Did you know the Starbucks pumpkin cream cold brew has 230 calories and 31 grams of sugar? But, our homemade version has only 137 calories and 15 grams of sugar. That’s a huge cut of about 40% in calories and over 50% in sugar. Enjoy the taste of fall without feeling guilty this season.
We’ll show you how to make the perfect pumpkin cream cold brew at home. It’s cheaper than Starbucks and you can adjust it to fit your diet. Whether you love pumpkin spice or just want a cool fall drink, this recipe is a must-try. It lets you enjoy autumn’s flavors all year.
Why Make Your Own Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
The pumpkin spice latte has been a favorite in coffee shops for years. But, people are now looking for lower-calorie options. The pumpkin cream cold brew is becoming a hit. Making it at home saves money and lets you customize it to fit your diet.
Cost-Effective Alternative to Starbucks
The Starbucks pumpkin cream cold brew costs $7. But, you can make a similar drink at home for much less. This way, you get the same creamy taste without the high price.
Customizable Ingredients for Dietary Needs
When you make your own pumpkin cream cold brew, you can choose what goes into it. Use dairy-free milk and plant-based cream for a vegan version. You can also adjust the sweetness to your liking.
Year-round Availability at Home
Pumpkin spice drinks are usually only available in the fall. But, by making your own pumpkin cream cold brew, you can enjoy it all year. You don’t have to wait for the seasonal offerings.
Making your own pumpkin cream cold brew is a smart choice. It saves money, lets you customize, and you can enjoy it all year. It’s no wonder it’s a favorite among coffee lovers.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Brew
Making the ultimate pumpkin cream cold brew needs a mix of special ingredients. The base is the cold brew infusion, which gives a smooth, strong taste. You’ll need filtered water, ground coffee, and a bit of autumn flavors like vanilla syrup and pumpkin cream.
The vanilla syrup is key, made from water, sugar, and vanilla. It adds a rich, complex flavor to the brew. The pumpkin spice mix, with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice or cloves, brings out the autumn taste.
The pumpkin cream is a mix of milk, whipping cream, pumpkin puree, spice mix, and vanilla syrup. It’s creamy and full of pumpkin flavor. This topping makes the drink feel luxurious and tastes amazing.
With the right mix of ingredients, you can make a cold brew infusion that’s full of autumn spirit. It’s a cozy, indulgent treat that’s as good as any coffee shop’s.
“A well-crafted pumpkin cream cold brew is a testament to the power of carefully selected ingredients and a labor of love.”
Cold Brew Base Preparation
To make the perfect cold brew base, mix 8 cups of filtered water with 2 cups of ground coffee beans. Stir well, cover, and chill in the fridge for 12-48 hours. This lets the flavors meld.
After steeping, strain the cold brew through cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer. This removes the coffee grounds, leaving a smooth, strong brew.
Pumpkin Cream Mixture Components
In a blender, mix 1 cup of milk (dairy or plant-based), 1/2 cup of whipping cream, and 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree. Add 2 tablespoons of homemade pumpkin spice mix and 2 tablespoons of vanilla syrup. Blend until it’s silky and creamy.
Assembly Instructions
To make the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, start with ice in a glass. Add 2 tablespoons of vanilla syrup. Then, pour in the cold brew slowly to chill the ice.
Top with the blended pumpkin cream mixture. Sprinkle a bit of pumpkin spice mix on top for a nice touch.
| Ingredient | Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew | BHG Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew (Homemade) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 250 | 59 |
| Fat (g) | 12 | 0 |
| Carbs (g) | 31 | 13 |
| Sugar (g) | 31 | 10 |
The homemade Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew is cheaper and healthier than Starbucks’. It has fewer calories and less sugar. You can also adjust the ingredients to fit your diet, using barista recipes and plant-based coffee creamers.
Crafting the Perfect Cold Brew Base
Cold brew coffee is getting more popular, and making the perfect base is key for coffee lovers and baristas. The right mix of coffee and water, along with the right steeping time, brings out the rich flavors.
