How to Make a Vanilla Latte at Home

Vanilla lattes have to be one of my favorite coffee drinks. They’re smooth, slightly sweet, and super delicious. Unfortunately, they can also cost a fortune when you get them at the coffee shop. That’s where this vanilla latte recipe comes in. It’s easy to make, contains only a few ingredients, and tastes just as yummy as the kind you can get from your local barista.

What does a vanilla latte taste like?

Lattes are drinks made with espresso and steamed foamed milk. A vanilla latte is a latte that has been flavored with vanilla—you can drink them hot or cold.  The homemade vanilla syrup adds a yummy sweetness, while the milk makes the whole thing super creamy.

What is a vanilla latte made of?

This vanilla latte recipe has surprisingly few ingredients. All you need is:

• Espresso or black coffee
• Whole milk
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract

That’s it! Although you can make this recipe with regular black coffee from a drip coffee maker, it’s way better with a shot of espresso. If you don’t have an espresso machine, I recommend picking up the Moka Express by Bialetti. A moka pot is less expensive than a fancy espresso maker, but it brews a delicious cup of espresso every time. This is why it made our list of the best gifts for coffee lovers!

What kind of coffee do I need?

You can use any type of coffee you want—but espresso or dark roasts work best for making a latte. Their rich coffee flavor allows the coffee to shine through and not get lost in the vanilla, milk, and sugar of the latte.

For the richest coffee experience, it’s best to grind your own beans using a coffee grinder. Coffee grinders allow you to purchase your choice of fresh coffee bean, then grind it as you need it. This keeps your coffee super fresh. You’ll really be able to taste the difference between a cup brewed with ground coffee and one that was made with freshly ground coffee beans!

How to make a vanilla latte

This vanilla latte recipe is incredibly simple, and it only involves a few easy steps.

1. Create your sugar mixture by heating the milk on the stove in a small saucepan until it boils.
2. Add in the sugar and vanilla and whisk until all the sugar has dissolved.
3. Use a milk frother or immersion blender to froth up the mixture once it’s been removed from the heat.
4. Brew your coffee or espresso into a large mug.
5. Top the coffee with the frothed milk to give it that creamy layer of foam. Pour into your favorite coffee mug. You can serve it as is or sprinkle on some additional toppings, such as cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream.

How can I steam milk at home?

It’s actually fairly simple to steam milk at home. You can do it in the microwave or on the stovetop, but we prefer the stove because it’s easier to key an eye on the temperature. To steam your milk:

1. Add the milk to a pot on the stove and warm it over low to medium heat.
2. Keep an eye on the milk the entire time, and stir gently, so it doesn’t scald or burn.
3. The milk is done when bubbles are just starting to form around the edges and steam is rising from the surface.
4. At this point, add your sugar and vanilla and stir until they are completely dissolved.