Fall is that magical time of year when the air gets crisp, and all things pumpkin start making their big entrance. Whether it’s pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, or the much-loved pumpkin spice latte, it’s clear we’re all a bit pumpkin-obsessed—and for good reason! There’s something so cozy and comforting about the warm, spiced flavor that makes it a seasonal favourite. Today I’m going to show you how easy it is to make a pumpkin cream cold brew coffee healthier!

One of the most popular pumpkin-flavoured coffee drinks lately is the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew. It’s that perfect balance of rich coffee, smooth cream, and just the right amount of pumpkin goodness. But let’s be honest—picking one up every morning from your local coffee shop can get expensive and isn’t always the healthiest option. The good news? You can easily make a delicious, healthier version of the pumpkin cream cold brew right at home. This is the perfect drink when you’re craving a pumpkin spice iced coffee because it’s still a bit too warm outside for a piping hot coffee!

Why Make a Healthier Version?

Store-bought pumpkin cream cold brews are often loaded with sugar and artificial flavors. While they’re undeniably yummy, they might not be the best choice if you’re trying to be healthy. By making your own at home, you have full control over the ingredients. This allows you to skip the refined sugars and/or artificial sweeteners. My version has 15 grams of sugar from maple syrup compared to the Starbucks version of a similar size which has over 30g of sugar. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about crafting a gorgeous drink in your own kitchen! The price tag is so much better, too.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1/2 cup ice cubes
1 cup cold brew coffee (check out this other post on how I make my own cold brew at home)
3 Tbsp heavy cream
2 Tbsp milk
1 Tbsp maple syrup
1 Tbsp pure pumpkin puree
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice mix (buy a premade mix or make your own)

See recipe card for quantities.

Why These Ingredients?

Cold Brew Coffee: Making your own healthy pumpkin cream cold brew at home is not only cost-effective but also gives you control over the strength and flavor of your coffee. I recommend brewing it a bit stronger for this recipe since the cream will mellow out the coffee’s intensity. If you haven’t made cold brew before, it’s as simple as steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for 12-24 hours. You’ll end up with a smooth, rich concentrate that’s the perfect base for this drink. You can use a cold brew maker like the one I have with a built-in filter. You can see how I make my cold brew here on my cold brew coffee recipe post!

Heavy Cream & Milk: The combination of heavy cream and milk creates that luxurious, velvety texture we all love. While heavy cream might seem indulgent, it’s what gives the drink its signature richness. However, the addition of milk lightens it up, so you’re not going overboard with the calories. If you’re dairy-free, you can easily swap these for your favorite non-dairy alternatives, like coconut cream and almond milk.

Maple Syrup: Unlike refined sugar, maple syrup adds a natural sweetness with a hint of caramel-like flavor. It’s lower on the glycemic index, meaning it won’t spike your blood sugar as much, making it a healthier choice. Plus, it pairs beautifully with pumpkin and spices, enhancing the overall flavor of the drink.

Pure Pumpkin Puree: Make sure you’re using 100% pure pumpkin puree, not the pumpkin pie filling that’s already sweetened and spiced. Pumpkin is packed with nutrients like Vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a great addition to your morning coffee.

Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix: You can find this in most stores, but if you’re feeling extra DIY, you can make your own by using this simple recipe that combines cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice & cloves. This spice mix is the essence of Fall and really brings the drink to life.

Instructions

Prepare the Pumpkin Sweet Cream: In a small jar, add the 3 tablespoons of heavy cream, 2 tablespoons of milk, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of pure pumpkin puree, and 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice mix.

Whip it Up: The key to getting that creamy, frothy texture is mixing these ingredients well. A handheld milk frother works wonders here—just mix for about a minute until the pumpkin sweet cream is thick and foamy. The frothier, the better!

Assemble Your Drink: Grab a tall glass and fill it with 1/2 cup of ice cubes. Pour in 1 cup of cold brew coffee. The cold brew’s smooth, bold flavor pairs perfectly with the creamy, spiced pumpkin topping.

Top It Off: Slowly pour the pumpkin sweet cream over your cold brew coffee. Watch as it cascades over the ice, creating those beautiful, Instagram-worthy swirls. Give it a gentle stir to mix the flavors, and there you have it—a healthier, homemade Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew.

Why You’ll Love This Drink

This homemade Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew cold coffee drink is a yummy as it is smart. The richness of the cream, the natural sweetness of the maple syrup, and the warm, spicy notes of the pumpkin pie spice create a perfect mix of flavours. It’s indulgent without being over the top, making it a guilt-free treat you can enjoy any time of day during pumpkin season.

Plus, the fact that you’re using real whole food ingredients means you’re not only cutting down on sugar but also benefiting from the nutrients in the pumpkin and the antioxidants in the coffee. It’s also just plain old fun to make!

Variations

Not a fan of too much sweetness? Reduce the amount of maple syrup.
Prefer a stronger pumpkin flavor? Add an extra spoonful of that real pumpkin puree.
Love a good spice kick? Sprinkle in a bit more of that pumpkin pie spice mix. You can also sprinkle some extra pumpkin spice on top of the drink!
Substitute the milk and cream for coconut milk for a vegan version of this drink. It may need some extra frothing!
If you’re hosting a fall brunch or just want to impress your family, you can even set up a little coffee bar with all the ingredients and let everyone customize their own Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew. It’s a great way to bring a little autumn magic into your home and share the love of pumpkin with others.

So next time you’re craving that pumpkin coffee goodness, skip the drive-thru and head to your kitchen instead. You’ll save money, cut down on sugar, and enjoy a yummy DIY treat. Cheers to a delicious, homemade Fall!

Recipe Card