Easy Homemade Vanilla Latte Recipe

Learn how to make the perfect hot vanilla latte at home with this easy recipe. Creamy, delicious, and better than Starbucks - master barista skills in your kitchen!

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Course: Drinks, Hot Drinks

Cuisine: American, Italian

Keyword: Vanilla Latte, Vanilla latte cold, Vanilla latte hot, Vanilla latte ingredients, Vanilla latte recipe, Vanilla latte starbucks

Prep Time: 3

Cook Time: 6

Total Time: 9

Servings:

Calories: 140kcal

Cost: $0.95-1.35

Equipment

Espresso machine, Moka pot, or strong coffee maker
Mug or tall glass Depending on hot or iced version
Measuring tools For precise vanilla syrup and milk
Thermometer (optional but helpful)
Milk frother (optional) For steaming and foaming milk

Ingredients

2 shots espresso or 4 oz strong brewed coffee
cup (8 oz) whole milk OR milk alternative
2-3 pumps (¾-1 oz) vanilla syrup Adjust to taste
Optional garnish: whipped cream, vanilla powder, or cinnamon

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Coffee Base

If using an espresso machine, pull 2 fresh shots of espresso
If using alternative methods, brew 4 oz of extra-strong coffee
Pour into your pre-warmed mug

2. Make Homemade Vanilla Syrup (Optional)

Combine 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar in a small saucepan
Add 1 split vanilla bean or 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring until sugar dissolves
Cool and store in an airtight container

3. Steam and Froth Your Milk

Pour cold milk into your frothing pitcher
Heat milk to 150-155°F (or until steam rises)
Add vanilla syrup to the warm milk
Froth until you achieve a creamy, velvety texture
Tap pitcher gently to remove large bubbles

4. Assemble Your Latte

Pour the vanilla-flavored milk slowly over your espresso
Start pouring from a height of about 3 inches
Lower the pitcher closer to create latte art (optional)
Add any optional garnishes

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Nutrition