Banana Bread Latte Recipe (Hot or Iced, with Real Syrup)

There’s just something so nostalgically beautiful about banana bread. The scent of that cozy smell in your kitchen, the caramelized edges, the soft center touched with cinnamon and vanilla? Picture now if you will, capturing all of that magic in a cup — and add in a shot of espresso. This is your new obsession: the Banana Bread Latte.

Whether you’re an iced latte devotee or a let-it-cool cup person, this one brings the rich, baked deliciousness of banana bread right to your a.m. (or p.m.!) lineup. ritual. It’s creamy, warmly spiced, a touch sweet and just decadent enough to make your day feel like a special one.

We’ll demonstrate how to make syrup (and flavor it in any way that suits you) from scratch and even suggest that a just a few bananas caramelized on top of your batter couldn’t hurt. And we’ll also answer some of the most popular banana-coffee questions people are Googling. Let’s do this.

What is a banana bread latte?

A banana bread latte is quite literally a warm cup of comfort. Coffee that takes the robust body of espresso and marries it with the warm, nurturing flavor of banana bread. Ripe banana and brown sugar, and cinnamon, and vanilla — brought over to the sweeter side of the street, if you will, using the metric of the fruit loaves we measure by sugary standards.

What makes it special, is the homemade banana bread syrup! No artificial banana flavor, that’s pumped from a bottle, it’s the real thing! There, you crush an overripe banana, cook it down with maple syrup, brown sugar and warm spices, and strain it into liquid gold. That syrup is the secret to this latte actually tasting like banana bread actually melted into your coffee.

Whether you serve it hot or cold, it’s smooth and a little sweet and full of flavor. And, yes — there’s the cold foam, if you’re into having your drinks crowned with a cloud of something.

Does Dutch Bros have a banana bread latte?

Photo: Dutch Bros Dutch Bros is famous for its innovative coffee flavors — and if you’re lucky, you might find a banana bread latte on its secret or seasonal menu. They have been known to play with banana and nutty flavor pairings, often adding caramel or chocolate in their breves and lattes.

But here’s the thing: Not only is that not always an option, but usually it means the stuff is made with flavored syrups, not homemade at all. If you ask for a banana bread-inspired drink, most places will let you mix up some combo like banana + hazelnut + vanilla, which kind of maybe sort of a little tastes like banana bread—but let’s be real, it’s so not the same as what you can whip up at home.

And that is the beauty of this recipe. You don’t have to depend on pre-bottled banana flavor. You’re building a syrup out of real, actual ingredients — a bonafide banana, pure maple, actual spice — in your coffee in a way that’s a little indulgent, a little cozy and yet entirely novel.

Is banana latte a thing?

Absolutely — banana lattes are a thing, and they have been slowly (but surely) infiltrating the ranks of coffee-addicts sick of poring vanilla or caramel all over their morning cup of Joe. A banana latte is often made with espresso (or a very strong coffee), milk, and banana flavoring. Some mix a ripe banana into the drink, others use syrups or extracts. It’s creamy and sweet with a gentle, paradoxically balanced taste if it’s made right.

In some cultures, especially in some parts of Asia, banana milk drinks are already popular, so it makes sense to take that concept and turn it into a coffee hybrid. What makes the banana bread latte extra special is that it’s not “banana” flavor, it’s the entire profile of what banana bread tastes like: nutty, spiced, warm, and baked-good inspired.

So yes, banana lattes exist. But the banana bread latte? That’s your next-level, homemade upgrade.

What is in Starbucks banana bread?

There’s a good chance that banana bread at Starbucks tops the list of their most popular baked items. Moist, sweet, with old-fashioned banana flavor and a lovely nutty crunch. But what’s actually in it?

Their recipe has overripe bananas, walnuts, sugar, flour, eggs and a mixture of oils for richness. There’s also a good party of sour cream in the mix, the better to have an extra tender crumb. Flavorwise, it leans far more toward warm vanilla and cinnamon tones, which is why it pairs so beautifully with coffee.

