There is just nothing that screams ‘Autumn is here!’ louder than that first sip of spiced, creamy cold coffee, right? I swear, the air just smells crisper. I spent years chasing that specific café magic, trying to replicate the perfect Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew (Copycat) in my own kitchen, especially since finding good gluten-free options was always a struggle. You know, one crisp morning last year, I finally nailed the foam texture! The aroma of pumpkin pie spice filled my little kitchen exactly how I remember it smelling when I was a kid visiting the pumpkin patches out in Brooklyn with my family. Suddenly, that perfect cool sip didn’t just taste good—it felt like coming home. I’m absolutely thrilled to share this easy, cozy recipe with you today! For more about my journey, check out my story.
Why This Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew (Copycat) is Your New Seasonal Favorite
Honestly, I think you’re going to adore making this at home just as much as I do. It hits all the right notes without any fuss. It’s ready faster than your trip to the drive-thru!
- It’s incredibly fast! Total prep time is only about five minutes, I swear.
- You get that rich, café-quality texture right in your own glass.
- Since we’re managing the ingredients, it’s naturally friendly for gluten-free diets.
- Plus, you can bump up the maple syrup or spice if you like it extra sweet or sassy!
Gathering Ingredients for Your Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew (Copycat)
Okay, let’s talk about what you need, because getting the right ratio of spices to creamy goodness is everything here. Don’t worry; we aren’t trekking through a pumpkin patch for this! Everything you need should be pretty easy to find, or maybe already hiding in your pantry from last season. Getting these core elements correct is how we nail that authentic flavor without needing a trip to the actual coffee shop. If you’re looking for wonderful gluten-free recipe inspiration while you’re here, I’ve got tons of ideas over in my gluten-free baking category!
For the Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam
This is the star of the show! You want to make sure you use real pumpkin puree here—not pie filling, just straight pumpkin for the best flavor.
- 1 cup oat milk or dairy-free heavy whip (this is key for the richness!)
- 1 1/2 tbsp. pumpkin puree
- 1 tbsp. maple syrup (for that perfect natural sweetness)
- 1 tsp. pumpkin spice or just cinnamon if that’s all you have
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- A tiny pinch of salt (don’t skip this, it wakes up the flavor!)
For the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew (Copycat) Assembly
Once the foam is ready, you just need the cold base. Keep it simple here so the cream shines.
- 1 cup cold brew coffee (your favorite strong brew works great!)
- A handful of ice
- A light sprinkle of pumpkin spice for topping
Essential Equipment for Making the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew (Copycat)
You don’t need fancy barista gadgets for this Seasonal Favorite, thank goodness! We are keeping the equipment list super short and sweet. The absolute must-have is something to whip that foam until it’s airy perfection. Trust me, a small, battery-operated hand-held frother is the hero here.
It whips the dairy-free whip up in seconds, giving you that velvety texture that commercial shops use, way better than just vigorous whisking!
- Whisk or a reliable hand-held frother (highly recommended!)
- A mason jar (perfect for mixing and frothing the foam!)
- A tall glass for your final coffee masterpiece
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew (Copycat)
Are you ready? This is the part where we turn those simple ingredients into pure, liquid autumn comfort. I actually find the frothing part really therapeutic; it’s quick, but you have to pay attention to the sound and texture changing. This whole process, from opening the fridge to sipping that first frosty taste, takes maybe ten minutes total if you’re organized. If you want to see some other great inspired recipes, check out my collection of copycat recipes for when you need a treat!
Creating the Rich Pumpkin Cold Foam
First things first, grab that mason jar! We need to combine all our foam ingredients inside it—that’s the oat milk, the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, vanilla, spice, and that little whisper of salt. Now, put the lid on tight—we don’t want any explosions! Using your hand-held frother, whip everything up. You’re looking for it to get nice and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes of frothing, depending on how fast your tool is. Stop when it looks thick but still easily pourable, not stiff peaks like whipped cream.
Assembling Your Fall Coffee Drink
Now for the drama! Take your tall glass and pack it full of ice—you want it really cold. Pour in your pre-made cold brew coffee. Don’t stir the coffee yet! Next, gently spoon or carefully pour that beautiful, cloud-like pumpkin cold foam right over the top of the coffee. It should float gently there for a second. Finish by dusting the top lightly with a sprinkle of pumpkin spice. That’s it! You’ve made the most glorious treat. If you want a deeper dive on how the pros do their frothing techniques, I found this resource helpful.
Expert Tips for a Better Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew (Copycat)
Even though this recipe is simple, a few little tricks can take your Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew (Copycat) from ‘good’ to ‘I’m never buying this from the store again!’ level! My biggest piece of advice revolves around the pumpkin itself.
Please, please use real pumpkin puree here, not pumpkin pie filling, which is full of extra sugars and spices we don’t need. If you use puree, you control the spice blend completely, which is crucial for an excellent seasonal favorite.
Also, about that foam—it holds up better if the base liquid is really cold, so keep your oat milk chilled! If you make too much foam, don’t just stir it into the cold brew the next day. Save it in the fridge, and when you want a second cup of this wonderful Fall Coffee, just take it out and give it another quick 20-second blast with the frother to wake it back up. That works like a charm every time!
