This Caramel Pumpkin Spice Iced Coffee is cold, creamy, sweet, and cozy. It tastes like fall in a glass, but it only takes a few minutes to make at home.
Servings And Time
- Makes: 1 serving
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 0 minutes
- Total time: 5 minutes
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it feels like a coffee shop drink, but it is easy to make in my own kitchen. Some days I want pumpkin spice, but I do not want a hot drink. This iced version gives me that cozy fall flavor while still feeling cold and refreshing.
- It takes only 5 minutes.
- It tastes creamy, sweet, and cozy.
- The pumpkin puree makes the drink feel richer.
- The caramel makes it taste like a treat.
- You can make it stronger with more coffee.
- You can make it lighter with less whipped cream.
- It feels fancy but uses simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cold brewed coffee, chilled
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon caramel sauce, plus extra for topping
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup clear ice cubes
- 2 tablespoons whipped cream, optional for topping
- Small pinch of pumpkin pie spice, optional for topping
Recipe And Instructions
Step 1: Make The Pumpkin Caramel Mix
In a small bowl, add 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree, 1 tablespoon caramel sauce, 1 tablespoon maple syrup or sugar, 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir until smooth, thick, and creamy.
Step 2: Add Coffee And Milk
Pour 1 cup chilled cold brewed coffee and 1/2 cup milk into the pumpkin caramel mix. Stir until the drink turns smooth and creamy with a light caramel-orange color.
Step 3: Add Ice
Add 1 cup clear ice cubes to the creamy pumpkin spice coffee. Stir gently so the drink gets cold without losing its smooth color.
Step 4: Add Whipped Cream And Caramel
Top the iced coffee with 2 tablespoons whipped cream. Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the whipped cream, then sprinkle a small pinch of pumpkin pie spice on top.
Macros Information
Estimated per serving with whole milk and whipped cream:
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 5g
- Carbs: 36g
- Fat: 6g
- Sugar: 28g
Why This Recipe Works Quick Science
Cold brew works well here because it tastes smooth and less bitter than strong hot coffee. Pumpkin puree adds thickness, so the drink feels creamy without needing too much cream. Caramel sauce and maple syrup help balance the coffee flavor with sweetness. Pumpkin pie spice adds warm flavor, so the drink still tastes cozy even though it is iced.
Common Mistakes
- Using too much pumpkin puree can make the drink too thick. Use 2 tablespoons for the best texture.
- Skipping the first mixing step can leave pumpkin clumps in the coffee.
- Using warm coffee can melt the ice too fast and water down the drink.
- Adding too much pumpkin pie spice can make the drink taste dusty or bitter.
- Pouring whipped cream on too early can make it sink into the drink.
What To Serve With
- Pumpkin muffins
- Banana bread
- Cinnamon toast
- Croissants
- Oatmeal cookies
- Breakfast sandwich
- Vanilla yogurt bowl
- Apple slices with peanut butter
FAQ
Q: Can I use hot coffee?
A: Yes, but chill it first. Hot coffee will melt the ice and make the drink watery.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes. Use oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk. You can also skip the whipped cream or use dairy-free whipped cream.
Q: Can I use canned pumpkin?
A: Yes. Use plain pumpkin puree. Do not use pumpkin pie filling because it already has sugar and spices added.
Q: Can I make it sweeter?
A: Yes. Add more caramel sauce, maple syrup, or sugar.
Q: Can I make it stronger?
A: Yes. Use stronger cold brew or add an extra splash of coffee.
Q: Can I make it without whipped cream?
A: Yes. The drink will still be creamy and sweet without it.
Q: Can I blend it?
A: Yes. Blend the coffee, milk, pumpkin puree, caramel sauce, sweetener, spice, vanilla extract, and ice for a frozen-style drink.
Final Thoughts
This Caramel Pumpkin Spice Iced Coffee is a simple way to make your coffee feel special. It is cold, creamy, sweet, and full of cozy pumpkin spice flavor. I like it when I want a fall drink that still feels refreshing.
