Crockpot Pumpkin Spice Latte for a Crowd
This big-batch pumpkin spice latte is creamy, cozy, and easy to make for gatherings — no espresso machine required. You’ll make it right in the slow cooker, and guests can ladle out their own mug of fall comfort.
🧡 Why You’ll Love It
- Makes enough for 8–10 people.
- Hands-off — the slow cooker keeps it hot for hours.
- Uses real pumpkin for flavor and body.
- Customizable sweetness and spice levels.
- Works great for brunches, tailgates, or fall parties.
🧂 Ingredients
- 6 cups strongly brewed coffee (or 1 pot from your drip coffee maker)
- 4 cups whole milk (or 2% — dairy-free subs below)
- 1 cup heavy cream (adds richness; optional but recommended)
- ½ cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ½ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional toppings: whipped cream, cinnamon sugar, caramel drizzle
🍳 Steps
- Brew the coffee: Make a full pot of strong coffee using your coffee maker or French press.
- Combine ingredients: In your crockpot (5-quart or larger), whisk together pumpkin purée, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla. Slowly add the hot coffee, then whisk in milk and cream until smooth.
- Heat: Cover and cook on HIGH for 1–1½ hours or LOW for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally, until hot and steamy but not boiling.
- Serve: Switch to the “Keep Warm” setting. Ladle into mugs and top with whipped cream, a dusting of pumpkin spice, or a drizzle of caramel.
💡 Helpful Tips & Substitutions
- Make it dairy-free: Use oat milk or almond milk instead of dairy, and skip the cream. The texture will be lighter but still smooth.
- Stronger coffee flavor: Add 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the mix before heating.
- Sweetness level: Start with ½ cup sugar, then taste before serving. You can always stir in a bit more if needed.
- Pumpkin spice blend: If you don’t have premade, mix 1½ tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp nutmeg, ¼ tsp ginger, and a pinch of cloves.
- Whipped cream shortcut: Use canned whipped topping, or make your own by whisking 1 cup heavy cream with 1 tablespoon sugar until soft peaks form using a hand mixer.
🎁 Serving Ideas
- Set up a “Pumpkin Latte Bar” with toppings: whipped cream, caramel syrup, chocolate shavings, cinnamon sticks, or pumpkin spice dusting.
- Pair with pastries, cinnamon rolls, or pumpkin bread.
- Serve from a ladle-friendly slow cooker or beverage dispenser for easy self-serve.
- Add a splash of spiced rum or Irish cream for an adult version.
🕒 Make-Ahead & Storage
- Make ahead: Brew the coffee and mix with pumpkin, sugar, and spices the day before. Store in an airtight container in the fridge, then add milk and cream when heating.
- Keep warm: The crockpot can stay on “Warm” for up to 3 hours during serving — just stir occasionally to keep the pumpkin mixed in.
- Leftovers: Store cooled latte in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave — don’t boil or the milk may separate.
This Crockpot Pumpkin Spice Latte takes all the work out of making coffee drinks for a crowd. It’s smooth, gently spiced, and easy to customize. Perfect for brunch, parties, or anytime you want to share a warm mug of fall flavor with friends.