As the leaves turn and the air gets crisp, there’s nothing quite like a cozy drink to warm you up.
Enter the Apple Pie Latte—a delightful blend of espresso, steamed milk, and apple pie spices that tastes just like fall in a cup.
This seasonal treat is perfect for sipping by the fire or enjoying on a cool autumn morning.
Ready to make your new favorite fall drink? Let’s dive in!
How To Make An Apple Pie Latte At Home: At A Glance
- Step 1: Prepare Espresso or Strong Coffee
- Step 2: Add Syrups
- Step 3: Froth the Milk
- Step 4: Pour Milk Over Coffee
- Step 5: Top and Garnish
- Step 6: Enjoy!
Ingredients and Tools
Basic Ingredients
- Espresso or Strong Brewed Coffee
- Apple Syrup
- Cinnamon Syrup
- Steamed and Foamed Milk
- Cinnamon for Garnish
Optional Ingredients
- Caramel Sauce
- Whipped Cream
- Nutmeg
Tools Needed
- Espresso Machine or Coffee Maker
- Milk Frother
- Saucepan (for making syrup)
How to Make Apple Pie Syrup
Ingredients
- Apple Juice or Cider
- Brown Sugar
- Apple Pie Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Allspice)
Directions
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a saucepan, mix together the apple juice or cider, brown sugar, and apple pie spices.
The spices should include cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
These ingredients will give your syrup that warm, cozy apple pie flavor.
Step 2: Bring to a Boil
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
Stir occasionally to ensure the sugar dissolves completely and the spices are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Simmer Until Thickened
Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low.
Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the syrup thickens to your desired consistency.
Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Step 4: Cool and Strain
Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the syrup to cool.
Once cooled, strain the syrup into an airtight container to remove any solid spices or pulp.
This will give you a smooth, rich syrup.
Step 5: Store in the Refrigerator
Store the strained syrup in the refrigerator.
It will keep for up to 2-3 weeks.
This syrup isn’t just for lattes—try it on pancakes, waffles, or even in other drinks!
Step-by-Step Recipe for Apple Pie Latte
Hot Apple Pie Latte
Step 1: Prepare Espresso or Strong Coffee
Start by brewing a double shot of espresso or a strong cup of coffee.
This will be the base of your latte and provide that rich coffee flavor.
Step 2: Add Syrups
Add apple syrup and cinnamon syrup to the hot coffee.
Stir well to combine.
The syrups will add that sweet and spicy apple pie taste.
Step 3: Froth the Milk
Froth your milk using a milk frother.
If you don’t have a frother, you can heat the milk and whisk it vigorously until it becomes frothy.
Step 4: Pour Milk Over Coffee
Pour the frothed milk over the coffee mixture, filling the cup.
The frothy milk adds a creamy texture to the latte.
Step 5: Top and Garnish
Top the latte with a generous amount of foamed milk.
Sprinkle a dash of cinnamon on top for a final touch of spice.
Optional
Drizzle caramel sauce over the top and add a dollop of whipped cream for extra sweetness and indulgence.
Iced Apple Pie Latte
Step 1: Combine Syrups and Espresso
In a cocktail shaker, combine apple syrup and a double shot of espresso.
Add ice to the shaker.
The ice helps chill the mixture quickly.
Step 2: Shake Well
Shake the mixture well until it is thoroughly combined and chilled.
This step ensures that the flavors blend perfectly and the drink is nice and cold.
Step 3: Pour into Glass
Pour the shaken espresso and syrup mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice.
This keeps the drink cold without diluting it too much.
Step 4: Froth the Milk
Froth the milk as you would for a hot latte, ensuring it becomes light and airy.
Step 5: Pour Milk Over Mixture
Pour the frothy milk over the espresso mixture in the glass.
The layered look is both attractive and delicious.
Step 6: Garnish
Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
This adds a beautiful finish and extra flavor to your iced latte.
