Inside: A copycat of the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice latte that is PUMPKIN FREE and perfect for anyone in phase 2 of the Plant Paradox diet.
Yesterday was the first official day of school for my little one. Which basically means it’s fall, right? I don’t know about you, but I’m dying to throw on my boots, cheer on the Ohio State Buckeyes as their season starts, and slowly sip some Pumpkin Spice lattes. Without the pumpkin, of course.
Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte with NO PUMPKIN
Before I tell you the secret ingredient that replaces the pumpkin, I would just like the record to show that the original Starbucks Pumpkin Spice latte didn’t contain pumpkin either! Are you surprised?
Here’s the thing – Pumpkin Spice lattes get all their flavor from the spices. And you can sub yams or sweet potato for the pumpkin. Which means you can totally make a Pumpkin Spice latte tasting coffee drink with NO PUMPKIN needed.
Which means you can make a Plant Paradox Compliant Pumpkin Spice latte!
(Side note: If you are in phase three of the diet, it’s ok to start introducing small amounts of pumpkin, and if you’d like to try this recipe with pumpkin, just substitute equal parts of sweet potato with pumpkin. But really, why bother? Sweet potatoes taste EXACTLY like pumpkin in this recipe.)
Related: Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies
Recipe Notes:
For the pumpkin substitute, you can use either yam or sweet potato puree. Feel free to use homemade or canned. If you’re buying it in a can, double check the ingredients as a few of the brands I came across included a sugar sweetened syrup. You want your ingredients to just read: sweet potatoes. Here’s a good option.
For the coffee portion, you can use 2 shots of espresso OR make a strong cup of coffee. I love making coffee in a Moka pot. I discovered these on a trip to Italy and have been brewing delicious coffee in my Moka pot ever since. Also called a “stove top espresso maker” these cute little coffee pots makes rich, strong cups of coffee.
For the milk, look for milk that has been tested A2. My favorite local dairy, Snowville Creamery has a delicious option and I’ve heard there are national brands of A2 tested milk all over the place!
For the sweeteners, I used Lakanto Golden, which is the closest substitute for brown sugar that I’ve found, and Swerve Confectioner’s which is one of my favorites as the fine textures allows it to mix in very easily.
And finally, please feel free to use this as a starting point and really make it your own. The recipe as listed reminds me of the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice latte, but feel free to add more or less of the spices, sweetener or sweet potato puree to craft it to your preference.
Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte with NO PUMPKIN - Plant Paradox Compliant
A copycat of Starbucks beloved Pumpkin Spice Latte with NO PUMPKIN. Tastes like the real thing!
Ingredients
- 1 tbl sweet potato puree
- 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 2 tsp Lakanto golden (or favorite brown sugar/sub)
- 1/2 cup A2 milk
- 1 cup strong coffee, or 2 shots espresso
- 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 tbl heavy whipping cream, optional
- 1 tsp Swerve confectioner's, optional
Instructions
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In a saucepan, whisk together sweet potato puree, pumpkin pie spice, Lakanto golden, and milk until well combined and heated through - about 2 minutes.
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Remove saucepan from heat, and stir in vanilla extract.
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Divide brewed coffee into two cups, filling halfway.
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Top each cup with milk mixture.
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Optional: Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie seasoning.
To make whipped cream, simply whisk together 2 tbl of heavy whipping cream and 1 tsp of Swerve confectioner's sugar until stiff peaks form, about 2 minutes of constant whipping.
Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte with NO PUMPKIN – In Photos
Gather your “mise en place” which is a super fancy way of saying “get your ingredients in place”.
Whisk together milk, spices, sweetener and sweet potato puree.
Brew coffee or make espresso shots. Bonus points if you have a Moka pot.
Fill cup halfway with coffee.
Top with milk mixture.
To make your whipped cream, start with 2 tbl of heavy whipping cream.
Add sweetener.
Whip it good. Whip it real good.
Plop it on, sprinkle on some pumpkin pie spice and you’re ready to get totally #basic.
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