Copycat Starbucks Banana Bread Latte Recipe

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Starbucks Banana Bread Latte is a drink that’s been making waves on the Starbucks “Secret Menu” for its dreamy dessert-like flavor. Imagine sipping on a latte that combines the sweetness of banana, the nuttiness of hazelnut, and the warm spices of cinnamon—it’s like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket of flavor.

How to make a Starbucks Banana Bread Latte

A Starbucks Banana Bread Latte is a customized latte inspired by the flavor of banana bread, made by adding banana and warm spice or nutty flavorings to a traditional espresso-and-milk drink.

Ingredients

• Espresso: 1–2 shots of espresso or strong brewed coffee.
• Milk: 1 cup of your preferred milk (dairy or plant-based).
• Banana Flavoring: Banana extract or banana puree works well.
• Hazelnut Syrup: Available at most grocery stores or online.
• Cinnamon Dolce Syrup: You can purchase this syrup online or make your own using cinnamon, brown sugar, and water (recipe below).
• Whipped Cream & Garnish: For that professional coffee shop feel.

Instructions

Step 1: Brew your espresso or strong coffee, and heat your milk (use a steamer/frother, or gently heat it on the stovetop).

Step 2: Combine espresso and milk in a mug.

Step 3: Add in 1 teaspoon of banana extract or 1–2 tablespoons of banana puree. Stir well.

Step 4: Mix in 1–2 tablespoons of hazelnut syrup and a teaspoon of cinnamon dolce syrup (or homemade syrup).

Step 5: Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg if desired.

Step 6: Enjoy your homemade Banana Bread Latte!

Tips & Tricks

• Banana Syrup Availability: Not all Starbucks locations have banana syrup, so call ahead or customize with hazelnut, vanilla, and cinnamon dolce syrups for a similar flavor.
• DIY Cinnamon Dolce Syrup Recipe: Combine ½ cup brown sugar, ½ cup water, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a saucepan. Simmer until the sugar dissolves, and store in an airtight container for future use.
• Banana Puree Hack: If using banana puree at home, blend a ripe banana with a splash of milk to avoid chunks in your drink.
• Tailor Your Taste: Adjust the number of syrup pumps to suit your sweetness preferences, and experiment with milk types for different flavor profiles.
• Iced Banana Bread Latte: Follow the same recipe and pour it over ice for a refreshing spin!

What to serve with

The flavors of a Starbucks Banana Bread Latte—nutty hazelnut, sweet banana, and a touch of warm spice—make it a perfect indulgence on its own. But if you’re enjoying it at home or planning a little coffee break setup, pairing it with the right snack or dessert can take your experience to a new level.

1. Classic Banana Bread: This is a no-brainer! Pair this latte with a slice of moist banana bread to take the “banana bread” concept to its fullest. Add some butter or cream cheese for an extra indulgent touch. Bonus points if your banana bread is packed with walnuts or chocolate chips—they’ll enhance the nutty and chocolaty undertones of the latte.

2. Coffee Cake: The soft, crumbly texture of coffee cake with a cinnamon streusel topping makes it a delightful match. Cinnamon from the cake pairs harmoniously with the subtle spice from the latte’s cinnamon dolce flavor.

3. Oatmeal Cookies: Chewy oatmeal cookies, especially those with dried bananas, raisins, or nuts, mirror the earthy-sweet flavors of the drink. If you prefer a more decadent treat, oatmeal chocolate chip cookies will do the trick!

4. Nutty Desserts: Anything with hazelnuts, almonds, or pecans will enhance the flavors of the hazelnut syrup in the latte. Try almond biscotti, nutty shortbread cookies, or a hazelnut tart for a sophisticated combination.

Ingredients Substitutes

While the Starbucks Banana Bread Latte is a popular “Secret Menu” drink, recreating it at home or customizing it at Starbucks requires access to specific ingredients like banana syrup, hazelnut syrup, and cinnamon dolce syrup.

1. Espresso

Original: Starbucks lattes are made with espresso shots.

Substitutes:

• Strong Brewed Coffee: Use dark roast coffee brewed extra strong to replicate the richness of espresso. Aim for about ¼ cup.
• Instant Espresso Powder: Dissolve 1–2 teaspoons in hot water for a quick espresso alternative.

2. Banana Syrup

Original: Starbucks uses banana-flavored syrup, which may not be widely available.

Substitutes:

• Banana Extract: A common baking ingredient; you can add 1 teaspoon to your coffee mixture.
• Banana Puree: Blend ½ a ripe banana with a splash of milk or water to create a smooth puree. Add this to your latte for an authentic banana flavor.
• Banana-Flavored Baby Food: Surprisingly, this works well! Mix 1 tablespoon into your drink for concentrated banana flavor.
• Dried Banana Powder: Found in health food stores, 1–2 teaspoons can be stirred into your latte as a flavorful alternative.

3. Hazelnut Syrup

Original: The nutty flavor from hazelnut syrup complements the banana and adds depth to the drink.

Substitutes:

• Hazelnut Extract: A few drops of hazelnut extract can provide similar nutty notes.
• Nut Butter: Stir in 1 teaspoon of almond butter, hazelnut butter, or peanut butter for a rich, nutty creaminess.
• Vanilla Syrup: While not nutty, it pairs well with banana and offers a sweeter, mellow flavor profile.
• DIY Hazelnut Syrup: Combine equal parts water and sugar with crushed hazelnuts, simmer, strain, and store in an airtight container.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve got all the details, it’s time to channel your inner barista and bring that Starbucks Banana Bread Latte goodness to life.

More Latte Recipes:

• Copycat Dutch Bros Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Latte Recipe