Variations and Customizations
Caramel Apple Pie Latte
If you love the combination of caramel and apple, try this variation.
Add a generous drizzle of caramel sauce to your latte before topping it with frothed milk.
For an extra indulgence, garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
The caramel adds a rich sweetness that complements the apple pie flavors perfectly.
Vegan Apple Pie Latte
For a vegan version of this cozy drink, use almond or oat milk instead of dairy milk.
Both almond and oat milk froth well and add a subtle nutty flavor.
To sweeten, use maple syrup instead of traditional syrups.
This keeps the drink plant-based while enhancing the autumnal flavors.
Low-Sugar Version
If you’re looking to cut back on sugar, consider using unsweetened apple juice instead of syrup.
You can also reduce the amount of syrup used or opt for a sugar-free version.
This way, you still get the delicious apple pie flavor without the extra sugar.
This version is perfect for those watching their sugar intake but still wanting to enjoy a tasty treat.
Tips for the Best Apple Pie Latte
Choosing the Right Coffee
To create a delicious apple pie latte, start with the right coffee.
A medium to dark roast works best, providing a rich and robust flavor that balances well with the sweet apple syrup and spices.
The depth of these roasts complements the dessert-like qualities of the latte, ensuring every sip is full of comforting, autumnal taste.
Frothing Milk
Achieving the perfect froth can be challenging without a frother, but it’s entirely possible with a few simple methods.
If you don’t have a milk frother, try these techniques:
- Jar Method: Pour warm milk into a jar, filling it halfway. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously until the milk is frothy and doubled in volume. This method works best with warm milk.
- Whisk Method: Heat the milk on the stove or in the microwave, then whisk it vigorously by hand or use an electric mixer until frothy.
- French Press: Pour warm milk into a French press and pump the plunger up and down rapidly until the milk froths.
Storage Tips
Properly storing your homemade apple pie syrup is crucial for maintaining its flavor and freshness.
Here’s how:
- Cool Completely: Before storing, let the syrup cool completely to avoid condensation in the container, which can dilute the syrup.
- Airtight Container: Transfer the cooled syrup into an airtight container, such as a mason jar or a sealed bottle.
- Refrigeration: Store the container in the refrigerator. The apple pie syrup will keep well for up to 2-3 weeks.
- Label and Date: It’s helpful to label the container with the date it was made to keep track of its freshness.
Pairing Suggestions
An apple pie latte is a delightful treat on its own, but pairing it with the right foods can elevate your experience even further.
Here are some perfect pairings to complement the flavors of your apple pie latte:
Apple Crumble Cake
The rich, buttery flavor of an apple crumble cake pairs wonderfully with the spiced notes of the apple pie latte.
The crumbly topping adds texture, while the sweet apple filling echoes the latte’s flavors.
Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon rolls are a classic treat that complements the cinnamon syrup in your latte.
The warm, gooey rolls, topped with sweet icing, enhance the latte’s cinnamon and apple flavors.
This pairing is perfect for a cozy breakfast or afternoon snack.
Pumpkin Muffins
Pumpkin muffins, with their moist texture and spiced flavor, are another excellent pairing.
The pumpkin spice notes complement the apple pie spices in your latte, creating a festive fall experience.
These muffins add a delicious, earthy sweetness to your coffee break.
Cheese and Fruit Platter
For a more sophisticated pairing, try a cheese and fruit platter.
Choose a variety of cheeses like sharp cheddar, brie, and gouda.
The savory flavors of the cheese contrast beautifully with the sweet, spiced latte.
Add fresh fruit like apples, pears, and grapes to tie the apple theme together and provide a refreshing balance.
Conclusion
Experimenting with your apple pie latte can be a fun and rewarding experience.
Try different variations, like adding caramel sauce or using almond milk, and see what you enjoy the most.
Share your results and tweaks in the comments below.
We’d love to hear from you! Comment your favorite version, share your own recipes, and follow us on social media for more seasonal drink ideas.
Happy brewing!
