A homemade Vegan Pumpkin Spice Steamer is a great way to enjoy fall flavors without dairy or added sugar. Plus, it's a super easy recipe to whip up. Here's how to make a vegan version of this off-menu Starbucks drink with all the cozy vibes.
This delicious dairy-free pumpkin steamer is great for enjoying a chilly evening or when curling up with a good movie or book. It's also a favorite for those who want the season's flavors without the jolt of caffeine that comes with a latte.
If you want more pumpkin flavor, try Vegan Buttermilk Pumpkin Pancakes, Arugula and Pear Salad with Pumpkin Vinaigrette, and Vegan Pumpkin Pie with Graham Cracker Crust.
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What is a Pumpkin Spice Steamer?
A Pumpkin Spice Steamer is an off-menu item at Starbucks and is essentially the cozy, caffeine-free version of the popular Pumpkin Spice Latte.
It’s perfect for embracing autumn vibes without the espresso kick.
To order one, people ask for steamed milk mixed with Starbucks’ proprietary pumpkin spice sauce, omitting the espresso. However, as of fall 2024, it’s important to note that the pumpkin spice sauce contains dairy, and there is no vegan whipped cream option, so a completely vegan Pumpkin Spice Steamer isn’t available on the Starbucks menu.
But don't worry, I have got it covered! You can whip one up right in your kitchen. This incredible vegan version tastes just as amazing and satisfies all those cozy fall flavor cravings, and it won't break the bank!
Why You'll Love This Drink
- Great for parties. You can place it in a slow cooker and keep on warm. Stir occasionally for the best taste.
- It's worth mentioning again - it's cheaper than the Starbucks version or any cafe or bakery.
- This is perfect as a delicious hot beverage in the fall and winter. The blend of pumpkin with traditional fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates an incredibly comforting and flavorful experience.
- It's caffeine-free. Unlike its famous cousin, the Pumpkin Spice Latte, the steamer version is caffeine-free. This makes it a go-to option for those who want to indulge in the fall flavors without the jitters or for those looking to wind down in the evening.
- Great for all ages. The absence of caffeine makes it kid-friendly, while the rich, complex flavors will satisfy even the most discerning adult palate. It's a win-win for the whole family.
- It's healthy! Swap out the brown sugar with maple syrup to make it a notch better for you with a natural sweetener.
Ingredients
Let's start with a mouthwatering snapshot of all the ingredients you'll need. See the recipe card for quantities.
Ingredient Notes
- Pumpkin puree - make sure it's just pumpkin, not pumpkin pie mix
- Oat milk - substitute with almond milk or soy milk
- Use brown sugar or maple syrup
Equipment Needed
- A small saucepan
- A whisk or wooden spoon
- A blender (optional for extra frothiness but recommended)
- Measuring cups and spoons
How To Make Vegan Pumpkin Spice Steamer Recipe
Here is a visual overview that'll walk you through each delicious detail of this warm and comforting vegan fall drink. See the recipe card for directions.
Step 1: Grab a small saucepan and warm up some plant-based milk over low-medium heat. Stir in your pumpkin puree until fully blended with the milk.—no boiling, just warm.
Step 2: Next, toss in your spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and maybe a pinch of cloves if you're feeling it. Your kitchen will start smelling like fall in no time!
Step 3: Sweeten it with brown sugar (or maple syrup)...
Step 4: Add a dash of vanilla extract for a deeper flavor. Give it a quick taste and tweak the spices or sweetness if necessary.
Step 5: To achieve that delightful coffee-shop froth, pour the mixture into your blender and blend for a minute. It's as easy as that!
Step 6: Finally, pour the drink into your go-to mug. If you want to go all out, crown it with vegan whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Top Tips
- While you can always blend the ingredients first and then heat the mixture in a pot, I find I get a better froth if I blend the mixture after it has been heated in the pot.
- You can substitute the spices with 1 and ½ teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice blend.
Serving Suggestions
This is a delicious warm beverage you can have any time and all by itself, but I always like to give some suggestions for serving. Here are a few.
