Dreaming of a creamy, indulgent coffee drink that truly feels like a treat? This Banana Latte is exactly what your morning (or afternoon!) routine has been missing—a fusion of velvety espresso, homemade banana simple syrup, and luscious oat milk. It’s cozy, playful, and, best of all, incredibly easy to whip up at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbelievably Creamy: The combo of ripe bananas and oat milk turns this latte into a silky-smooth, almost dessert-like sip.
- Homemade Syrup Magic: Making your own banana simple syrup means no artificial flavors—just pure, real fruit sweetness.
- Coffee Shop Vibes at Home: Skip the café line; this Banana Latte feels utterly special but is totally doable in your kitchen.
- Customizable for Every Mood: Easily make it hot or iced, dairy or plant-based, with just a few tweaks—your latte, your way!
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need are a handful of kitchen staples to create a Banana Latte that practically sings with flavor. Each ingredient plays its part—so don’t skip a thing if you want that perfect balance of sweetness, aroma, and creaminess!
- Ripe Bananas: The riper, the better—they’re the secret to getting that full, naturally sweet banana flavor in your syrup.
- Brown Sugar: Adds warmth and caramel notes that pair beautifully with banana and espresso.
- Water: The base for dissolving your sugar and infusing all those delicious banana flavors into the syrup.
- Cinnamon & Nutmeg (optional): Warm spices that give your syrup cozy bakery vibes—totally optional, but delightful.
- Kosher Salt: Just a pinch brings out all the other flavors and prevents the syrup from tasting flat.
- Vanilla Bean Paste or Extract: Rounds out the syrup with rich, creamy undertones. Paste gives the most luxurious fragrance, but extract is great too!
- Double Shot of Espresso: The backbone of your Banana Latte—robust, bold, and absolutely necessary for that classic latte feel.
- Banana Simple Syrup: Sweet, aromatic, and totally homemade—it’s the star of this unique drink!
- Oat Milk (or other non-dairy milk): Creamy and neutral, oat milk lets the banana shine, but you can experiment with your favorite milk.
- Ice Cubes: For a refreshing iced version, or skip for a toasty hot latte experience.
Variations
The Banana Latte recipe is a total blank canvas—easy to customize and make entirely your own. Tweak the sweetness, play with flavors, or even make it vegan or extra indulgent. Here are a few delicious riffs to get you started:
- Dairy Latte: Swap oat milk for your go-to dairy milk for a classic, creamy finish (whole milk is extra dreamy).
- Mocha Banana: Stir in a teaspoon of cocoa powder or chocolate syrup to the milk for a rich banana-chocolate twist.
- Banana Chai Latte: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the syrup for cozy, spiced undertones.
- Decaf Banana Latte: Use decaffeinated espresso—same delicious flavor, no jitters!
How to Make Banana Latte
Step 1: Make the Banana Simple Syrup
In a small saucepan, combine the mashed ripe bananas, brown sugar, water, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and a pinch of kosher salt. Whisk everything together over medium heat and bring the mixture just to a gentle boil—this helps all the flavors come alive without caramelizing the syrup. Once simmering, turn the heat to low and keep it going for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar fully dissolves and the bananas infuse their flavor and color into the syrup.
Step 2: Strain and Finish the Syrup
Now it’s time to capture all that sweet magic! Pour your hot banana mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a heatproof container, gently pressing the bananas to extract every last drop of syrupy goodness. Stir in your vanilla bean paste or extract while the syrup is still warm, then let it cool to room temperature before using for iced drinks (or use right away for hot lattes!).
Step 3: Build Your Iced Banana Latte
Grab your favorite tall glass, pour in 1 tablespoon (or more, if you’re feeling extra banana-y) of your homemade syrup. Add a heaping handful of ice cubes, then pour in your oat milk or other preferred non-dairy milk. You’ll see those gorgeous swirls—the anticipation is half the fun!
Step 4: Add Espresso & Stir
Brew a double shot of espresso and pour it over the milk and syrup. Stir everything together, making sure the latte becomes one creamy, golden-hued delight. Taste and adjust the banana syrup to your liking, then sip and drift into pure banana-coffee bliss!
Step 5: Make It Hot (Optional)
If you’re feeling chilly, simply steam or froth your milk and skip the ice. Layer the syrup, steamed milk, and hot espresso in your favorite mug for a cozy version of this Banana Latte—perfect for crisp mornings or late-night treats.
