Since its introduction in 2019, people have been going crazy for Starbucks’ Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew. The dairy version is delicious, but I’ve also tried it with soy, almond, and coconut milk. My fave is coconut milk, which is a great coincidence! Because canned coconut milk is what I use for this Vegan Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew recipe.
You know what’s really cool about this? Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew is totally my idea. You’re welcome, Starbucks. I mean, I called it Pumpkin Spice Iced Coffee back in 2015, but you know. Details.
Okay, okay. So this recipe is a little (or a lot) different than that was, but I mean, it’s true. Cold brew coffee + a pumpkin spice situation = really, really made for each other.
(Hot, too. I mean, some may consider pumpkin and coffee basic, but I’ll just be over here shruggin’, PSLin’, and smilin’.)
So here we are, my fifth pumpkin coffee situation, Vegan Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew. And it’s a really excellent situation, if I do say so myself.
Read on for the pumpkilicious scoop. (Sorry, that word doesn’t really work at all, does it?)
Oh wait. Before you read on, if you’re all, “This is great, but what about a dairy version?” Well, Fox & Briar has you covered right here. She posted her glorious homemade version on Instagram and I got excited and then sad because dairy. But that’s what inspired me to come up with this Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew. So if you want something closer to the dairy-full original found at Starbucks, click on through. Meghan has you covered.
But if you’re into the dairy-free situation? Read on!
Gather your ingredients. We’re looking at a super-easy combo that can be 100% store-bought if you’d rather (and personally, I’d often rather). We’ve got the cold brew itself – go for homemade if you like, or find one of the fine premade versions at your local grocery store.
And then the pumpkin cream ingredients: a can of lite coconut milk, pumpkin puree, pure maple syrup, pumpkin spice mix, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. The salt is not pictured. My apologies, salt.
Give that a whirr in your blender. Then strain just to get any bigger pumpkin or spice bits out of the situation.
And you have your pumpkin cream.
Glorious, glorious pumpkin cream.
Okay, so here’s where you have to be patient. If you want that awesome cream-floating-on-top layered situation, you’re going to need to chill your pumpkin cream. I know, it seems like a particular form of cruelty, but it’s worth the wait. Promise. (But if you don’t want to wait, that’s okay too. Your pumpkin cream will just sink into and incorporate with the coffee faster. Mix it up [or not], sip away, and chill the rest for next time. Who knows, you might prefer it all mixed in anyway. I won’t judge!)
Right, so you have your chilled pumpkin cream and your cold brew. Fill your cup about 3/4 full with ice, and then about 2/3 full of cold brew coffee. Then spoon your pumpkin cream over the top and sprinkle with a bit of pumpkin spice if you like.
Okay, so I will say this pumpkin cream ISN’T a “cold foam” sort of situation like Starbucks makes. Their cold foam has some magic going on that makes it extra bubbly and floaty. But I find this version made with coconut milk CAN be made to float and it tastes JUST like a coconut milk version from Starbucks. (Note that I did try frothing it and it didn’t make a lick of difference, so don’t waste your time!)
So there you have it: Homemade Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, vegan style. No need to drive to Starbucks, shell out cash, and beg for substitutions. Stay home, get caffeinated, get cozy, stay happy.
Hello fall.