A cozy new twist on coffee you didn’t know you needed
Banana bread latte is the cozy drink you never knew your mornings were missing. It blends the comforting flavor of fresh banana bread with the richness of coffee, creating a creamy, spiced sip that feels like a hug in a mug. With just a few pantry staples—like a ripe banana, warm milk, a dash of cinnamon, and brewed coffee—you can recreate this café-style drink right at home.
This banana bread latte recipe is perfect when you want something warm and slightly sweet without reaching for dessert. Whether you’re winding down on a cool evening or easing into a slow Sunday morning, it brings bakery-style comfort straight to your cup. In this article, I’ll show you how to make it step-by-step, plus answer some common questions like, “Can you really mix banana and coffee?” (You absolutely can.)
Table of Contents
Banana Bread Latte Recipe That Tastes Like Dessert in a Mug
- Total Time: 10 min
- Yield: 1 latte 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm and creamy banana bread latte that blends banana, coffee, and cozy spices into one comforting drink.
Ingredients
1 ripe banana
1/2 cup strong brewed coffee or 2 shots espresso
3/4 cup milk (any type)
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Optional: nutmeg, brown sugar, or maple syrup
Instructions
1. Blend banana, coffee, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth.
2. Pour mixture into saucepan and heat gently over medium-low.
3. Do not boil. Stir gently until warmed through.
4. Pour into your favorite mug and serve.
5. Top with extra cinnamon or whipped cream if desired.
Notes
Use oat milk for extra creaminess.
To make it iced, skip the heating step and blend with ice.
Add brown sugar or maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter drink.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 5 min
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Blended & Heated
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
My Banana Bread Latte Story & Why You’ll Love This Recipe
How a few ripe bananas led to my favorite coffee treat
The first time I made a banana bread latte, it wasn’t some meticulously planned idea—it was a cold Asheville morning, and I had one ripe banana left on the counter. Growing up in Vermont, banana bread was always part of our weekends. My mom would bake it with extra cinnamon, and my dad would brew strong coffee to go with it. That flavor combo stuck with me.
So, I tossed a banana into the blender with coffee, a splash of milk, cinnamon, and vanilla—and something magical happened. It tasted just like warm banana bread, but lighter and drinkable. Creamy, smooth, and cozy without being overly sweet. Since then, this latte has become my favorite slow-morning ritual.
It’s also incredibly easy to make and customize. Whether you prefer it hot or iced, dairy or plant-based, you can adapt it to your style with simple ingredients and no fancy equipment.
If you enjoy coffee recipes with a creative twist, this one’s for you. And if you’re into unique drinks, you’ll probably also enjoy trying the egg nog latte recipe—another warm, spiced favorite from my kitchen.
How to Make a Banana Bread Latte Step-by-Step
Everything you need to bring bakery-style flavor into your mug
You don’t need to be a barista—or even have an espresso machine—to make this banana bread latte recipe at home. With a few pantry ingredients and a blender, you can whip up a smooth, warm, comforting drink that feels like it came from your favorite café.
Here’s exactly how I make it.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana (the riper, the better)
- ½ cup strong brewed coffee or 1–2 shots espresso
- ¾ cup milk (any kind works—dairy, oat, almond, etc.)
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: pinch of nutmeg or brown sugar for extra warmth
Instructions:
- In a blender, combine the banana, brewed coffee, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla.
- Blend on high until smooth and frothy (about 30 seconds).
- Pour into a small saucepan and heat over medium-low until warm—don’t boil it.
- Serve immediately. If you want foam, you can froth the top with a milk frother or hand whisk.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon or crushed walnuts for a banana bread-style finish.
That’s it! This banana bread latte recipe is a fast favorite—especially when you want something cozy but crave a little variety. You can even make a chilled version by using cold brew and ice instead of heating it.
If you’re in the mood to explore more creative coffee twists, check out another cozy favorite: my white chocolate raspberry coffee creamer. It’s a sweet way to dress up your next cup.
