Sip on This Delicious Banana Bread Latte (Hot or Iced!)
Banana Bread Latte craving hit right as I sat down with a slice of yesterday’s loaf and realized I wanted that warm, banana-spice flavor in my mug too. Maybe you’re here because you’ve got a couple ripe bananas, a little time, and a coffee habit that needs something fun. Or maybe you just want a cozy drink you can make at home without fancy tools. This one is my go-to when I want dessert vibes without baking a whole cake. It’s creamy, fragrant, and works hot or iced, depending on your mood. 
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This is the latte I make when I want something that feels special but is still easy and low-stress. It tastes like a slice of banana bread met your morning coffee, became friends, and said let’s hang out. The banana adds natural sweetness and a little body, the spices make the kitchen smell dreamy, and the coffee keeps it from being too sweet.
- Simple ingredients. Banana, milk, coffee, warm spices, a touch of sweetener. Nothing weird.
- Customizable. Use dairy or non-dairy milk. Make it decaf or strong. Adjust sweetness to taste.
- Real banana flavor. Creamy and cozy, not artificial.
- Hot or iced. This one plays nice with every season.
- Budget-friendly. Tastes like a cafe drink for a fraction of the price.
Quick tip I love: if you’re baking a loaf soon, make a little extra banana mash and stash it for lattes. If you need a loaf idea, I adore using a treat like cinnamon swirl banana bread for pairing. The spices echo each other perfectly.
I made this for my partner on a rainy Saturday and they said it tasted like a hug in a cup. We’ve been making it weekly ever since.
Making It Hot
Ingredients
- 1 small very ripe banana, about 1/3 cup mashed (freeze in chunks if you like your latte extra creamy)
- 1 shot espresso or 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee
- 3/4 to 1 cup milk of choice, warmed (whole milk, oat, or almond are my favorites)
- 1 to 2 teaspoons maple syrup, brown sugar, or honey, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of cinnamon and a tiny pinch of nutmeg
- Optional: small pinch of salt to balance sweetness
Directions
- Mash banana until smooth. If you want a silkier latte, blend the banana with milk in a small blender for 10 to 15 seconds.
- Warm the milk on the stove or in the microwave until hot but not boiling.
- Stir in vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and your sweetener. Taste and adjust.
- Brew your espresso or strong coffee.
- Combine coffee and banana milk. Froth if you like foam. A whisk does the trick.
- Pour into your favorite mug and finish with a dusting of cinnamon.
A quick note on coffee strength: banana and milk are cozy and mellow, so a bolder espresso shot or strong coffee keeps the Banana Bread Latte balanced. If you love dessert-forward drinks, go a little sweeter or add a sprinkle of brown sugar on top. And yes, this is excellent with a chocolate twist. Try a square of chopped milk chocolate on the bottom of the mug before you pour, or sip it with a slice of banana bread with dairy milk chocolate for a full-on treat moment.
How to Serve Your Banana Latte
If you want it iced, here’s the quick routine: blend the banana with cold milk, sweetener, and spices until silky. Fill a glass with ice. Pour the banana milk over the ice, then add your cooled espresso or cold brew. Stir and finish with a tiny sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg. That’s your Iced Banana Bread Latte in three easy moves.
For hot days, I add a splash of vanilla cold foam on top. For chilly mornings, I reach for a bigger mug and a long inhale. If friends are over, I set out small glasses and serve mini lattes alongside something snacky. A plate of crisp-edged cookies or a fruit-studded loaf keeps everyone happy. If you want a bright, fruity pairing that still loves banana, I’m a fan of blueberry banana bread. It brings a tiny tang that plays so well with the creamy drink.
And yes, whipped cream is allowed here. A tiny swoop with a dusting of cinnamon is simple and makes your cup look fancy. If you want extra texture, add a few toasted pecans on top or a drizzle of maple.
Storage Tips
Fridge vs Freezer
If you have leftover banana milk, store it in a jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The banana will settle, so shake before using. If you blended the banana super smooth, it holds up slightly better. The spices can get stronger overnight, which I like, but adjust sweetness when you reheat.
Got extra ripe bananas today but not time to make the latte? Freeze peeled banana chunks in a bag. Pop a few into the blender with milk and you’re halfway to an iced version. If you brewed too much coffee, let it cool and store it in the fridge for tomorrow’s iced latte. I try to use cooled coffee within two days for the cleanest flavor.
Substitutions & Modifications
Dairy-free swaps
Oat milk gives the creamiest texture, almond milk stays light, and coconut milk adds a subtle tropical note. If you want a nutty vibe that leans wholesome, pair your latte with something like almond flour banana bread and you’ll have a cozy coffee-shop-at-home feel. For sweetness, maple syrup blends well in cold versions and tastes great with banana.
Sweetness or strength
Prefer less sweet? Use half the sugar, then add a tiny pinch of salt to bring out the banana and spice. Want more coffee punch? Add an extra espresso shot or cut the milk by a couple tablespoons. If you like bold spice, add a touch more cinnamon or a little allspice. For extra indulgence, a teaspoon of brown butter stirred in gives a nutty, bakery-like aroma.
Extra ideas I love: a scoop of unflavored collagen or vanilla protein for a morning boost. A spoon of peanut butter or tahini for a nutty twist. A couple drops of banana extract if your banana is pale and not very ripe. And for spice lovers, a tiny pinch of ground ginger can wake everything up. Keep it simple and dial it to your taste.
Common Questions
Can I make this without a blender? Yes. Mash the banana very smooth, then whisk it into hot milk. A quick strain through a fine sieve gives you a smoother sip if you want it extra silky.
Is it sweet enough without sugar? If your banana is very ripe, sometimes yes. Taste and add a little maple syrup if you want a dessert-like cup.
What coffee works best? Espresso or strong brewed coffee. Cold brew for iced versions is great because it is smooth and not too bitter.
Can I make a big batch? Make a small jar of spiced banana milk and keep it chilled. When ready, add hot or iced coffee to each cup. Use within a day for best flavor.
How do I keep it from tasting like baby food? Use a ripe banana, not overripe to the point of super mushy. Add enough coffee and spices to balance, and a tiny pinch of salt helps a lot.
A cozy sip you’ll come back to
There is something extra comforting about a Banana Bread Latte. It feels familiar and playful at the same time, and it is pulled together with pantry basics. If you want to keep exploring, I love the ideas shared in The Best Banana Bread Latte (Iced or Hot!) with Homemade Syrup and the version from Banana Bread Latte • Mise en Kate. They show how flexible this drink can be. However you mix it up, keep it simple, adjust to your taste, and enjoy the cozy sips. If you try it, tell me how you made it yours and what you paired it with. 
Banana Bread Latte
Ingredients
Method
- Mash banana until smooth. For a silkier latte, blend the banana with milk in a small blender for 10 to 15 seconds.
- Warm the milk on the stove or in the microwave until hot but not boiling.
- Stir in vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweetener. Taste and adjust sweetness.
- Brew your espresso or strong coffee.
- Combine coffee and banana milk. Froth if you like foam using a whisk.
- Pour into your favorite mug and finish with a dusting of cinnamon.
