Pumpkin cream cold brew is the ultimate fall coffee—smooth, bold, and topped with a sweet pumpkin cold foam that feels like a hug in a glass. When September hits, I crave that chilled spice combo every morning. But instead of heading to the drive-thru, I started making my own at home. It’s fast, dairy-free, and better than anything I’ve bought.
This recipe keeps it simple: real pumpkin, maple syrup, and oat milk—no artificial syrups or overpriced shots. You’ll also learn what’s in Starbucks’ version, how to lighten it up, and how many calories you’re sipping. If you’re into fall favorites like these 2-ingredient pumpkin brownies or even cozy dinners like hot honey glazed salmon sheet pan, this drink is the perfect match.
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How Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew Became My Seasonal Ritual
It Started With One Cold, Rainy Morning
My love for pumpkin cream cold brew began one chilly October when I grabbed one on a whim during a trip to Boston. It hit all the right notes—cold brew with a sweet pumpkin finish, cinnamon on top, and that creamy swirl. But the price? Not so sweet.
So, I went home and tried to recreate it using pantry staples. A few tries later, I found my mix: pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and oat milk. It was better than I remembered. I could make it every day without blowing my budget—or dealing with long lines.
Now, it’s part of my morning routine. I sip it with a snack or sometimes pair it with something light like garlic parmesan zucchini or one of these 2-ingredient pumpkin brownies when I want a treat.

What You Need for the Perfect Pumpkin Cold Brew
The beauty of homemade pumpkin cream cold brew? You only need a few real ingredients and five minutes.
Pumpkin Cold Foam:
- 1 cup oat milk or dairy-free heavy whip
- 1½ tablespoons pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice or cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
To Assemble:
- 1 cup cold brew
- Handful of ice
- Extra pumpkin spice for topping
Steps:
- Combine the oat milk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, vanilla, spice, and salt in a small jar.
- Froth with a handheld mixer until it’s fluffy and blended.
- Add ice to a glass, pour in the cold brew, and top with the pumpkin foam. Stir gently. Dust with more pumpkin spice if you like.
It’s rich, cozy, and comes together faster than your coffee order would be ready. Plus, you can tweak the sweetness, thickness, or spice just the way you want.
Looking for something equally quick to enjoy on the side? This 5-ingredient keto butter chicken makes a bold, savory pairing for a pumpkin-packed afternoon.
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Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew – 5-Minute Recipe You’ll Love
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
Description
A rich and creamy pumpkin cream cold brew made with oat milk, real pumpkin puree, and maple syrup. Perfectly spiced and ready in minutes.
Ingredients
Pumpkin Cold Foam:
1 cup oat milk or dairy-free heavy whip
1 1/2 tbsp pumpkin puree 1 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp pumpkin spice or cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew:
1 cup cold brew coffee
Handful of ice
Sprinkle of pumpkin spice
Instructions
1. Combine oat milk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, vanilla, pumpkin spice, and salt in a small jar.
2. Froth using a hand-held frother until thick and creamy.
3. Fill a glass with ice and pour in cold brew coffee.
4. Top with pumpkin cold foam.
5. Stir lightly and sprinkle pumpkin spice on top.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
You can store extra foam in the fridge for up to 3 days. Use almond milk or skip syrup for a skinny version.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Frothing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: pumpkin cream cold brew, homemade cold brew, fall coffee
Make It Your Way – Ingredient Swaps & Smart Sips
Customize the Cold Foam for Texture and Taste
The cold foam is what makes pumpkin cream cold brew feel like a seasonal treat. But if you’re out of oat milk or want something creamier, don’t worry—you’ve got options.
For extra richness, try dairy-free heavy whipping cream or canned coconut milk. If you’re keeping it lower-fat, almond milk or even cashew milk can work, though they won’t froth as thick. Still, with the right frother, you’ll get a decent foam that floats beautifully over cold brew.
Some like it sweeter, others spicier. Adjust the maple syrup or swap it for honey or agave. And if you don’t have pumpkin spice, cinnamon with a pinch of nutmeg and cloves gives a similar warm kick.
Pair your morning brew with something equally flexible, like these spicy garlic butter noodles—you’ll love how the bold and sweet flavors balance each other out.
You can also batch the cold foam. Store it in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just froth again before using.
Going “Skinny”? Here’s How to Lighten It Up
Want to keep your pumpkin cream cold brew a bit lighter? Try this easy “skinny” version:
- Use unsweetened almond milk or skim oat milk
- Cut the maple syrup to ½ tablespoon or skip it
- Use just a teaspoon of pumpkin puree for flavor, not texture
You’ll still get that smooth pumpkin spice layer, just with fewer calories. And when paired with a balanced main like this cheesy ground beef rice casserole, it makes for a full, satisfying lunch or snack setup.
Just keep in mind: removing too much sweetness can flatten the flavor, so taste as you go.
Your Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew Questions—Answered
What Is Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew Exactly?
At its core, pumpkin cream cold brew is a chilled coffee drink made with smooth cold brew and topped with a creamy pumpkin-spiced foam. It’s a fall favorite that blends the boldness of black coffee with the sweet, cozy taste of pumpkin pie.
The cold brew is unsweetened and strong, while the pumpkin cream adds a soft, rich texture and just enough sweetness to balance it out. Whether you get it from Starbucks or make it at home, it’s all about the contrast—deep coffee underneath, sweet spiced cream on top.
If you’re into comforting recipes with a fall twist, this classic pastina recipe brings the same nostalgic vibe in a bowl instead of a cup.
How Many Calories Are in a Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew?
The tall (12 oz) version at Starbucks has around 250 calories, most of it coming from the pumpkin foam. That includes heavy cream, vanilla syrup, and pumpkin spice topping. The cold brew itself has almost no calories—it’s the topping that adds up.
When you make it at home, you can drop the calories by using oat milk, less syrup, and just a teaspoon of pumpkin puree. Want it under 100 calories? Stick to light almond milk and skip the sweetener entirely.
Pair it with a light snack like these zucchini pizza bites and you’ve got a guilt-free combo that still feels like a treat.

