Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew: Delightful Fall Treat

August 12, 2025

Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew has become my absolute favorite way to welcome autumn, and I’m so excited to share how you can make this delightful drink right in your own kitchen! I still remember the first time I tried it at a coffee shop – that velvety, spiced cream swirled over smooth, bold cold brew felt like a hug in a mug. Now, I can recreate that magic, making it a perfect Starbucks pumpkin cream cold brew copycat that’s even better because I know exactly what goes into it. Making pumpkin cold brew coffee at home is surprisingly simple, and the aroma that fills my kitchen is pure fall bliss. Let’s get brewing!

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew

This recipe is a game-changer for fall coffee lovers. Here’s why you’ll adore it:

Incredible Taste: It perfectly balances rich cold brew with a sweet, spiced pumpkin cream that’s incredibly comforting.
Quick Prep: You can have the components ready in under 20 minutes, making it an easy pumpkin cream cold brew for busy mornings.
Budget-Friendly: Enjoy your favorite seasonal drink without the coffee shop price tag; it’s much more affordable to make at home.
Customizable: Tweak the sweetness and spice to your exact liking for a truly personalized experience.
Family-Friendly: Even non-coffee drinkers might enjoy a taste of the creamy pumpkin topping!
Healthier Option: When you make this homemade pumpkin cream cold brew, you control the ingredients, allowing for lower sugar or dairy-free alternatives.
Perfect Autumn Treat: It’s the quintessential taste of fall in a cup.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew

Gathering these pumpkin cream cold brew ingredients makes creating this autumnal delight a breeze. You’ll need a few key components to achieve that signature flavor and texture. For the cold brew itself, you’ll need 1 cup coarsely ground coffee and 4 cups cold water. The quality of your coffee grounds really matters for a smooth brew. Then, for that luscious pumpkin cream, grab 1 cup heavy cream for richness, 1/4 cup pumpkin puree (make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pie filling!), 2 tablespoons powdered sugar for sweetness, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract for warmth, and 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice to capture that cozy fall essence. Don’t forget ice cubes for serving and optional sweeteners like syrup if you prefer it sweeter.

How to Make Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew

Making this delightful drink at home is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these easy steps to achieve that perfect fall flavor.

Step 1: Prepare the Cold Brew Coffee. Start by combining 1 cup coarsely ground coffee with 4 cups cold water in a large jar or pitcher. I like to give it a gentle stir to make sure all those coffee grounds are nicely saturated. This is the foundation of your delicious pumpkin cold brew coffee at home.
Step 2: Steep the Coffee. Cover your coffee and water mixture tightly and let it steep in the refrigerator. I usually go for about 18-24 hours for a really robust flavor, but 12 hours works if you’re in a hurry. The longer it steeps, the stronger your cold brew will be.
Step 3: Strain the Cold Brew. Once it’s steeped to your liking, it’s time to strain it. Use a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth for the best results, or just a very fine sieve. Pour the mixture through it into another clean container. Discard the grounds.
Step 4: Sweeten Your Cold Brew. Now, taste your freshly made cold brew. If you prefer a sweeter coffee, stir in your favorite sweetener, like a simple syrup or a touch of maple syrup, until it’s just right for you.
Step 5: Make the Pumpkin Cream. In a separate mixing bowl, combine 1 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup pumpkin puree, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice.
Step 6: Whip the Cream. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, whip the ingredients until soft peaks form. You want it creamy and pourable, not stiff like whipped cream for frosting. The aroma of the spices is just heavenly here! This is a key step in how to make pumpkin cream cold brew.
Step 7: Assemble. Fill your serving glass about halfway with ice cubes. Pour the sweetened cold brew coffee over the ice, filling the glass about three-quarters of the way full.
Step 8: Top and Garnish. Gently spoon the luscious pumpkin cream mixture over the top of the cold brew. For an extra touch, sprinkle a little more pumpkin pie spice or add a dollop of whipped cream. Now you’ve got a beautiful DIY pumpkin cold brew!
Step 9: Enjoy! Give it a gentle stir before sipping to combine the flavors. Sip and savor your perfectly crafted Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew!

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Pro Tips for the Best Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew

Want to elevate your homemade pumpkin cold brew game? I’ve picked up a few tricks that make all the difference in creating that perfect, cafe-quality drink.

Use the Right Coffee Grind: Always opt for a coarse grind when making cold brew. A fine grind can result in over-extraction and a bitter taste, which is the opposite of what we want for a smooth, delicious drink.
Pure Pumpkin is Key: Make sure you’re using pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. The filling often contains added sugars and spices that can throw off the balance of your cream topping.
Don’t Over-Whip the Cream: Whip the pumpkin cream mixture until soft peaks form, meaning it holds its shape but is still pourable. Over-whipping can make it too stiff and difficult to incorporate into your cold brew.
Chill Everything: For the best texture and flavor, ensure your cold brew and the pumpkin cream ingredients are well-chilled before assembly.

