Say hello to my favorite homemade Vanilla Bean Latte! This cozy, creamy latte is infused with real vanilla bean, giving it a smooth, luxurious flavor in every sip. Made with bold espresso, steamed milk, and my homemade Vanilla bean coffee syrup, it’s a coffee shop favorite—only better and made right at home!
Whether you enjoy it hot and frothy or iced and refreshing, this latte is the perfect treat to start your day or unwind in the afternoon. Skip the coffee shop and whip up this dreamy vanilla latte in minutes! I’ve always loved Starbucks’ Vanilla Bean Latte, but ever since I started making my own version at home, I’m never going back—homemade is just that good!
If you're a latte lover, you should definitely try my Salted Caramel Latte recipe! It’s a reader favorite and absolutely delicious!
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Why You’ll Love This Vanilla Bean Latte Recipe
If you’re a latte lover, this Vanilla Bean Latte is about to become your new favorite! Here’s why:
- Better Than Coffee Shop Lattes – Made with real vanilla bean for an authentic, rich flavor that beats any store-bought version. Trust me this latte is too delicious!
- Easy & Quick to Make – Skip the coffee run! This latte comes together in minutes with just a few simple ingredients. All you need is just 5 minutes!
- Budget-Friendly - Save money by making this indulgent drink at home without sacrificing quality or flavor. If you add up what you spend on coffee in a year, trust me—you could probably treat yourself to a vacation with your family instead!
- Minimal Equipment – No fancy equipment needed! Just brew, milk frother, mix, and enjoy a luxurious, café-style latte anytime.
What to Serve with your Vanilla Bean Latte
A warm, creamy Vanilla Bean Latte pairs perfectly with a variety of sweet treats and light bites. But here are some of my favorite options to enjoy alongside with vanilla latte:
- Cookies: My first most favorite way to enjoy is with Oatmeal Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies which goes very well with this latte since its chewy, sweet pairing that complements the vanilla flavor.
- Almond Biscotti: Perfect for dipping into your latte for a crunchy bite.
- Pastries & Baked Goods: A tangy citrus contrast to the warm vanilla tones pairs beautifully with my Mini Lemon Bundt Cakes. For a rich and decadent coffee break, try it with my Mini Chocolate Bundt Cakes. Light, flaky, and buttery croissants also make the perfect companion to your latte!
- Donuts and muffins: Who doesn't like donuts and coffees? Soft, fluffy, and delicious donuts like my Easter Donuts recipe are a perfect pairing. For a comforting, bakery-style treat with a hint of sweetness, try my Banana Chocolate Chunk Muffins or Blackberry Oatmeal Muffins—they complement the vanilla flavors beautifully!
- Chocolate & Sweets: Nutella-Covered Strawberries is a simple yet indulgent pairing. For those who love a rich and sweet contrast try my Dark chocolate almond fudge.
Ingredients and Substitutions
All you need is just three ingredients to make this latte! With these simple, customizable ingredients, you can create a barista-quality Vanilla Bean Latte at home, exactly the way you love it!
- Strong brewed coffee – The bold, rich base of the latte that balances the sweetness of vanilla. If you don’t have an espresso machine, use strong brewed coffee, instant espresso, or even cold brew for a different twist.
- Milk – The key to a smooth, creamy texture that blends beautifully with vanilla. Whole milk gives the richest flavor, while oat or almond milk offers a dairy-free alternative. Coconut milk adds a slight tropical touch! I have used whole milk in this recipe!
- Vanilla Bean Coffee Syrup – The main star ingredient of the recipe! Made with real vanilla bean, this syrup infuses deep, aromatic vanilla flavors into every sip. Don’t have vanilla beans? Use pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste for a similar effect.
See recipe card for quantities.
How To Make A Homemade Vanilla Latte
Below is the step-by-step instructions for easy understanding!
- Froth the warm milk using a milk frother.
- Pour the freshly brewed strong coffee in a glass mug.
- Add the homemade vanilla bean syrup.
- Pour the frothed milk into the latte.
Stir everything together to blend the rich espresso, warm frothed milk, and fragrant vanilla bean syrup into a perfectly balanced drink. Take a sip and enjoy the smooth, creamy, and velvety texture, with just the right touch of sweetness and warmth.
Hint: Make it iced! Pour everything over ice for a refreshing Vanilla Bean Iced Latte.
Variations
There are plenty of variations you can make using the base vanilla latte recipe, Here are some my favorite lists:
- Iced Vanilla Bean Latte – Skip the steaming! Pour espresso, vanilla bean syrup, and cold milk over ice, then stir for a refreshing iced coffee treat.
- Vanilla Caramel Latte – Add a drizzle of caramel sauce to the vanilla bean syrup for a rich, buttery sweetness!
