This Easy Vanilla Matcha Latte brings together the vibrant, earthy flavors of matcha with the smooth sweetness of vanilla in a creamy, energizing drink.
Preparing this delicious recipe only takes a few minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings or an afternoon pick-me-up.
With its bright green color and comforting flavor, this latte feels like a treat but is packed with antioxidants and natural energy, giving you a delicious way to boost your day!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe requires only a few ingredients and steps, making it perfect for busy mornings or whenever you want a quick pick-me-up.
- Natural Energy Boost: Matcha provides a gentle, sustained energy lift without the jitters, making it a great alternative to coffee.
- Antioxidant-Rich: Matcha is packed with antioxidants that support overall health, turning this latte into a nutritious treat.
- Deliciously Creamy: The addition of milk gives this latte a smooth, creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the rich, earthy flavor of matcha.
- Balanced Flavor: The hint of vanilla complements matcha’s unique taste, adding a touch of sweetness that makes the latte enjoyable even for those new to matcha.
Ingredients
Matcha powder is the star ingredient, providing a vibrant green color and a unique, earthy flavor. When choosing matcha, it’s best to go for a high-quality ceremonial grade for a smoother, more balanced taste, especially if you’re new to matcha. This type of matcha also dissolves more easily and has a more pleasant aroma, making it perfect for lattes.
Vanilla extract adds a touch of warmth and sweetness that beautifully complements the grassy notes of matcha. You can use vanilla extract for convenience or, if you want a more luxurious experience, scrape the seeds from a vanilla bean. The vanilla softens the intensity of matcha, creating a more rounded and enjoyable flavor.
Honey or sugar brings a natural sweetness to the latte. Both options work well, but honey offers a subtle floral note that pairs wonderfully with matcha, while sugar is a more neutral sweetener. Adjust the amount based on your preference, or leave it out if you prefer a more traditional, unsweetened matcha experience.
Milk is essential for creating the creamy texture of the latte. Full cream dairy milk provides a rich, velvety feel, but plant-based options like almond, oat, or coconut milk are equally delicious and make great dairy-free alternatives. Each type of milk will subtly influence the taste and thickness, so choose one that complements your preferences.
Hot water is used to whisk the matcha into a smooth consistency before combining it with milk. It’s important to use hot but not boiling water, as boiling water can make the matcha taste bitter. Whisking the matcha with water ensures a frothy, lump-free base and enhances the latte’s texture.
Wondering how to make that heart shape like in my photo above?
Check out this short video and try it at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon matcha powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (or seeds from 1/4 vanilla bean)
- 1-2 teaspoons honey or sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 2-3 tablespoons hot water
How To Make Vanilla Matcha Latte
Instructions:
- Prepare the Matcha: In a small bowl, sift 1 teaspoon of matcha powder to remove any lumps. Add 2-3 tablespoons of hot water (not boiling) and whisk the matcha until it’s smooth and frothy.
- Heat the Milk: In a small pot, heat 1 cup of milk until warm, but not boiling. Stir in the vanilla extract and honey or sugar if you prefer a sweetened latte.
- Combine: Pour the prepared matcha into a mug, then add the warm vanilla-infused milk. Stir gently to combine, or pour the milk over the matcha for a layered effect.
- Froth (Optional): For a creamier texture, froth the milk before adding it to the matcha, or use a handheld frother to mix after combining.
- Serve and Enjoy: Sip your Vanilla Matcha Latte hot, or let it cool and pour over ice for an iced version. Enjoy!
More Tips & Variations
- Add a Pinch of Cinnamon: Sprinkle a small amount of cinnamon into your matcha latte for a hint of warm spice that complements the vanilla and adds a cozy flavor.
- Coconut Milk Version: Use coconut milk as your base for a tropical twist. The natural sweetness of coconut milk pairs beautifully with matcha and adds a creamy, rich texture.
- Chilled Coffee Addition: For a unique blend, add a shot of chilled espresso or cold brew to the latte for a vanilla matcha coffee fusion that provides a dual boost of energy.
- Lavender Vanilla Matcha: Add a small pinch of culinary lavender to the milk while heating for a floral, aromatic twist that pairs beautifully with the vanilla and matcha, creating a unique and calming flavor.
- Pumpkin Spice Addition: Add a pinch of pumpkin spice blend to the matcha for a seasonal twist that’s warming and perfect for fall.
Vanilla Matcha Latte
Ingredients
- 1 tsp matcha powder
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (or seeds from 1/4 vanilla bean)
- 1-2 tsp honey or sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 2-3 tbsp hot water
Instructions
- In a small bowl, sift 1 teaspoon of matcha powder to remove any lumps. Add 2-3 tablespoons of hot water (not boiling) and whisk the matcha until it’s smooth and frothy.
- In a small pot, heat 1 cup of milk until warm, but not boiling. Stir in the vanilla extract and honey or sugar if you prefer a sweetened latte.
- Pour the prepared matcha into a mug, then add the warm vanilla-infused milk. Stir gently to combine, or pour the milk over the matcha for a layered effect.
- For a creamier texture, froth the milk before adding it to the matcha, or use a handheld frother to mix after combining.
- Sip your Vanilla Matcha Latte hot, or let it cool and pour over ice for an iced version. Enjoy!