There’s something truly delightful about sipping on a creamy, frothy drink that tastes like your favorite breakfast, especially when that drink is a French Toast Iced Latte. Picture this: a busy morning, the sunshine spilling through the kitchen window, and the rich aroma of espresso blending seamlessly with the warm notes of cinnamon and vanilla. This drink captures that cozy vibe while offering a refreshing twist perfect for any time of day.
I discovered this gem one lazy afternoon while dreaming of brunch, craving that sweet, indulgent flavor of French toast yet wanting something cool and caffeinated. This iced latte effortlessly combines the best of both worlds! With just a few simple ingredients—like rich maple syrup and a hint of sea salt—you can whip up this scrumptious drink in under five minutes. Trust me, once you take that first sip of this flavorful treat, fast food will seem a distant memory. Let’s dive in and elevate your coffee game today!
Why love this French Toast Iced Latte?
Quick and Easy: You’ll have this delicious drink ready in just 5 minutes! Perfect for busy mornings or spontaneous gatherings.
Rich Flavor Profile: Combining espresso, maple syrup, and vanilla bean paste creates a mouthwatering experience that feels like breakfast in a cup.
Versatile for Any Time: Enjoy it as a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up or a sweet end to your evening.
Frothy Delight: The hand-frothed espresso ensures a creamy texture, enhancing every sip.
Perfect for Sharing: This recipe is ideal for treating friends or family, making it a crowd-pleaser at your next brunch!
For more coffee inspiration, check out our guide on how to make the best homemade espresso drinks.
French Toast Iced Latte Ingredients
• To create this dream drink, gather these delightful ingredients!
For the Sweet Base
- 100% pure maple syrup – brings a rich and natural sweetness that complements the coffee perfectly.
- Light brown sugar – packed for extra depth and a hint of molasses flavor.
For the Flavor Boost
- Vanilla bean paste – adds aromatic richness that captures the essence of French toast.
- Ground cinnamon – infuses warmth and a hint of spice, reminiscent of brunch favorites.
- Sea salt – elevates all the sweet and savory flavors for balanced taste.
For the Coffee
- Espresso – use fresh espresso for that invigorating pick-me-up; it’s the heart of this drink!
For Serving
- Ice – essential for that refreshing chilled quality; use plenty to get it just right.
- Milk – 6 – 8 ounces; adjust the amount based on your coffee strength preference.
With these ingredients on hand, you’re one step closer to crafting the perfect French Toast Iced Latte!
How to Make French Toast Iced Latte
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Combine the sweet base by adding 2 tablespoons of 100% 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. Stir gently to blend the ingredients.
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Brew 2 ounces of espresso directly into the glass. Use a hand frother to whip it until the sugar dissolves, and the mixture is pale and frothy. This step enhances the flavor and texture beautifully.
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Fill a 20 or 24-ounce cup with ice, and pour in 6 – 8 ounces of milk. If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, aim for less milk to strike the perfect balance.
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Pour the espresso mixture over the ice and milk, allowing the frothy top to settle. Enjoy with a straw, or sip directly for that delightful foamy experience.
Optional: Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra kick!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These French Toast Iced Lattes are an excellent choice for meal prep aficionados! You can prepare the sweet base of maple syrup, light brown sugar, vanilla bean paste, ground cinnamon, and sea salt and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. For the best flavor, store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply brew your espresso and whisk it into the prepped mixture to create that creamy froth. Fill your cup with ice and milk, pour in the espresso blend, and you’ll have a delicious, refreshing drink in no time. This prep-ahead method saves busy cooks time and ensures that every sip is just as delightful as freshly made!
Expert Tips for French Toast Iced Latte
- Fresh Ingredients: Always use high-quality maple syrup and fresh espresso. This will enhance the overall flavor of your French Toast Iced Latte.
- Perfect Froth: Whip the espresso mixture until it’s pale and frothy—this step is crucial for a luxurious texture that elevates your drink.
- Milk Matters: Adjust the milk amount depending on your taste preference. Less milk results in a stronger coffee flavor, while more milk offers creaminess.
- Avoid Over-Mixing: Blend just until the ingredients are combined. Over-mixing can dilute the richness of both the espresso and maple flavors.
- Chill Your Glass: If possible, chill your serving glass beforehand. This keeps your iced latte cooler for longer, amplifying that refreshing experience.
How to Store and Freeze French Toast Iced Latte
Fridge: Store any leftover French Toast Iced Latte in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Give it a quick stir before enjoying again!
Freezer: While this drink is best fresh, you can freeze the espresso mixture in ice cube trays for up to 1 month. Blend with milk upon thawing for a frosty treat.
Reheating: If your drink has lost its chill, gently microwave for 15-20 seconds to warm it up—be sure to stir well before sipping!
