Banana Bread Latte

If you’ve spent any amount of time on social media lately, you’ve probably seen at least a few iced banana bread latte recipes circulating. The fanfare is not surprising, given the resulting homemade coffee shop drink tastes and smells exactly like a slice of homemade banana bread. It’s the perfect option for those hot summer days when you’re craving the taste of banana bread but dread the idea of turning on the oven.

Who was the genius behind this refreshingly sweet coffee creation? If you have a Dutch Bros coffee in your area, the coffee chain has had a banana bread latte on its secret menu for quite some time and it is popular among the loyal customer base. Homemade versions, on the other hand, are a more recent phenomenon. With over one million views, creator @lori_ilc has had one of the most viral TikTok recipes of the summer and her recipe was the inspiration for our version.

With a homemade banana bread coffee syrup, two shots of espresso, a splash of milk and a fluffy cloud of banana bread cold foam on top, we think you’ll go absolutely bananas for this recipe after just one sip.

Banana Bread Latte Ingredients

• Banana bread syrup: This tasty coffeehouse copycat drink begins with a homemade banana bread coffee syrup that’s very similar to the syrup for our copycat brown sugar shaken espresso, only with the addition of mashed banana.
• Espresso: If you haven’t invested in an espresso machine yet, this recipe may be the one that pushes you over the edge. If you need a more affordable option, consider a Moka pot.
• Milk of choice: Most lattes from Starbucks and elsewhere opt for 2% milk as the default. However, you can use any milk you prefer, whether it’s whole milk for extra richness or soy or almond milk for a nondairy alternative. Oat milk would make an especially nice pairing with the flavors in the banana bread syrup.
• Banana bread cold foam: If you ask us, every iced coffee drink benefits from cold foam. This foam comes together in a splash by shaking heavy cream together with a bit of the homemade banana bread syrup until thick and foamy.
• Ice: Add some pizzazz to your homemade barista drink with ice made from one of these fun ice cube trays.

Directions

Step 1: Make the syrup

In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the water, brown sugar, mashed banana, cinnamon stick and salt.

Editor’s Tip: For maximum banana flavor, choose a very ripe banana for this recipe. Bananas that have begun to spot and turn brown taste sweeter and have a stronger flavor because the starches in the banana convert to sugar as the fruit ripens. If your fruit isn’t ready, try ripening the banana quickly by warming it in the oven at 250°F for 15 to 20 minutes.

Bring to a low simmer and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture has reduced and thickened slightly. Remove from the heat and discard the cinnamon stick.

Step 2: Blend and cool

Transfer the syrup to a high-powered blender and puree until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract, then transfer to a Mason jar to cool.

Step 3: Mix with the espresso

Fill a tall glass with ice. Add the banana bread syrup and espresso, and stir. Add the milk.

Step 4: Prepare the banana bread cold foam

Meanwhile, in a small container with a tight-fitting lid (a Mason jar works perfectly), add 1 tablespoon of the banana bread syrup and 2 ounces of heavy cream. Seal with a lid and shake vigorously for several minutes until the mixture thickens and doubles in volume.

Editor’s Tip: If you have a milk frothing wand, use it to make the cold foam instead for faster results.

Step 5: Assemble and sip

Pour the cold foam over the top of the latte in the glass. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon and/or nutmeg, if desired.

Banana Bread Latte Variations

• Make it extra-sweet: To make the drink sweeter with even more banana flavor, add more syrup, just a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your preferred sweetness level.
• Try it dirty: If you enjoy chai, you can infuse this drink with similar flavors. Steep one chai tea bag in the hot syrup for five minutes after stirring in the vanilla extract. Discard the tea bag before storing the syrup.
• Give it a touch of maple: Maple tastes great in banana bread recipes, this latte recipe included. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of maple syrup to the banana bread syrup as it simmers on the stovetop.
• Create a chocolate or caramel banana bread latte: If you can add chocolate chips or caramel to banana bread, why not add them to this latte too? Drizzle chocolate sauce or salted caramel sauce over your finished banana bread latte for some extra decadence.

How to Store Banana Bread Latte Syrup

This recipe yields approximately 2 cups of banana bread syrup, so you’ll have plenty leftover for more tasty drinks throughout the week. Store the syrup in an airtight food storage container, such as a Mason jar, and keep it refrigerated. The banana bread syrup will stay fresh for 7 to 10 days.

Can you make the banana bread latte ingredients ahead of time?

You can make the banana bread syrup several days ahead and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.

For the best taste and texture, we recommend making the banana bread cold foam fresh for each latte. It will deflate in the fridge as it sits and will likely need to be rewhipped again before use.

Banana Bread Latte Tips

What can you use instead of espresso for a banana bread latte?

If you don’t have an espresso machine or a Moka pot, you can still enjoy this beverage by preparing it with strongly brewed coffee or cold brew instead. To achieve the same level of coffee flavor, you may wish to increase the amount of coffee to 4 ounces and reduce the milk to 4 ounces.

Can you serve a banana bread latte hot?

Yes! If you prefer to take your coffee hot rather than iced, you can prepare a steaming banana bread latte instead. Prepare the syrup as directed and skip making the cold foam. Then, pull two shots of espresso over 4 tablespoons of the syrup, stir and top with 6 ounces of steamed milk. Dust the top with a sprinkle of cinnamon and/or nutmeg, then enjoy.

Can you make a kid-friendly banana bread latte?

Yes! If you have kids who love banana bread, prepare a coffee-free version of this drink by omitting the espresso from the recipe. For a warm treat, you can also mix 3 to 4 tablespoons of the syrup with 6 ounces of steamed milk. Dust the top with a little cinnamon and serve. It’s a great alternative for kiddos who don’t enjoy hot chocolate.