Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew Recipe
You don’t have to make a Starbucks run every time you’re craving a Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew! This easy Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew combines smooth cold brew coffee with vanilla and a creamy pumpkin cold foam for the perfect fall coffee at home.
It’s creamy, lightly sweet, full of pumpkin spice flavor, and surprisingly easy to make. Best of all, you can adjust the sweetness and pumpkin flavor exactly how you like it.
If pumpkin spice season officially begins with your first pumpkin coffee of the year, this homemade version deserves a spot on your fall drink list.
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
There’s a reason the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew has become such a popular fall drink. Unlike a traditional Pumpkin Spice Latte, the coffee itself stays cold and refreshing while the pumpkin cream slowly mixes into the cold brew as you drink it.
You’ll love this recipe because:
- It tastes like your favorite Starbucks fall drink.
- You can make it at home for a fraction of the cost.
- It only takes a few minutes to assemble.
- You can make the pumpkin cream ahead of time.
- You control how sweet your drink is.
- It’s perfect for those warm September days when you want pumpkin spice but aren’t ready for hot coffee.
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
For the Cold Brew
- 1 cup cold brew coffee
- 1–2 tablespoons vanilla syrup
- Ice
For Garnish
- Pumpkin pie spice
How to Make Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
Step 1: Fill Your Glass
Fill a tall glass about three-quarters full with ice.
Step 2: Add the Cold Brew
Pour the cold brew coffee over the ice.
Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of vanilla syrup, depending on how sweet you like your coffee.
Stir until combined.
Step 3: Make the Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam
Add the heavy whipping cream, milk, pumpkin puree, vanilla syrup, maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice to a small glass or measuring cup.
Use a handheld milk frother to whip the mixture until it becomes thick and foamy.
You want the pumpkin cream to be fluffy enough to float on top of the coffee but still pourable.
Step 4: Add the Pumpkin Cream
Slowly pour the pumpkin cream cold foam over the cold brew.
The foam should create a thick, creamy layer across the top of the drink.
Step 5: Add Pumpkin Spice
Sprinkle a little pumpkin pie spice over the pumpkin cream.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
What Is Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam?
Pumpkin cream cold foam is essentially a lightly whipped pumpkin-flavored cream designed to float on top of cold coffee.
Instead of mixing all the pumpkin flavor directly into the coffee, the cold foam sits on top. As you drink, small amounts of pumpkin cream mix with the cold brew.
That combination gives you bold coffee followed by creamy pumpkin spice in every sip.
Can I Use Store-Bought Cold Brew?
Absolutely!
Using bottled cold brew is one of the easiest ways to make this recipe.
You can use your favorite unsweetened cold brew from the grocery store or prepare homemade cold brew ahead of time.
Cold brew concentrate also works, but make sure you dilute it according to the package directions before making your drink.
How to Make Homemade Vanilla Syrup
If you don’t have vanilla coffee syrup on hand, you can easily make your own.
You’ll need:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan.
Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar completely dissolves.
Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Allow the syrup to cool completely before transferring it to a covered container.
Store homemade vanilla syrup in the refrigerator.
Don’t Skip the Real Pumpkin
For the best pumpkin flavor, use real pumpkin puree.
Make sure you purchase 100% pure pumpkin rather than pumpkin pie filling.
Pumpkin pie filling already contains sugar and spices and will change the flavor and sweetness of the pumpkin cream.
You only need a small amount of pumpkin puree for each drink, so refrigerate the leftovers to use in additional fall recipes.
How to Get the Perfect Cold Foam
A handheld milk frother is the easiest way to make pumpkin cold foam at home.
Froth the pumpkin cream for approximately 20 to 30 seconds or until it becomes thick and creamy.
Don’t whip it for too long. You’re making cold foam, not whipped cream.
If you don’t have a milk frother, you can also use a small blender.
Another option is to place the ingredients in a tightly sealed mason jar and shake vigorously until the mixture becomes foamy.
Can I Make Pumpkin Cream Ahead of Time?
Yes!
This is one of the best ways to make your homemade Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew even easier.
Mix the pumpkin cream ingredients together and store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When you’re ready to make your coffee, pour out the amount you need and froth it immediately before serving.
The mixture may separate slightly while refrigerated, so give it a quick stir or shake first.
Make It Sweeter
Prefer the sweeter coffee-shop version?
Add another tablespoon of vanilla syrup to the cold brew or increase the maple syrup in the pumpkin cream.
You can also drizzle a little caramel around the inside of your glass before adding the coffee.
Make It Less Sweet
One of the advantages of making copycat coffee drinks at home is controlling the sugar.
For a less-sweet Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, reduce the vanilla syrup in the coffee or leave it out completely.
The pumpkin cream will still add sweetness and plenty of fall flavor.
Dairy-Free Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
You can also make a dairy-free version.
Replace the heavy cream and milk with a plant-based creamer designed for frothing. Oat milk creamer works especially well because of its naturally creamy texture.
Keep in mind that different dairy-free products foam differently, so you may need to experiment to find your favorite.
Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew Variations
Once you have the basic recipe down, there are plenty of ways to change it up.
Caramel Pumpkin Cold Brew: Add caramel syrup to the coffee before topping it with pumpkin cream.
Maple Pumpkin Cold Brew: Replace the vanilla syrup in the coffee with maple syrup.
Extra Pumpkin Cold Brew: Increase the pumpkin puree slightly for a stronger pumpkin flavor.
Pumpkin Mocha Cold Brew: Add a tablespoon of chocolate syrup to your cold brew.
Cinnamon Pumpkin Cold Brew: Sprinkle cinnamon over the finished drink or add a pinch to the coffee.
What to Serve With Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
This coffee is practically made for fall breakfast and brunch.
Try serving it alongside:
- Pumpkin bread
- Apple cinnamon muffins
- Cinnamon rolls
- Pumpkin muffins
- Apple cider donuts
- Banana bread
- Coffee cake
- Maple-glazed donuts
It also makes a fun homemade coffee-shop drink for a fall brunch.
Tips for the Best Copycat Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
Start with good cold brew. Because coffee is the base of the drink, choose one you already enjoy.
Use pure pumpkin puree. Don’t substitute pumpkin pie filling.
Keep everything cold. Cold cream foams better and helps create that signature chilled drink.
Froth right before serving. Pumpkin cream can be prepared ahead of time, but wait to froth it until you’re ready to make your drink.
Adjust the sweetness. Start with less syrup and add more if needed.
Don’t over-froth the cream. You want a thick foam that pours, not stiff whipped cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew the Same as a Pumpkin Spice Latte?
No. A Pumpkin Spice Latte is made with espresso, milk, pumpkin flavoring, and spices.
Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew uses cold brew coffee with a layer of pumpkin cream cold foam on top.
It’s generally more coffee-forward and refreshing than a traditional pumpkin latte.
Can I Make This Without a Milk Frother?
Yes. Use a small blender or shake the pumpkin cream vigorously in a sealed mason jar.
Can I Use Regular Coffee?
You can, although the flavor won’t be exactly the same.
Brew your coffee slightly stronger than usual and chill it completely before pouring it over ice.
Can I Use Pumpkin Pie Filling?
Pure pumpkin puree is best. Pumpkin pie filling contains additional sugar and spices that can make your drink overly sweet.
Can I Make a Large Batch?
Yes! You can easily multiply the pumpkin cream recipe and keep it refrigerated so you can make Pumpkin Cream Cold Brews throughout the week.
Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
Skip the coffee-shop line and make one of fall’s most popular drinks right in your own kitchen.
This Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew has everything you want in a September coffee: smooth cold brew, vanilla sweetness, real pumpkin, warm spices, and a thick layer of creamy pumpkin cold foam.
And since you’re making it yourself, you can add as much pumpkin cream as you want.
Because, really, that’s the best part.
Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
Ingredients
Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Cold Brew
- 1 cup cold brew coffee
- 1 –2 tablespoons vanilla syrup
- Ice
Garnish
- Pumpkin pie spice
Instructions
Instructions
- Fill a tall glass approximately three-quarters full with ice.
- Pour the cold brew over the ice.
- Add vanilla syrup and stir.
- Combine heavy cream, milk, pumpkin puree, vanilla syrup, maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice in a small glass or measuring cup.
- Froth for 20–30 seconds, or until thick and creamy but still pourable.
- Slowly pour the pumpkin cream cold foam over the cold brew.
- Sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice.
- Serve immediately.
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