Vanilla bean latte is easy to make at home and it tastes so much better than coffeeshop versions. This quick and simple vanilla bean coffee can be enjoyed hot or iced.
For another exquisite flavour dimension have a go at my cardamom-infused almond milk latte.
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Why I love this recipe
- Quick & easy: Only 3 ingredients and just as fast to make as a regular latte.
- Wallet-friendly: Making your own vanilla bean coffee saves money compared to café prices. In addition, this drink isn't always on the menu!
- Versatile: Enjoy it hot or iced, with regular milk or your favourite dairy-free alternative.
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This vanilla bean latte recipe offers a delicate, sweet twist on the classic latte. By using homemade vanilla bean syrup instead of regular vanilla syrup, this recipe takes the sweetness and flavour to a whole new level.
This is a delicious addition to my collection of flavoured coffee recipes.
Don't miss my other favourite cheeky flavoured coffees. I still can't get enough of my Biscoff latte in winter or my iced salted caramel latte in summer.
What is a vanilla bean latte?
It's a vanilla-flavoured milky coffee drink, but unlike standard vanilla lattes made with vanilla extract or artificial flavourings, this one uses vanilla bean syrup containing real vanilla beans. The visible vanilla bean flecks not only add visual appeal but also deliver a richer, more intense vanilla flavour.
I especially enjoy this drink made with oat milk or served as iced vanilla bean latte. Both versions really make the vanilla notes shine.
Ingredients notes
Vanilla bean syrup: I use my homemade vanilla bean simple syrup but store-bought vanilla bean syrup works well too if you can find it.
Milk: For dairy milk, choose whole (full-fat) milk to keep your vanilla bean coffee rich and creamy, avoiding a watery taste. Creamy dairy-free alternatives like oat or coconut milk also work beautifully.
Step by step instructions
Full instructions and measurements are given in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
Step 1. Pour the syrup into a warmed serving glass or mug and pour in freshly brewed espresso coffee.
Step 2. Steam the milk until warm, creamy, and frothy. You can use a milk frother, steam wand, or gently heat the milk on the stove and whisk vigorously. Pour the milk over the coffee, stir well, and serve as is or top with whipped cream.
Expert Tips
- Warm your serving glass: This helps keep your drink at the perfect temperature.
- Choose your milk wisely: Whole milk froths best and adds rich creaminess. For dairy-free options, oat or cashew milk provide the creamiest texture.
- Adjust sweetness to taste: For a sweeter latte, use about 25ml of vanilla bean simple syrup; for a milder sweetness, try 15ml. Keep in mind that the syrup amount also affects the vanilla flavour intensity.
- Make it milder: This recipe uses 80ml of strong espresso, but you can reduce it to 40ml for a less intense coffee taste.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it does - unless you use decaffeinated coffee. This vanilla bean coffee is made with about 18g of espresso powder, which provides roughly 150-160mg of caffeine.
Yes, you can, but it will be quite different from this vanilla bean coffee made with vanilla bean syrup. This recipe is sweetened, while coffee made with vanilla extract typically isn't sweet.
A vanilla latte usually uses vanilla syrup made from extract or artificial flavourings. In contrast, this milky vanilla bean coffee features syrup made from real vanilla pods, with the beans retained to boost the rich, authentic vanilla flavour.
Absolutely! Brew the coffee, add syrup to taste, and pour over cold milk. Store it sealed in the fridge until needed, then give it a good stir before heating and serving.
Variation: How to make iced vanilla bean latte
- Fill a large heatproof glass with ice cubes.
- Brew a shot of espresso, stir in the vanilla bean syrup, then pour the mixture over the ice.
- Top up with milk of your choice.
- Enjoy your iced vanilla bean latte as it is or top with whipped cream for an extra indulgence.
Vanilla-themed recipes to enjoy with your drink
These are my favourite treats to serve with vanilla bean coffee:
Have you made this vanilla bean latte recipe? Please rate the recipe or leave a comment - I love hearing how you get along with my creations.
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Vanilla Bean Latte
Ingredients
- 75 ml Espresso coffee freshly brewed using 18g espresso powder
- 20 ml vanilla bean syrup
- 150 ml Whole milk or dairy-free alternative of your choice
Instructions
- Warm your coffee mug or glass by filling it with hot water.
- Brew the espresso coffee.75 ml Espresso coffee
- Steam the milk until warm, creamy, and frothy. You can use a milk frother, steam wand, or gently heat the milk on the stove and whisk vigorously. Note: Do not heat it above 70℃/ 140℉ as it can become bitter.150 ml Whole milk
- Discard the hot water from the mug/ glass. Pour in the syrup and the espresso coffee.20 ml vanilla bean syrup
- Pour the steamed milk onto the coffee, stir and serve immediately (or top with whipped cream ahead of serving).
Notes
- Warm your serving glass: This helps keep your drink at the perfect temperature.
- Choose your milk wisely: Whole milk froths best and adds rich creaminess. For dairy-free options, oat or cashew milk provide the creamiest texture.
- Adjust sweetness to taste: For a sweeter latte, use about 25ml of vanilla bean syrup; for a milder sweetness, try 15ml. Keep in mind that the syrup amount also affects the vanilla flavour intensity.
- Make it milder: This recipe uses 80ml of strong espresso, but you can reduce it to 40ml for a less intense coffee taste.
Variation: How to make iced vanilla bean latte
- Fill a large heatproof glass with ice cubes.
- Brew a shot of espresso, stir in the vanilla bean syrup, then pour the mixture over the ice.
- Top up with milk of your choice.
- Enjoy your iced vanilla bean latte as it is or top with whipped cream for an extra indulgence.
Jane Coupland says
This is the loveliest vanilla latte I've ever tasted - I hope you enjoy it too.