Copycat Starbucks Banana Bread Latte Recipe

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I’ve got good news! You don’t need to leave the house—or spend a small fortune—to enjoy this luscious, dessert-inspired Starbucks Banana Bread Latte. With the right mix of ingredients and a little creativity, you can whip up this delicious latte in your very own kitchen.

How to make a Starbucks Banana Bread Latte

Starbucks Banana Bread Latte is a fan-created, non-official Starbucks drink that refers to a custom latte made to taste like banana bread.

Ingredients

• Espresso or Strong Coffee: 2 shots of espresso (or ½ cup of strong brewed coffee).
• 1 cup of oat milk (for nutty creaminess that complements banana and hazelnut flavors).
• 2 pumps of hazelnut syrup (approx. 1½ tablespoons).
• 1–2 teaspoons of brown sugar syrup (adds a caramel-like depth).
• Optional: A drop of banana extract for a stronger banana flavor (or use mashed ripe banana for natural sweetness).
• Whipped cream.
• A sprinkling of ground cinnamon.
• Optional: Banana slices.
• Optional: Caramel drizzle or crushed walnuts for extra texture and flavor.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the base of your latte by pulling 2 espresso shots or brewing half a cup of strong coffee. If you’re using a coffee machine, opt for blonde roast espresso if available. Set the coffee aside.

Step 2: Add 1 cup of oat milk (or your preferred milk) into a saucepan and warm it gently over medium heat. Avoid boiling, as it may alter the texture. Once warmed, froth the milk with a handheld frother or whisk vigorously for 30–60 seconds. If using a frother, aim for creamy microfoam.

Step 3: In your coffee mug, combine the espresso, hazelnut syrup, and brown sugar syrup. Stir until the syrups dissolve completely. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a drop of banana extract or mashed banana at this stage for stronger banana notes.

Step 4: Pour the heated and frothed milk into your coffee mug, layering it over the espresso-syrup mixture. Stir lightly to ensure the flavors blend together evenly.

Step 5: Top your latte with whipped cream. Sprinkle ground cinnamon generously on top to amplify the warm banana bread flavors. For an Instagram-worthy finish, drizzle with caramel and garnish with banana slices or crushed walnuts.

Tips for the Perfect Banana Bread Latte

• Banana Flavor Without Extract: If you prefer a purely natural flavor, mash half a ripe banana and stir it into the coffee base. To avoid chunks, strain after mixing or blend using an immersion blender for a smoother texture.
• DIY Brown Sugar Syrup: Skip store-bought syrups by making your own! Combine ½ cup brown sugar and ½ cup water in a saucepan. Simmer until the sugar dissolves completely. Store in a clean jar for future use.
• Customize Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness level based on your preference. If you like your coffee less sweet, reduce the hazelnut or brown sugar syrup.
• Go Decaf or Iced: Substitute regular espresso for decaf if you’re avoiding caffeine. Want a refreshing alternative? Use cold brew coffee and chill the milk for an iced version.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating the Starbucks Banana Bread Latte at home is a fun and rewarding experience, but sometimes you might not have all the exact ingredients at hand. Don’t worry—there are plenty of substitutes that can still give you the same delicious, comforting flavor.

1. Espresso or Strong Coffee

Original Ingredient: 2 shots of espresso or ½ cup of strong brewed coffee.

Substitutes:

• Instant Coffee: Dissolve 1–2 teaspoons of instant coffee in ¼ cup of hot water to create a concentrated base. This works well if you don’t have an espresso machine.
• Cold Brew Concentrate: For an iced Starbucks Banana Bread Latte, use cold brew concentrate instead of hot espresso. It adds a smoother texture and less acidity.
• Decaf Coffee: Replace regular espresso with decaf for a caffeine-free version.
• Chicory Coffee: For a unique twist, try chicory coffee, which has a rich, earthy flavor and naturally pairs well with the banana and nutty flavors.

2. Milk

Original Ingredient: 1 cup of oat milk.

Substitutes:

• Almond Milk: Brings a similar nuttiness to the latte and is a great dairy-free option.
• Coconut Milk: Adds a tropical hint of coconut that complements the banana and spices. Use unsweetened coconut milk to keep the sweetness in balance.
• Soy Milk: A creamy and neutral alternative to oat milk, soy milk froths well and is widely available.
• Regular Dairy Milk: If you’re not following a plant-based diet, whole milk or 2% milk create a richer and creamier texture.
• Cashew Milk: A mild, rich, and slightly nutty option that works beautifully in this recipe.

3. Hazelnut Syrup

Original Ingredient: 2 pumps (1½ tablespoons) of hazelnut syrup.

Substitutes:

• Vanilla Syrup: For a subtle sweetness with a touch of warmth, vanilla syrup makes a great alternative.
• Almond Syrup: Adds nuttiness while maintaining a balanced sweetness, similar to hazelnut.
• Maple Syrup: A natural alternative that pairs beautifully with banana and enhances the cozy, bakery-inspired flavors.
• Homemade Hazelnut Flavoring: Steep crushed hazelnuts in your milk or coffee for a natural nutty flavor.

4. Brown Sugar Syrup

Original Ingredient: 1–2 teaspoons of brown sugar syrup.

Substitutes:

• Honey: Adds an earthy sweetness that works harmoniously with the banana flavor.
• Maple Syrup: Again, maple syrup’s rich caramel notes can replace brown sugar syrup. If you’re already using it to replace hazelnut syrup, it works doubly well here!
• Coconut Sugar Syrup: Dissolve equal parts coconut sugar and water for a quick homemade syrup with a slightly toasty, caramel-like flavor.
• Molasses: Use sparingly—just ½ teaspoon—to mimic the deep, rich sweetness of brown sugar.

5. Banana Extract

Original Ingredient: A few drops of banana extract (optional but enhances banana flavor).

Substitutes:

• Mashed Ripe Banana: Use 1–2 tablespoons of mashed banana for a natural source of banana flavor. Mashing the banana into your milk or espresso adds creaminess and sweetness.
• Banana-Flavored Syrup: If you enjoy banana candy-like sweetness, a banana-flavored syrup like Monin or Torani can do the trick.
• Skip It Altogether: If you don’t want an extra banana kick and just want subtle hints from brown sugar and cinnamon, leaving this out won’t hurt!

Final Thoughts

Congratulations—you’ve just mastered the art of recreating a Starbucks Banana Bread Latte at home! 

More Starbucks Recipes:

• Copycat Starbucks Cannonball Drink Recipe