Vanilla oat milk latte recipe: so simple, so try it!

 Do you love the taste of lattes but are trying to cut down on dairy? Why not try a delicious and creamy vanilla oat milk latte? This vegan-friendly coffee is the perfect combination of sweet, nutty and smooth. With just three simple ingredients – oat milk, vanilla extract, and espresso, you can make your own vanilla oat milk latte at home that rivals any barista-made masterpiece. I prefer it to Starbucks vanilla oat milk latte – and so will you!

Best coffee beans for vanilla oat milk latte

I have chosen some robust espressos to match with vanilla and oat milk. For the best results ensure you buy and use the coffee fresh. Only grinding the beans just before you use them.

My top choices:

1. Peet’s Coffee Major Dickason’s Blend. If you’ve read many of my posts, you know i am a big fan of this amazing blend. It’s complex but smooth and works well bothas a straight espresso and in oat milk latte..
2. Blue Bottle Coffee Hayes Mountain Espresso. I love the intensity of the flavor and aromas of orange zest, chocolate and brown sugar. And I can confirm it’s a good match for oat milk in a latte.
3. Death Wish Coffee Colombian Blend. – If you prefer extra strong espresso shots, then Death Wish Colombian Blend has what you need. Its blend of arabica and robusta beans make an intoxicating blend of sweet and nutty taste and aromas. For a vanilla oat milk latte you will never forget.

Brewing espresso

You can brew your espresso with whatever coffee maker you have. If you don’t have an espresso machine, just make sure you brew a good strong coffee. For some pointers on brewing espressos check out How to make espresso without a machine.

How to make an oat milk latte at home

The first time I tried this, the timing was all wrong. I ended up with a lukewarm shot of espresso. But then I got comfortable with the process and now it’s a joy to make and drink. You only need to follow the steps I have gone through, for a perfect altte every time.

Ingredients

 Make sure to have the ingredients to hand before you start. You’ll need:

• 3/4 cup Oat milk
• 1-2 shots Espresso or 1/2 cup of strong coffee
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1-2 tsp Sugar (optional)
• Sprinkle of cinnamon powder (optional)

Equipment

Next check you have the equipment you need:

• Espresso machine or coffee maker
• steam wand or milk frother or blender
• steaming jug or microwave safe jug
• Latte glass or mug
• long spoon
• food thermometer optional
• microwave optional

Method

 Step-by-step instructions

• Brew a shot of espresso with the coffee maker you have available. It’s not a problem if you don’t have an espresso machine, check out How to make espresso without a machine.
• While the espresso is brewing, heat the oat milk. Aim for around 140-145°F (60-63°C). Remember: don’t let the temperature go over 149°F (65°C) because above that heat oat milk starts to break down and won’t be good.
• Add the vanilla extract to the milk.
• Froth the heated milk with the tools you have available.
• Pour the espresso into a latte glass or an 8-ounce coffee mug.
• Add 1-2 teaspoons of sugar to the espresso and stir (optional).
• Slowly pour the heated oat milk into the mug, holding back the foam to layer on top. If you are feeling brave, try your hand at some latte art. Remember, practice makes perfect.
• For some added luxury, sprinkle some chocolate powder over the foamed milk (optional).
• Serve hot and enjoy!

Top tips for making an oat milk latte at home

If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can still make very drinkable espresso. There are lots of different ways you can make a very drinkable espresso. So check out my deep dive into How to make espresso without a machine.

Oat milk is sensitive to heat – too much and it starts to break down. So if you are using a microwave, put it on for 30 seconds at a time and check how hot it is regularly. When it gets to around 140-145°F (60-63°C), stop heating.

Oat milk has a high protein content so froths easily. You can use any equipment you have to froth it. I often use an immersion blender.

How to froth oat milk with an immersion blender

• Start by putting the immersion blender straight into the milk and blend for about 20-30 seconds.
• Then, still keeping the blender head just under the milk surface, change the angle to 45° and continue blending.
• You are aiming to create a swirling motion with the milk running around the edges of the jug.
• you’ll see creamy fine bubbles start to appear. Thats Great! keep going!
• Once the surface of the milk is covered in fine creamy bubbles you are ready for the next stage.
• Tap the milk jug on a firm surface, 3-4 times. It helps to settle the texture of the milk, breaking down any larger bubbles.

Pour the espresso into a glass or mug. If I haven’t got a latte glass around, I go for a hi-ball glass. Hi-ball glasses are big enough to hold a full latte and solid enough to keep the coffee warm as you drink.

Next, slowly pour the milk over the espresso and use a spoon to hold back the foam.

Once you have enough milk in the glass, layer the rich creamy foam on top.

Find somewhere you can relax and enjoy your latte.