Banana bread latte isn’t just a coffee trend—it’s a cozy drink that delivers warm banana, cinnamon spice, and rich espresso in one sip. I tried it at home, and honestly, it beat every café version I’ve had. Whether you want it hot or iced, creamy or dairy-free, this guide shows you how to make it your way—without the long lines or $7 price tag.
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Banana Bread Latte Is the Cozy Drink You Need
This cozy drink is trending everywhere
You’ve seen it—maybe on TikTok, maybe in a barista’s Instagram Reel. The recipe went viral because it tastes like banana bread but drinks like a silky latte. If iced coffee is more your style, try this iced banana bread latte version—it’s just as cozy, with a refreshing twist. I started with mashed banana, cinnamon, and brown sugar. One stovetop syrup later, I had a warm, spiced drink that felt truly homemade.
Banana bread latte at home saves money and tastes better
Skip the café run. When you make your own version, you get full control. I use oat milk for a lighter taste, or cream when I want it rich. No espresso machine? Use strong brewed coffee. Add foam if you like it fancy. I keep it simple—and it still feels like a treat.
Banana Bread Latte Flavor and Ingredients
Banana bread latte tastes like comfort
You get the cozy flavors of banana, maple, and cinnamon wrapped around bold coffee. It’s smooth, lightly sweet, and satisfying. I reach for it when I want something warm but more exciting than plain espresso. You’ll taste the banana, but not in a fake way—this isn’t a syrup from a bottle.
Banana bread latte is not banana milk
Don’t mix them up. Banana milk blends banana and plant milk. This latte uses cooked banana syrup with sugar and spices. That syrup turns regular espresso into something layered and comforting. You can serve it hot with foam or iced with cream. Either way, it beats anything in a carton.
Banana Bread Latte Recipe: What You’ll Need
Banana bread latte is easy to make once you prep the syrup. I keep a jar in the fridge and swirl it into hot or iced coffee whenever I want something cozy. All you need is a ripe banana, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, and the milk you like best.
Hot or Iced—It’s Up to You
When I want it hot, I warm and froth the milk. For iced, I pour the syrup over espresso, add ice, and top with cold foam or a dash of cinnamon. Both versions work with the same base recipe—you just build it differently.
Flexible for Any Diet
Almond, oat, or soy milk all work great. If you want it lower sugar, swap maple for a sugar-free syrup. No espresso at home? Strong brewed coffee gives the same depth. It’s your drink—make it match your mood.
Banana Bread Latte (Hot or Iced) – 2025
Equipment
- saucepan
- fine mesh strainer
- jar or bottle for syrup storage
- hand frother, blender or shaker for cold foam
- espresso machine or coffee maker
Ingredients
- 1 overripe banana, mashed
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp fine grain salt
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 shots espresso
- 1–2 tbsp banana bread syrup (to taste)
- 1 cup ice (for iced latte)
- 3 tbsp whole milk (for cold foam)
- 2 tbsp heavy cream (for cold foam)
- 1 tbsp banana bread syrup (for cold foam)
- 1/4 banana, diced (for topping)
- 1/2 tbsp butter (for topping)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup (for topping)
Instructions
- In a saucepan, mash the overripe banana. Add brown sugar, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add water and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10–20 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in vanilla and salt. Strain and store in a jar.
- In a small pan over medium heat, melt butter. Add diced banana and maple syrup. Cook until golden and sticky (about 3–5 minutes).
- Combine milk, cream, and banana bread syrup in a cup. Froth until thick and fluffy using frother, blender, or shaker.
- Fill a glass with ice. Add whole milk, 1–2 tbsp syrup, and 2 espresso shots. Stir to combine. Top with cold foam and caramelized bananas if using.
- To make it hot, skip the ice. Steam milk, stir in syrup, pour espresso over top, and optionally add foam and toppings.
Notes
Nutrition
Variations & Customizations
Banana bread latte goes dairy-free easily
You don’t need regular milk to enjoy this. I’ve used oat milk, almond milk, and even cashew—it still comes out creamy and rich. Want it sweeter? Use vanilla almond milk. Want it lighter? Go with unsweetened. You can also replace maple syrup with agave or a sugar-free version if you’re watching your carbs.
Banana bread latte with a protein boost
Some mornings, I add a scoop of vanilla protein to the foam or blend it right into the milk. It makes the drink more filling without changing the flavor too much. If you’re into post-workout coffee, this tweak gives you the best of both worlds—sweet and strong. And if you want something more substantial on the side, try this high-protein egg bake with cottage cheese—it’s easy, nourishing, and pairs perfectly with your latte.
Banana Bread Latte at Cafés vs. Homemade
Banana bread latte from Dutch Bros or 7 Brew
If you’ve ever had the Dutch Bros version and wondered how to make it at home, this Dutch Bros banana bread latte recipe brings that bold, sweet flavor straight to your kitchen, minus the drive-thru. I’ve tried it at both Dutch Bros and 7 Brew—and while they’re tasty, they’re also pricey and overly sweet. 7 Brew goes for something smoother, more like banana cream pie. If you’re curious, both versions are worth trying once, but neither gives you full control over ingredients or sugar.
Homemade banana bread latte wins for flavor and cost
Making it at home costs less, takes five minutes, and lets you tweak everything—syrup strength, milk type, foam, even the banana itself. I also don’t have to guess what’s in it. You get better texture, less sweetness, and real banana flavor. And once you’ve made the syrup, you can build a hot or iced version whenever the craving hits.
FAQ
What is a banana bread latte?
It’s a coffee drink made with banana syrup, espresso, warm spices like cinnamon, and your choice of milk. The goal is to mimic the flavor of banana bread in a latte format—sweet, spiced, and creamy. I make mine with mashed banana, maple syrup, and oat milk for a balanced, cozy drink.
Does Dutch Bros have a banana bread latte?
Yes, Dutch Bros has a version that mixes banana and hazelnut syrup with coffee or cold brew. I’ve tried it—it’s sweet, bold, and more dessert-like than homemade. If you like their style, you can recreate it at home with more control over sugar and dairy.
Is banana latte a thing?
It is! A banana latte usually blends banana and milk—sometimes without coffee at all. A banana bread latte goes further by using syrup made from cooked banana and spices, layered into espresso for a fuller, richer drink.
What is in Starbucks banana bread?
Starbucks banana bread is a dense, sweet loaf made with mashed bananas, walnuts, sugar, and eggs. It’s a bakery item—not a drink—but the flavor profile inspired me to make the latte version.
Does Starbucks have a banana drink?
Not right now. Starbucks used to offer smoothies that included bananas, but they pulled those from most menus. You won’t find a banana latte or banana-flavored coffee there—yet.
Why did Starbucks get rid of bananas?
It likely came down to storage and waste. Fresh bananas bruise easily and don’t last long in bulk. Cutting them from the menu made it easier to streamline ingredients. That’s one reason I make banana drinks at home—it’s faster and fresher.
Final Thoughts & Reader Tips
If you’re looking for a cozy drink that actually tastes like something you’d bake, the banana bread latte is it. I’ve tested it hot, iced, dairy-free, and even blended with protein powder—and it works every time. Once you make the syrup, you can keep it in the fridge for the week and pour a fresh drink in minutes.
Try it your way: strong or mild, foamy or simple, with oat milk or cream. If you love banana bread, this is your new favorite coffee. And if you find a twist that works better for you—like using date syrup or adding nutmeg—leave a comment. I’d love to try your version too.
For more insight on flavor pairings and trends in coffee, check out this National Coffee Association guide to popular coffee flavors. It’s a great way to understand why banana, cinnamon, and espresso work so well together.
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