What to Serve with French Toast Iced Latte?
Transform your coffee moment into a delightful meal experience with complementary dishes that awaken your taste buds.
- Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes: The sweetness of pancakes pairs beautifully with the latte’s rich flavors, creating a breakfast synergy you can’t resist.
- Crispy Bacon Strips: The salty crunch of bacon juxtaposes the sweetness of the latte, creating a mouthwatering flavor contrast that’s simply divine.
- Savory Breakfast Burrito: Packed with eggs, cheese, and your choice of fillings, these burritos offer a satisfying bite that balances the drink’s sweetness.
- Seasonal Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright, juicy fruit adds a refreshing twist, cleansing the palate while enhancing the overall flavor experience.
- Creamy Yogurt Parfait: Layers of yogurt and granola complement the creamy texture of the latte, making each sip a refreshing delight.
- Nutty Granola Bars: Their crunch and flavor make for a perfect on-the-go pairing, providing a wholesome bite alongside your iced latte.
- Maple-Glazed Donuts: Indulge even further with these sweet treats that harmonize with the maple flavors in your latte; pure bliss in every bite!
- Iced Tea or Lemonade: A cool, tangy beverage offers a nice contrast to the latte’s sweetness—ideal for a sunny brunch gathering.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: A warm cookie with melty chocolate and a cold latte is comfort food at its finest—perfect for sharing with loved ones!
French Toast Iced Latte Variations
Feel free to get creative and personalize your experience with these delightful twists on your French Toast Iced Latte!
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Dairy-Free: Swap regular milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk for a creamy yet vegan-friendly option. It adds a unique flavor while keeping things indulgent.
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Nutty Flavor Boost: Add a splash of hazelnut syrup to infuse rich nuttiness that perfectly enhances the essence of French toast. This small change brings a delightful punch!
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Spiced Up: Include a pinch of nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon for an exciting depth of flavor. These warm spices will take your latte to the next level.
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Sweetener Swap: Use honey or agave syrup instead of maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness. The subtle flavors switch things up while still maintaining that sugary vibe.
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Frappé Style: Blend the entire concoction with ice for a frosty, frappé version of your iced latte. This drink transforms into a cool treat perfect for warm days.
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Caffeine Kick: For a stronger coffee flavor, replace the espresso with cold brew coffee. It gives your drink an enhanced depth while still being refreshingly smooth.
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Extra Creamy: Mix in a bit of whipped cream on top or fold in some heavy cream for a luxurious finish. This lovely addition makes every sip feel like a dessert delight.
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Gourmet Touch: Drizzle caramel or chocolate sauce over the top to elevate your latte with sweet decadence. It’s a simple garnish that turns your drink into a showstopper!
Experiment with these variations and find your perfect blend!
French Toast Iced Latte Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe ingredients for my French Toast Iced Latte?
Absolutely! While freshness is key, you specifically want to look for high-quality maple syrup, as it should be rich in flavor. For the brown sugar, it should be tightly packed; this ensures sweetness. As for the vanilla bean paste, it should be a thick, dark mixture with visible vanilla specks. This enhances the drink’s flavor significantly.
How should I store leftover French Toast Iced Latte?
Very! If you have any leftovers, simply pour them into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. It’s best to give it a good stir before enjoying it again, as the ingredients may settle over time. If it has lost some chill, you can also pop it back in the fridge to cool!
Can I freeze the espresso mixture for later use?
Absolutely! To freeze, pour the espresso mixture into ice cube trays and freeze for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply blend the frozen cubes with cold milk for an instant frosty treat. It’s a fun way to have your latte on hand when cravings strike!
What should I do if my espresso mixture doesn’t froth up?
Oh no! If your espresso isn’t frothing as expected, make sure you’re whisking it with a hand frother until it becomes pale and frothy—this typically takes about 30 seconds of vigorous frothing. If the sugar hasn’t dissolved yet, you may need to whisk a little longer. Sometimes, ensuring the espresso is hot while you whip it can encourage better frothing as well.
Can my pets have any of these ingredients?
Definitely! While the items such as milk and vanilla bean paste won’t harm your pets in small quantities, keep them away from sweeteners, especially the brown sugar, as it’s not ideal for their health. Always consult your vet if you’re unsure about sharing snacks with your furry friends.
Delicious French Toast Iced Latte to Beat the Heat!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine the sweet base by adding maple syrup, light brown sugar, vanilla bean paste, ground cinnamon, and sea salt to a heat-safe glass. Stir gently to blend the ingredients.
- Brew espresso directly into the glass. Use a hand frother to whip it until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is pale and frothy.
- Fill a cup with ice, and pour in milk. Adjust milk for stronger or creamier taste.
- Pour the espresso mixture over the ice and milk. Enjoy with a straw or sip directly for a delightful experience.