Vanilla Matcha Latte
Even if you are not a matcha fan, this frothy and creamy Vanilla Matcha Latte just might win you over! The addition of vanilla syrup gives it just the right amount of sweetness, and tones down the earthiness of the matcha without masking its unique flavor. Whether you need a morning or afternoon pick-me-up, this cozy hot drink is packed with calcium and antioxidants to give you a healthful boost of energy.
Using only 3 ingredients, this easy matcha latte recipe is quick to make and can easily be made keto friendly, vegan & dairy-free. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a daily ritual! To learn how to make this yummy Vanilla Matcha Latte recipe, see the printable recipe card below. Take a look at the recipe video, or get Step by Step Instructions for a more detailed explanation of this recipe. For other recipe variations including vegan & keto options, visit the Pimp My Recipe section in this recipe’s Blog Comments & Tips.
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RECIPE
(Check out our Step by Step Instructions below the recipe card.)
VANILLA MATCHA LATTE
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add milk to a tall microwave safe measuring cup (or measuring cup), and heat in the microwave (see Note #3), or use a saucepan on the stovetop. Do NOT bring to a scald or simmer, because the milk will not foam properly and will burn the matcha. Using a candy thermometer, test the temperature of the milk until it reaches between 155°F to 160°F (68°C to 71°C). Add vanilla syrup (or sugar-free vanilla syrup). Then using an electric milk frother, froth the milk directly in the tall microwave safe measuring cup. When done, swirl the frothed milk, then give the pitcher a couple of gentle taps on the counter, and set aside while you make the matcha.
- To a 12 ounce mug, add matcha powder. Using a traditional bamboo whisk or a mini wire whisk (5 inch), whisk in hot filtered water (temperature between 158° to 176°F (70°C to 80°C) until fully mixed and frothy.
- In a swirling motion, slowly pour the milk and foam into the mug with the prepared matcha tea. Garnish foam with a smidgen of matcha powder (optional), and serve immediately!
Notes
- Matcha Brands & Strength: I like using these two brands of high quality organic matcha powder or matcha green tea powder. This quantity of matcha (½ teaspoon) provides the best ratio for this latte. However, if you want a stronger matcha flavor (double shot), use up to 1 teaspoon of matcha, and add more vanilla syrup (to taste).
- Matcha Temperature: Best temperature to make matcha is between 158° to 176°F (70°C to 80°C). The lower the temperature, the more mellow the flavor. Anything hotter than 176°F/80°C will cause the matcha to turn bitter.
- A standard measuring cup will work to heat the milk in the microwave, but it’s not as good for frothing milk as the tall borosilicate glass measuring cup. Depending on your microwave, it may take about 1 ½ to 2 minutes to heat the milk (you want it very warm, but not scalding). The best temperature for frothing milk in this recipe is between 155°F to 160°F (68°C to 71°C).
- For more recipe variations (including vegan & non-dairy options), visit the Pimp My Recipe section for this recipe in my Blog Comments & Tips on the website.
- Makes one 12 ounce serving.
Nutritional information provided is strictly an estimate and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods.
Step by Step Instructions
PREPARATION
Organize all your tools and ingredients before you begin. Getting all your ingredients in one place at the beginning will shorten your prep time.
STEP 1a
Add 8 ounces 2% milk to a tall borosilicate glass measuring cup (or measuring cup - see Note below), and heat milk in the microwave. You can also use a saucepan on the stovetop, if you prefer. Do NOT bring to a scald or simmer, because the milk will not foam properly and will burn the matcha. Using a candy thermometer, test the temperature of the milk until it reaches between 155°F to 160°F (68°C to 71°C).
Note: A standard measuring cup will work to heat the milk in the microwave, but it’s not as good for frothing milk. I prefer using this tall borosilicate glass measuring cup because of its narrow shape, and it doubles as a pitcher to steam the milk (you’ll have fewer items to clean up, too!). Depending on your microwave, it may take about 1 ½ to 2 minutes to heat the milk (you want it hot, but not scalding). Although the best temperature for frothing milk is usually between 140°F to 155°F (60°C to 68°C), for this recipe I recommend heating the milk to a slightly higher temperature because it will cool off a bit when you add the vanilla syrup.
STEP 1b
Add 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup (or sugar-free vanilla syrup). Then using an electric milk frother, froth the milk directly in the tall borosilicate glass measuring cup. When done, swirl the frothed milk, then give the pitcher a couple of gentle taps on the counter, and set aside while you make the matcha.
STEP 2
To a 12 ounce mug, add ½ teaspoon organic matcha powder (see Note below). Using a traditional bamboo whisk or a mini wire whisk (5 inch), whisk in 2 ounces hot filtered water (temperature between 158° to 176°F (70°C to 80°C) until fully mixed and frothy.
NOTE - Matcha Brands & Strength: I like using these two brands of high quality organic matcha powder or matcha green tea powder. This quantity of matcha (½ teaspoon) provides the best ratio for this latte. However, if you want a stronger matcha flavor (double shot), use up to 1 teaspoon of matcha. You may have to add more vanilla syrup (to taste) if you use a double shot of matcha.
