If you’re in the market for a rich, creamy, vegan coffee drink to start your mornings on the right foot, you can stop your scrolling. Today I’m going to show you all the secrets behind crafting a perfect Oat Milk Latte! Say goodbye to the long lines and hefty café prices — this quick and easy recipe is designed to save you both time AND a pretty penny.
If dairy milk leaves your tummy in knots but you still want to enjoy the frothy goodness of a latte, this creamy oat milk latte is the perfect solution for any coffee lover. Made with just 2 ingredients in about 5 minutes, this wholesome beverage is sure to become a staple in your morning routine or as a way to fend off the 3 o'clock slump!
In recent years, the demand for dairy alternatives has skyrocketed, and oat milk has emerged as a champion among them. It's no surprise why — the creamy texture and subtly sweet flavor of this plant-based milk is a near dupe for dairy. When paired with rich, silky espresso, it creates an indulgent latte that's as satisfying as it is sustainable!
In this post, I'll guide you through every step of creating a luxurious oatmilk latte that rivals any coffee shop's version. From selecting the right brand of oat milk to achieving that ethereally light and fluffy oat milk foam, we'll leave no stone unturned.
This recipe combines the perfect balance of smooth espresso coffee with oat milk’s nutty creaminess, and an optional touch of sweetness to create a cozy cup of caffeinated glory. You'll be amazed at how a few simple ingredients can transform your mornings and elevate your coffee-drinking experience to new heights. So what are you waiting for? Let’s dive right in!
Jump to:
- What is an oat milk latte?
- What does it taste like?
- Why You’ll Love This Oat Milk Latte Recipe
- Ingredients Needed
- Substitutions
- How To Make An Oat Milk Latte At Home
- Optional Variations & Dietary Adjustments
- Serving Suggestions
- Recipe Success Tips
- FAQs
- Oat Milk Latte Nutrition
- Other Yummy Drinks To Make With Oat Milk
- Easy Oat Milk Latte
What is an oat milk latte?
A latte is a yummy combination of rich espresso and velvety steamed milk mixed in a 1:3 ratio. Generally speaking, it starts with a shot (or two, if you need a little extra oomph) of intense, aromatic espresso, carefully extracted to perfection. Then comes the magic touch—a generous pour of creamy, steamed milk. The milk mellows out the espresso's boldness, creating an easy-to-swig beverage that is both caffeinating and cozy.
An oat milk latte, then, is just an iteration of the iconic Italian espresso drink that uses creamy plant-based oat milk in place of regular dairy milk. From there, you have all the flexibility of a regular latte — serve it hot or iced, sweeten it with your choice of coffee syrup or sugar, or add a sprinkle of warming spices to titillate your senses. Cheers to lattes, oat milk or otherwise, and the joy they bring!
What does it taste like?
​​Imagine a harmonious duet between espresso's bold charisma and oat milk's gentle, nutty sweetness. They dance together like the best duo in a Broadway musical—balanced, yet full of character. The espresso brings a robust punch of roasted goodness, while the oat milk adds a creamy, dreamy sweetness that'll make your tastebuds boogie with joy.
While I think oat milk is a *pretty* close substitute for dairy milk, it has its own character to show. Oat milk brings a subtle nuttiness that adds a touch of whimsy to every sip. It's like a delightful game of hide-and-seek, where the nutty notes playfully reveal themselves just when you least expect it.
Why You’ll Love This Oat Milk Latte Recipe
If lattes are your morning love language, you have to try your hand at making your own! This oat milk latte recipe isn’t just delicious. It’s also:
- Quick & Easy - Warm and froth oat milk, pull a few shots of espresso, pour, and go! The whole process takes just 5 minutes or less. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder why you used to pay upwards of $5 and wait in an interminable drive-thru lane to get one.
- Made With Only 2 Ingredients - Spoiler alert: all you need is espresso and oat milk.
- Endlessly Customizable - Serve it hot or cold, add a shot of flavored syrup (oat milk vanilla latte, anyone?), sprinkle with warming spices, or add an adult tipple. When you play the Coffee Copycat game, you get to make all the calls!
