Vanilla Cafe Latte Recipe: Make This Using Only 3 Ingredients
Fall is already knocking at your door. That means it’s the perfect time for a warm drink with blankets. Like me, if you wanna grab a cozy drink which is also like Starbucks Vanilla Latte, I got you! Try my homemade simple yet appetizing Vanilla Cafe Latte recipe.
It’s a milky coffee drink with an amazing sweet aroma of vanilla. Rich, creamy texture with the subtle flavor of coffee and vanilla just makes this drink perfect for your cravings.
If you don’t wanna feel like going outside but craving a drink to enjoy then this amazing Vanilla Cafe Latte is gonna make you feel warm.
What Is A Latte?
Actually, a latte is a sweet beverage where milk is used more than espresso or brewed coffee shots in ratio. It can be served as a cold or a hot drink.
There are many types of latte. If you go to a cafe, you will find many options. This classic latte version has many infusions but Vanilla Cafe Latte is more famous because of its simplicity and deliciousness yet it has the power to get someone addicted to it.
How Is Vanilla Cafe Latte Different From The Basic Latte?
As you can see in the name, it has vanilla on it. It’s basically a silky milky coffee mixture with a vanilla flavor. Here, the vanilla syrup is one of the key ingredients, which makes it different from other lattes and adds a sweet taste to it.
As coffee or espresso is used less than milk in this recipe, the taste of this latte is more on the soft or subtle side. It doesn’t have any strong coffee or any other flavor. That’s why Vanilla Cafe Latte is perfect for someone who is looking for a less strong drink to start their day.
Also, those who are fed up drinking iced americano or espresso and wanna have a break from those should definitely try it!
Which Ingredients Do You Need?
After hearing this name it can be assumed to be a very expensive kind of drink. But actually, it needs only 3 ingredients. Amazing, right?
Anyone can make this Vanilla Cafe Latte, you don’t have to be a barista! You can also call this a Starbucks vanilla latte copy or better than that. So, you will need to have the following ingredients-
Milk:
Milk is one of the main ingredients here which will be used a lot more than other ingredients and a good amount of fat makes this drink’s texture more silky. So, make sure it is a good quality product before using it. If you are vegan no need to be upset here you can use “Barista milks” which are also known as non-dairy milks.
Latte’s one of the specialties is that it has a frothy texture above. To do that, you have to use steamed milk and create froth. I will be using cow milk here.
Espresso:
It’s a cafe latte so obviously, you will need some espresso. Espresso is much stronger in flavor than a brewed coffee or store-bought coffee powder. As already, you are already using more milk, to have a taste of coffee, it will be best to use espresso.
This way you will not get too strong a coffee flavor in it. You will also not complain that you are getting barely a coffee flavor in it. If you want to learn how to make espresso at home, read more about how to make espresso without machine.
Vanilla Syrup:
Now, comes the interesting part. I call it “the magic ingredient “. Because it not only enhances the flavor but also brings some sweetness and gentleness to this drink. This gentleness makes the Vanilla Cafe Latte addictable and drinkable on a regular basis. I am using Torani vanilla syrup here.
You can add your homemade vanilla syrup or any store-bought product.
Da Vinci, Monin and Torani are some brands that are generally used by people. People also use sugar syrup with vanilla extract as a substitute for vanilla syrup. You can also use it.
But here, you have to be very careful using vanilla extract. Because it has a stronger flavor than syrup. Use the same ratio of water and sugar.
For example: 2 cups of water, 2 cups of sugar and 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract.
So, always use an original one and use a small amount of extract. Otherwise, you will taste more vanilla flavor than coffee.
Keep It In Mind:
Here, Da Vinci has a stronger vanilla aroma than the others and has a little sweetness. For Monin, it has the least vanilla flavor with more sweetness in it. Among them, I think Torani balances these mixtures really well. So, I usually prefer this one.
Whipped Cream (Optional):
It has no use in the main base of this drink. I am preparing it for garnishing.
To prepare this one, keep a bowl in the fridge. Fridge it for a good time.
Then take it out from the fridge and pour the whipped cream in it. You can add a little bit of sugar if you want to. Mix it until it becomes stiff, with an electric frother or a blender.