What’s the secret to perfect Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew?

The real secret to a perfect, creamy pumpkin cold brew is the balance of ingredients in the cream topping and not over-whipping it. Using powdered sugar helps it dissolve smoothly, and the right ratio of pumpkin puree to cream creates that signature velvety texture. For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe collection.

Can I make Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! You can prepare the cold brew coffee and the pumpkin cream topping separately up to 2-3 days in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This makes assembling your drink a breeze on busy mornings. For more tips on meal prep, you might find our about me page helpful.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew?

A common pitfall is using a fine coffee grind, which can make your cold brew bitter. Another mistake is over-whipping the cream topping; it should be pourable, not stiff. Lastly, always use pure pumpkin puree, not pie filling, to control the flavor. If you’re interested in the science behind coffee brewing, you can explore resources on coffee science.

Best Ways to Serve Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew

Serving your homemade Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew is almost as fun as making it! For the ultimate autumn experience, I love pairing it with something light and subtly sweet. A crisp apple turnover or a slice of pumpkin bread makes a fantastic companion, enhancing the seasonal flavors without overpowering the coffee. If you’re looking for a quick morning bite, a couple of simple shortbread cookies are perfect. For those who love to layer flavors, consider a sprinkle of extra pumpkin pie spice right on top of the cream, or even a swirl of whipped cream for a decadent touch. It truly turns your drink into a celebration of pumpkin spice cold brew coffee. For other delightful baked goods, consider our fried meatballs or chicken meatballs.

Nutrition Facts for Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew

When indulging in this delightful treat, it’s helpful to have an idea of what you’re sipping on. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional information per serving of this homemade delight:

Calories: 300-400 calories (approximate)
Fat: 25 grams (approximate)
Saturated Fat: 15 grams (approximate)
Protein: 3 grams (approximate)
Carbohydrates: 18 grams (approximate)
Fiber: 1 gram (approximate)
Sugar: 15-25 grams (variable)
Sodium: 10-20mg (approximate)

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially sweeteners and the type of cream you choose for your pumpkin cold brew drink.

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How to Store and Reheat Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew

One of the best things about making this drink yourself is that you can enjoy it for days! To store your pumpkin cold brew at home, let the cold brew coffee and the pumpkin cream topping cool completely before storing them separately. Pour the cold brew into an airtight container or jar and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For the pumpkin cream, store it in a separate airtight container in the fridge for the same amount of time. You can even freeze the pumpkin cream topping for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container; just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using. Reheating isn’t usually necessary for this cold drink, but if you want to warm up any leftover cold brew, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, being careful not to boil it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew

What is pumpkin cream cold brew?

A pumpkin cream cold brew is a popular seasonal coffee drink made with smooth, cold-brewed coffee topped with a sweet, creamy foam infused with pumpkin puree and spices. It’s a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of autumn in a refreshing beverage.

Can I make pumpkin cold brew without a special cold brew maker?

Absolutely! You don’t need any fancy equipment. All you need is a jar or pitcher, some coffee grounds, water, and a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to strain it. It’s a simple process that lets you make this wonderful pumpkin cold brew drink right in your kitchen. For more kitchen tips, explore our jalapeno buffalo chicken casserole recipe.

What can I use if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

No worries if you’re missing pumpkin pie spice! You can easily make your own blend by combining cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves. For every half teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice called for, try using 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon ginger, and a tiny pinch of nutmeg and cloves. This DIY mix will still give you that delicious fall flavor.

How much sweetener should I add to my pumpkin cold brew?

The amount of sweetener is totally up to your personal taste! I usually start with about a tablespoon of simple syrup or maple syrup for my cold brew base and then adjust from there. The pumpkin cream itself has a bit of sweetness from the powdered sugar, so taste your cold brew before adding too much.

Variations of Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic, why stop there? There are so many fun ways to customize your homemade pumpkin brew. For those looking for healthier options, a low calorie pumpkin cream cold brew is easily achievable by using half-and-half or even a dairy-free milk alternative like almond milk for the cream topping, and swapping powdered sugar for a sugar substitute. If you’re aiming for a completely plant-based treat, a vegan pumpkin cream cold brew is simple to whip up. Just use full-fat coconut milk or a rich cashew cream for the topping, and ensure your sweetener is vegan-friendly. You can also experiment with different flavorings, like a dash of cardamom or a touch of maple extract in the cream, or even try making a spiced cold brew coffee by adding cinnamon sticks to the grounds while steeping. For other healthy options, try our zucchini noodle chicken alfredo or teriyaki chicken sheet pan supper.