- Budget-Friendly - It has been an endless source of frustration to me that swapping in oat milk for dairy milk somehow demands a $0.65+ upcharge at pretty much every coffee shop I’ve visited. NO MORE! This café-quality homemade oatmeal latte costs only about $1 all-in if you make it yourself.
Ingredients Needed
As promised, you only need a couple of simple ingredients to make this exquisite oat milk coffee recipe. Here’s what to grab:
- Espresso Shots - You can pull these using a countertop espresso machine, or use a more budget-friendly stovetop espresso maker instead. I personally love using my Keurig machine!
- Oat Milk - You can’t have an oat milk latte without the title ingredient! FWIW, I think Oatly is the best brand on the market.
- Honey Simple Syrup - I’m personally having a moment with my homemade honey syrup. A oatmilk honey latte is *chef’s kiss* delectable.
The Best Oat Milk For Lattes
So for this recipe, I tried lots of different brands of oat milk. As it turns out, the full-fat Oatly version is BY FAR the best for both froth-ability and taste. I also found out that Starbucks exclusively uses Oatly brand oat milk, so if you’re aiming to replace your favorite ‘bucks drinks, Oatly is the way to go.
Substitutions
While the original recipe is pretty perfect, I recognize that everyone’s pantry looks a little different. If you’re out of anything, you have plenty of easy substitutions you can make:
- Espresso Shots - Feel free to swap in 8 oz of regular strong coffee or cold-brewed coffee instead. Alternatively, you can go super budget and use instant espresso dissolved in hot or cold water instead.
- Oat Milk - I used unsweetened oat milk, butyou’re welcome to use ANY kind of milk you want, plant-based or otherwise. Regular milk, plant-based milk alternative, or non-dairy milk all work great. Pistachio latte? Sure! Chocolate milk latte? Why not? Dirty chai latte? Heck to the yeah! You’re in the driver’s seat, so steer this coffee ship to wherever you want to go.
- Honey Simple Syrup - Feel free to omit it, or use any type of coffee sweetener or even ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, if you prefer.
How To Make An Oat Milk Latte At Home
If you’ve yet to try oat milk in coffee, you’re going to love this silky-smooth introduction. Here’s how to make a café-quality vegan latte at home:
Step 1: Heat oat milk until just starting to foam (around 140°).
Step 2: Froth the warm milk using a milk frother or whisk. (If you’re using a good brand of oat milk, it should take less than 30 seconds to get some foam!)
Step 3: Pull the espresso shots and pour them into your mug. Stir in the honey syrup (if using).
Step 4: Pour the oat milk over the espresso and drink up!
Optional Variations & Dietary Adjustments
When it comes to the versatility of a homemade Oat Milk Latte, the sky is the limit in terms of fun variations and dietary adaptations you can explore. Here are some delightful options to consider:
- Flavorful Syrups: Add a burst of sweet flavor to your Oat Milk Latte by incorporating various syrups. Experiment with classics like vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut, or get creative with seasonal options like pumpkin spice or peppermint.
- Spices & Powders: Elevate your latte's complexity by sprinkling in a pinch of spices or powders. Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cocoa powder, or even a dash of turmeric can provide a delightful twist and depth of flavor.
- Sweeteners: Tailor your latte's sweetness to your liking by choosing your sweetener of choice. Whether you opt for brown sugar, white sugar, maple syrup, agave nectar, or a natural zero-calorie sweetener like stevia, you can easily adjust the sweetness level to suit your needs.
- Iced Oat Milk Latte: If you're craving a refreshing, summery alternative to the cozy comfort of a regular oat milk latte, transform it into an icy delight. Pour your freshly brewed espresso over ice cubes and mix it with lightly frothed cold oat milk. Go the extra mile and add a drizzle of homemade vanilla syrup, then top it off with a swirl of whipped cream for an indulgent iced vanilla oat milk latte.
- Decaf: If you're sensitive to caffeine or prefer sipping on one in the evening, you can easily adapt this recipe by using decaf espresso. You'll still enjoy the creamy goodness without the buzzy eye-opening effects of caffeine.
