A vanilla latte is a timeless coffee classic, blending smooth espresso, creamy milk, and sweet vanilla syrup.
The best part?
You don’t need fancy equipment to make it at home.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a café-quality drink in minutes.
Plus, it’s easily customizable—whether you prefer dairy-free milk or like to tweak the sweetness, this Starbucks-inspired recipe can be tailored to your taste.
How To Make A Vanilla Latte: At A Glance
- Step 1: Make The Vanilla Syrup
- Step 2: Brewing the Coffee or Espresso
- Step 3: Steaming and Frothing Milk
- Step 4: Combining the Espresso, Vanilla Syrup, and Frothed Milk
- Step 5: Add Optional Toppings
- Step 6: Enjoy!
What is a Vanilla Latte?
A vanilla latte is a delicious blend of espresso, steamed milk, and vanilla syrup.
It’s the perfect balance of strong coffee and creamy sweetness, making it a favorite in coffee shops worldwide.
Popularized by chains like Starbucks, this drink has become a staple for coffee lovers who enjoy a touch of flavor in their espresso.
The vanilla syrup adds a light, aromatic sweetness, while the steamed milk creates a smooth, velvety texture.
Ingredients for a Vanilla Latte
- Espresso:
- Use 2 shots of espresso if you have an espresso machine.
- Alternatively, brew ½ cup of strong coffee using a Moka pot or drip coffee maker.
- Milk:
- Use 1 cup of whole milk for a rich and creamy texture.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute with oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk.
- Vanilla Syrup:
- If making homemade, you’ll need ½ cup granulated sugar, ½ cup water, and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste.
- Store-bought vanilla syrup can also be used for convenience.
How to Make a Vanilla Latte at Home
Step 1: Make The Vanilla Syrup
Making vanilla syrup at home is quick and requires only three basic ingredients: sugar, water, and vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste.
Start by combining ½ cup of granulated sugar and ½ cup of water in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves completely, but don’t let it boil.
Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the pan from the heat and stir in 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste.
Let it cool before using.
You can store the syrup in a jar or airtight container in the fridge for up to a month, making it easy to whip up multiple lattes later.
Step 2: Brewing the Coffee or Espresso
The base of a vanilla latte is espresso, but if you don’t have an espresso machine, you have options.
If you do have an espresso machine, pull 2 shots of espresso.
For those without one, you can use a Moka pot or French press to brew strong coffee, or simply use ½ cup of very strong brewed coffee.
Step 3: Steaming and Frothing Milk
Once you’ve prepared your espresso, it’s time to steam or froth the milk.
If you have an espresso machine with a steam wand, use that to steam 1 cup of milk until it’s hot and slightly frothy.
For those without a steam wand, a handheld frother works just as well.
You can also froth the milk by shaking it in a jar or using a French press by pumping the plunger up and down a few times.
If you’re making a dairy-free version, oat milk froths particularly well and provides a rich texture, making it an excellent vegan alternative.
Step 4: Combining the Espresso, Vanilla Syrup, and Frothed Milk
In your cup with the espresso, add 2 tablespoons of vanilla syrup.
Stir it well to blend the espresso and syrup together.
Then, pour the steamed and frothed milk over the espresso mixture, using a spoon to hold back the foam at first.
Once you’ve poured most of the milk, spoon the remaining foam on top of the drink to give it that classic latte finish.
Step 5: Add Optional Toppings
For a little extra indulgence, you can add optional toppings like whipped cream or a drizzle of vanilla syrup on top.
These toppings add sweetness and a luxurious texture, making your homemade vanilla latte feel like a special treat.
Iced Vanilla Latte Variation
Turning a vanilla latte into an iced version is simple and refreshing.
Instead of steaming the milk, use cold milk.
Begin by brewing your 2 shots of espresso or ½ cup of strong coffee and let it cool for a few minutes.
In a glass, add 2 tablespoons of vanilla syrup and stir in the cooled espresso.
Then, pour in 1 cup of cold milk.
Finally, fill the glass with ice cubes and give it a good stir to combine all the flavors.
To keep the flavor from getting watered down as the ice melts, you can use frozen coffee cubes.
Simply brew extra coffee or espresso and freeze it in an ice cube tray.
These coffee cubes will chill your drink without diluting its rich flavor.
Flavor Customizations
One of the best things about a vanilla latte is how easily you can customize the flavors to suit your taste.
If you like a sweeter drink, you can adjust the amount of vanilla syrup.
Start with 2 tablespoons as a base, but feel free to add more if you want extra sweetness.
If you prefer a more subtle taste, reduce the amount of syrup to 1 tablespoon.
For a fun twist, you can also experiment with other flavors.
Try adding caramel syrup for a caramel vanilla latte or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for a warm, spiced flavor.
Both options complement the espresso and milk beautifully, creating a new flavor profile.
If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can make a “skinny” vanilla latte.
Simply swap regular vanilla syrup with sugar-free vanilla syrup and use nonfat milk instead of whole milk.
This will reduce the calorie content while still giving you that delicious vanilla flavor.
Conclusion
Making a vanilla latte at home is quick, easy, and customizable to your taste.
With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy a café-quality drink anytime.
Feel free to experiment with different types of milk or syrups to make the recipe your own.
Whether you prefer it hot or iced, the vanilla latte is a versatile and satisfying treat.
Enjoy!
FAQ’s
What is the difference between a vanilla latte and a cappuccino?
The main difference between a vanilla latte and a cappuccino lies in the milk-to-foam ratio.
A vanilla latte has more steamed milk and just a small layer of foam, making it creamier and smoother.
In contrast, a cappuccino has equal parts of steamed milk and foam, resulting in a frothier, lighter texture.
Can you make a vanilla latte without an espresso machine?
Yes, you can.
Simply substitute the espresso with strong brewed coffee or use a Moka pot for a concentrated coffee base that mimics espresso.
Can you use plant-based milk?
Absolutely! Oat milk froths particularly well and is a popular choice for vegan lattes.
Other great options include almond milk and soy milk, which also provide a smooth and creamy texture.
