Iced Vanilla Latte [with Ice Cream]
Iced Vanilla Latte [with Ice Cream]
This Iced Vanilla Latte with Ice Cream is just as creamy, refreshing, and smooth as anything you can get at Starbucks or your local coffee shop, but more affordable when homemade and using all high-quality ingredients-----which tastes even better! Spruce up your early morning coffee kicks with a few scoops of velvety ice cream and enjoy a more "dessert for breakfast" kind of experience. Dairy-free + vegan options.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links via Amazon for products that I wholeheartedly love and receive commission from.
If you're a fan of Sweet Cream Cold Brew from Starbucks or any coffee shop, this homemade Iced Vanilla Latte with Ice Cream is for you. It's way cheaper, and even better tasting than anything you can buy, especially since you can totally choose whether to use traditional sweet cream or scoops of ice cream for a fun twist. Plus, it takes just 10 minutes to make in total and a few simple ingredients. Don't forget to always check out my IG Reels to see my recipes visually come to life!
While getting a convenient cup of latte at Starbucks is nice on rare occasions, I've fallen completely in love with making my own, especially since getting my Breville coffee maker. You definitely taste the difference between freshly-brewed coffee and store-bought chilled cold brew drinks when making your lattes and I totally recommend investing in a good coffee maker if you're a coffee drinker---even if it's just on some days. And if you're a lover of lattes, then you'll LOVE this Iced Vanilla Sweet Cream Latte [Starbucks Copycat], Iced Caramel Latte [with Coffee Ice Cubes], and Dirty Chai Maple Iced Latte.
However, if you’re cutting out coffee or want a lower-caffeine drink to sip in the morning, you’ll want to try my Iced Chai Tea Latte recipe ASAP. And while you’re at it, make a big batch and keep it in the fridge to pour over ice all week long.
Why You'll Love This Iced Vanilla Latte
First and foremost, the flavors in this simple and easy Iced Vanilla Latte is enough to convince anyone, however, here are a few more reasons why you'll love this recipe:
- It's Very Similar to Starbucks. I tried to make this Iced Vanilla Latte with Ice Cream as close to Starbuck's Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew version meets their Iced Vanilla Latte as I could with the exception of adding personal preferences that you might have! i.e. actual espresso shots instead of cold brew, the option for a syrup, etc.
- It's super fun to make! I literally love the process of brewing my coffee and then assembling everything together. Plus, who wouldn't enjoy scooping in dollops of ice cream, right?
- You save money! This by far is one of my biggest reasons for making my own coffee at home (minus the last point to come). You definitely save more money purchasing the ingredients and making your own servings at home.
- It's healthier. Most of all, this is my biggest plus! I love when I am able to know what ingredients I use whenever making drinks, cooking, or baking. Making my own lattes and coffee at home has definitely allowed me to switch to healthier, organic ingredients which is a win, win!
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Iced Vanilla Latte
- Starbucks Vanilla Sweet Cream vs. Iced Vanilla Latte
- How to Make Iced Vanilla Latte [with Ice Cream]
- Ingredients for Homemade Latte
- Are Lattes Stronger Than Coffee?
- Topping Ideas for Vanilla Lattes
- What Kind of Dairy-Free Milk is Best for Lattes?
- Caramel Coffee Ice Cubes: The Perfect Way to Avoid Waste
- Making Your Latte Runs Simple and Fast
- Common Q + A's for Iced Vanilla Latte with Ice Cream!
- More Amazing Homemade Latte Recipes to Try!
- MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
- Iced Vanilla Latte [with Ice Cream]
Starbucks Vanilla Sweet Cream vs. Iced Vanilla Latte
If you aren't familiar with one of Starbuck's popular lattes, then here's a breakdown. Starbucks created it's delicious nitro cold-brewed coffee by topping it off with a sweet cream flavored with vanilla. It's a rich and cream iced coffee drink that you'll have on repeat constantly! Whereas, their Iced Vanilla Latte is a rich, full-bodied espresso blended with milk and vanilla syrup served over ice.