Pro Tips for Making Banana Latte
- Banana Ripeness Matters: Use bananas with plenty of brown spots—they’ll deliver the deepest, most caramel-y flavor to your syrup.
- Gentle Simmer is Key: Keep the heat low when cooking your syrup; boiling aggressively can make it sticky or burn the sugars.
- Strain Thoroughly: Don’t rush the straining step—the smoother your syrup, the silkier your latte!
- Make Ahead for Busy Mornings: The banana syrup keeps well in the fridge—prep a batch on Sunday and enjoy Banana Latte treats all week long.
How to Serve Banana Latte
Garnishes
For a true barista touch, top your Banana Latte with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or nutmeg, a handful of toasted coconut flakes, or a dollop of dairy-free whipped cream. Even a banana slice perched on the rim feels ultra-chic and playful—perfect for Instagram moments and cozy vibes alike.
Side Dishes
This latte pairs so well with a buttery croissant, banana bread, or a handful of almond biscotti for dunking. If you love salty-sweet contrasts, try it alongside avocado toast or nutty granola bars for a little morning magic.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Banana Latte in a tall glass for dramatic milky swirls, or use a double-walled mug to keep your latte hot and showcase those stunning layers. For summer brunches, prep several in vintage Mason jars and tie with a twine bow for a rustic, Pinterest-worthy presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your homemade banana syrup keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Just give it a quick stir or shake before using, as some separation is totally normal. As for the assembled Banana Latte, it’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in the fridge for a few hours if needed—just add fresh ice or reheat gently before sipping.
Freezing
While the full Latte doesn’t freeze well (the milk separates), you can absolutely freeze the banana syrup in an ice cube tray for single-serve portions. Pop out a cube or two to flavor your next drink on a whim—it’s a clever way to avoid waste and always have a treat ready!
Reheating
If you prefer your Banana Latte hot, simply steam or microwave your milk and whisk in the warmed banana syrup. Add your fresh (hot) espresso last and enjoy! Avoid reheating already mixed lattes with ice; it’s best to assemble just before drinking for maximum flavor and texture.
FAQs
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Can I make the Banana Latte without an espresso machine?
Absolutely! Strong brewed coffee, instant espresso, or even concentrated cold brew all work as delicious substitutes. Just aim for a bold coffee base to shine through the sweet banana syrup.
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Is the banana syrup overly sweet?
Not at all! The beauty of homemade syrup is you can totally control the sweetness. Start with a little syrup in your drink and add more to taste—customizable for everyone’s palate.
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What’s the best way to store leftover banana syrup?
Pour the cooled syrup into a clean, airtight jar and keep it in the fridge for up to a week. Give it a quick stir before each use as some settling or separation is natural.
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Can I use other fruit for this latte syrup?
You can! While banana gives a unique creaminess, you could try mango or even cooked pear for a fun fruit twist—just adjust the sugar to taste and follow the same syrup process.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to brighten up your coffee game and surprise your taste buds, this Banana Latte is calling your name. Give it a try—your mornings (and your friends) will thank you, one creamy, delicious sip at a time!
PrintBanana Latte Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Mixing, Boiling, Straining
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy sweetness of a Banana Latte, a delightful twist on a classic coffee beverage. This recipe combines the rich flavors of espresso with homemade banana simple syrup for a refreshing and unique drink.
Ingredients
Banana Simple Syrup
- 2 Ripe Bananas, mashed
- 1 cup Brown Sugar
- 1 cup Water
- 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg (optional)
- Pinch of Kosher Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Bean Paste or extract
Banana Latte
- Double Shot of Espresso
- 1 tablespoon Banana Simple Syrup (or to preference)
- 1/2 cup Oat Milk or other non-dairy milk
- Ice Cubes
Instructions
- Banana Simple Syrup: In a small pan, combine mashed bananas, brown sugar, water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer for about 10 minutes until sugar dissolves. Strain and stir in vanilla.
- Banana Latte: Pour syrup into a glass, add ice, milk, and espresso. Stir well and adjust sweetness. For hot latte, omit ice and steam the milk.
Notes
- This simple syrup recipe makes about 1 ½ cups.
- Let the syrup cool before using in iced drinks to prevent crystalizing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 150 kcal
- Sugar: Approx. 20g
- Sodium: Approx. 10mg
- Fat: Approx. 1g
- Saturated Fat: <1g
- Unsaturated Fat: <1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 35g
- Fiber: Approx. 2g
- Protein: Approx. 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg