Nothing says summer like a refreshing strawberry vanilla latte. This delicious and creamy coffee is the perfect way to relax and unwind on a hot sunny day, or even as an indulgent treat. Not only does it have a delightful flavor combination of sweet strawberries and rich vanilla, but it also has some great health benefits too! Try this simple recipe and you can enjoy the deliciousness of a strawberry vanilla latte anytime!
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What is a strawberry vanilla latte
A strawberry vanilla latte is a really popular coffee drink that combines intense espresso, creamy steamed milk, and the tangy sweetness of strawberries and delicate taste and smell of vanilla.
You can make it as a hot drink with frothed milk. Or you can make an iced version to help you chill out on a hot day. Either way, the caffeine in the espresso will give you an energy boost.
It can be customised with a dusting or chocolate powder. Or go full luxury with some whipped cream on top.
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What does a strawberry vanilla latte taste like
A strawberry vanilla latte is the perfect combination of sweet, creamy, and slightly tart flavors. The espresso adds a smooth and subtle bitterness that blends beautifully with the notes of vanilla and strawberry. Mingling among the other flavors, the creamy milk brings it all together.
On the first sip, you’ll taste the slight sweet and tart taste of the strawberries which perfectly balances out with the sweetness from the vanilla and the smooth cream.
Altogether, a strawberry vanilla latte is an irresistible treat for coffee lovers everywhere. Enjoy it hot or cold – either way, you won’t be disappointed!
Best coffee beans
Fresh ripe strawberries have so much flavor you can use a really strong dark roast espresso coffee, it you want. But I usually go for a less harsh coffee. It allows the strawberries and foamed milk to come through, without overpowering the coffee. Talk about having the best of everything!
Here are my current favorites, with a range of depth and strength for whatever mood you are in:
Illy Classico Medium Roast
Tastes and aromas of caramel and chocolate
Lavazza Super Crema light-medium roast espresso
Super rich espresso with so much taste and aromas of hazelnuts and brown sugar.
Kicking Horse Coffee Smart Ass Medium/Dark Roast
Great flavor notes of berries, brown sugar and chocolate.
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How to make a strawberry vanilla latte at home
You’ll love this super simple strawberry latte recipe. once you have made it the first time, you will be looking for any excuse to make it again!
Equipment
- coffee maker or espresso machine or coffee maker
- steam wand or milk frother or blender
- latte glass
- Latte spoon
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1-2 shots Espresso or 1/2 cup of strong coffee
- 3-4 medium-large strawberries
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tsp Sugar (optional)
Method
- Brew 1-2 shots of espresso
- finely chop, mash or blend all but one of the strawberries
- heat the milk to 140°F (60°C), but don’t let it boil
- add the vanilla extract and any sugar you want to use
- froth the milk to a creamy texture
- fold the mashed strawberries into the foamed milk
- once the espresso is ready, gently pour the milk and strawberries over the espresso
- top with any (or all) of whipped cream, dusting of cocoa powder and slice of strawberry.
- Relax and enjoy!
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Top tips for making strawberry vanilla latte at home
- Be sure to choose good quality fresh espresso beans to create the base of your strawberry vanilla latte.
- Select juicy, ripe strawberries for optimal flavor and make sure you have enough to both blend into the frothed milk and as a topping for your latte.
- Take the strawberries out of the fridge in advance. I leave them for at least an hour to get to room temperature. Like all fruit, strawberries don’t give their full flavor when chilled.
- You can use whatever milk you prefer. If you like dairy milk, check out my review of the best dairy milks. Otherwise I have a great review of the best non-dairy milks you can use.
- If you want to really treat yourself, you can add a spoon of whipped cream to the top. Better yet, pipe the cream. Then finish with a slice of strawberry.
With an espresso machine
- Brew a 1-2 shots of espresso
- While the espresso is brewing, pour the milk into a jug, Add the vanilla and any sugar to the milk and stir in.
- Use the steam wand on your espresso machine to heat and froth the milk.
Without an espresso machine
- Use your preferred coffee maker to brew a strong short coffee. For help check out How to make espresso without a machine
- While the coffee is brewing, heat the milk in a sauce pan over medium heat, or in a microwave, until it reaches 140°F (60°C). Do not let it boil.
- Pour the milk into a blender or bowl. Add the vanilla extract and any sugar to the milk and stir in.
- Use a milk frother or blender to build a smooth creamy texture
Finishing your strawberry latte
- Finely chop, or mash 2-3 ripe strawberries and fold them through the foamed milk. Remember to hold back one of the bigger ripest strawberries.
- Pour the espresso into a latte glass, then gently pour in the milk. Hold back the foam to gently layer on top.
- For a luxurious finish, dust with some cocoa powder and put a big slice of the final strawberry on top.