- Instead of cinnamon, use some nutmeg to dust the top.
- A drizzle of vegan caramel sauce on top can add a sweet and luxurious twist.
- Rim the mug with crushed vegan graham crackers as a nod to Vegan Pumpkin Pie with Graham Cracker Crust.
- Toast vegan marshmallows slightly and float them on the steamer.
- Serve your Pumpkin Spiced Steamer with vegan ginger snaps, biscotti, or these delicious Vegan DoubleTree Chocolate Chip Cookies.
- A dusting of cocoa powder provides a contrasting flavor note and an elegant appearance if you're serving it at a gathering.
- For added richness and texture, consider chopped candied pecans as a topping.
Variations
- Pumpkin Mocha Steamer: Add a shot of espresso or a strong brewed coffee to your steamer for a pumpkin spice latte fusion.
- Orange Zest Infusion: Simmer a strip of orange zest with your pumpkin mixture to infuse a citrusy note.
- Chocolate Pumpkin Steamer: Stir in some vegan chocolate chips for a decadent pumpkin-chocolate experience.
FAQS
You can use a natural sweetener like maple syrup, agave, or even a sugar-free sweetener like stevia to keep the recipe sugar-free.
If you have extra, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
This steamer is already caffeine-free, but you can add a shot of espresso if you’d like to turn it into a vegan pumpkin spice latte!
More Delicious Fall Vegan Recipes
What did you think?
Have a minute? I'd love for you to dive into the comments and rate this Vegan Pumpkin Spice Steamer Recipe. Your feedback is invaluable—did you love it? Did you make any fun twists? Let me know how my directions worked for you so I can keep improving my recipes. Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for inspiration.
PrintRecipe
Vegan Pumpkin Spice Steamer Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This homemade vegan version of a Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Steamer is a great way to enjoy fall flavors without dairy or added sugar. It requires minimal effort and won't break the bank, providing you with that cozy, heartwarming feeling you crave.
Ingredients
- 2 cups almond milk (you can also use oat milk, soy milk, or any other plant-based milk)
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree (make sure it's just pumpkin, not pumpkin pie mix)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- pinch ground cloves (optional for that extra kick)
- 1-2 tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: vegan whipped cream for topping
Instructions
- Warm the Milk: Place your plant-based milk into a small saucepan over low-medium heat. You're aiming to warm it, not bring it to a boil. While it's warming, you can move to the next steps.
- Add Puree: Spoon the pumpkin puree into the warming milk. Whisk it well to ensure the pumpkin is fully incorporated into the milk.
- Add Spices: Now, add the ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and a pinch of ground cloves if you're using it. Stir it well to ensure the spices blend into the mixture. The aroma should start to fill your kitchen with the scent of fall.
- Sweeten: Add the maple syrup for sweetness and the vanilla extract for that extra depth of flavor. Stir again to combine everything well.
- Adjust: Give it a quick taste test. Adjust the sweetness or spices according to your personal preference. Some people like it sweeter, some spicier—it's all up to you.
- Blend: If you have a blender and you want that extra frothy touch, carefully transfer the mixture into a blender and pulse a few times. This step is optional but makes the drink feel extra luxurious.
- Serve: Once everything is well-mixed and warm (not boiling), pour it into your favorite mug. If you're feeling extra indulgent, top the steamer with vegan whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Notes
You can blend the ingredients and heat the mixture in a pot. However, I get a better froth if I blend the mixture after heating it in the pot.
You can substitute the spices with 1 and ½ teaspoons of pumpkin spice blend.
The nutritional profile in this recipe is only an estimation due to the wide range of plant-based milk options available. The diverse selection of plant-based milks allows for versatility but can contribute to some variations in the nutritional content.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 158
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 218.3 mg
- Fat: 8.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 17.8 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0.8 mg
Trey says
This is ridiculously good
Regi Pearce says
This is the kind of review I strive for! I'm thrilled to hear that you enjoyed it so much.