Sometimes simple is best. That’s what I love about this vanilla latte – it’s so simple, yet so good! The key to making any good latte is the quality of ingredients that you use. This coffee is easy to make, but the better the ingredients – the better the latte! Let’s start talking about what a latte is, what ingredients you need and then how to make it.

What is a vanilla latte?

A classic latte is made with hot espresso and topped with steamed milk. So the espresso is at the bottom and steamed milk is on top. There can be a layer of foam on top of the steamed milk, but I prefer whipped cream! The vanilla version has a few extras that make it sweet and creamy!

Vanilla Latte Ingredients

You only need 3 ingredients for this easy latte – the other 2 are optional. You will need:

• espresso
• milk
• vanilla syrup
• whipped cream
• caramel syrup

Espresso – There are a few options for espresso here. You can use a traditional espresso maker to pull a shot of espresso for this drink. You can also use instant espresso as well. If you have a Nespresso machine – that will work! If you don’t have any access to espresso, you can use hot coffee.

Milk – The beauty of making drinks at home is you can use whatever you like! Feel free to use your favorite milk in this latte. Whole milk is customary in lattes at coffee shops, but you can use any.

Vanilla syrup – Homemade vanilla syrup would make the best latte, but feel free to use any vanilla syrup. Think Torani brand syrups. I would suggest making homemade syrup if you plan on making your own homemade coffees often.

Whipped cream – This one is optional, but so good on top! Homemade whipped cream is my favorite but any type of whipped cream works for the toppings.

Caramel sauce – Ooey gooey caramel sauce is the perfect addition to this latte! You can add it to the top or the inside of the glass. I love my homemade caramel sauce (are you seeing a trend here?) but any caramel will work!

How to make a vanilla latte

Once you have all your ingredients gathered, you are half way to drinking a delicious vanilla latte! There are 3 main steps that are simple and quick.

Step 1: Make the espresso. Either pull a shot of espresso, make an instant shot of espresso or pour 1 cup of hot coffee in a glass or mug. I would add the vanilla syrup to the cup first and then give it a big stir after adding the espresso.

Step 2: Steam the milk. If you have an espresso machine, you can use your milk frother to steam the milk. If not, you can do it on the stove top! Gently warm the milk in a sauce pan over medium heat. Once it’s hot, use a whisk to vigorously stir until foamy. Pour the warm milk over the espresso.

Step 3: Top with whipped cream. Cover the steamed milk with whipped cream and then add a little caramel drizzle to the top. Sip and enjoy!

Vanilla Latte Tips and Tricks

This latte is simple to make and I would even say it’s beginner friendly, but I wanted to share some frequently asked questions and tips.

What type of coffee do I need for a latte? You will need either espresso or hot, strong coffee. The better the quality of the coffee, the better your latte will turn out.

You can use a high quality instant espresso in place of regular espresso. Be sure to use hot water when making the instant espresso. 

What vanilla syrup do I need? Store bought syrup such as Torani works great in this latte. You can also try homemade, which would improve the quality of your latte!

Looking to make an iced version? Try my iced vanilla latte!

Vanilla Latte

Print

Ingredients

• 1 cup hot, fresh brewed coffee
• 2 tablespoons vanilla syrup
• 1 cup of milk
• whipped cream and caramel for topping

Instructions

Mix together the vanilla syrup and hot coffee (or espresso).

Add the milk.

Top with whipped cream and caramel sauce.

Enjoy!

Did you make this recipe?

If you loved this recipe, we would love for you to leave a review to help others!

Like this recipe?  Be sure to check out:

Cold brew coffee recipe

London fog latte

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When we go out to eat, I tend to always order the same thing.  I’m what I like to call a “create of habit.”  I’ll patiently sit while everyone looks over the menu deciding what they want to eat or drink.  Not me.  I know going in what I want.  [Heck, I know before we go in what I want.] 

Local pizza place?  The Jack special, please.  Italian food?  Bowtie pasta with white sauce, artichokes and sun dried tomatoes.  [Please and thank you.]  Starbucks?  Iced caramel macchiato. 

As much as I love indulging by going to Starbucks every once and a while, I decided to create my own.  So ya know, I can have it at home. All the time. 

What is a caramel macchatio?

