Iced Apple Crisp Non-Dairy Cream Chai (Starbucks Copycat)

Sip your way into fall with this refreshing and creamy Iced Apple Crisp Non-Dairy Cream Chai! This copycat Starbucks drink is a cool twist on your favorite autumn flavors, blending sweet apple, spicy chai, and velvety oat milk into a deliciously cozy iced treat.

Picture this: you’re in the mood for a caffeinated beverage that is unequivocally fall, but that cools you off with a crisp finish and icy chill. Something cozy but not too heavy, with a hint of spice and a dash of sweetness. Enter the beloved iced apple chai, Starbucks edition; but instead of ordering from a beloved green-aproned barista, you make it in your kitchen! 

That’s right, you’re about to become your new favorite barista, whipping up a dreamy iced apple pie chai latte that tastes like it was poured straight from a fall festival. Image the bold flavors of chai, mingling with the sweet, spiced notes of homemade apple brown sugar syrup, and a hint of vanilla, all topped with a velvety, cloud-like apple cream cold foam. This drink will have you sipping and smiling knowing you mastered a Starbucks favorite at home. 

The best part is this recipe is dairy-free so everyone can enjoy this autumnal treat without compromise! A luscious combination of oat milk and soy milk in the cold foam gives it a perfect creamy texture for a light yet indulgent experience. You also don’t need any high-end equipment to craft this coffeehouse-style apple crisp latte! All you need is a milk frother and a mason jar and you’ll be sipping on your new fall obsession in just a few minutes. 

Jump to:

• What is an Iced Non-Dairy Apple Cream Chai Latte?
• What does it taste like?
• Why You’ll Love This Iced Apple Crisp Non-Dairy Cream Chai
• Ingredients
• Substitutions
• How to Make an Iced Non-Dairy Apple Cream Chai Latte At Home
• Optional Variations & Dietary Adjustments
• Serving Suggestions
• Recipe Success Tips
• FAQs
• Nutritional Info
• Other Fall-Inspired Drink Recipes
• Iced Apple Crisp Non-Dairy Cream Chai (Starbucks Copycat)

What is an Iced Non-Dairy Apple Cream Chai Latte?

This iced apple chai tea latte has a delightful blend of oat milk and chai tea concentrate as the base topped with a frothy apple cream cold foam. It is a refreshing, dairy-free twist on the newly released Starbucks fall favorite, perfect for those who crave the flavors of autumn in a chilled, energizing drink.

The non-dairy apple cream cold foam is the cherry on top, made from creamy oat and soy milk, homemade apple brown sugar syrup, and vanilla syrup. The syrups add a signature layer of sweetness reminiscent of biting into a freshly baked apple pie, while the combination of frothed milk adds a velvety texture that’s simply irresistible. Served over ice, this drink is the ultimate anytime pick-me-up. 

What does it taste like?

The first sip of this apple pie chai is invigoratingly cool, as the ice hits you first, refreshing your senses. Then, rich, aromatic flavors of chai tea follow. The spices–cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves–are bold yet perfectly balanced, creating a warm and inviting base. Then, just as you’re savoring that spicy goodness, the cold foam makes its entrance.

Creamy, yet light and airy, it is the perfect contrast to the robust chai flavors. The foam has a dreamy apple sweetness and rich vanilla note thanks to the apple brown sugar and vanilla syrups, adding a dessert-like quality. It’s sweet but not overpowering, like a drizzle of caramel over a baked apple. Each sip is like the best parts of an apple pie and a chai latte combined but in a chilled, sippable form.

