If you love the vanilla coffee from your favorite café, try this simple homemade version. With just a few ingredients and easy steps you can enjoy a rich, creamy vanilla coffee at home anytime.
Savoring a well-made vanilla coffee doesn’t require a trip out. This easy recipe recreates the café flavor using natural ingredients and a homemade vanilla milk, so you can make the best vanilla coffee in just minutes.
Ingredients you need
- Strong coffee: Freshly brewed, bold coffee is the foundation. Use beans with rich, complementary notes—cocoa, wood, or spice work especially well.
- Homemade vanilla milk: A simple almond-vanilla milk or another plant-based vanilla milk brings creamy sweetness without syrups. Prepare it ahead for convenience.
How to make vanilla iced or hot coffee
Step One: Warm or prepare your homemade vanilla milk.
Step Two: Brew a cup of strong coffee.
Step Three: Pour the coffee into your serving glass, then add the vanilla milk. Optionally top with frothed vanilla milk for a barista-style finish. For iced coffee, let the drink cool briefly and pour over ice, skipping the foam.
Barista tips
When frothing vanilla milk, aim for a temperature between 131°F and 149°F (55°C–65°C) for best texture. Homemade vanilla milk keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days—warm as needed before using.
Equipment
- Saucepan or microwave-safe mug: For warming the vanilla milk.
- Coffee brewer: Use your preferred method—French press, pour-over, or AeroPress all work well.
- Milk frother: Optional, but frothing adds a pleasant, silky top.
- Serving glass: Any heatproof mug or glass you like will do.
Frequently asked questions
You can make the homemade vanilla milk the day before or prepare it right before making coffee. It stays fresh in the fridge for a few days and is the key to a natural, syrup-free vanilla flavor.
Yes—use decaf or half-caf beans if you prefer a lower-caffeine option.
Absolutely. Prepare the drink as directed, skip the foam if you like, let it cool slightly, then pour over ice.
Recipe: Vanilla Coffee with homemade Almond-Vanilla-Milk
This vanilla coffee uses all-natural ingredients and no syrups. Homemade almond-vanilla milk provides a creamy, plant-based base—prepare it ahead for the best results.
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Narrow-meshed sieve
- Frother (optional)
- Serving glass
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup homemade vanilla milk
- 1 cup strong coffee (pour-over, French press, AeroPress)
- Frothed vanilla milk, to top (optional)
Instructions
- If the vanilla milk was made ahead, warm 3/4 cup of it on the stove or in the microwave.
- Brew 1 cup strong coffee using your preferred method and pour it into the serving glass.
- Pour in the warmed vanilla milk.
- Top with frothed vanilla milk if desired, using a steam wand, French press, or handheld frother.
Nutrition (per serving)
Serving: 1 | Calories: 33 kcal | Carbohydrates: 4 g | Protein: 1 g | Fat: 2 g | Sugar: 3 g
Servings: 2 | Prep time: 5 mins | Total time: 5 mins | Author: Nora
Now available!
Brewing Coffee for Milk Drinks
Brewing Coffee for Milk Drinks
How to adapt your favorite brews for milk & creamers — without an espresso machine.
If you try this recipe, leave a rating and comment to share how it turned out. Tag @combinegoodflavors on social media to show your creation.