Why it matters for your banana bread latte hostile takeover! Because when you’re happily slurping your at-home version with its brown sugar, cinnamon, banana syrup cascading through the espresso you get the same cozy, nostalgic flavors. But instead of grabbing a slice as a snack on the run, you’re turning the whole thing into something you can drink. One sip and your brain does: “ohh, yes — banana bread.

Ingredients

Ready to bring that banana bread magic to your morning latte? Let’s break down everything you’ll need. Don’t worry—it’s all simple, everyday ingredients, but when they come together… chef’s kiss.

For the Banana Bread Syrup:

• 1 overripe banana, mashed
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• ¾ cup light brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp fine grain salt
• 1 cup water

This syrup is the heart and soul of your drink. It’s cozy, rich, and just the right amount of sweet. And yes—you can make it ahead and store it for the week (details coming below).

For the Latte:

• ½ cup whole milk
• 2 shots espresso
• 1–2 tbsp banana bread syrup, to taste
• 1 cup ice, if making it iced

Whether you like it hot or cold, this base is flexible. You can sub in your favorite plant-based milk too.

For the Cold Foam (Optional):

3 tbsp whole milk

• 2 tbsp heavy cream
• 1 tbsp banana bread syrup

This is your silky, cloud-like topper. You don’t need it—but wow, it’s good.

For the Caramelized Banana Topping (Optional):

• ¼ banana, diced
• ½ tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp maple syrup

For those days when you’re not just making a drink—you’re making a moment.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I bet that you’re here because banana bread and coffee both count as comfort food items for you. Same here. This recipe combines the best of both into one warming, sippable miracle — and once you try it, you’ll wonder where it’s been all your life.

Here’s why this banana bread latte deserves a slot in your everyday rotation:

It’s a twofer of dessert and caffeine all in one — Sweet and spiced tastes, and with caffeine? Yes, please.

The syrup, it’s next level – with a real banana in there it is thick, fragrant, caramelly and slightly vanilla and cinnamony.

Adaptable – Hot or cold, frothed or not frothed, dairy or no.

It’s pretty cheap — No need to do $7 coffee runs. You likely have most of this in your kitchen already.

Your entire kitchen will smell PHENOMENAL – The syrup alone smells like fresh-baked banana bread! Bonus.

And best of all? You get to brag about making a banana bread latte from scratch. Well that’s a main character moment if we ever saw one.

Let’s Talk Homemade Syrups

If you’ve never made your own coffee syrup, you will be so proud of yourself. This banana bread syrup is not only easy — it’s the main event. And, unlike store-bought varieties, it’s made with real ingredients you can actually pronounce.

Why homemade is better:

Actual banana, actual flavor – No faking extracts or faux aftertaste.

Layers of sweetness — The mix of maple syrup and brown sugar create depth that white sugar alone does not provide.

Warm spice – Cinnamon and vanilla sends it over the edge with that banana bread hug.

How it works:

You mash up an overripe banana (finally — something to do with those brown-speckled ones), cook it down with maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon and water until it becomes a little bit thicker. Then you strain it into a jar, and boom: banana bread magic, in liquid form.

You can stir it into lattes and drizzle it over pancakes or even add it to oatmeal. It’s fall in a bottle, but cozy enough to wear all year round.

Making It Hot

In need of warm, creamy comfort? The warm iteration of this banana bread latte is like a hug in a mug. It’s what you want to eat on chilly mornings, during rainy afternoons, or when you need a little pick-me-up that feels homemade and specifically for you.

Here’s how to make it:

1. Steam your milk: You can use a milk frother, a stovetop or even the microwave. Just warm it up until it’s hot but not boiling, with a nice frothy top, if you can.
2. Heat up your syrup – A 5–10 second nuke in the old microwave will do. “Because warm syrup mixes and heightens the flavor.
3. Then just add the syrup to your mug – I started with 1–2 tablespoons, but this depends on how sweet you prefer it.
4. Pour in the shots of espresso – Stir to integrate with the syrup.
5. Pour the steamed milk over top Slowly so it fits in the top and get that amazing swirl.
6. Foam optional — but good: If you went to the trouble of making the banana bread cold foam, here’s where to spoon. You can also dust a pinch of cinnamon for that café look.

Storing the Banana Bread Latte Syrup

Real talk: Once you’ve tried this syrup in your banana bread latte, you’re going to want it again. The good news? It keeps very well, so you can make lattes all week with no fuss.

Here is how to store your banana bread latte syrup like a pro:

Your kitchen and also A mason jar or any jar with a tight seal will work as well.

Store in refrigerator – If you store your syrup in the refrigerator, it will last for 7–10 days.

Shake well before using – As natural ingredients and real bananas are used in the making of this syrup, it may not be uniform in the fridge. Just shake it a little before you actually use it.

Warm it before adding to your latte – The syrup blends better into espresso and milk if you have warmed it by popping it in the microwave for 5-10 seconds, especially if you are adding it to a piping hot latte.

By the way, this banana bread latte syrup isn’t strictly for lattes: Drizzle over pancakes, stir into oatmeal or add to smoothies. But who are we kidding… you’ll probably continue making all the more lattes. And we support that fully.

Substitutions & Modifications

The best part about this banana bread latte recipe? It’s super flexible. Whether you’re dairy free, weaning yourself off sugar, or just need to use up a particular ingredient, you have choices.

Here’s how to make it work for you:

Milk Options:

• Oat milk – Offers natural sweetness and a smooth consistency. It’s our preferred nondairy sub for this latte.
• Almond milk – Mildly nutty, but significantly less creamy. Great with the banana bread pizzazz.
• Coconut milk – Canned coconut milk is perfect for a dessert tasting latte.
• Skim or 2% milk – Absolutely! Slightly less creamy than whole milk.

Syrup Swaps:

If you don’t have bananas (or are in a hurry):

• Mix 2 tablespoons of banana baby food into a simple syrup with cinnamon and vanilla. Not quite the same, but it does in a pinch.”
• Make your own banana syrup (but let’s be real, it won’t even come close).

Espresso Alternatives:

• Dark rich coffee – Not as strong but good.
• Cold press – Ideal for iced drinks; smooth and low in acidity.
• Instant espresso powder–Fast and actually quite serviceable in lattes.

Sugar Conscious?

• Half the brown sugar and more banana + maple would do.
• Substitute coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener for a low glycemic alternative.

Banana bread latte, your way. It’s intended to be indulgent — but also personal. Don’t be afraid to fiddle with it until it does taste just right to you.

Skip the Foam & Bananas

We know — some mornings it can be all about the coffee. No frothers, no caramelized banana drama here. “Just make me the banana bread latte and no one gets hurt.” And that’s totally fine.

The good news? (Don’t worry, nothing slaps without toppings.) The banana bread syrup is loaded with enough heat and flavor individually to make the drink feel worthwhile, should you be abdicating the luscious fluff.

Here’s how to keep it simple:

• No cold foam? Instead, stir in a splash of milk or creamer.
• No time to caramelize bananas? Don’t sweat it. A dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg on the top provides a similarly homey feeling.
• Stir and go, snow, syrup, milk, espresso. Stir it. Sip it. That’s it.

Frankly, some days, less is more. Especially when your banana bread latte still tastes like a hug — even if you were forced to make it one-handed as you fielded emails.

Equipment Needed for making banana bread latte

You don’t need a fancy barista setup to make a dreamy banana bread latte at home, either. And not that you really need anything; in fact, you likely already have most of what you need. Here’s the lowdown:

For the Banana Bread Syrup:

• Saucepan – To heat your banana, sugar and spices.
• Fine mesh sieve – Needed to strain the syrup to smooth.
• Mason jar/airtight container – To keep your syrup in the refrigerator.