Serving Suggestions
Want to enhance your café-at-home experience? Try any of the following to up your barista game:
- Take your presentation to the next level by practicing your latte art. Pour your frothed oat milk carefully over the espresso, creating beautiful patterns like hearts, rosettas, or even intricate designs.
- Accompany your oatmilk latte with a crunchy biscotti, flaky croissant, a buttery scone, or a warm cinnamon roll. There's no better way to give yourself the feeling of luxury on the cheap than by busting out some freshly baked pastries!
- Balance the richness of your latte with a vibrant fruit medley for a beautifully healthy way to start the day. Bonus points if you hit every color of the ROYGBIV rainbow. 🌈
- For an extra touch of indulgence, top your homemade latte with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, or colored sprinkles. This whimsical addition not only adds visual appeal but also adds an extra layer of decadence. YUM!
- Give yourself a much-needed moment of "me time." Whether it's a comfy armchair, a sunny patio, or a window nook with a view, carve out a moment for yourself to savor the flavors and let the warm embrace of this warming drink soothe your soul.
Recipe Success Tips
​​Learning the tricks of the barista trade takes some time and patience. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Start with your favorite espresso roast or a strong-brewed coffee as the base of your latte. Unsurprisingly, the quality of your coffee will greatly impact the flavor of your latte.
- When frothing your oat milk, keep the frother at an angle to create a whirlpool effect and incorporate air evenly into the milk.
- Temperature matters. The espresso should be hot, ideally around 160°F (71°C). Similarly, you should only heat the oat milk till it reaches a temperature between 140-150°F (60-65°C). Any higher and the milk might scald, leaving you with a bitter, burnt taste. Yuck!
- Finding the right balance between espresso and oat milk is personal. Start with ratio of 1:3, using one part espresso to three parts oat milk. Adjust as needed, using more milk for a milder flavor, or less for more of a cortado.
- Not all of us can afford an Ember Mug, but that doesn't mean we're doomed to tepid coffee drinks. Preheat your mug with some hot water, let it sit for a minute, then discard the water before creating your coffee masterpiece.
FAQs
Short answer: yes! I love adding oat milk to coffee of all sorts.
A traditional latte made with cow's milk provides a good source of calcium, protein, and vitamin D, so I’d venture to say that for some, this is a perfectly healthy choice. Using whole milk means it also contains saturated fats and cholesterol. Since some individuals may be lactose intolerant or have sensitivities or allergies to dairy, dairy lattes might not be the healthiest choice.
An oat latte, on the other hand, is typically free from lactose, cholesterol, and saturated fats. It is often fortified with vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D and calcium, making it a suitable option for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
Oat milk can also have additional nutritional benefits like dietary fiber and beta-glucans, which may support digestion, promote a feeling of fullness, and help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
It's worth noting that the nutritional profile of oat milk can vary among brands, so it's essential to check the product label for specific information on ingredients, fortification, and added sugars.
Oat milk can sometimes curdle or separate when added to coffee. It's important to note that while curdling or separation can be unappetizing in appearance, it typically does not affect the safety or taste of the beverage.
There are a few reasons why separation and curdling might occur:
1. Oat milk is more likely to curdle if your coffee is too hot (above 160F) or if you're using highly acidic coffee. Either of these situations can cause the proteins in oat milk to coagulate and separate, resulting in a curdled appearance. Try allowing your coffee to cool slightly before adding oat milk and/or opt for a less acidic coffee blend to minimize the chances of this happening. Alternatively, consider adding a pinch of baking soda to your espresso grounds before brewing to help increase the pH.
2. Different brands of oat milk have wildly different reactions to coffee. Some brands are specifically formulated to withstand higher temperatures and acidity, reducing the likelihood of curdling. If you find that your oat milk consistently separates or curdles in coffee, it may be time you switch brands to a barista-approved variety like Oatly.
3. Oat milk can separate over time, especially if it's been languishing in the door of your fridge for some unknown period of time. Shake the container well before using it to ensure that it is well-mixed.
4. How you add oat milk to your coffee can also affect its tendency to curdle. I recommend that you add the oat milk slowly and gradually while stirring or swirling the coffee to distribute the milk more evenly and reduce the chance of curdling.