Why You’ll Love This Iced Apple Crisp Non-Dairy Cream Chai

Here is why this iced latte will become your new fall go-to:

• Drinkable Apple Pie: The homemade apple brown sugar syrup adds a hint of sweetness reminiscent of a slice of apple pie, perfectly encapsulating the essence of fall while complementing the spicy chai in each sip. 
• DIY Barista: Skip the coffee shop line and whip up this indulgent treat in your kitchen, complete with a frothy apple cream cold foam.  
• Dairy-Free Delight: Made with creamy oat milk and soy milk, this latte is completely dairy-free, making it a great choice for those who avoid dairy but still crave something indulgent. 
• Your-Round Cozy: Enjoy warm, comforting fall flavors in a chilled, refreshing drink perfect for any time of year!

Ingredients

To make the best iced apple brown sugar chai, you’ll need a few key ingredients:

• Oat Milk - I recommend using full-fat oat milk for the base of the latte for a smooth, creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the chai, and barista-style oat milk for the best frothing results in the cold foam. 
• Soy Milk - Combined with barista-style oat milk to form the base of the cold foam, and adds a slightly nutty flavor and thick, frothy texture. 
• Chai Tea Concentrate - This is where the spice comes in, and a slight kick of caffeine! I get my favorite chai tea concentrate online or you can find brands at most grocery stores. 
• Apple Brown Sugar Syrup: The star of the show is the easy homemade apple brown sugar syrup, made from apple juice, dark brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Or you can find apple-flavored syrup online or at specialty stores. 
• Vanilla Syrup: A touch of homemade vanilla syrup rounds out the flavors in the cold foam, adding a subtle sweetness and depth to the drink. You can also use store-bought.

Substitutions

If you’re out of an ingredient or are looking to mix things up, try these substitutions to keep your iced apple chai delicious: 

• Oat Milk: While oat milk is preferred for maximum creaminess, you can substitute it with almond milk for a slightly nuttier flavor and lighter texture. Full-fat coconut milk is another option for a creamier, richer texture. Regular milk works, too, if you’re not dairy-free.
• Soy Milk: For a nut-free option, try using rice or cashew milk. Almond milk can also be used for a slightly different flavor profile. If you prefer a thicker foam, coconut milk is a good alternative. 
• Chai Tea Concentrate: If you can’t find chai tea concentrate, brew strong chai tea using chai tea bags or loose-leaf chai and sweeten to taste with a sweetener of choice. You can also try a spiced black tea for a similar effect.
• Apple Brown Sugar Syrup: If homemade apple brown sugar syrup isn’t an option, use maple syrup or honey with a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg and add a splash of apple juice in a pinch. You could also use a store-bought apple-flavored syrup. 
• Vanilla Syrup: Agave nectar or maple syrup can substitute vanilla syrup, though they will change the flavor slightly. You can also add a few drops of vanilla extract with a sweetener of choice for a similar effect.

How to Make an Iced Non-Dairy Apple Cream Chai Latte At Home

Get your green apron ready–here’s how you can make your own Starbucks copycat iced apple chai latte at home in just a few simple steps: 

Step One: Prepare cold foam. Add all the apple cream cold foam ingredients to a small mason jar or glass.

Step Two: Froth the cold foam: Use a hand-held milk frother to froth the cold foam ingredients for 20-30 seconds until it is pale in color and fully whipped. Set aside. 

Step Three: Prepare the latte glass. Add ice to a tall glass, then pour in the chai concentrate. 

Step Four: Add oat milk. Top the latte glass with ½ cup of oat milk and stir if desired. 

Step Five: Top off with cold foam. Top your drink with the frothed apple cream cold foam, then drink up! 

Optional Variations & Dietary Adjustments

Here are a few optional ideas to tweak your iced apple cream chai latte to suit your taste or dietary preferences, as needed: 

• Extra Caffeinated: Add a shot of espresso to the chai concentrate for a dirty apple chai with a little extra buzz.  
• Decaf: While chai concentrate has a relatively low caffeine content (the chai concentrate I recommend has 19 mg per serving, compared to 120 mg in the average cup of coffee) you can choose a non-caffeinated concentrate to omit caffeine altogether. 
• Less Sweet: To make this drink less sweet, reduce the amount of apple brown sugar and vanilla syrups in the cold foam. 
• Spicier Kick: Sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg into the chai concentrate or on top of the cold foam for an extra layer of warmth and spice. 
• Sugar-Free: Use a sugar-free chai concentrate and swap the syrups for sugar-free alternatives for a lower-sugar and calorie drink.