For the Latte:

• Espresso machine, Nespresso or moka pot: Any device that provides you with 1–2 shots of espresso is fine. Strong brewed coffee even works in a pinch.
• Milk frother (optional) – Nice to heat up and froth milk cream for your joy, especially for the hot one.
• If you were sending a message with the name of this drink, it would be: Tall glass (for iced), or mug (for hot) — Duh.

Optional (But Fun) Extras:

• Milk frother or hand held whisk – Because of that sexy cold foam.
• Stainless steel, nonstick skillet – If you prefer to caramelize the bananas in pieces.
• Spoon or cocktail stirrer – To stir your latte like a professional.

No espresso machine? No worries. No frother? Totally fine. The gorgeous thing about this banana bread latte is that it’s just as tasty when you get lo-fi.

Instructions

Ready to live your banana bread latte dreams? Let’s walk through it step-by-step. Whether you like it iced or hot, this version is all about easy comfort that pays off big in flavor.

Step 1: Preparing the Banana Bread Syrup

1. In a small saucepan, mash 1 very ripe banana.
2. Stir in ¾ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
3. Stir occasionally and cook over medium for roughly 5 minutes.
4. Add 1 cup water and cook until mixture is bubbling gently.
5. Reduce the heat and simmer, for 10-20 minutes (or until it thickens up a bit).
6. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp vanilla and ½ tsp salt.
7. Pour through a fine mesh sieve into a jar. Let cool and refrigerate.

Step 2: Prepare Iced Banana Bread Latte

1. Fill a tall glass with ice.
2. Pour in 1/2 cup milk (whole milk, or your fav alternative).
3. Stir in 1-2 tbsp of banana bread syrup to taste.
4. Add 2 shots of espresso (or strong coffee).
5. Mix gently and taste. Adjust syrup if needed.
6. (Optional) Garnish with cold foam and caramelized bananas for an added touch of pizzazz.

Step 3: Make it Hot

1. Heat ½ cup milk; froth until foamy.
2. Measure 1–2 tablespoons of syrup to taste and briefly heat up then pour into your mug.
3. Add 2 shots of espresso and stir to combine.
4. Pour steamed milk and foam if desired.
5. And maybe sprinkle on a little cinnamon if you’re feeling fancy.

Optional: Cold Foam

1. In a small cup, combine:

• 3 tbsp whole milk
• 2 tbsp heavy cream

1 tbsp banana bread syrup

• Whisk until thick and frothy with a handheld frother, whisk or blender.

Optional: Caramelized Banana Topping

1. Melt ½ tbsp butter in a pan over medium heat.
2. Stir in 1/4 cup diced bananas and 2 tablespoons maple syrup.
3. Cook until golden and sticky, 3 to 5 minutes.
4. Spoon onto your latte. Yes, it’s worth it.

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Tips & Tricks for Making the Best Banana Bread Latte

If you’re already fantasizing about your next banana bread latte (same), these little tricks will help you make it smoother, creamier and even more comforting every single time.

✅ Use an overripe banana

The more ripe your banana, the sweeter and more full of flavor your banana bread syrup will also come out. Find a few brown spots on the peel — that’s your golden ticket.

✅ Don’t skip the straining

You want your banana bread latte to be creamy and velvety, not chunky. After you have let the syrup simmer, strain the syrup well with a fine mesh strainer.

✅ Begin with a little syrup and taste

The drink is bursting with flavor, and a little syrup goes a long way. Begin with the tablespoon, and if you need more — particularly if you’re icing things down, which in general tamps down the flavor — add it.

✅ Froth matters (if hot)

Frothy milk really makes this drink next-level-café-worthy on a hot frothy banana bread latte. If you don’t have a frother, shake milk in a closed jar and microwave for 30 seconds.

✅ Ice first, always

Making it iced? Pack the glass with ice first to ensure a cold drink that it layered just right.

✅ Batch the syrup

Trust me — you’re going to want more than one banana bread latte this week. Multiply the syrup recipe by two and refrigerate it for up to 10 days.

✅ A pinch of cinnamon on top

It’s a small touch, but one that highlights the cozy, banana-bread-from-the-oven qualities in every sip.

