Vanilla Oat Latte with Easy Vanilla Syrup
Vanilla Oat Latte | A smooth creamy oat milk coffee with homemade vanilla coffee syrup. This vegan latte recipe is more affordable and flavourful than any coffee shop while being quick and easy to make.
I’m serious when I tell you that vanilla oat milk lattes are the only thing that got me through working my first line cook job. I would spend my 30 minute break (if I got one) running and ordering a vanilla oat milk latte.
My days of spending $8 on a coffee were over once I discovered I could easily make vanilla oat milk lattes at home. All you need is a good oat milk, preferably one meant for coffee like Earth’s Balance Oat Barista, vanilla syrup, which you can easily make at home, and strong coffee.
This vegan latte recipe is slightly nutty and sweet, perfect for any time of day. Whether it be your morning coffee or as a mid day pick me up, vanilla oat lattes will never disappoint.
The creaminess and slight nuttiness from the oat milk, and the subtle sweetness from the vanilla syrup combined with the deep coffee flavour are so comforting and delicious.
I like making coffee with dark roast beans and a French press or pour over carafe, but you can use whatever method of coffee making for this recipe, and you only need 1/2 cup of it.
How do you make vanilla coffee syrup?
The vanilla coffee syrup is super simple to make, just heat equal parts sugar and water in a pot on medium-high heat, whisking frequently until the sugar dissolves. Simmer for one minute. Then remove from the heat and add vanilla extract and vanilla bean paste if you have it. Vanilla extracts should never be ‘cooked’ as the heat cooks off the alcohol, resulting in less flavour.
What kind of coffee do you use to make lattes?
Lattes are typically made with espresso because espresso is very strong, but if, like me, you don’t have an espresso machine, strong coffee will work just as well. Just adjust the ratio of coffee grounds to water to get a stronger batch of coffee.
Standard coffee is made with a 1:18 ratio of coffee grounds to water. For a stronger coffee, try 1:15.
What kind of oat milk do you use for oat lattes?
I suggest using an oat beverage that is specifically labeled “barista”, “for coffee”, or something along those lines. These oat milks usually have more protein in them than regular oat milk, which makes them froth well. My favourite oat milk for coffee is Earth’s Own Oat Barista.
How do you make iced vanilla oat milk lattes?
The process is super easy and it’s my favourite way to drink coffee.
Make some strong coffee ahead of time, and set it aside to cool to room temperature. Once it’s cooled, you can put it in the fridge to get it nice and cold.
Add a 1/2 cup of the cold coffee to a glass filled with ice, then add the vanilla syrup. Fill it with cold oat milk, or cold frothed oat milk.
Usually frothing works best with heat, but if you’re making an iced coffee I would suggest just trying to get a bit of froth with cold or room temperature oat milk.
Ingredients
More about the ingredients in this recipe. The exact measurements are below.
Instructions
Add the sugar and water to a pot and bring to a simmer on medium high heat, whisking so the sugar dissolves. Simmer for 1 minute.
Turn off the heat and add the vanilla. Whisk until combined and then set aside.
Now make your coffee however you normally do it, and set it aside. Cover it to keep it hot. In a tall microwave safe jar, heat the oat milk for 45-60 seconds.
Use a hand held frother to froth the oat milk, starting from the bottom and lifting the frother to the top of the jar.
Add 1 tablespoon of the vanilla syrup to a mug.
Add the coffee.
Pour the frothed oat milk into the coffee. The thinner liquid will mix with the coffee and the thick froth will sit on top.
Taste the latte and add more syrup if needed!
Tips for making vanilla oat lattes
What to serve with lattes
Enjoy your oat latte with breakfast, along side some toast, oatmeal or my vegan eggnog french toast.
If you’re needing a mid day pick me up, pair your coffee with an energy bar or some nuts and fruit.
Coffee is always great with chocolate, so enjoy that chocolate you’ve been eyeing up.
Try an iced vanilla oat latte by following my instructions above!
Substitutions
Storage
Store homemade vanilla syrup in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Vanilla oat lattes are best consumed right after making, I don’t recommend storing them once all ingredients are mixed together.
FAQ’s
Yes. You can make vanilla oat lattes with regular coffee. Strong coffee is best for lattes but you don’t need an espresso machine.
Any oat milk labeled “barista” or “for coffee” is your best option for lattes, as they likely have added protein which makes them best for frothing.
Yes, if you don’t have a milk frother you can heat milk and shake it in a jar, or blend it in a blender to get a similar frothy consistency.
Vanilla Oat Latte
Equipment
- 1 hand held frother
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup strong coffee
- ¾ cups oat milk I recommend Earth's Own Barista Oat Milk
For the vanilla syrup
- ½ cup white sugar
- ½ cup water
- 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste optional
Instructions
- Add the sugar and water to a pot, and bring to a boil over medium high heat, whisking to dissolve the sugar. Boil for 1 minutes, then remove from the heat and add the vanilla.
- Brew strong coffee and pour it into a mug.
- Pour the oat milk into a tall microwave safe glass, leaving lots of room at the top for it to froth. Heat in the microwave for 1 minute.
- Froth the oat milk, starting from the very bottom of the glass, slowly moving to the top. Froth for about 20 seconds.
- Add 1 tablespoon of the vanilla syrup to the coffee, then pour the frothed oat milk in. Give it a stir.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Disclosure: This blog post may contain affiliate links, which means I get a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.
SHARE THIS RECIPE
Rating, commenting, and sharing my recipes really helps. Thanks for taking the time! Mention @theveggieyaya on Instagram.
Save this image to your coffee board on Pinterest.
Erika Piper
Hey there, I’m Erika. I’ve been meat-free for over a decade.
I’m here to provide delicious and affordable plant-based recipes for anyone interested.
Whether you’re a seasoned plant-based eater or just curious about trying it out, I’m here to support you with my easy and accessible recipes.
