Get ready to enjoy a cozy treat with my Pumpkin Spice Latte Pudding Cups! This simple recipe combines the warm flavors of pumpkin and spice in a creamy dessert. Whether you want a festive treat for a gathering or a cozy night in, these pudding cups are a hit. With basic ingredients and easy steps, you can impress your friends and family in no time. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients
Essential Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Latte Pudding Cups
To make these tasty pudding cups, you need the following:
– 1 cup pumpkin puree
– 2 cups milk
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
These ingredients create a creamy base with rich pumpkin flavor. The pumpkin puree gives it that classic taste, while the coffee adds depth. The milk and heavy cream help achieve a smooth texture.
Optional Dairy-Free Substitutes
If you want a dairy-free version, you can easily swap some ingredients. Use almond milk instead of regular milk. For the heavy cream, coconut cream is a great choice. Both options work well and still taste fantastic.
Garnishing Ingredients
To make your pudding cups even more special, consider these garnishes:
– Whipped cream
– Crushed graham crackers
– Ground cinnamon
These toppings add texture and flavor. The whipped cream gives a light touch, while the graham crackers add crunch. A sprinkle of cinnamon brings all the flavors together beautifully.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Pudding Base
To start, grab a medium-sized saucepan. In it, mix 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice. Whisk these dry ingredients together over medium heat. This helps combine them well, so your pudding will be smooth. Next, slowly pour in 2 cups of milk and 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Keep whisking as you add the liquids. This prevents lumps from forming. Cook this mixture, stirring often, for about 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it thickens and starts to bubble gently.
Incorporating Flavors
Once your mixture is thick, take the saucepan off the heat. Stir in 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup of cooled, strong brewed coffee. Mix these ingredients until the pudding is smooth and well combined. This step adds that rich pumpkin spice flavor we love. The coffee adds a hint of depth, perfect for a latte twist.
Setting the Pudding in Cups
Now it’s time to pour your pudding. Carefully fill individual cups or glasses with the mixture. You can fill them to your desired level, but leave some space for toppings. Cover each cup with plastic wrap. This prevents a skin from forming on top. Place the cups in the fridge and let them chill for at least 2 hours. This time allows the pudding to set properly. Once set, top each cup with whipped cream. Add a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers and ground cinnamon for a festive look. Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Spice Latte Pudding Cups!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Texture
To get that creamy texture, whisk the dry ingredients well. This helps mix the sugar, cornstarch, and pumpkin pie spice fully. When you add milk and cream, do it slowly while whisking. This keeps the mixture smooth. Cook the mix until you see small bubbles. This signals it’s thick enough. If it feels too thick, add a splash of milk. This keeps it silky and light.
Enhancements for Flavor and Presentation
To boost flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger. These spices add warmth and depth. For a fun twist, use flavored coffee, like hazelnut or vanilla. When serving, layer the pudding in clear cups. This shows off the lovely color. Top each cup with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers. A sprinkle of cinnamon adds a sweet touch. You can even place a tiny cinnamon stick in each cup for charm.
Serving Suggestions
These pudding cups shine at parties or cozy nights in. Serve them chilled for a refreshing treat. You can make them a day ahead. Just keep them covered in the fridge. Offer a variety of toppings like chocolate shavings or caramel sauce. This lets guests customize their dessert. For a fun touch, serve with coffee or spiced tea. This keeps the pumpkin spice theme alive and adds warmth.
Variations
Flavor Variants
You can play with flavors in your pudding cups. Try adding chocolate. Just mix in some cocoa powder with the dry ingredients. This will give your pudding a rich twist. You can also use caramel. Drizzle some caramel sauce in each cup before adding the pudding. It adds a sweet layer that everyone will love.
Dietary Adjustments
If you want a vegan version, swap the milk for almond milk. You can use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. This keeps the pudding rich and creamy without dairy. For gluten-free options, use cornstarch as your thickener. Make sure your vanilla extract is pure and gluten-free.
Seasonal Twists for Festive Occasions
For fall gatherings, add a touch of maple syrup for sweetness. In winter, stir in some peppermint extract for a fresh flavor. You can even change the toppings. Use crushed candy canes for a fun twist. During holidays, add festive sprinkles or edible glitter for a touch of sparkle. This keeps your pudding cups fun and seasonal!
Storage Info
Best Practices for Refrigeration
Always cover your pudding cups with plastic wrap. This keeps them fresh and prevents a skin from forming. Place them in the fridge right after they set. This helps maintain their creamy texture.
How Long Can They Be Stored?
You can store the pudding cups in the fridge for up to 4 days. After that, they may lose their flavor and texture. Check for any signs of spoilage before you serve them.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze these pudding cups if you want to keep them longer. Use an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. They will last for about 1 month in the freezer. To enjoy them, thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. They may lose some creaminess but will still taste great!
FAQs
Can I make these pumpkin spice latte pudding cups ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare these pudding cups ahead of time. Make them a day before your event. They need at least two hours in the fridge to set. This makes them a great choice for busy days or gatherings. Just cover them well to keep them fresh. The flavors will meld together nicely as they chill.
What are some common substitutes for the ingredients?
If you need substitutes, here are some options:
– Milk: Use almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free choice.
– Heavy cream: Coconut cream works well if you want a dairy-free option.
– Granulated sugar: You can swap in honey or maple syrup if you prefer.
– Pumpkin puree: You can use butternut squash puree if you can’t find pumpkin.
– Coffee: Brewed decaf coffee is a good choice for a lighter option.
How do I adjust the recipe for more servings?
To serve more people, you can easily double the recipe. Use double the amounts for each ingredient. This will give you eight pudding cups. If you want more, triple the amounts for twelve cups. Just remember to adjust your cooking time if needed. Keep an eye on the mixture as it thickens.
This blog post shows you how to make pumpkin spice latte pudding cups. We covered the key ingredients and the steps to prepare this tasty treat. You learned tips for texture and presentation, plus fun variations to try. Remember, these cups store well and can be frozen. With the right tweaks, anyone can enjoy them, no matter their diet. Dive in, get creative, and make these pudding cups your own!
