Banana Bread Latte Recipe

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Cook Time: 20 minutes

This indulgent banana latte is topped with sweet caramelized bananas and a luscious banana cream foam, making it the perfect drink to enjoy any time of day. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients

For the Homemade Banana Syrup:

• 1 1/2 medium ripe bananas, sliced
• 3/4 cup brown sugar substitute (e.g., Swerve)
• 1/4 cup sugar-free maple-flavored syrup (e.g., Pyure)
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon banana extract
• 1/2 teaspoon maple extract
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Latte:

• 1/2 cup hot coffee
• 1/2 cup hot milk
• 3 tablespoons homemade banana syrup (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon banana extract

For the Banana Cream Foam:

• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon homemade banana syrup

For the Caramelized Bananas:

• 2 teaspoons butter
• 1/2 medium banana, sliced
• 1 tablespoon sugar-free maple-flavored syrup (e.g., Pyure)

Directions

1. Gather all your ingredients and prepare your workspace for an easy cooking experience.
2. In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine sliced bananas, brown sugar substitute, and maple syrup substitute. Stir occasionally until the sugar is fully dissolved.
3. Add water to the saucepan, then increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes.
4. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in salt, cinnamon, banana extract, maple extract, and vanilla extract. Use an immersion blender to blend everything until smooth and well-combined.
5. To make the banana cream foam, combine heavy whipping cream and banana syrup in a glass. Use a frother to whisk the mixture until it becomes light and frothy.
6. For the caramelized bananas, melt butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add maple-flavored syrup to the pan. Arrange banana slices in a single layer and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until golden brown and caramelized.
7. Pour the hot coffee into a mug. In a separate cup, combine banana syrup, banana extract, and hot milk, then pour it into the mug with the coffee. Stir to combine.
8. Top your banana latte with the banana cream foam and the freshly caramelized banana slices.
9. If you'd prefer an iced version, follow the same steps up to Step 5. For Step 6, fill a glass with ice, and add 1/2 cup cold milk and 1/2 cup cold coffee. Then, top with the banana cream foam and caramelized bananas.

Cook's Note: This drink can be made iced by adding cold milk and coffee over ice and topping it with the banana cream foam and caramelized bananas as described in Step 6.

The Story Behind the Banana Bread Latte

The Banana Bread Latte is a modern twist on classic comfort flavors, inspired by the beloved American banana bread. Its origins can be traced back to the rise of flavored lattes in the United States during the early 21st century, when coffee shops began experimenting with desserts-in-a-cup. The idea was simple yet ingenious: capture the warm, sweet, and slightly spiced taste of banana bread and translate it into a creamy, indulgent coffee beverage.

Regional Variations

While the core concept of the Banana Bread Latte remains consistent, regional adaptations have emerged. In the United States, cafs often emphasize rich, caramelized bananas and a heavy cream foam topping. In Europe, particularly in Italy and France, the drink tends to be less sweet, with more emphasis on the espresso and natural banana flavors. Some Asian coffee shops add matcha or boba to the latte, creating an East-meets-West flavor experience. Each region highlights local preferences for sweetness, milk texture, and the balance of spices.

How It Differs From Similar Drinks

The Banana Bread Latte stands apart from other flavored lattes such as pumpkin spice or caramel lattes due to its layered complexity. Instead of relying on a single syrup, it combines banana, maple, and subtle spice extracts, creating a taste reminiscent of freshly baked banana bread. Unlike a banana-flavored milkshake or smoothie, this drink maintains a strong coffee base, providing both a caffeine boost and dessert-like indulgence. The caramelized banana garnish and foamed banana cream further differentiate it, adding both texture and visual appeal.

Where Its Typically Served

This beverage is most commonly served in specialty coffee shops, often as a seasonal or signature menu item. During colder months, it is a popular choice for breakfast or brunch, providing both comfort and energy. Some boutique cafs also present it in glass mugs, highlighting the layered effect of coffee, milk, and foam. It can be enjoyed hot or iced, making it versatile for year-round consumption.

Fun and Interesting Facts

• The banana syrup used in the latte can be made from ripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste, making it a sustainable choice.
• The combination of banana, maple, and cinnamon mirrors the traditional ingredients of classic banana bread, creating a nostalgic flavor experience.
• Despite its rich and indulgent taste, this latte can be adapted to sugar-free or plant-based variations without losing its signature flavor.
• Some baristas have turned the drink into an art form, carving designs in the foamed banana cream or using caramelized banana slices to create intricate latte toppers.
• The drinks popularity has surged on social media platforms, where its visual layers and dessert-like appearance make it highly shareable.

FAQ about Banana Bread Latte Recipe