What’s Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam Made Of?
Their foam starts with vanilla sweet cream, which is typically a mix of heavy cream, 2% milk, and vanilla syrup. They blend that with pumpkin spice sauce and top it all with pumpkin spice powder.
At home, your version skips the artificial stuff and uses real pumpkin puree, a dash of maple syrup, and your choice of milk. It’s just as thick and frothy—without the extras you don’t need.
What’s the “Skinny” Version of Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew?
The “skinny” label usually means lighter in calories and sugar. To make a skinny pumpkin cream cold brew at home:
- Choose a low-calorie milk like almond or skim oat milk
- Use a small amount of pumpkin puree—½ to 1 tsp
- Sweeten with stevia, monk fruit, or nothing at all
- Stick to a single-layer foam and reduce your serving size
You’ll get the fall flavor without the sugar crash.
How to Serve, Sip, and Store Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
Best Times and Ways to Enjoy It
Pumpkin cream cold brew isn’t just a morning drink—it works any time you want a little fall comfort. Pour it over ice for an afternoon energy boost or serve it with brunch. Hosting guests? Offer it alongside a seasonal spread for a quick wow factor.
For a filling combo, try it with something warm like this southern fried cornbread. The savory crunch plays off the creamy sweetness of the drink.
Want it to feel more like dessert? Make a glass of pumpkin cream cold brew with extra foam and sip it next to biscoff banana pudding. That layered sweetness makes every bite and sip better.
It also works great for meal prep. Just store the frothed pumpkin cold foam in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 3 days. Shake and froth again before pouring it over fresh cold brew.
Final Notes to Make It Even Better
Here are a few fast tips to make your pumpkin cream cold brew taste even more like the real thing—or better:
- Use chilled cold brew. Warm coffee melts the ice and ruins the layered effect.
- Don’t over-froth. You want a silky texture, not whipped cream.
- Always taste your foam. Adjust syrup or spice before pouring.
Once you get the balance you like, it becomes second nature. You’ll stop craving the drive-thru and start craving your own kitchen.
The best part? Every time you sip that chilled blend of pumpkin, spice, and cold brew, it feels like a little taste of fall—no matter what the calendar says.

Conclusion: A Homemade Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew That Hits Every Note
Pumpkin cream cold brew is more than a trend—it’s a comforting fall ritual. With just a handful of real ingredients and five minutes, you can make your own version that’s rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced. Whether you’re going full foam or keeping it skinny, this DIY drink lets you enjoy autumn flavors on your terms.
You don’t need a fancy setup. Just a frother, a jar, and your favorite cold brew. Pair it with something sweet, something savory, or just enjoy it solo.
Skip the line. Make it your own. And sip fall—one glass at a time.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
What is the pumpkin cream cold brew?
Pumpkin cream cold brew is a chilled coffee drink made with cold brew coffee and topped with a layer of creamy pumpkin cold foam. The foam is made with milk or cream, real pumpkin, maple syrup, vanilla, and spices. It delivers a bold coffee kick with sweet, cozy fall flavors.
How many calories are in a Starbucks pumpkin cream cold brew?
A tall size (12 oz) has about 250 calories, mostly from the pumpkin foam. Making it at home lets you control the calories by adjusting the type of milk and amount of sweetener you use.
What is Starbucks pumpkin cream cold foam made of?
Their cold foam includes a vanilla sweet cream base (heavy cream, milk, vanilla syrup) mixed with a pumpkin spice sauce and topped with pumpkin spice seasoning. At home, you can get the same flavor with pumpkin puree, oat milk, maple syrup, and spices.
What is the skinny version of pumpkin cream cold brew?
A skinny version uses low-calorie milk (like almond or skim oat milk), reduced or no sweetener, and just a small amount of pumpkin. The result is a lighter, less sugary version that still delivers that pumpkin spice taste.