If you have just one lone banana sitting on your kitchen counter, then you have to make this Viral Caramelized Banana Iced Latte. This sweet and creamy coffee drink is made from a banana that is caramelized in butter and coconut sugar, then is blended with milk until it’s creamy. Then, add in a shot of your favorite espresso or cold brew, and you have a barista-quality drink that’s made in a matter of minutes!
Friends, when I saw my friend Audrey of Red Currant Bakery share this caramelized banana iced latte on Instagram the other day, I knew that I had to make it. One of the most underrated desserts, in my opinion, is anything that involves caramelized bananas, like Bananas Foster. Bananas tend to be naturally sweet as-is, and when they’re caramelized in butter and sugar, they practically melt-in-your-mouth. I mean truly, can there be anything better than that?
Oh, I can think of one thing… turning the caramelized bananas into a delicious iced latte. After the bananas are caramelized, they’re added to a blender alongside milk (side note: you can use any type of milk that you prefer! Both dairy and non-dairy milk work well!) to create a sweet, creamy, and delicious banana milk. Then, all that’s needed is your favorite cold brew and ice cubes, and boom — you have the perfect latte ready in minutes. Who needs Starbucks when you can make this?
One of my favorite parts about this recipe is the fact that, while it’s still sweet, it’s significantly lower in sugar than other sweet drinks that you could get from Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts. And, unlike drinks from those coffee chains, this recipe is free from refined sugars, swapping out the traditional sugar for coconut sugar, which has a lower glycemic index. In other words, it’s a healthier, lower sugar option!
Since this recipe comes together in just a few minutes, I love to prepare it fresh in the mornings, on the days when I have a few extra minutes to myself. It’s the perfect sweet way to start the day!
What You Need to Make This Better-Than-Starbucks Latte
- Butter: A little butter helps the bananas caramelize and take on a sweet, caramel-y flavor. You can use dairy or non-dairy butter here — either one works just as well!
- Banana: Of course, this wouldn’t be a Caramelized Banana Iced Latte without the banana! I recommend using a banana that is slightly brown and spotty, but isn’t overly mushy, so that this recipe is just the right amount of sweet!
- Cinnamon: A pinch of cinnamon adds the perfect flavor to the caramelized banana milk – don’t skip it!
- Coconut Sugar: I like using coconut sugar, because it’s perfectly sweet and allows the banana to caramelize perfectly.
- Milk: Pick your favorite milk and use it in this recipe! I like almond milk, but any type of milk should do.
- Cold Brew: I like using cold brew to make this latte super easy to put together. However, if you can pull the perfect espresso shots, you can definitely swap them for the cold brew!
- Ice Cubes: Of course, this wouldn’t be an iced latte without the ice cubes! I recently got a pebble ice maker for my new kitchen, and I love using it to make the perfect ice for lattes!
How to Make This Easy, Creamy Iced Latte
To make this latte, start by preparing the caramelized bananas. Heat a saucepan, on the stove, over medium heat, and add in the butter. While the butter is melting, slice the bananas and add them to the pan alongside the coconut sugar and cinnamon.
Allow the bananas to cook in the butter and sugar for 4-5 minutes, until they’re caramelized. Once they’re done, remove the bananas from the heat and allow them to cool.
Next, prepare the banana milk. Add the milk of choice and the caramelized bananas into a blender. Blend until they’re smooth and creamy. If any chunks remain, simply strain them out. You want the banana mixture to be as smooth as possible.
Finally, prepare the latte. Add ice to a tall glass, followed by the cold brew or espresso. Pour the banana milk on top, then serve and enjoy!
If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a review and rating below! To see more recipes and behind the scenes, follow along on Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube! I’m also now on Pinterest, so stop by and take a look at what’s new.
** Photography by Tanya Pilgrim
Equipment
- Blender this ensures that the banana milk is smooth and creamy!
Ingredients
- 1 Teaspoon Butter
- 1 Banana, sliced
- ½ Teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1 Tablespoon Coconut Sugar
- 1 Cup Milk of Choice, I used almond milk, but any milk will work well
- 8 Ounce Cold Brew, or substitute two shots of espresso
- 1 Handful Ice Cubes
Instructions
- To make this latte, start by preparing the caramelized bananas. Heat a saucepan, on the stove, over medium heat, and add in the butter.
- While the butter is melting, slice the bananas and add them to the pan alongside the coconut sugar and cinnamon.
- Allow the bananas to cook in the butter and sugar for 4-5 minutes, until they're caramelized.
- Once they're done, remove the bananas from the heat and allow them to cool.
- Next, prepare the banana milk. Add the milk of choice and the caramelized bananas into a blender. Blend until they're smooth and creamy.
- If any chunks remain, simply strain them out. You want the banana mixture to be as smooth as possible.
- Finally, prepare the latte. Add ice to a tall glass, followed by the cold brew or espresso.
- Pour the banana milk on top, then serve and enjoy!
Rate & review
SELECT A RATING and tell me what you think!