have. I use it everyday and love it! This hand-held frother would also work!
Small saucepan
Whisk

how to make pumpkin cream cold brew coffee

Make the pumpkin cream cold foam. Combine the ingredients for the pumpkin cream cold foam in a small saucepan. Whisk until combined, remove from heat, transfer to a cup and refrigerate to let cool.
Get your cold brew ready. Pour a glass of cold brew or iced coffee.
Froth the pumpkin cream cold foam. Add the pumpkin cream to a frother or use a hand- held frother to get it nice and frothy (a high-speed blender on the highest setting would also work).
Put it together and start sipping! Pour the pumpkin cream over the cold brew, top with extra pumpkin spice, and enjoy! The cold foam will slightly mix with the coffee.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Maggie Michalczyk, RDN (@onceuponapumpkin)

nutrition of Starbucks’ version

According to Starbucks a grande pumpkin cream cold brew has 250 calories, 12g fat, 31g carb, 31g of sugar and 3g of protein. Because the sugar is so high, I would definitely put this drink in the treat category vs. an everyday type of drink! My recipe is lower in sugar and calories if you’re looking for a healthier alternative.

Is the pumpkin cream cold brew made dairy-free at Starbucks?!

Unfortunately no, because the it is made with cream it’s not dairy free and as of right now there isn’t a way to order it dairy free.

how I order at starbucks

I want to get one thing straight – although I’m a dietitian, I’m not the food police! That said, I don’t think it’s the worst thing if you want to treat yourself to the real version of this drink a few times during the season. I just don’t think it’s an everyday kind of thing.

Here’s how I would order it if I want something that’s less sweet, and dairy free but still full of pumpkin flavor: tall light pumpkin spice topping with 1 pump of vanilla syrup OR 1/2 pump OR no vanilla syrup OR 1 pump sugar-free vanilla syrup.

A grande would have 2-3 pumps of syrup in it, which is way too much in my opinion taste and sugar wise! I think one or half would definitely do the trick if you’re looking for something less sweet.

pumpkin recipes to pair with pumpkin coffee

Sip on your pumpkin coffee and enjoy one of these healthy pumpkin recipes all fall long! Whether hitting the pumpkin patch or just taking in the season, enjoy the season a little more with these you’re sure to fall in love with!

If you like this pumpkin coffee drink recipe, be sure to check out this recipe for a hot pumpkin spice oat milk latte and this video on how I make it.