Experts say the best ratio is 1:8, or 2 cups of coffee to 8 cups of water. Let it steep in the fridge for at least 12 hours. For a stronger brew, steep it for up to 48 hours.
Strain the mix slowly through cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve to remove coffee grounds. This makes sure your cold brew is smooth and free of sediment. You can then mix it with water or milk for your favorite cold brew drinks.
“The perfect cold brew ratio and steeping time are essential for capturing the nuanced flavors and rich, smooth texture that make this beverage a standout in the coffee shop trends.”
Learning to make the perfect cold brew base opens up a world of creative drinks. With a bit of practice, you’ll be enjoying the best cold brew around, all year long.
Making the Signature Pumpkin Cream Foam
Making the perfect pumpkin cream foam is key to making your dairy-free coffee drinks special. With just a few ingredients and some simple steps, you can make the creamy topping found in pumpkin-flavored drinks.
Ingredient Ratios and Measurements
To make the creamy pumpkin foam, you’ll need:
- 1/2 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative like coconut milk or oat milk)
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice mix
- 1 teaspoon vanilla syrup
Frothing Techniques
Use an immersion blender or a handheld electric beater to whip the mix until it’s light and airy. For an extra creamy foam, shake the ingredients in a sealed container for 30 seconds. Then, microwave for 30 to 45 seconds.
Storage Tips
The pumpkin cream foam can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Before using, it needs to be re-frothed. This way, you can make the foam ahead of time and enjoy it whenever you want a cozy, dairy-free coffee drink.
With these easy steps, you can make your plant-based coffee creamers extra special. Enjoy the rich, creamy pumpkin goodness all year round.
Customization Options and Variations
Make your pumpkin cream cold brew special with many customization options. Explore autumn flavors and find the perfect mix for you.
Milk Alternatives
Try different milks, like almond, oat, or coconut, to find your favorite. These options can add unique tastes and creaminess.
Sweetness Adjustments
Adjust the sweetness by changing the vanilla syrup amount. Start small and add more until it’s just right.
Boozy Variations
Add a twist with 1 oz of bourbon and 1/2 oz of pumpkin spice liqueur. This makes your drink more adult-friendly and flavorful.
Spice Customization
Change the spice mix to your liking. Mix cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves to get the perfect autumn taste.
Artistic Foam Designs
Use a Ripple Maker to make your foam look amazing. It’s a great way to impress your friends with cool designs.
Customize your pumpkin cream cold brew to make it your own. You can make small changes or try new flavors. The possibilities are endless for a unique cold brew.
Storage and Prep-Ahead Tips
As fall comes, we all want to enjoy warm, cozy drinks like Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew. To make this coffee shop a favorite at home, knowing how to store and prepare is key. With these tips, you’ll be a pro at making coffee and impressing your friends.
Cold Brew Storage Duration
Keeping your cold brew fresh is all about the right storage. You can store cold brew in the fridge for up to 48 hours. This is perfect for those who like to prep ahead, so you can make your Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew whenever you want.
Cream Foam Preservation
The pumpkin cream foam is a must-have for your drink. You can make it up to a week before, but remember to re-froth it before using. This keeps your drink topped with a creamy, delicious foam.
Make-Ahead Components
- Vanilla Syrup: This can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 months, making it great for prep work.
- Pumpkin Spice Mix: Make a batch of homemade pumpkin spice mix and store it in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to 3 months, ready for your coffee.
Using these make-ahead tips can make making your Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew easier. Enjoy the flavors of fall with less effort, thanks to prepped ingredients.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Information
Pumpkin spice lattes from coffee chains might taste good, but they’re not great for your health. Making your own pumpkin cream cold brew at home is a better choice. You can make it fit your dietary needs.
