Craving a delicious Vanilla Latte but don't want to put on outside pants and spend $7? Follow my simple step-by-step guide for the perfect cup of coffee and you may never step foot in Starbucks again!
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If you love starting your day with a cozy, coffee shop style drink, this Homemade Vanilla Latte recipe is for you. Made with smooth espresso, creamy frothed milk, and a touch of homemade vanilla simple syrup, it brings a little fancy into your morning without leaving the house. With just a few ingredients and 5 minutes, you can make a latte your way, without the expensive habit of stopping at Starbucks.
On a personal note, my father loved a latte. Actually, he loved four or five lattes a day. He pronounced it "la-TAY" because for a guy from Mississippi he sure liked to pretend he was fancy for a minute. He added no sweetener, he added no vanilla syrup, but this recipe is for him. Dad, every time I have a delicious la-TAY I'll think of you.
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Why you'll love this recipe
- Simple - Just espresso, frothed milk, and vanilla syrup.
- Affordable - Save money by making your own coffee shop favorite.
- Customizable - Adjust the sweetness to suit your taste.
- Comforting - Warm, creamy, and infused with vanilla flavor.
- Quick - Ready in less than 5 minutes.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Everything you need to prepare this recipe is shown in the photo below. Let's go over the major ingredients and how they can be substituted if needed.
- Espresso - A double shot is traditional, but strong brewed coffee, undiluted heated cold brew, or even instant espresso, work if you don't have an espresso machine.
- Milk - Whole milk is classic in this coffee drink. You could also indulge and use half milk and half cream. Almond milk is also good, but oatmilk is a great substitute that froths the most like dairy milk.
- Vanilla Syrup -Store-bought syrups are fine, but they comment in an impossibly large bottle that would take me a year to use. I like to make my own homemade vanilla syrup instead.
See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Variations
Vanilla is just the beginning. Try these other latte ideas:
- Caramel Latte - Replace the vanilla syrup with caramel sauce for a sweet twist. Top with a little flaky salt for a delicious balance.
- Mocha Latte - Stir in 1 tablespoon of chocolate syrup with the espresso.
- Pistachio Latte - Add 1 tablespoon pistachio syrup (leftover from my pistachio croissants) instead of vanilla.
- Iced Vanilla Latte - Chill the espresso, pour over ice, and add cold frothed milk with vanilla syrup.
Cynthia's Recipe Review
This latte feels like a hug from my Dad, and the vanilla syrup makes it my go-to comfort coffee. Plus, honestly, it's better than what I buy at any coffee shop.
Equipment
You don't need a lot of special tools to make homemade lattes. Here's what I recommend:
- Espresso Maker or Coffee Maker - An espresso shot from an espresso machine will give you the most authentic flavor, but if you don't want to purchase one, instant espresso, strong brewed coffee or heated cold brew are perfectly fine substitutes.
- Small Saucepan - You need a small saucepan for heating your milk, unless you are heating it in the microwave.
- Electric Milk Frother or Mason Jar - A handheld milk frother is the easiest way to create silky milk foam. If you don't have one, you can use a mason jar instead. Simply pour in your warm milk, screw the lid on tightly, and shake vigorously until the milk is frothy. Open the jar carefully, releasing the pressure slowly, to avoid spills or burns. You could also use a small whisk, if you have a strong arm 💪
Quick Recipe Video
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making a latte is easier than you think. Follow these steps:
- Step 1: Brew a double shot of espresso (about 2 ounces). Strong coffee works if you don't have espresso.
- Step 2: Heat 6 ounces of milk in a small pot, or the microwave, until about 150 F, hot but not boiling.
- Step 3: Froth the milk with a handheld frother until creamy and foamy.
Step 4: Pour 1 to 2 tablespoons of vanilla syrup into the bottom of your mug.
Step 5: Pour over your hot espresso and stir.
Step 6: Slowly add the frothed milk...
Step 7: ... finishing with the foam.
Finish: I like to top my delicious little beverage with a sprinkle of vanilla sugar, but a little bit of cinnamon or nutmeg would be equally delightful.
Cynthia's Helpful Tips
- Sweetness - Start with 1 tablespoon of syrup and adjust to taste.
- Frothing - Stop at 20-30 seconds for silky foam without big bubbles.
- Milk Options - Whole milk froths best, but oat milk is the best plant-based choice.
- Serving - Warm your mug before pouring for a longer lasting hot latte, or indulge in a heated mug if you're a slow sipper, like me.
Recipe FAQs
Yes. Instant espresso, heated and undiluted cold brew, and strong brewed coffee work too.
Of course, but homemade tastes fresher and less artificial.
Definitely! Use chilled espresso and cold milk.
Did you try this recipe?
Please consider leaving a comment with a ⭐️ rating below and tell me all about it! It helps me to continue to improve my content and lets others know what you think!
I appreciate it so much!
-Cynthia
📖 Recipe
Better-Than-Starbucks Vanilla Latte
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 ounces espresso or strong brewed coffee
- 6 ounces whole milk or milk alternative
- 1 to 2 tablespoons vanilla simple syrup
- Vanilla sugar optional for garnish
Instructions
- Brew a double shot of espresso (about 2 ounces). Strong brewed coffee also works.
- Heat milk in a saucepan or microwave until warm but not boiling (about 150 F).
- Froth the milk for 20 to 30 seconds, or until foamy and almost doubled in size.
- Pour the vanilla simple syrup into the bottom of the mug and add hot espresso. Stir.
- Add the frothed milk, finishing with the foam.
- Optional: Top with vanilla sugar, cinnamon, cocoa powder, or nutmeg.
Save This Recipe! 💌
I'll email this recipe to you, so you can come back to it later, plus you'll get great new recipes from me every week!
Video
Notes
- Start with 1 tablespoon syrup and adjust sweetness to your liking.
- Do not boil the milk, as it can scorch and affect taste and frothing.
- Serve hot, or make an iced version by chilling the espresso and using cold milk.
Cynthia Christensen says
I created this recipe in honor of my father who loved himself a latte. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!