Variations and Pro Tips for Banana Bread Latte
Make it your own with these easy swaps and upgrades
One of the reasons I keep coming back to this banana bread latte is how easy it is to customize. Whether you’re dairy-free, sugar-conscious, or just like experimenting with new flavors, there’s plenty of room to make this drink your own.
Want it cold?
No problem. Just swap the hot coffee for chilled cold brew and skip the stovetop. Blend everything with ice and serve it over more ice for a banana bread iced latte that’s smooth and refreshing.
Dairy-free or vegan?
I’ve made this with almond milk, oat milk, and coconut milk—and every version has turned out great. Oat milk gives the creamiest texture, while coconut milk adds a slight tropical note that works surprisingly well with banana and coffee.
Need more sweetness?
The ripe banana adds plenty of natural sugar, but if you like a sweeter sip, stir in a bit of maple syrup or brown sugar while warming the drink. You can also top it with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or even crushed banana chips for texture.
Add a little spice.
Nutmeg, cardamom, or a dash of allspice can give your banana bread latte extra depth. These warm spices play well with coffee and highlight the banana bread vibe.
Want to go full dessert?
Top it with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel or cinnamon syrup for an after-dinner treat that rivals any café drink.
For another unexpected drink that blends comfort and creativity, take a peek at my refreshing blackberry sage lemonade refresher. It’s a completely different flavor experience—but just as satisfying.
Why Banana and Coffee Work So Well Together
The surprising flavor combo that makes sense once you taste it
You might be wondering—banana and coffee? Really? But once you take that first sip, it clicks. The natural sweetness and creaminess of banana actually balance beautifully with the bold, slightly bitter notes of coffee.
Bananas have a mellow, starchy texture that blends easily into hot or cold drinks. When heated, they take on a deeper caramelized flavor that feels rich and almost nutty—kind of like the crust of banana bread fresh out of the oven. That flavor profile pairs incredibly well with the earthiness of coffee, especially when you add warm spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
Coffee on its own can sometimes be a bit sharp or acidic. That’s why many people pair it with something creamy, sweet, or spiced—like a splash of vanilla, milk, or even flavored creamers. Banana acts as a natural sweetener and thickener here, creating a creamy, smooth texture without needing heavy cream or syrups.
This banana bread latte recipe is basically the flavor marriage of your favorite baked treat and your favorite caffeine fix. It’s comforting, a little nostalgic, and just unusual enough to impress your brunch guests or morning Zoom meeting crew.
And if you love combining unusual ingredients to create something delicious, you’ll want to check out my pickle lemonade—yes, really. It’s another example of how unexpected flavors can completely surprise you—in a good way.
Frequently Asked Questions About Banana Bread Latte
What is a banana bread latte?
It’s a cozy, blended drink made with banana, coffee, milk, and warm spices like cinnamon and vanilla. It tastes like a slice of banana bread mixed into your coffee—creamy, naturally sweet, and gently spiced.
Is banana latte a thing?
Yes! While it’s not a mainstream café item, banana lattes are becoming more popular among home baristas and recipe creators. They use blended banana to add flavor and texture without artificial syrups.
Can you mix banana and coffee together?
Absolutely. Banana’s natural sugars balance the bitterness of coffee, and its creamy texture helps create a smooth, velvety drink. It’s a surprisingly satisfying combo—especially when warmed with spices.
How do you make banana milk latte?
To make a banana milk latte, blend a ripe banana with milk (any kind), brew your coffee or espresso, then combine and heat gently. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla for extra depth. It’s similar to our banana bread latte recipe but focuses more on the milk base than on spice.
Conclusion – Your New Favorite About Banana Bread Latte
Banana bread latte isn’t just a fun idea—it’s a recipe that feels like a warm memory. It’s sweet, creamy, and comforting without being over-the-top. Whether you’re someone who loves banana-based baked goods or you’re just curious about new coffee creations, this drink hits the mark.
It’s also a great way to use up that last ripe banana, skip expensive coffee runs, and sip something that feels a little homemade and a little indulgent.
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