- Serve hoy and enjoy!
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Different types of latte
Here are some more latte ideas you will want to try:
- Vanilla Latte
- Mocha Latte
- Honey Latte
- coconut latte
- blonde vanilla latte
- Strawberry latte
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FAQs
What is a strawberry vanilla latte?
A strawberry vanilla latte is an espresso-based beverage made with steamed milk and flavored with a combination of strawberry and vanilla syrups. It is typically topped with foam or whipped cream for added sweetness.
Is a strawberry vanilla latte healthy?
While the exact nutritional value of a strawberry vanilla latte will vary depending on the ingredients used, most are not considered to be particularly healthy. They contain high amounts of added sugars, saturated fat, and calories.
What is the difference between a regular latte and a strawberry vanilla latte?
The main difference is a regular latte contains espresso and foamed milk but a strawberry vanilla latte also has strawberries and vanilla. this gives it a completely different taste.
How much caffeine is in a strawberry vanilla latte?
The amount of caffeine in your latte will depend on how much espresso is used to make the beverage. Generally, one shot of espresso contains about 75mg of caffeine, so more shots will result in higher levels of caffeine.
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Strawberry vanilla latte recipe – super tasty!
Equipment
- 1 coffee maker or espresso machine or coffee maker
- 1 steam wand or milk frother or blender
- 1 Latte glass
- 1 latte spoon
- 1 Kitchen scales (optional)
- 1 measuring spoons (optional)
Ingredients
- ¾ cup milk
- 1-2 shots Espresso or 1/2 cup of strong coffee
- 3-4 strawberries medium-large, ripe
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp cocoa powder (optional)
- 1 tbsp whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- Brew 1-2 shots of espresso
- finely chop mash or blend all but one of the strawberries
- heat the milk to 140°F (60°C), but don’t let it boil
- add the vanilla extract and any sugar you want to use
- froth the milk to a creamy texture
- fold the mashed strawberries into the foamed milk
- once the espresso is ready, gently pour the milk and strawberries over the espresso
- top with any (or all) of whipped cream, dusting of cocoa powder and slice of strawberry.
- Relax and enjoy!
Notes
Top tips for making strawberry vanilla latte at home
- Be sure to choose good quality fresh espresso beans to create the base of your strawberry vanilla latte.
- Select juicy, ripe strawberries for optimal flavor and make sure you have enough to both blend into the frothed milk and as a topping for your latte.
- Take the strawberries out of the fridge in advance. I leave them for at least an hour to get to room temperature. Like all fruit, strawberries don’t give their full flavor when chilled.
- You can use whatever milk you prefer. If you like dairy milk, check out my review of the best dairy milks. Otherwise I have a great review of the best non-dairy milks you can use.
- If you want to really treat yourself, you can add a spoon of whipped cream to the top. Better yet, pipe the cream. Then finish with a slice of strawberry.
With an espresso machine
- Brew a 1-2 shots of espresso
- While the espresso is brewing, pour the milk into a jug, Add the vanilla and any sugar to the milk and stir in.
- Use the steam wand on your espresso machine to heat and froth the milk.
Without an espresso machine
- Use your preferred coffee maker to brew a strong short coffee. For help check out How to make espresso without a machine
- While the coffee is brewing, heat the milk in a sauce pan over medium heat, or in a microwave, until it reaches 140°F (60°C). Do not let it boil.
- Pour the milk into a blender or bowl. Add the vanilla extract and any sugar to the milk and stir in.
- Use a milk frother or blender to build a smooth creamy texture
Finishing your strawberry latte
- Finely chop, or mash 2-3 ripe strawberries and fold them through the foamed milk. Remember to hold back one of the bigger ripest strawberries.
- Pour the espresso into a latte glass, then gently pour in the milk. Hold back the foam to gently layer on top.
- For a luxurious finish, dust with some cocoa powder and put a big slice of the final strawberry on top.
- Serve hoy and enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
All nutritional information is an estimate only, based on third-party calculations derived from an online nutritional calculator, Spoonacular API. The data provided is a courtesy and should not be considered a guarantee or fact. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients and brands you use, your measuring methods and portion sizes. For accurate results, we recommend that you calculate the nutritional information yourself, using a preferred nutritional calculator or advice from a nutritionist, based on your ingredients and individual processes.
Hi, I’m Eric Loftuss, co-founder of Bean Thirst with my wife Sophie.
My Coffee journey started young. I used to help my mom with the weekly shopping trip and we always called in to a coffee wholesaler and retail outlet in our town.
I really started to learn about coffee when, while in college, I worked in a local coffee shop and trained as a barista. Even though I went on to qualify and work as a lawyer, I still get a kick out of brewing a cup of Joe.
Sophie and I are so glad to be part of your coffee journey. Find out more about us