Our homemade pumpkin cream cold brew has 137 calories and 15 grams of sugar. That’s less than the 230 calories and 31 grams of sugar in a Starbucks pumpkin spice latte. This makes it a much more diet-friendly option for pumpkin spice latte alternatives and dairy-free coffee drinks.
The homemade version includes real pumpkin, which is full of vitamin A. You can also use regular milk and a sugar substitute in the vanilla syrup. This makes the drink even healthier.
“Drinking regular or decaffeinated coffee is associated with a longer life and reduced risk of heart disease, according to research in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology.”
Choosing homemade pumpkin cream cold brew lets you enjoy fall flavors while caring for your health. This recipe is a tasty and nutritious choice compared to high-sugar coffee drinks.
| Beverage | Calories | Sugar (g) |
|---|---|---|
| Homemade Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew | 137 | 15 |
| Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte | 230 | 31 |
| Pret a Manger Pumpkin Spice Latte | 167 | 23 |
| Starbucks Iced Salted Maple Caramel Latte | 390 | 37 |
| Greggs Pumpkin Spice Latte | N/A | 28 |
| McDonald’s Salted Caramel Latte | N/A | 25 |
Conclusion
This homemade pumpkin cream cold brew recipe is a cost-effective and customizable option. It’s a great alternative to Starbucks’ seasonal drinks. You can enjoy fall flavors all year, with fewer calories and less sugar.
This recipe is versatile, allowing you to make it your own. You can adjust the sweetness and use dairy-free milk. It’s a great addition to your home barista collection.
The cold brew coffee market is growing fast, expected to hit $944 million by 2025. This recipe lets you enjoy fall flavors without relying on Starbucks’ limited-time offers. Try making your own pumpkin cream cold brew and enjoy the taste of fall all year.
FAQ
What are the key ingredients in this homemade pumpkin cream cold brew recipe?
The main ingredients are filtered water, ground coffee, vanilla syrup, pumpkin cream, and pumpkin spice mix. The vanilla syrup is made from water, sugar, and vanilla. The pumpkin spice mix has cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice or cloves.
The pumpkin cream is a mix of milk, whipping cream, pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice mix, and vanilla syrup.
How do I Prepare the Cold Brew Base?
Start by mixing 2 cups of ground coffee with 8 cups of filtered water. Let it steep in the fridge overnight, for at least 12 hours. Or, steep it for up to 48 hours for a stronger brew.
Strain the mixture slowly through cheesecloth in a fine-mesh sieve. This ensures no coffee grounds remain.
What are the Steps to Make the Pumpkin Cream Foam?
To make the pumpkin cream foam, blend 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup whipping cream, 1/4 cup pumpkin puree, 1 tsp pumpkin spice mix, and 1 tsp vanilla syrup. Use an immersion blender or beaters for this.
For dairy-free options, use coconut milk and pureed tofu or coconut cream. The foam can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. However, it will need re-frothing before use.
How can I Customize the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew?
You can customize the pumpkin cream cold brew by using different milk types, including dairy-free options. Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of vanilla syrup.
For a boozy version, add 1 oz bourbon and 1/2 oz pumpkin spice liqueur. Experiment with different spice ratios in the pumpkin spice mix. Use a Ripple Maker to add decorative prints on top of the foam.
How Long do the Components Last, and How can I Prepare them in Advance?
Cold brew lasts 48 hours in the fridge. Pumpkin cream foam lasts a week but needs re-frothing. Vanilla syrup keeps for 2 months refrigerated.
Pumpkin spice mix stays fresh for 3 months in the pantry. Prep the components ahead of time for quick assembly throughout the week.
What are the Health Benefits and Nutritional Information of the Homemade Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew?
The homemade version has 137 calories and 15 grams of sugar per serving. This is significantly less than Starbucks’ 230 calories and 31 grams of sugar. It’s made with real pumpkin, providing vitamin A.
For a healthier option, use regular milk instead of whipping cream. Also, use a cup-for-cup sugar substitute in the vanilla syrup.