Your banana bread latte is special already. But these tips? They bring to next-level deliciousness.

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Do You LOVE Making Coffee at Home?! Also Try More of my Coffee Recipes!!

So if this banana bread latte makes you feel like a warm-beverage genius, you’re not the only one. There’s just something so rewarding about being able to create café-quality drinks from the comfort of your own home—especially when they’re brimming with genuine flavor like this one.

And if you’re feeling ready to continue to keep on your coffee game, I have more for you to try:

Honey Lavender Latte – A soothing, floral variation that is great for leisurely mornings. It’s delicate, creamy, and oh-so-sippable.

Keep watching from new coffee creations come down often—and they’re all just as dreamy/travel-bound/totally doable at home as your new favorite remedy: the banana bread latte.

Nutrition Information (Serves 1)

Want to know the nutrition facts in your banana bread latte? Here’s an approximation for one latte on the rocks or hot, brewed with whole milk and 1 tablespoon of homemade banana bread syrup (from foam or garnish), not to mention whipping cream dusted with the sugar-crunch-topping:

Rest assured: If you get it with cold foam or caramelized bananas, the sugar grams and calorie count will of course rise. And you can play around with the numbers further by using non-dairy milk or changing the amount of syrup you add in.

But honestly? This banana bread latte exudes comfort, joy and flavor! And on occasion, that’s precisely what the day demands.

Storage Tips

You took the time to make that dreamy banana bread syrup — let’s see it last as long as we can, and stay delicious until the last drop. Here’s how to store everything so your subsequent banana bread latte is just as magical as the first:

Banana Bread Syrup

• Fridge life: Unopened in an airtight glass jar or bottle, 7-10 days.
• Shake before using: It will separate naturally in the refrigerator — just shake or stir to recombine.
• Warm that on up: A few seconds in the microwave makes it easier to stir into a hot latte.

Cold Foam

• Optimal when consumed freshly made, but may be stored in an airtight jar for up to 2 days.
• Give it another froth before using — it will collapse if it sits.

Caramelized Bananas

• Eat right away for best texture.
• If you have any leftovers, pack them into a small container and refrigerate for up to 2 days, then reheat briefly.

Prepped Latte (Assembled)

• Iced ones can be prepared a few hours ahead and kept refrigerated (without foam).
• Hot versions are best eaten fresh, but you can refrigerate and reheat gently as necessary.

Your homemade banana bread latte is the very sort of thing for which a bit of prep bears fruit — make your syrup ahead and thank yourself all week long.

Serving Ideas

Moving on up Where better to elevate your banana bread latte moment than in the warm embrace of a cozy café? Try these pairings:

Sweet Sides:

• Bourbon Banana Pudding – bananas on bananas, but this time even better.
• Gluten-Free Banana Muffins or Banana Bread (of course).
• A few squares of dark chocolate or a caramel-glazed scone.

Savory Pairings:

• A croissant with scrambled eggs and butter.
• Avocado toast with chili flakes — because balance.
• An English muffin with almond butter, toasted.

Drink Pairings (for brunch vibes):

• Lemon water with sparkling water – for a fresh twist.
• Chai-spiced milk for the caffeine-skippers.
• A bit of fresh orange juice to amp up those citrus flavors and gives us another source of energy.

Tips & Tricks (Quick Recap)

• Banana Syrup Always use darling slightly over ripe bananas for the best syrup flavor you can possibly hope for.
• Filter your syrup for that smooth, coffeehouse finish.
• Sweeten to taste — I like it with less syrup to start.
• Refrigerate the syrup for up to 10 days.
• No espresso machine? Brew some strong coffee or use instant espresso.
• Double up on the syrup — you won’t regret it.
• Foam, no foam — what’ll it be? The banana bread latte still shines in any case.

Conclusion

So there you go — your latest homemade obsession: the banana bread latte. It’s creamy and luxurious, a bit indulgent, and totally versatile. What ever the occasion, an iced drink on a summer’s afternoon or a hot mug to warm your hands on a cold day, this latte is all about the cosy, as well as taste in each wonderful sip.