As for the sweet cream itself, it's so easy to make! Simply make the vanilla syrup, mix it together with milk (best to use 2% milk like Starbucks does, but I use plant-based milk) and cream and wallah! Then you'll brew your coffee (cold brew or espresso) and add the sweet cream to that! The perfect combo!
How to Make Iced Vanilla Latte [with Ice Cream]
To make this iced vanilla latte, you'll first whip together the vanilla syrup by boiling everything over the stovetop and letting it cool. Then you'll brew your coffee, let it cool, assemble together ingredients, stir and you've got yourself a delicious latte.
The general rule of thumb for this latte is a specific ratio of each ingredient, which consists of coffee, vanilla syrup, and ice cream.
Ingredients for Homemade Latte
Here's what you need for this coffee house favorite latte:
- Coffee. For a sweeter, milder taste than espresso or strong coffee, you can use cold brew. However, I love the smoothness from a great quality medium roast coffee like Kicking Horse Coffee or Peet's.
- Almond milk. Adds a nice smoothness to drink. You can make your own or also use whole milk, coconut, oat, or cashew milk or your fave plant-based milk. You can also use 2% milk if desired, especially for vanilla sweet cream (if using).
- Cane sugar. The best sweetener that I enjoy using for homemade syrups. I like to use cane sugar that's premium and organic. Feel free to use organic brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup also.
- Vanilla. To balance the richness of coffee and add the great taste to this latte. You can use vanilla paste (I love Nielsen Massey) for a richer flavor.
- Water. For boiling and creating of the vanilla syrup.
Are Lattes Stronger Than Coffee?
Believe it or not, lattes are actually considered "weaker" than coffee in the caffeine department because lattes usually also contain milk and sugar. So, although espresso is greater in caffeine levels, the added steam milk and cream lowers it's potency, which works for those who aren't strong coffee drinkers.
Topping Ideas for Vanilla Lattes
To really send this 'sweet cream' vanilla coffee over the top, load up each glass with decadent toppings for a fun twist. I like to use:
- Vanilla ice cream. I use both dairy and dairy-free, depending on my mood. Always premium brands!
- Rainbow Sprinkles. This is optional, but definitely gives your drink a festive vibe.
- Crushed ice. The best highlight of this drink to keep things cold although the ice cream alone does the trick. Crush your ice or use a nice ice cub tray. I also talk about using my caramel coffee ice cubes (further below)!
- Whipped cream. I love adding a bit of smooth whipped cream atop my lattes, however, it's not required. For a dairy-free + vegan option, use Cocowhip! You can also make cold foam, if desired.
- Caramel sauce. Just for a drizzle. This is the highlight of the entire drink and can be store-bought or homemade. For a dairy-free + vegan option, make it vegan caramel.
What Kind of Dairy-Free Milk is Best for Lattes?
Everything in this Iced Vanilla Latte is completely delish as is, but if you'd like to switch things up with the type of plant-based milk that you use-----that's totally fine! The world of plant-based milk is constantly expanding, it's hard to keep up! From the classics like cashew milk, sesame milk, soy milk, and almond milk, we now have delicious options like oat milk and even potato and quinoa milk.
Caramel Coffee Ice Cubes: The Perfect Way to Avoid Waste
Making coffee throughout the week can sometimes mean that you won't always use up your coffee, especially when making coffee from ground coffee beans. Yes---you can add leftover coffee in other ways (i.e. baking, making a mocktail, etc.), why not just freeze them and re-create a new latte each day? Haha.
Plus, it's really simple to make, so there's that.
Making Your Latte Runs Simple and Fast
As I've mentioned, making these coffee ice cubes are for sure the easiest and fastest way to keep your latte/coffee runs smooth during the week. Simply make a large batch of these, add them to a glass in the mornings, pour your milk, and add an additional sweetener (if you please), and wallah. DONE!
