Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew Recipe (Starbucks Copycat)

Table of Contents

• Introduction

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ingredients You’ll Need

• How to Make Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew at Home

  • Step 1: Make the Pumpkin Cream

  • Step 2: Brew the Cold Brew Coffee

  • Step 3: Assemble and Serve

• Helpful Tips for the Best Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew

• Customization Ideas

• Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Storage Tips

• FAQs

• Conclusion

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Introduction

When the crisp breeze of fall starts rustling through the trees and the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg fills the air, you know it’s time for your favorite seasonal drink — the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew.

This beloved Starbucks fall beverage is creamy, cold, spicy, and perfectly caffeinated. But what if you could recreate it at home — for less money and better taste?

That’s where this homemade Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew recipe comes in. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up this barista-level beverage right in your kitchen. Plus, it’s healthier, customizable, and made with real pumpkin.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Tastes just like Starbucks — if not better
✅ Made with real pumpkin purée
✅ Perfectly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves
✅ No fancy equipment needed
✅ Ready in under 10 minutes
✅ Easily customizable: dairy-free, sugar-free, extra strong, etc.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

✴️ For the Pumpkin Cream:

• ½ cup heavy cream (or dairy-free alternative like oat cream)

• ¼ cup milk (whole, oat, or almond)

• 2 tablespoons pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or brown sugar)

• ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, clove)

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

✴️ For the Cold Brew:

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

• Ice cubes

• Optional: additional sweetener

🍁 Topping:

• Dash of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon for garnish

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How to Make Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew at Home

Making this drink is easy, quick, and super satisfying. Follow these steps for cold brew magic in your cup:

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Step 1: Make the Pumpkin Cream

🥄 Directions:

1. In a small bowl or blender, combine:

   • ½ cup heavy cream

   • ¼ cup milk

   • 2 tbsp pumpkin purée

   • 1 tbsp maple syrup

   • ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice

   • ½ tsp vanilla extract

2. Froth the mixture until creamy and thick, but pourable. You can use:

   • A milk frother

   • A blender

   • A handheld whisk

3. Set aside in the fridge while preparing the coffee.

✅ Pro Tip: Use cold cream and milk for better frothing.

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Step 2: Brew the Cold Brew Coffee

☕ Option A: Use Store-Bought Cold Brew

Simply pour about 1 cup of your favorite unsweetened cold brew over ice.

☕ Option B: Make Your Own Cold Brew (Optional)

1. Mix 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee with 4 cups of cold water.

2. Steep in the fridge for 12-18 hours.

3. Strain through a fine mesh or cheesecloth.

4. Store in the fridge for up to a week.

✅ Pro Tip: Cold brew is smoother and less acidic than regular iced coffee — perfect for creamy drinks.

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Step 3: Assemble and Serve

1. Fill a glass with ice.

2. Pour in 1 cup cold brew coffee (sweeten if desired).

3. Gently spoon or pour the pumpkin cream over the top.

4. Finish with a dash of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon on top.

🧊 Optional: Stir gently or leave it layered for a beautiful visual effect.

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Helpful Tips for the Best Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew

• Use real pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling.

• Froth the cream just enough — too much and it becomes stiff like whipped cream.

• Add more or less maple syrup based on your desired sweetness.

• Adjust the coffee-to-cream ratio for more/less creaminess.

• Chill all components for the coldest, smoothest drink.

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Customization Ideas

💛 Dairy-Free Version

• Use coconut cream or oat milk creamer.

• Almond, soy, or oat milk work great too.

💛 Sugar-Free Version

• Replace maple syrup with monk fruit sweetener or stevia.

💛 Spicier Version

• Add extra cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream.

💛 Boozy Version

• Add a splash of pumpkin spice liqueur or coffee liqueur for a fun fall cocktail.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Using hot coffee: will melt the cream and ice.

• ❌ Over-blending the pumpkin cream: turns into stiff whipped cream.

• ❌ Skipping the sweetener: can make the drink taste flat.

• ❌ Using pumpkin pie filling: it contains spices and sugar and may affect texture and taste.

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Storage Tips

• Pumpkin Cream: Store in a sealed jar for up to 3 days. Shake before using.

• Cold Brew: Lasts up to 1 week in the fridge.

• Do not freeze the pumpkin cream — it will separate.

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FAQs

❓ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the pumpkin cream in advance and keep it in the fridge. Cold brew can also be made days ahead.

❓ Can I use iced coffee instead of cold brew?

Yes, but cold brew is smoother. If using iced coffee, chill it thoroughly before using.

❓ How do I froth without a frother?

Use a mason jar with a tight lid (shake vigorously), or a hand whisk/blender.

❓ Is this healthier than Starbucks?

Definitely! You can control the sugar, cream, and even go dairy-free or sugar-free.

❓ What is the Starbucks version made of?

Starbucks uses cold brew, vanilla syrup, and pumpkin-flavored sweet cream made with condensed milk and heavy cream — yours is just as delicious and uses real pumpkin!

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Conclusion

There’s no need to wait in line or spend extra cash at Starbucks when you can enjoy a delicious, homemade Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew in under 10 minutes. This copycat recipe is rich, refreshing, and perfectly spiced — the ultimate fall coffee treat.

Whether you’re sipping on a crisp morning walk, curled up by the fire, or just need a mid-day boost, this creamy pumpkin coffee will deliver cozy autumn vibes in every sip.