What really makes it extra special is your own homemade real banana bread syrup. That syrup is no mere coffee add-in — it’s a little ritual that makes your everyday espresso feel special.

And when you’ve tried how good it tastes? You will never see your overripe bananas the same way again.

Happy sipping, friend. And be sure to peruse more of my do-it-yourself coffee recipes next time you’re in the mood for something a tad different (and always delicious).

Banana Bread Latte Recipe (Hot or Iced, with Real Syrup)

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• Author: Keller Recipe
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 1 latte

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Description

This banana bread latte brings all the flavor of banana bread into your morning coffee—hot or iced, with a real homemade syrup.

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Ingredients

For the Banana Bread Syrup:

• 1 overripe banana, mashed
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• ¾ cup light brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp fine grain salt
• 1 cup water

For the Latte:

• ½ cup whole milk
• 2 shots espresso
• 1–2 tbsp banana bread syrup, to taste
• 1 cup ice, if making it iced

For the Cold Foam (Optional):

3 tbsp whole milk

• 2 tbsp heavy cream
• 1 tbsp banana bread syrup

For the Caramelized Banana Topping (Optional):

• ¼ banana, diced
• ½ tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp maple syrup

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1: Make the Banana Bread Syrup:

Smash up your too brown banana in a saucepan and add in the brown sugar, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Stir well; cover, and let cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. As soon as the sugar has dissolved, add the water and bring gently to the boil. Lower heat and simmer for 10–20 minutes, or until the soup is thickened. Stir in vanilla and salt. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve and put aside in a jar.

2: Caramelize Bananas (Optional):

Butter filling: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. And then add diced banana and maple syrup. Fry until golden and sticky (3–5 minutes).

3: Make Cold Foam (Optional):

Add milk, cream, and syrup to a small cup. Whip until the foam is thick and billowy with whatever tool you use.

4: Assemble the Iced Latte:

Fill a glass with ice. Combine with whole milk, 1–2 tbsp syrup, and 2 shots espresso. Stir to combine. Finish by topping with cold foam and caramelized bananas if using.

5: Make it Hot:

Skip the ice. Steam your milk, mix your syrup, add your espresso over top, and froth up some foam (if you want).

Notes

Note: Based on whole milk and 1 tbsp banana bread syrup. Adding cold foam or toppings will increase calories and fat.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: 150

FAQ About Banana Bread Latte

Q1 : What is a banana bread latte?

Banana bread latte – a warm coffee drink with espresso and steamed milk made with homemade banana bread syrup using real banana mixed with brown sugar, maple, cinnamon, and vanilla. It encompasses all the cozy, sentimental flavors of banana bread — just in liquid, latte form. You can get it iced or hot, and augment it with cold foam or caramelized banana toppings.

Q2: Does Dutch Bros have a banana bread latte?

Not all standard Dutch Bros menus (check out the secret menu here) include a banana bread latte, but if you’re lucky, you’ll spy it as a seasonal special or even a regular fix. Usually, they will combine banana flavoring with hazelnut or vanilla syrups to resemble the flavor of banana bread, though it’s not made with actual banana or house-made syrup as in this recipe. Homemade, of course, is so much better and a whole lot more authentic.

Q3: Is banana latte a thing?

Yes! But, banana lattes are an actual drink — and trendy on both the at-home coffee scene and in creative cafés. Most include milk, espresso and banana flavoring — some even use blended banana. The banana bread latte is a playful take on that, adding cinnamon, vanilla and maple to turn the drink into “baked” goods.

Q4: What are the ingredients in Starbucks banana bread?

Banana bread from Starbucks contains overripe bananas, flour, sugar, eggs, walnuts, and some sour cream for moisture. Cinnamon and vanilla give it flavour, and it’s rich, tender and just sweet enough. The flavor notes in the banana bread latte, especially from the from scratch syrup, reflect this profile so well.