Heck yeah you can! Steaming oat milk helps to create a velvety texture that resembles the frothiness of traditional steamed milk in coffee shop lattes. For the best results, opt for a barista oat milk recipe like Oatly, as some brands don’t take well to frothing.
For a traditional latte made with cow's milk, the ideal temperature is around 150°F (65°C). This temperature allows the milk to be hot enough to create a comforting and enjoyable drinking experience without scalding the milk or making it taste burnt.
When working with alternative milks like oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk, it's generally recommended to aim for a slightly lower temperature range of 140-150°F (60-65°C). Different varieties of milk (and even different brands of the same type of milk) can have different compositions and behaviors when heated, so it may take some experimentation to find the temperature range that works best for the specific milk you're using.
If you prefer an iced latte, either room temperature or chilled milk is perfect. It's worth noting that personal preferences for milk temperature can vary. Some folks may prefer a slightly hotter or cooler latte, so feel free to adjust within the suggested range to find your perfect temperature. Using a thermometer can be helpful in achieving consistency, especially as you refine your latte-making skills.
Using a frother or steam wand on an espresso machine will generally yield the best results for creating rich and velvety frothed oat milk. That said, you can still give your latte some foam even if you don’t have one on hand.
First, try using a mason jar with a tight fitting lid. Make sure not to fill the jar more than about halfway, and, if you have one, use a koozie to protect your hands from the latent heat of the milk. Once the lid is secured, shake it like your favorite bartender mixing up a martini — vigorously, for at least 45 seconds.
Second, try using a whisk. Add the warmed milk to a large bowl and use a balloon whisk that you agitate quickly and vigorously. You can also try using an immersion blender or regular blender.
Note that the results of frothing oat milk without a frother may not be as consistent or as dense as with a dedicated frothing device. Additionally, as I mentioned earlier, oat milk can have varying degrees of frothability due to its composition and brand differences, so you may need to experiment and adjust the techniques to find what works best with the specific oat milk you're using.
Oat Milk Latte Nutrition
Espresso is typically low in calories and contains negligible amounts of fat and carbohydrates. Oat milk is therefore the primary driver of the nutritional composition of this drink.
Oat milk is generally lower in calories and saturated fat compared to whole cow's milk. It also tends to be free from cholesterol and lactose, making it suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance or those following a plant-based or vegan lifestyle.
Oat milk is often fortified with vitamins and minerals, such as calcium and vitamin D, similar to cow's milk. These fortifications can vary depending on the brand, so it's important to check the label for specific details.
It's worth noting that the nutritional content of an oat milk latte can also be influenced by any sweeteners, syrups, or other add-ons you choose to include. These additions can contribute to the overall calorie and sugar content of the beverage, so it's good to be mindful of the quantities used.
For example, the nutrition facts listed below do not include the optional honey syrup. If you add the full 2 tablespoons of optional honey simple syrup, the latte will have 199 calories, 30 grams carbs, and 24 grams sugar.
Total nutritional content per plain oatmilk latte is:
- Calories: 130 calories
- Total Fat: 7 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
- Sodium: 75 mg
- Carbohydrates: 11 grams
- Sugar: 5 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.
Other Yummy Drinks To Make With Oat Milk
- Iced Matcha Latte
- Chocolate Cream Cold Brew
- Sweetened Cold Brew Coffee
- Honey Almond Milk Cold Brew (just swap in oat milk for the almond milk!)
- Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso
Easy Oat Milk Latte
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 espresso shots (or 8 oz brewed coffee)
- ¾ cup oat milk (I used Oatly brand)
- 2 tablespoon honey simple syrup (optional)
Instructions
- Pour the oat milk into a small saucepan and heat until just starting to foam (around 140°). Remove from heat.
- Using a milk frother or whisk, froth the oat milk until a little foamy. (If using a good brand of oat milk, it will take less than 30 seconds to get a little foam).
- Brew your coffee and stir in the honey syrup (if using).
- Pour the oat milk over the brewed coffee and drink up!
Nutrition
xoxo Megan
Elena says
Thanks for the recipe and the substitutions! I used freeze dried coffee (instant) coffee and it was awesome.
Megan Byrd says
Oh yay! I'm glad you loved it!