The Perfect Vanilla Latte Recipe for Coffee Lovers

Enjoy a Vanilla Latte Anytime

This vanilla latte recipe is easy to make any time you want a treat, but it’s the best for a lazy weekend morning or a messy bun pajama day. The closest Starbucks vanilla latte is about 45 K (30 miles) from our home so I have started to make different types of copycat recipes for specialty coffees at home. When shopping I will still go grab a cup of deliciousness to go but I love having access to a delicious coffee whenever we want, and our budget like it too.

Vanilla Latte is a coffee drink made with espresso, frothed milk, and vanilla syrup.
I am fortunate enough to have an espresso machine I have loved for years. If you don’t have an espresso machine with a steam attachment don’t fret, you can make this vanilla latte recipe using instant espresso and an inexpensive frothier. ( not an affiliate just an example for reference).

Being coffee obsessed I drink these vanilla lattes anytime of day. They are fabulous for a quick breakfast though. I will make them as we run out the door and the milk helps curb my hunger while running errands.

Vanilla Latte Ingredients

Vanilla lattes are one of the most popular coffee drinks at Starbucks. To turn a regular latte into a vanilla latte you add vanilla syrup that adds a bit of sweetness and flavor to the coffee drink.

This recipe makes a venti-sized latte (16 oz) or 2 smaller servings. I like it best with two tbsp of vanilla syrup. I would start with one tbsp and adjust it to suit your sweet tooth. The baristas said they typically use 5 pumps of vanilla syrup for a venti 16 oz vanilla latte.

Starbucks uses 2% milk for lattes unless you request something different. I love their lattes so this recipe uses 2% milk. You can certainly use whatever milk you have on hand.

2 cups – 2 % milk
1 to 2- tbsp vanilla syrup
2 – dark roast espresso shots
Whipped cream (optional)
Granulated sugar (optional)

Store-bought or homemade vanilla syrup can be used to make this drink.

How to Make Vanilla Lattes

Heat the milk in the microwave until hot about two minutes.

Make the espresso shots, using a machine or easy instant espresso.

Using milk frothier (handheld or steam), froth the milk until foamy and double in size. Doing it either way is easy as well.

If not using canned whipping cream, whip the cream.

Mixing the Vanilla Latte

Take a large cup or 2 smaller cups. I like to use clear glass mugs to see the layers of the vanilla coffee latte.

Add the espresso and vanilla syrup, to your cup(s) and stir.

Holding the foam back with a spoon, pour the hot milk into your coffee cup.

Then spoon on the milk foam.

Finish with whipped cream and a light sprinkle of granulated sugar.

How to Make a Skinny Vanilla Latte

To lighten the calories in the latte, skip the whipping cream and granulated sugar. Swap the 2% milk for skim nonfat milk, and use sugar-free vanilla syrup.

I created a Drinks and Beverages board on Pinterest for new recipes that I want to try and some recipes I created myself. There are both hot and cold beverages on the board including those with or without alcohol.

Other Coffee Beverages to Try