I used an electric frother. If your whipped cream is not flavored then you can add some vanilla extract or coffee extract to it.
How to Make A Vanilla Cafe Latte Like Starbucks?
I am giving a measurement of 1 person here.
If you serve more than 1 serving, then you need to change the measurements. Depending on how you would like the flavor or which flavor you would like the most than the other ingredients- you can always change the measurements based on your own preferences.
- Torani Vanilla syrup: 2 tablespoons (I personally feel that using Torani vanilla syrup gives you a taste like Starbucks Vanilla Latte. )
- Espresso: 2.5 tablespoons
- Milk: 180 ml
I like less sweetness in my drink so I am adding only 2 tablespoons of syrup. Remember, you can always change it according to your own choice.
Step-1 Mix The Ingredients:
Take vanilla syrup and coffee in a cup. Mix those ingredients. I am mixing it in a measurement jar.
Step-2 Steam The Milk
In latte, steamed milk is basically used. I am using my stove to boil it. Microwaves can also be used. In the case of using a microwave, you have to use a microwave-proof mug or jar to heat it. Put it in the microwave and heat it for 15-20 seconds at 150 degrees Fahrenheit. It will be more than enough.
Keep it in mind: Steaming and boiling have differences. Do not boil the milk, steam it.
Step-3 Make Froth
As it is a latte, you need to make some froth. So you have to use a blender or electrical frother to make this froth. You can use other processes like the French press. If you prefer to whisk it then you can also do it. Whisk the milk vigorously until it creates foam.
Use hot milk to create froth. Don’t wait for it to cool down. I am putting it in a mug and using an electric frother to get a foamy texture.
Step-4 Add The Prepared Milk-Coffee Mixture To The Milk
I am pouring it into a cup. You can use a mug or a cup where you want to serve your drink, pour the mixture and add the milk into it.
È fatto! It’s done! Now it’s time to garnish it.
Step-5 Let’s Decorate!
Whenever I make any kind of drink or dish I always stay eager for the decoration! It seems really fun to me.
So for garnishing, here I am using whipped cream which I whipped and kept in the fridge earlier. I am adding this above the drink and pouring some leftover froth over it.
Let me just take a sip. Ummm…. It’s so refreshing!
Some Other Garnishing Options
I am giving some other garnishing options for this latte-
Chocolate Sprinkles:
Above the whipped cream you can use chocolate sprinkles. Or if you don’t want to add whipped cream then just use the froth of milk and sprinkle the chocolate sprinkle on it.
Grounded Coffee Powder:
It’s basic actually. Take the ground coffee powder in a sieve then decorate the froth.
Cinnamon Powder:
Sprinkle the cinnamon powder using a sieve. You can also try putting a Cinnamon stick to the drink for decoration.
Coat The Outer Rim Of The Serving Glass With Sugar:
On a plate take some sugar. Take a mug or a cup where you will serve this drink, dip that mug or cup and coat it with sugar.
You can also roll the mug to get a nice coating. Then you can add the froth or whipped cream like I did.
FAQs
Which Non-Dairy Milk Will Be Best For Vanilla Cafe Latte?
Try to choose a milk that is creamier like oat milk or soy milk. Selecting those milks will help you to create froth easily and the thickness of this drink will increase like its richness.
Can I Use Instant Coffee For This Recipe?
Yes! You can. But it will not give you a strong flavor like espresso. So you have to balance some things up.
Can I Use Vanilla Extract Direct To The Espresso?
No, vanilla extract has a very strong flavor. Directly use of this can be overpowering for coffee.
Conclusion
This Vanilla Cafe Latte recipe can be enjoyed with rice pudding, pie, croissant, brownie or any snacks you like.
Now that it’s done, what are you waiting for? Grab it, wrap up yourself with blankets, choose a book if you like reading and enjoy the drink.
Hi! I’m Semiul Bennett. After spending so many years in the coffee industry, I’ve developed a deep passion for all things coffee—from the beans to the brewing process. Now, I’m on a mission to help people have a better coffee experience at home and outdoors. Together with my team, we’re here to share expert tips, brewing techniques and the latest coffee trends, so you can enjoy your perfect cup every time.
