Vanilla Plant-Based Latte
A smooth, creamy latte made entirely without dairy. Plant-based milk is frothed until silky and poured over a shot of bold espresso with a touch of real vanilla. Lightly sweet and perfectly balanced, it rivals any coffeehouse version.
For 1 serving
- prep · ~1 min
Brew the espresso.
1.Pull a double shot of espresso (2 oz) using an espresso machine.2.Pour into a large mug.TIPIf you don't have an espresso machine, use 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee. - mix
Flavor the coffee base.
1.Stir the maple syrup and vanilla extract into the hot espresso until fully dissolved. - steam · ~2 min
Heat and froth the oat milk.
1.Pour the oat milk into a small saucepan and warm over medium heat until steaming.2.Do not let it boil. Froth using a handheld frother or pour into a French press and pump until foamy.TIPBarista blend oat milks froth best because they have added fat and stabilizers. - assemble
Assemble the latte.
1.Pour the frothed oat milk over the flavored espresso.2.Spoon the remaining foam on top. - serve
Serve immediately while hot.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use barista blend oat milk for the best froth and creamy texture without curdling.
- 2Heat the oat milk until steaming (around 150°F), but never boil it to avoid a thin, flat latte.
- 3For extra foam, use a French press: pump the warm milk vigorously for 30–40 seconds.
- 4If using strong brewed coffee instead of espresso, brew it double-strength for a bold flavor.
- 5Make ahead by pre-mixing the maple syrup and vanilla, then refrigerate; add to hot coffee later.
- 6Clean your frother immediately after use to prevent oat milk residue from clogging the mechanism.
Adapt it for your goals.
Pumpkin Spice Latte
Add 1 tablespoon pumpkin purée and 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice to the espresso before stirring in the vanilla and maple syrup for a seasonal twist.
Sugar FreeSugar-Free
Replace the maple syrup with a dash of stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and use unsweetened oat milk to reduce added sugar while keeping the vanilla flavor.
Extra VanillaExtra Vanilla
Increase vanilla extract to 1 teaspoon or add the seeds from 1/2 a vanilla bean for a more pronounced, floral vanilla taste.
Cold Foam Iced LatteCold Foam Iced Latte
Omit heating the oat milk; instead, cold-froth it with a frother and pour over ice with the espresso mixture for a refreshing summer drink.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Dairy-Free & Lactose-Free
Made entirely with oat milk and no dairy, this latte is suitable for those with lactose intolerance or a vegan diet.
Lower in Saturated Fat
Using oat milk instead of whole milk reduces the saturated fat content, supporting heart health.
Natural Sweetness from Maple Syrup
Pure maple syrup provides a natural source of sweetness with trace minerals like zinc and manganese, unlike refined sugar.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but oat milk is preferred for its creamy texture and frothing ability. Soy milk also froths well, while almond milk tends to separate and produces less foam.
