Banana Bread Latte

Forget basic pumpkin spice! This Banana Bread Latte captures the comforting, nostalgic flavor of a warm slice of banana bread and infuses it directly into your coffee. The secret is the homemade, spiced banana syrup, which is easy to make and lasts for weeks.

This recipe uses espresso (or strong coffee) and a luxurious, caramel-vanilla cream topping, making it the perfect cozy companion for a chilly morning.

Why This Latte is a Cozy Must-Make

Authentic Flavor: Unlike store-bought syrups, this recipe uses real mashed banana, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Therefore, it tastes exactly like baked banana bread.

Gourmet Topping: The combination of double cream and caramel syrup creates a rich, sweet foam. Furthermore, this acts as the perfect velvety layer over the coffee.

Prep Ahead: The homemade syrup is the centerpiece. Consequently, you can make a large batch and store it, making your morning lattes incredibly fast.

Key Ingredients for the Best Homemade Syrup

The syrup is the foundation of this drink, so using ripe ingredients is essential.

Ripe Banana: Crucially, use a very ripe banana (one with lots of brown spots). This maximizes natural sweetness and flavor depth.

Brown Sugar and Spices: Specifically, we use brown sugar for a richer, molasses-like depth that mimics baked goods. Cinnamon and nutmeg provide that essential “bread” flavor.

Double Cream and Caramel: We use double cream (heavy cream) for the thick foam topping. This ensures the foam holds its shape and pairs beautifully with the caramel flavored syrup.

Espresso and Milk: Use two shots of high-quality espresso. Alternatively, you can use 4 ounces of strong brewed coffee. Use your favorite cold milk (whole, oat, or almond) for the base.

How to Make the Banana Bread Latte

The process is divided into three distinct parts: making the syrup, preparing the topping, and assembling the drink.

Part 1: Homemade Banana Bread Syrup (Prep Ahead)

Mash Banana: Fully mash the ripe banana in a bowl until smooth.

Combine and Heat: In a small saucepan, add the mashed banana, brown sugar, and water. Stir to combine. Then, add the cinnamon and nutmeg.

Simmer: Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Continue to heat until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture begins to thicken slightly (about 5-7 minutes).

Cool and Blend: Turn off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Next, allow the syrup to cool completely to room temperature. Pour the cooled mixture into a blender or use an immersion blender. Blend the mixture until it is perfectly smooth.

Part 2: Prepare the Cream Topping

Froth: In a separate container, pour the double cream and add the caramel flavored syrup. Use a hand frother or small whisk to whip the mixture until it is thick, airy, and holds soft peaks. Set the foam aside.

Part 3: Assemble the Latte

Mix Coffee Base: In a small pitcher or measuring cup, combine the banana bread syrup (the prepared quantity for one serving) with the freshly brewed espresso (or strong coffee). Stir well.

Build Layers: Fill your serving glass generously with ice. Next, pour the cold milk into the glass.

Add Coffee: Slowly pour the coffee and banana bread syrup mixture into the glass. Consequently, this will create a beautiful swirl or layer with the milk.

Top and Garnish: Gently spoon the frothed caramel cream mixture over the top of the drink. Finally, sprinkle with cinnamon powder and add a thin slice of banana for garnish, if desired.

Banana Bread Latte FAQs

Q: Can I skip the blending step for the syrup?

A: No. Therefore, you must blend the syrup. The mashed banana solids won’t fully dissolve during simmering, and blending is necessary to achieve a smooth texture that mixes properly into the latte.

Q: How long does the syrup last?

A: The finished, blended syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Q: How much banana bread syrup should I use per serving?

A: We recommend starting with 2 tablespoons of the finished syrup per latte. If you prefer a much sweeter drink, you can increase this to 3 tablespoons, but start with 2.

Banana Bread Iced Latte

A decadent single-serving iced latte featuring homemade, spiced banana bread syrup, espresso, and a rich caramel cream foam topping.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 minutes mins

Cooling time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 32 minutes mins

Servings: 1

Course: Drinks

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For Syrup (Yields around 4 Servings)

• 1 ripe banana mashed
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Latte Assembly (1 Serving)

• 2 shots espresso or 4 oz strong coffee
• 1 cup cold milk
• ice

For the Topping

• 3 tbsp double cream heavy cream
• 1 tbsp caramel flavored syrup
• cinnamon powder garnish, optional
• banana slices garnish, optional

Method

 

1. Mash the banana. In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, water, mashed banana, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Heat until thick (5-7 min). Turn off heat and add vanilla extract. Cool completely.
2. Pour the cooled mixture into a blender and blend until perfectly smooth. Store remaining syrup in the fridge.
3. Combine double cream and caramel flavored syrup. Froth until thick and airy. Set aside.
4. Combine 2 tbsp of the prepared syrup with espresso in a pitcher.
5. Fill a glass with ice. Pour milk into the glass.
6. Pour the coffee-syrup mixture over the milk.
7. Pour the caramel cream foam on top. Garnish with cinnamon and banana slices.

Notes

Ensure the syrup is fully cooled before blending and mixing. If you prefer a much sweeter drink, you can use 3 tablespoons of banana bread syrup, but start with 2.