Homemade Vanilla Latte

This Homemade Vanilla Latte is perfect for coffee lovers who want to enjoy their favorite caffeinated beverage at home and without the cost. All it takes to make this creamy and delicious favorite is just 3 ingredients. Whipped cream is optional but highly suggested. Whether you’re rushing to start your day or looking for a cozy afternoon pick-me-up, this is the recipe for you.

We all know that many drink recipes from popular cafes are good but also can be very high in sugar, but they don’t have to be if you make them at home. My vanilla-infused espresso drink uses simple ingredients and can be customized to your tastes, and it will save you money to make it yourself.

Lately, it’s been rather cool in the mornings which is a sign that Fall is arriving where I live and I’ve been having this Homemade Vanilla Latte on repeat along with Gingerbread Latte and this Vanilla Chai Latte. There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, creamy beverage, especially when I can make it myself as often as I wish. I feel like I am my own barista when I make these hot drinks and now you can be your own barista, too.

Homemade Vanilla Latte

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. All you need is freshly brewed espresso or very strong coffee, milk, and vanilla syrup. Using the syrup adds that signature flavor and it’s easy to find. The combination of these ingredients creates a velvety, rich drink that’s as delicious as anything you’d find in a coffee shop.

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What does it mean to froth the milk?

Frothing milk means to aerate it, creating tiny bubbles that give the milk a light, creamy, and foamy texture. This process is key to making lattes, cappuccinos, and other espresso-based drinks because it gives them that rich, velvety consistency on top. When you froth milk, you’re essentially adding air to it, which increases its volume and gives it a soft, creamy foam that sits beautifully on top of your drink. Using a frother will achieve the milk foam or if you don’t have one, you can heat the milk in a saucepan and whisk vigorously to create foam.

What kind of milk can I use in a latte?

You can use any kind of milk you wish. Whole or lower-fat cow’s milk or plant-based like oat milk or soy milk can all be used to make many coffee drinks. I like to use whole milk or almond milk.

Do I need an Espresso Maker to Make a Latte?

No, you don’t need an espresso maker to make homemade lattes. You can use really strong coffee in place of the espresso. To make stronger coffee, just use less water when brewing.

Timesaving Tips and Variations

• If you’re short on time, use instant coffee or instant espresso powder.
• For a quick frothing hack, use the microwave. Pour your milk into a microwave-safe jar, shake it to create bubbles, then microwave it for 30 seconds. This warms the milk and helps the foam stabilize.
• If you prefer an iced version, skip the frothing entirely! Just pour the ingredients over ice for a refreshing version. Give this Homemade Iced Caramel Coffee a try.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice to your beverage for a seasonal flair.
• Replace the vanilla syrup with honey for a natural sweetness. This works well with almond or oat milk for a subtly nutty flavor and is a great option if you’re avoiding refined sugars.

By using some of these tips and experimenting with different variations, you can enjoy a delicious DIY latte in no time.

What to Serve with a Vanilla Latte?

Here are a few treats to serve with this hot beverage or any like it.

• Perfect Banana Bread
• Italian Chocolate Cookies
• Maple Walnut Glazed Biscotti
• The Best Cranberry Bread Ever
• White Chocolate Espresso Cookies

Those are just a sample of what you can serve, there are countless options! I like to dunk a biscotti into my morning hot drinks.

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Tools needed to make a latte

The tools needed are just a few and you probably have them already in your kitchen.

• Espresso maker or coffee machine
• mugs
• microwaveable glass measuring cup
• frother or whisk
• measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

There are simple ingredients in this recipe that can be found in your local markets. I’ve linked my favorite syrup.

• espresso or strongly brewed coffee
• milk
• vanilla syrup
• whipped cream, optional

So, if you’re a java enthusiast who enjoys trying new things and wants to save a bit of money, making your own flavored drinks is definitely worth considering.

How to Make a Vanilla Latte

In a microwaveable safe container, heat the milk in the microwave for about 2 minutes, or until hot – not boiling. Froth the milk with a milk frother until it is foamy and has doubled in size.

Pour equal amounts of espresso and syrup into two mugs. Add the hot milk into the mugs, reserving the foam. I find it helpful to use a spoon to hold back the foamy milk.

Spoon frothy milk over the espresso in each mug and finish with whipped cream, if desired.

Perfect for chilly fall days, this creamy beverage with a hint of sweetness is a cozy and comforting treat. In just a few minutes you can sip on this java favorite from the comfort of your home.

Whether you go for sweet pastries, savory snacks, fresh fruits, desserts, or seasonal treats, the right pairings can turn this comfy drink into a fun and tasty experience that hits all the right notes!

It’s time to save and print this recipe to have on hand all fall and winter long!

Printable Recipe Card

2024 Alphabet Challenge – “2024 Alphabet Challenge – “V”

In creating this post, I am sharing it in the 2024 Alphabet Challenge in which fellow foodies will share recipes with the letters of the alphabet. Twice a month we will bring you two letters – recipes that either start with the letter or the main food in the recipe starts with that letter. Today is the letter “V” and I’m sharing a copycat of a popular Starbucks drink. Here is what the others are sharing. To see all the recipes I have shared in this challenge, go here.

• Jolene’s Recipe Journal: Vanilla Mug Cake 
• Culinary Cam: Teriyaki Sauce-Swabbed Venison Burgers on Seeded Sourdough Buns 
• Sneha’s Recipe: Veggies Mixed Dal Khichdi 
• Karen’s Kitchen Stories: No Churn Vietnamese Coffee Ice Cream 
• Mayuri’s Jikoni: Vegetable Cutlets 
• A Day in the Life on the Farm: Vietnamese Chicken Stirfry 
• A Messy Kitchen: Tropical Vols Au Vents 
• Food Lust People Love: Spicy Vinegar Braised Chicken 
• Magical Ingredients: Val Dal Veggie Paratha 
• Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice: Sweet & Spicy Balsamic Vinegar Deviled Eggs

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