Ingredient Substitutions for Your Spiced Drink
One of the best parts about making your own Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew (Copycat) is the total control you have over what goes in! Since we’re using base ingredients like oat milk or dairy-free whip, this recipe already leans into dietary flexibility, making it a great gluten-free option right out of the gate.
If you normally use dairy, heavy cream is your best friend for the richest foam texture. If you prefer avoiding maple syrup, feel free to swap it out for regular simple syrup or even a touch of brown sugar you’ve dissolved first; just adjust for sweetness!
For vanilla, if you have almond extract on hand, a tiny drop can give a nice nutty background note to your Spiced Drink. You customize the spice level, too—want more kick? Add a pinch of cayenne to your pumpkin spice mix!
Storage and Reheating for Your Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew (Copycat) Foam
Now, who has time to make this glorious concoction every single morning? Not me! The really fantastic news is that the pumpkin cold foam stores beautifully. Pop any leftovers right into a sealed container in the fridge. It keeps well for about a week, which gives you plenty of time to enjoy this Seasonal Favorite again and again.
When you’re ready for another cup, don’t worry if the foam looks a little deflated. Just give it another quick whirl with your hand-held frother—maybe just 20 to 30 seconds. It wakes right back up! It completely saves the trouble of mixing up a whole new batch.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Starbucks Copycat Recipe
I know you might have a few little questions swirling around before you dive into making your perfect glass of Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew (Copycat). These little queries are exactly why I wanted to include this FAQ section—I want you to feel totally confident making this delicious Fall Coffee at home!
Can I make the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew (Copycat) ahead of time?
Absolutely, yes! The best part to prep in advance is that gorgeous foam. You can whip up the pumpkin cold foam, seal it in a jar, and pop it into the fridge. It stays good for almost a week! Just remember that when you pull it out the next day, it might settle a bit. Give it a quick, short re-froth right before pouring it over your cold brew.
Is this recipe truly gluten-free?
Yes, it is! As long as you stick to the ingredients listed here, this Starbucks Copycat recipe is fantastic for those avoiding gluten. The base ingredients—oat milk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and cold brew coffee—are naturally gluten-free. When you grab your ingredients, just do a quick check on the pumpkin spice blend to be extra safe. It’s such a relief finding those classic, comforting flavors that fit right into a gluten-free lifestyle!
What kind of cold brew coffee works best?
For the best results in your Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew (Copycat), you want the strongest, smoothest cold brew you can find. Since we are topping it with sweet, rich foam, the coffee base needs to be bold enough not to taste watered down underneath. I usually make a strong batch myself, but if you buy it pre-made, look for one labeled as ‘extra bold’ or ‘highly concentrated.’ We want that deep, dark base to contrast with that light, spiced cloud!
If you have any other burning questions after trying this out, please feel free to reach out to me through my contact page!
Estimated Nutritional Snapshot for the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew (Copycat)
I know some of you are watching macros or counting calories, even when treating yourself to a heavenly seasonal favorite like this! Because this recipe can change quite a bit based on whether you use heavy cream or oat milk, or how much maple syrup you decide on, these numbers are just a general estimate.
This snapshot is based on the standard recipe guidelines, assuming you use the oat milk or dairy-free whip alternative. It’s usually a wonderful way to enjoy that strong coffee flavor without too many added guilt vibes!
Always remember that these are just close guesses. If you load up on extra syrup or use full dairy cream, your totals will definitely shift! For reference, here’s a look at what the nutrition generally looks like for one serving:
- Calories: About 300
- Fat: Approximately 20g (This depends heavily on the fat content of your whip/milk choice!)
- Carbohydrates: Around 25g
- Protein: Roughly 3g
- Sugar: About 18g
Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew (Copycat) knowing you made the trade-offs consciously, right in your own kitchen!
Share Your Homemade Fall Coffee Creation
Wow, I hope you loved making this easy Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew (Copycat) as much as I loved sharing it! Seriously, tell me everything! Did you use oat milk or cream? I’m dying to know how your Fall Coffee turned out. Please leave a rating below and drop a comment with any pictures—I absolutely adore seeing your cozy creations!

Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew (Copycat)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine the oat milk or dairy-free heavy whip, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, vanilla, pumpkin spice, and salt in a small jar.
- Use a hand-held frother to froth all of the ingredients until combined. Refrigerate or use right away.
- Add your favorite cold brew to a glass over ice and pour the pumpkin cold foam on top. Lightly stir and top with more pumpkin spice to enjoy!
Nutrition
Notes
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Gluten-Free Culinary Storyteller & Recipe Heritage Specialist
Getting diagnosed with non-celiac gluten sensitivity in my late twenties felt like losing my Italian identity. Growing up in nonna’s Brooklyn kitchen, learning traditional techniques that suddenly became off-limits—I decided to fight for those family food traditions instead of giving up.
With my food journalism background and European baking training, I became obsessed with recreating authentic flavors in gluten-free formats. I’ve adapted 400+ traditional recipes from various cultures, with my gnocchi recipe winning “Recipe of the Year” from the National Gluten-Free Living Awards in 2022.
I collaborate with the Italian-American Cultural Center to document traditional family recipes and volunteer with the Westchester Celiac Support Group, teaching monthly pasta-making classes.
Food is the heart of family storytelling. No one should sacrifice their cultural heritage due to dietary restrictions.