If you love coffeehouse-style lattes, then my vanilla almond milk latte recipe is a must-try. It's creamy, naturally sweetened, and completely dairy-free. The easy recipe takes just minutes and you don't need any fancy equipment.
I don't know about you but I love a good latte! However, I don't like the coffee shop cost so I decided it was time to start making my own. Turns out it's really easy to make a hot latte, just as good, and a great way to enjoy one at home.
The process is really simple. All you need is some rich espresso or super strong coffee, some almond milk, and vanilla to make a perfect vegan vanilla latte in the comfort of your own home. That's it!
So if you're looking for a healthier way to enjoy lattes, cutting back on dairy milk, or just want a homemade version of your favorite coffee shop drink, this creamy almond milk latte recipe is a total game changer.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Dairy-Free & Vegan-Friendly – Made with unsweetened almond milk, this latte is a delicious alternative to traditional lattes made with regular milk.
- Easy to Make – No need for a fancy coffee machine you can use strong brewed coffee, a French press, or even instant coffee.
- Customizable – Adjust the vanilla extract, swap the plant-based milk, or turn it into a creamy iced almond milk latte with ice cubes.
- Coffee Shop Taste at Home – No need to visit a local cafe, this healthy homemade version tastes just as good, if not better!
Key Ingredients
To make this delicious almond milk latte, you’ll only need a few simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store.
- Unsweetened Almond Milk: Barista-style almond milk is best because it froths better than regular almond milk or homemade almond milk due to its higher fat content.
- Coffee: You can use shots of espresso from an espresso machine, or substitute with strong brewed regular coffee. I've even used instant coffee in a pinch.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: The natural flavor of vanilla pairs beautifully with the nutty flavor of almond milk. If you can, use pure vanilla extract.
- Sweetener: I like to add a little pure maple syrup, cane sugar, or coconut sugar for sweetness but feel free to use whatever sweetener you like.
- Cinnamon or Cocoa Powder: Just a little sprinkle on top adds warmth and an extra layer of flavor.
How to Make a Hot Vanilla Almond Milk Latte
Learning how to make a vanilla latte with almond milk is so simple it will impress you! Just follow my easy steps and you'll have a cozy Instagram-worthy beverage in minutes.
*You can find the exact amounts and more details in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brew the Coffee – First, you'll need to make some coffee! Prepare a shot of espresso or make some really strong coffee using your preferred method.
- Heat the Almond Milk – Heat the unsweetened almond milk over medium heat in a small saucepan until warm but not boiling. You can also heat it in the microwave in 15 to 20 second intervals.
- Froth the Almond Milk – To froth the milk you have options. You can use a milk frother, handheld whisk, or shake the warm milk in a jar to create some foam.
- Mix in the Vanilla & Sweetener – Pour the brewed hot espresso into a mug, and stir in the vanilla and sweetener.
- Add the Milk – Slowly pour the warm milk over the coffee, holding the foam back with a spoon. Then spoon the frothed almond milk on top.
- Garnish and Serve – Sprinkle a dash of cinnamon or cocoa powder on top and enjoy!
Iced Latte Version
Want a creamy iced almond milk latte instead? Just follow these steps:
- Let the coffee cool or use cold brew coffee, then pour it over ice cubes in a tall glass.
- Use cold almond milk instead of heated milk.
- Froth the cold almond milk using a milk frother and pour it over the cold iced coffee.
🌟 Love lattes? Do make sure to check out my almond milk matcha latte too!
Variations
This hot almond milk latte recipe is already delicious, but there are so many ways you can customize it to make almost any coffee drink including cold versions!
- Mocha: Add 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder to the warm milk before frothing and garnish with dark chocolate shavings.
- Cinnamon: Stir in a dash of cinnamon into the coffee and sprinkle some on top.
- Almond: Add a drop of almond extract.
- Caramel: Drizzle with my vegan salted caramel sauce.
- Spiced: Mix a pinch of brown sugar and my homemade pumpkin pie spice or chai spice blend into the hot coffee when you add the vanilla.
Expert Tips
- Use Barista-Style Almond Milk – Barista blend almond milk contains calcium carbonate, guar gum, and gellan gum, which help it froth like regular whole milk.
- Don’t Overheat the Almond Milk – Warm milk gently and don’t let it boil! Overheating can cause separation, which can affect the creamy texture of hot drinks.
- Choose the Right Coffee – For the best almond milk latte, use dark roast espresso for a strong coffee base with really good results.
- Get the Perfect Froth – A milk frother creates the best foam, but you can also make the milky foamy by hand with a whisk or by shaking it in a sealed jar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Oat milk or a barista oat milk version works great as well as cashew milk and soy milk. Most milk alternatives will do the trick but may result in a different consistency.
Almond milk added to hot coffee can sometimes curdle. To prevent this, it's important to add the warm nut milk slowly when making lattes with almond milk.
Regular almond milk doesn’t froth well because it lacks the necessary proteins and fats. For the best results, use a barista-style almond milk.
Your coffee might not be strong enough. Try using a dark roast or reducing the amount of milk for a stronger flavor.
⭐️ One Last Thing! If you make my vanilla latte with almond milk recipe please leave a review and rating to let me know how you liked it! Doing so helps other readers and me too! Your feedback makes a difference.
Almond Milk Latte Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (barista-style is best for frothing)
- 1 shot espresso or ½ cup strong brewed coffee
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1-2 teaspoons maple syrup or sweetener of choice (optional)
- 1 pinch cocoa powder or ground cinnamon (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Make 1 shot of espresso or ½ cup strong brewed coffee.
- Warm the almond milk over medium-low heat in a small saucepan until steaming but not boiling. You can also heat the the almond milk in the microwave in 15-30 second intervals, until warm but not boiling.
- Use a milk frother, handheld whisk, or shake the warm almond milk in a jar to create foam.
- Pour the espresso or coffee into a mug. Stir in the vanilla extract and sweetener until well combined.
- Slowly pour in the frothed almond milk, holding back the foam with a spoon.
- Spoon the remaining foam on top and then finish with with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or cinnamon if you like.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade vanilla almond milk latte!
Notes
- Barista-style almond milk froths much better than regular almond milk due to its slightly higher fat content.
- I don't recommend using your own almond milk you made as it's not thick enough. However, you could use my almond milk creamer.
- If you don't have an espresso machine use a French press, AeroPress, or moka pot for strong coffee that mimics espresso. Strong brewed coffee works too.
- Note that the nutritional information is an estimate. It will vary based on the how much sweetener you add and the brand of almond milk you use.
Karen says
My favorite drink and way to keep myself from spending too much money at Starbucks! Once I tried making my own I was a homemade latte lover.