Common Q + A's for Iced Vanilla Latte with Ice Cream!
This latte is for one serving. To make additional lattes, simply double or triple ingredients, depending on need.
Yes and yes! To make this Iced Vanilla Latte entirely dairy-free and/or vegan, simply ensure that you use plant-based milk as well as a dairy-free ice cream and coconut whipped cream. Lastly, ensure that the sprinkles are vegan-friendly.
Yes! This delicious vanilla latte is just as good hot or ice cold! You can definitely switch things up by serving this latte hot or cold whenever you choose to.
To serve hot, simply warm your milk with all the latte ingredients together in a small saucepan until heated through. If you have a milk frother, all the better, but it's not totally necessary! Pour in a mug and top with whipped cream and rainbow sprinkles, because why not?
Honestly, in terms of flavor, a caramel latte provides a sweet, coffee-forward taste, while a vanilla latte offers a rich, creamy, and slightly milder flavor. If you're truly into a stronger caramel taste, then I recommend my Iced Caramel Latte!
The main difference between the two is that iced coffee uses brewed coffee while an iced latte uses espresso. The brewing method for both iced drinks highly affects how strong the coffee taste is, which also determines the amount of milk needed for the drink.
Short answer: Lattes.
Basically, espresso is known for being easier on the stomach due to the combination of high pressure and short extraction time, which produces a different balance of chemical compounds than the same coffee would in a drip or pour over brew.
Overall, this iced vanilla latte has the perfect balance of sweet and creamy. The use of a homemade vanilla syrup, milk, coffee, and ice cream creates the right amount of sweetness without being overpowering.
More Amazing Homemade Latte Recipes to Try!
- Starbucks Copycat Apple Crisp Oatmilk Latte
- Dairy-free Iced Mocha Latte
- Toasted Coconut Honey Latte
- Peanut Butter Caramel Iced Latte
- Easy Warm Apple Chai Latte
- Iced Dalgona Coffee (Whipped Coffee) Vanilla Latte
- Dairy-Free Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Salted Cashew Caramel Latte
MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
If you tried this Iced Vanilla Latte [with Ice Cream] recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you.
Iced Vanilla Latte [with Ice Cream]
Ingredients
VANILLA SYRUP:
- ½ cup filtered water
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract or paste
- ¼ cup organic cane sugar (You can also use brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup; Adjust sweetness based on preference)
LATTE:
- 2 ounces freshly-brewed coffee, cooled (You can also sub with cold brew)
- 1 cup Almond milk, unsweetened (You can use whole milk or your fave plant-based milk)
- ½ cup homemade vanilla syrup, cooled
- 2-3 scoops vanilla ice cream (You can sub with dairy-free vanilla ice cream)
OPTIONAL TOPPINGS:
- Whipped cream (You can sub with coconut whipped cream)
- Rainbow sprinkles
Instructions
TO MAKE THE VANILLA SYRUP:
- In a medium saucepan on medium-high heat, add the water, vanilla, and cane sugar and bring to a boil for 1-2 minutes. Reduce heat to low and simmer for another 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat. Let cool completely.
TO MAKE THE LATTE:
- Assemble the latte: Grab a good latte glass and add the cooled brewed coffee, followed by the milk, cooled vanilla syrup and vanilla, stirring everything together until combined. Then add the scoops of vanilla ice cream and top with whipped cream and sprinkles, if desired.
- Sip and Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
- SWEETENER: You can adjust the level of sweetness of this latte depending on how sweet or unsweet you'd like for your latte to be.
- SERVING: To make additional lattes, simply double or triple ingredients, depending on need.
- DAIRY-FREE + VEGAN OPTIONS: See post for dairy-free + vegan options info!
Nutrition
DID YOU MAKE THIS recipe?
Tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea
LOVE THIS RECIPE?
LET US KNOW!