STEP 3
In a swirling motion, slowly pour the milk and foam into the mug with the prepared matcha tea. Garnish foam with a smidgen of matcha powder (optional).
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes:
For more recipe variations (including vegan & non-dairy options), visit the Pimp My Recipe section for this recipe in my Blog Comments & Tips below.
Makes one 12 ounce serving.
VIDEO
How to Make a Vanilla Matcha Latte!
Blog Comments & Tips
A cozy & healthy pick-me-up drink!
Even if you are not a fan of matcha, this delicious and frothy Vanilla Matcha Latte might win you over! With just the right amount of sweetness and vanilla flavor, this cozy hot drink is one you might want to turn into a daily ritual. Over the last couple of years, I’ve tried many variations of this recipe in order to get to the perfect balance of flavor and frothiness. I’m excited about this 3 ingredient recipe because of the texture and flavor, plus it couldn’t be any easier. Did I mention that it only takes only about 5 minutes to make?!
Whether you need a morning or afternoon pick-me-up, this matcha latte is packed with calcium and antioxidants to give you a healthful boost of energy.
Although I have used various coffee makers and espresso machines like this Breville espresso machine, I wanted to make this Vanilla Matcha Latte recipe without using expensive equipment. For this recipe, I only used a couple of economical and very useful kitchen items that I’m sure you will use as much as I do (I honestly use them almost every day).
Instead of using a fancy espresso maker with a steam spout, to make this luxurious & frothy latte I used these inexpensive tools: a tall borosilicate glass measuring cup, a candy thermometer, and an electric milk frother. This tall borosilicate glass measuring cup has become one of my favorite kitchen items because I can measure, microwave, and froth (or steam) all in this one multi-use pitcher. And the thermometer and milk frother are a necessity for achieving the perfect frothed milk in this latte recipe.
As you can see by my lack of latte art skills, I am definitely not a barista. Even though I cannot make pretty designs on my coffee or tea drinks, I wanted to develop a latte recipe that anyone could make. This recipe is proof that you really don’t need to be a skilled barista in order to make a great latte. Take a look at my tips below for details on how to make the best matcha latte!
How do you ensure the best results from this recipe?
My 5 tips to making the perfect Vanilla Matcha Latte:
Although a standard measuring cup would work to heat the milk in the microwave, I prefer using this tall borosilicate glass measuring cup because it also doubles as a pitcher to steam the milk. It is heat resistant, works beautifully in the microwave, and it’s the perfect size and shape for foaming milk. It may be my favorite tool in the kitchen!
Use a candy thermometer and electric milk frother to achieve the perfect matcha latte. You’ll need the right temperature for the matcha tea, and to get that perfect froth on the milk.
Milk: Typically, the best temperature for frothing milk is between 140°F to 155°F (60°C to 68°C). Since I am adding vanilla syrup to the heated milk (which will cool it down a bit), I recommend 155°F to 160°F (68°C to 71°C) for this recipe.
Matcha: Best temperature to make matcha is between 158° to 176°F (70°C to 80°C). The lower the temperature, the more mellow the flavor. Anything hotter than 176°F/80°C will cause the matcha to turn bitter.
To avoid any lumps, use a traditional bamboo whisk or a mini wire whisk (5 inch). While whisking, slowly add the water into the matcha until fully dissolved and frothy.
Have any dietary preferences that won’t quite work with this recipe? It’s time to customize and Pimp My Recipe.
Pimp My Recipe:
Make it Sweeter: Increase to 1 ½ tablespoons vanilla syrup, or to taste. Start with small increases and taste test until you get the right balance for your personal palate.
Make it Sugar-Free: Use 1 tablespoon sugar-free vanilla syrup (or to taste).
Make it Keto: For a richer keto matcha latte, you can use 8 ounces half & half instead of 2% milk. Then increase the organic matcha powder (or matcha green tea powder) to 1 teaspoon, and adjust the sugar-free vanilla syrup to taste. You can also replace the 2% milk with 8 ounces unsweetened vanilla almond milk (see Dairy-Free option below for details).
Make it Dairy-Free & Vegan: Replace the 2% milk with 8 ounces unsweetened vanilla almond milk. Almond milk is lighter than 2% milk, so you may end up with a stronger matcha flavor or vanilla syrup flavor, so adjust to taste.
Lactose Intolerant? Use Lactaid 2% milk like I did in this recipe. You can also replace dairy milk with unsweetened vanilla almond milk or oat milk if you prefer.
Enjoy and let me know what you think by commenting below, rating my recipes, subscribing, following, and liking Pimp My Recipe on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok! Don’t forget to subscribe to get updates on new recipes and tips & tricks.
Santé!
Mich
Footnote: Remember to use the thermometer to test the temperature of the hot milk and the hot water for the matcha tea.
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