If you adore the cozy flavors of French toast but crave a refreshing twist, the French Toast Iced Latte Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delightful beverage combines the warm, sweet notes of maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla with the invigorating punch of rich espresso, perfectly balanced over ice and creamy milk. It’s like having your favorite breakfast in a glass that’s cool enough to brighten even the hottest days. Whether you’re treating yourself to a morning perk-up or a decadent afternoon pick-me-up, this recipe brings that nostalgic French toast vibe to your coffee routine in the best possible way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is wonderfully simple yet relies on each ingredient to create that comforting French toast flavor with a caffeinated kick. Every component plays its part, from the sweetness and spice to the bold coffee notes and creamy texture.
- 100% pure maple syrup (2 tablespoons): Adds natural sweetness and that classic rich maple flavor reminiscent of French toast toppings.
- Light brown sugar, packed (2 tablespoons): Brings a deep, molasses-like sweetness that complements the syrup perfectly.
- Vanilla bean paste (½ teaspoon): Provides intense vanilla aroma and flecks of authenticity for a gourmet touch.
- Ground cinnamon (â…› teaspoon): Sprinkles that signature French toast warm spice, awakening the senses.
- Sea salt (â…› teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet flavors by adding a subtle balance and depth.
- Espresso (2 ounces): The star that brings boldness and coffee flavor to this iced latte masterpiece.
- Ice: Keeps your drink refreshingly cool and perfectly dilutes the intense flavors.
- Milk (6 – 8 ounces): Creamy base that smooths out the espresso and sweet mix, with the amount adjustable to your taste preference.
How to Make French Toast Iced Latte Recipe
Step 1: Combine Your Sweet and Spiced Ingredients
Start by adding the maple syrup, light brown sugar, vanilla bean paste, ground cinnamon, and sea salt into a heat-safe glass. This combination is what captures the essence of French toast in your latte, creating the base that’s bursting with warm, sweet flavors.
Step 2: Brew and Froth the Espresso
Brew your espresso directly into the glass with the syrup mixture. Using a hand frother, whip everything together until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture turns pale and frothy. This step not only sweetens the coffee but creates a lovely velvety texture that enhances drinking pleasure.
Step 3: Prepare Your Iced Milk
Fill a large 20 or 24-ounce cup with plenty of ice and pour in 6 to 8 ounces of milk. The amount of milk is flexible depending on whether you want a stronger coffee taste or a creamier, milder latte. Stir just a bit if you like, but remember the next step will combine everything beautifully.
Step 4: Assemble and Enjoy
Carefully pour the espresso mixture over your ice and milk. You’ll notice the frothy top settles perfectly on the surface, inviting you to sip and savor each delicious mouthful. Use a straw to get every layer or enjoy the foamy crown by sipping directly—either way, it’s pure indulgence.
How to Serve French Toast Iced Latte Recipe
Garnishes
To amp up the experience, garnish with a light dusting of ground cinnamon or a drizzle of maple syrup on top. A few tiny vanilla bean specks scattered on the foam can add visual flair and extra aroma. These little touches make your drink look just as fantastic as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This iced latte pairs wonderfully with breakfast staples like buttery croissants, warm cinnamon rolls, or even a plate of classic French toast for the full thematic breakfast experience. For a lighter option, fresh fruit or a simple oatmeal cookie can complement the flavors without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your French Toast Iced Latte in a stylish clear glass to showcase the layered beauty of the espresso, milk, and froth. Consider a rustic wooden tray or a cozy coffee nook setting to bring that homemade, comforting café vibe straight to your home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you make too much, keep any leftover espresso mixture refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Freshness is key to maintaining that perfect French toast flavor and creamy texture.
Freezing
Freezing this latte is not recommended because the milk and frothy texture don’t hold up well after thawing. For the best experience, prepare fresh when possible.
Reheating
Since this is an iced latte, it’s best enjoyed cold. However, if you prefer a warm version, gently reheat the espresso and syrup mixture separately and then combine with warmed milk. Whisk well to recreate the frothy finish.
FAQs
Can I use regular sugar instead of light brown sugar?
While regular sugar will sweeten your drink, light brown sugar adds a deeper, caramel-like flavor that’s closer to the authentic French toast experience. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can substitute, but the taste might be slightly less rich.
What type of milk works best for this recipe?
You can use any milk you prefer—dairy or plant-based. Whole milk gives the creamiest texture, but oat, almond, or soy milk also complement the flavors nicely while keeping it dairy-free.
Can I make this recipe without an espresso machine?
If you don’t have an espresso machine, strong brewed coffee or concentrated cold brew can work in a pinch. Just make sure it’s bold enough to stand up to the sweetness and milk.
How sweet is this drink? Can I adjust the sweetness?
This French Toast Iced Latte Recipe is moderately sweet thanks to the maple syrup and brown sugar. Feel free to adjust the amounts to your liking—less syrup or sugar for a more subtle sweetness, or a bit more for a dessert-like treat.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Since the drink contains espresso, it’s best for adults or older teenagers. You can create a kid-friendly version by omitting the coffee and mixing the maple, vanilla, cinnamon, and milk over ice for a sweet, spicy treat without caffeine.
Final Thoughts
This French Toast Iced Latte Recipe is a fantastic way to cozy up to all your favorite breakfast flavors without the heat. It’s easy to make, irresistibly tasty, and perfect for any time you want a little morning magic or a special afternoon sip. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this unique iced latte again and again!
Print
French Toast Iced Latte Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delightful French Toast Iced Latte that combines rich espresso with a sweet maple syrup and brown sugar blend, enhanced by vanilla bean, cinnamon, and a touch of sea salt. Served over ice and milk for a refreshing, creamy coffee treat perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients
Sweetened Espresso Mixture
- 2 tablespoons 100% pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar (packed)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- â…› teaspoon ground cinnamon
- â…› teaspoon sea salt
- 2 ounces espresso
Assembly
- Ice (enough to fill a 20 or 24-ounce cup)
- 6 – 8 ounces milk (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Combine Sweeteners and Flavorings: Add 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup, 2 tablespoons of packed light brown sugar, ½ teaspoon of vanilla bean paste, ⅛ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ⅛ teaspoon of sea salt to a heat-safe glass.
- Add Espresso and Froth: Brew 2 ounces of espresso directly into the glass containing the sweetened mixture. Use a hand frother to whip the ingredients until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes pale and frothy, creating a flavorful base.
- Prepare the Glass: Fill a 20 or 24-ounce cup with ice cubes to chill the drink and provide texture.
- Combine and Serve: Pour 6 to 8 ounces of milk over the ice in the cup, adjusting the quantity based on your preference for coffee strength. Then, pour the frothy espresso mixture over the milk and ice. Enjoy your French Toast Iced Latte with a straw or sip directly to savor the foamy top.
Notes
- Adjust the milk quantity based on how strong you prefer your coffee flavor.
- Using vanilla bean paste enhances the authentic vanilla flavor, but vanilla extract can be substituted if needed.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond, oat, or soy milk.
- To make this drink sweeter or less sweet, adjust the amount of maple syrup and brown sugar accordingly.
- Use freshly brewed espresso for the best flavor and froth consistency.