Serving Suggestions

• Perfect Afternoon Pick-Me-Up: Enjoy this iced latte as a refreshing treat during your afternoon slump or to cool down on a warmer day. The balanced blend of chai spices and sweet apple cream is an energizing way to perk up when your day needs a boost.
• Brunch Beverage Star: Pair this latte with your favorite brunch spread! The subtle sweetness and spice make this drink a delightful complement to savory and sweet dishes, whether serving avocado toast or a stack of fluffy pancakes.  
• Cozy Evening Sipper: Wind down your day by curling up with a good book and a glass of this iced latte with decaf chai concentrate. The warm spices and creamy oat milk create a comforting experience, perfect for a relaxing evening at home.

Recipe Success Tips

• Chill your glass. For the ultimate iced latte experience, chill your glass in the freezer for a few minutes before preparing your drink. This will keep your beverage colder for longer, enhancing the refreshing effect of each sip. 
• Use fresh chai concentrate. While pre-made chai concentrate is convenient, freshly brewed chai tea can elevate the flavor. Just brew your favorite chai tea bags stronger than usual, cool the tea down, sweeten it to taste, and use it in place of the concentrate. 
• Master the cold foam. Use a barista-style oat milk for the perfect frothy cold foam texture, and froth it for at least 20-30 seconds. The consistency should be thick and creamy, but still pourable. If it’s too runny, froth it a bit more; if it’s too thick, add a splash of soy milk to loosen it up. The important thing to remember is that it takes at least 20-30 seconds to get dairy-free cold foam to the right texture.
• Customize the sweetness. Everyone’s sweetness preferences differ, so feel free to adjust the amount of apple brown sugar and vanilla syrups to suit your taste. Start with less, taste, and add more as needed.

FAQs

Nutritional Info

This iced apple cream chai latte is a treat that balances the indulgence with a lighter touch, making it a delicious choice for a subtle caffeine boost. With 239 calories per serving, it’s a satisfying drink you can enjoy while being mindful of your daily intake. The 44 grams of carbohydrates provide quick energy, making it a perfect pick-me-up. The sugar content is a bit high at 38 grams per serving, so if you’re watching your sugar intake consider using less apple brown sugar and vanilla syrup or make sugar-free options. 

There are 6 grams of fat, largely from the oat and soy milk, adding a creamy richness that makes each sip of this latte smooth and luxurious. If you’re looking to cut back on fat, consider swapping in almond milk or skim milk if you’re not dairy-free for a lighter drink that still offers a creamy texture. However, it’s worth noting that the fat content here also contributes to the drink’s satisfying mouthfeel and helps balance the spices in the chai concentrate. 

Protein content is not particularly significant in this drink, with just 3 grams of protein per serving. While it’s not a protein powerhouse, this latter is more about the comforting flavors and textures. If you want to add more protein, consider protein-enriched plant milk or a scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder that blends well with the other flavors. 

Overall this iced delicacy is a delicious blend of flavors and textures with a nutritional profile that’s easy to enjoy as part of your day. Whether you’re sipping it as a morning treat or afternoon pick-me-up, you can adjust the ingredients to suit your nutritional needs while still indulging in its cozy, spiced goodness.

Total nutritional content per serving is:

• Calories: 239 calories
• Total Fat: 6 grams
• Protein: 3 grams
• Sodium: 98 mg
• Carbohydrates: 44 grams
• Sugar: 38 grams

*This nutritional information is an estimate and calculated based on the ingredients used to create the recipe. The nutritional value of your ingredients may differ slightly. Furthermore, this food is not intended to prevent, diagnose, cure, or treat any disease.

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xoxo Megan