Made with a homemade vanilla bean simple syrup, this Vanilla Latte is sweet and creamy with just the right amount of vanilla.
A vanilla latte—hot on cold days and iced on hot days—has been my go-to coffee shop order for the past 15 years. Until I had an extra vanilla bean around and had the idea to make my own vanilla syrup. Total game changer!
After training as a pastry chef, I can tell you that using real vanilla beans instead of vanilla extract ALWAYS gives you better flavor. The vanilla simple syrup in this latte is no exception, though of course you can use whatever vanilla syrup you like.
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Why Make This Recipe
- Sweet vanilla flavor without the artificial taste from store-bought vanilla syrup
- Works with all types of dairy and non-dairy milk
- So much less expensive than frequent coffee shop purchases (ahem 🙋♀️)
🥗 Ingredients
- Espresso: Choose your favorite espresso—regular or decaf. I also like to make this recipe with cold brew coffee concentrate. I make my own using the Coffee Toddy, but you can also buy cold brew at a grocery store. (Heat it up before pouring into your mug.)
- Milk: Any kind of dairy milk works, though you will get a foamier top if you use 2% or whole milk. Plant-based milks work as well, from soy milk to almond milk to oat milk to coconut milk. Personally, I love the Barista Edition from Oatly, especially if I want to froth it.
- Vanilla Bean Syrup: Try my homemade vanilla bean syrup recipe for the best flavor! Of course you can substitute store-bought or check Expert Tips (below) for more ideas.
🥣 Step-by-Step Instructions
- To make a vanilla latte, start by making your espresso (or other hot strong brewed coffee). Pour 1 or 2 espresso shot(s) into mug. Stir in 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup.
2. Heat 6 ounces milk with the frothing arm of an espresso machine, then pour into mug.
3. Taste and add another tablespoon of vanilla syrup if desired.
This method can also be used to make an iced vanilla bean latte, super delicious on a hot day. Fill your glass with ice cubes (I love to use a mason jar for this). Pour in espresso or some cold brew (even better since it won't melt your ice cubes). Fill the rest of the glass with your preferred milk, then stir in vanilla syrup.
🧐 Recipe FAQs for Vanilla Bean Latte
Definitely! But I can tell you that I did a blind tasting with a few friends comparing commercial vanilla syrup with my homemade vanilla simple syrup. The homemade version won, hands down.
The only difference is the addition of vanilla syrup in a vanilla latte. A regular latte is just coffee and milk.
👩🍳 Expert Tips
Want a shortcut version of the vanilla bean syrup? Try using vanilla bean paste instead of the vanilla bean. Trader Joe’s sells vanilla bean paste (near the vanilla extract), and you can also find high-end Nielsen-Massey Vanilla Bean Paste on Amazon. Just add ½ teaspoon vanilla paste to your milk, then stir in as much sugar as you like to sweeten it.
Want good froth for your homemade vanilla bean latte but don’t have a fancy espresso machine? There are a few other simple ways to froth milk.
- Pour milk into a mason jar, cover with a tight lid, and shake until frothy. Then heat in the microwave. (It’s easier to do this after you froth the milk, so you don’t burn your hands on the glass jar.)
- Buy a milk frother—great for frothing milk for hot chocolate too.
- Heat milk. Pour milk into a bowl and whisk vigorously.
- Heat milk. Pour milk into a bowl and use a hand mixer to froth it.
Other Warm Drink Recipes
Looking for other drinks to warm you up when it’s chilly out? Check out these favorites:
If you try this Vanilla Bean Latte recipe, I would love to hear from you! Please rate this recipe and leave a comment below—your feedback is invaluable to me.
And please follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook or subscribe to my newsletter. I’d love to inspire you with more delicious, healthy, and seasonal recipes!
📖 Recipe
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Vanilla Bean Latte
Ingredients
- 1-2 espresso shots
- 1-2 tablespoons vanilla simple syrup
- 6 ounces milk
Instructions
- Start by making your espresso or strong brewed coffee.
- Pour espresso shot(s) into mug.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup.
- Heat milk in microwave or with the frothing arm of an espresso machine, then pour into mug.
- Taste and add another tablespoon of vanilla syrup if desired.
Notes
- Pour milk into a mason jar, cover with a tight lid, and shake until frothy. Then heat in the microwave. (It’s easier to do this after you froth the milk, so you don’t burn your hands on the glass jar.)
- Use a milk frother.
- Heat milk. Pour milk into a bowl and whisk vigorously.
- Heat milk. Pour milk into a bowl and use a hand mixer to froth it.
Nutrition
Instagram Users: Now that you've made this vanilla latte recipe, tag me @vanillabeancuisine or #vanillabeancuisine because I’d love to see your results!
More About Molly
Cooking healthy(ish) meals with seasonal ingredients is my passion. Trained as a French pastry chef, I spent over 10 years as a personal chef. Here you'll find well-tested recipes that you and your family will love!
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