- Mocha Vanilla Bean Latte – Stir 1-2 teaspoons of cocoa powder into the espresso for a chocolate twist—like a cross between a latte and a mocha! I do this variation often!
- Pumpkin Spice Vanilla Latte – Add ½ teaspoon of pumpkin spice to the espresso for a fall-inspired drink with warm, cozy notes. Perfect during the fall season!
- Vanilla Chai Latte – Replace espresso with strong brewed chai tea and mix in vanilla bean syrup for a creamy, spiced chai latte. They taste just amazing!
Equipment
Coffee Maker or Espresso Machine - To brew strong coffee or espresso.
Milk Frother - To create creamy, frothed milk for your latte.
Microwave safe glass/mug - To warm the milk.
Measuring Spoons and Cups - For accurately measuring the coffee, syrup, and milk
Storage
A Vanilla Bean Latte is best enjoyed immediately, but if you need to store it, here’s how:
Refrigerate: If you have leftover latte, store it in an airtight container or mason jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Shake or stir well before reheating.
Reheating: Warm it in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or on the stovetop over low heat while stirring.
Top Tips for making the Best Vanilla Bean Latte
- For the best flavor, use real vanilla bean, vanilla bean paste, or pure vanilla extract—skip artificial vanilla for a richer taste in your vanilla bean coffee syrup recipe.
- A strong, bold espresso balances the sweetness of vanilla. No espresso machine? Use strong brewed coffee or instant espresso instead.
- Use a milk frother, French press, or shake in a jar to create that creamy, foamy texture just like your favorite coffee shop.
- A dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even pumpkin spice can elevate the flavor and add warmth to your latte.
- Whole milk makes it extra creamy, but oat milk, almond milk, and coconut milk work great for a dairy-free version.
- Avoid storing a latte with frothed milk, as it will lose its texture. Instead, froth fresh milk when ready to serve
- Store the coffee and vanilla bean syrup mixture separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready, pour it over ice and add fresh cold milk for a quick iced vanilla latte!
FAQ
Yes absolutely! If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use strong brewed coffee or instant espresso.
Absolutely! For an Iced Vanilla Bean Latte, simply pour espresso and vanilla bean syrup over ice, then add cold milk and stir.
A great latte starts with high-quality coffee beans that complement the creamy, steamed milk. I love the Medium to Dark Roast Beans and I think it is the best choice for lattes.
No frother? No problem! Try:
- Shaking warm milk in a jar with the lid on until foamy.
- Using a French press—pump the plunger up and down to create foam.
- Whisking vigorously on the stovetop as the milk heats up. Best arm workout 😉
Whole milk makes the creamiest latte, but for a dairy-free option, oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk works great too!
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this homemade vanilla latte recipe:
If you tried this Homemade Vanilla Bean Latte or any other recipe from my blog, I’d love to hear your thoughts! ⭐ Please leave a STAR rating and share your experience in the COMMENTS below. Your support means so much and helps me continue creating delicious recipes. Thank you for being part of this journey!
Vanilla Bean Latte
Equipment
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Microwave safe mugs
- Coffee Maker or Espresso Machine
- Milk Frother
Ingredients
- 1 shot espresso (½ cup strong brewed coffee)
- ¾ cup steamed whole milk
- 2 tablespoons vanilla bean coffee syrup, adjust to taste
Instructions
- Start by brewing your favorite strong coffee or a shot of espresso. If using an espresso machine, pull one shot of espresso. If you don’t have an espresso machine, brew ½ cup of strong coffee using a French press, drip coffee maker, or instant espresso powder for a bold flavor.
- In a small saucepan, warm ¾ cup of milk over medium heat until it’s hot but not boiling. If using a microwave, heat the milk for 30-45 seconds until warm. Once heated, use a milk frother to create a light and foamy texture.
- In a mug, pour the brewed espresso or coffee. Stir in 2 tablespoons of vanilla bean coffee syrup, adjusting to taste for more or less sweetness.
- Slowly pour the steamed and frothed milk over the coffee, holding back some foam with a spoon and then topping it at the end for a beautiful finish.
- Stir, sip, and enjoy your homemade Vanilla Bean Latte—smooth, creamy, and delicious.
- Please take a moment to leave a comment & rating. It's appreciated and so helpful!
Notes
- If you don't have espresso machine, use strong brewed coffee or instant espresso.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less vanilla bean syrup to taste.
Madhu says
I love vanilla bean syrup, can I use other sweeteners too?
Abi Guna says
Ofcourse you can! But nothing beats the taste of homemade coffee syrup 🙂
Eva Filer says
This looks delish! Can't wait to try it.
Abi Guna says
I am confident you will love this homemade latte recipe, let me know how they turn out:)
Abi Guna says
The BEST latte recipe you ever make! I strongly recommend this recipe!