A caramel macchiato is an espresso based drink that is topped with steamed milk and caramel sauce. Macchiato means “marked” in Italian so the espresso (or coffee) marks the top of the steamed milk. This is a popular drink at Starbucks and one that is really easy to make at home. You don’t need fancy equipment or ingredients to make this iced caramel macchatio. In fact, you only need 6 common ingredients.

I have to warn you though – once you find out how easy this is to make you may never want to buy one again.  [Seriously.]  And its so quick to make too.  I can whip one up in under a minute now.  My kids are starting to wonder if they will ever have another pink cake pop.  [Maybe I should figure out how to make those too?!]

As much as I love grabbing a drink from Starbucks, it is nice to be able to make my favorite drink at home. In my pajamas if I so choose. Which may happen from time to time. [shhhh.]

Iced caramel macchiato ingredients

It’s super easy to make this iced caramel macchiato at home. In fact, you may have most of the ingredients on hand already! [Score!]

Here is the ingredient list to make your own:

• Instant espresso
• Vanilla syrup
• Milk
• Caramel
• Ice

Espresso – You can use fresh espresso if you have an espresso maker. You can also use an espresso coffee pod or any other version of fresh espresso you like. I like using instant because it cools faster, which means I get my drink faster. You can also use a strong coffee.

Vanilla syrup – This syrup, along with the caramel sauce, is used to sweetener the caramel macchatio. You can use your favorite store bought syrup, or make your own vanilla syrup! It’s pretty simple and great to have on hand.

Milk – Feel free to use your favorite milk in this recipe. You can also make it dairy-free by using coconut or almond milk as well.

Caramel – Of course you need a caramel sauce for this caramel macchatio! I love using my homemade caramel sauce with cream for this recipe. You can also use you store bought caramel sauce as well. Just pick a good quality sauce to improve the flavor of your drink.

How to make an iced caramel macchiato

Once you have gathered your ingredients you will want to –

Step 1 Make your espresso. If you are using instant espresso, combine the instant with your water and stir. If you are using fresh hot espresso, make it and let it sit for a bit so it cools. If you use hot espresso and add the ice to it, it will water down the coffee.

Step 2 Assemble the drink. Add your vanilla syrup to the bottom of your cup. Add in your milk and ice next. Pour the cooled espresso over top, add caramel sauce on top and enjoy!

Tips and tricks

A few helpful hints about the caramel macchiato you are about to make: 

Do you stir it?

“I’m a barista at Starbucks, so if you want this to be just like the caramel macchiato we serve, don’t stir it. The word “macchiato” means “marked” in Italian, so the espresso and caramel drizzle are supposed to “mark” the top of the drink. This is part of what makes the drink different from an iced vanilla latte, which would have the espresso on the bottom so it mixes with the syrup and milk right away.” – from reader Amber

Is the caramel macchiato sweet?

Yes. It gets its sweetness from the caramel and vanilla syrup.

Is there coffee in it?

Yup. Or espresso. You can use cold brew coffee or fresh espresso instead of the instant. Basically, any type of coffee works great in this Starbucks copycat iced caramel macchatio recipe!

Do I have to steam the milk?

Since this is an iced caramel macchatio, you do not need to steam the milk. If you make a classic hot caramel macchatio, you can steam the milk. Cold milk works perfect in this recipe.

How do I make a hot caramel macchatio?

You can follow my easy recipe for how to make a hot caramel macchiato here. It’s just as easy as the iced version!

How to order an iced caramel macchiato at Starbucks

This one is super easy to order at Starbucks and most other coffee shops. Caramel macchiatos are common drinks so simply ask your barista “Can I please have an iced caramel macchiato?” and be sure to tell them your size.

Want to try a different version of this iced caramel macchiato? Ask for it upside down when you order and they will combine it all together. I love doing it this way because the caramel sauce get evenly distributed in the drink. SO GOOD!

More copycat Starbucks drinks

Want more coffee flavored posts?  Check out:

• How to make cold brew coffee
• Ice chai latte – another Starbucks copycat!
• Shaken espresso

Iced Caramel Macchiato

Print

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon instant espresso
• 1/4 cup of cool water
• 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup
• 1 cup of milk (of choice)
• 1 cup of ice
• caramel for drizzle

Instructions

Layer the drink from the bottom up as follows -

vanilla syrup

milk

ice

expresso + water mixture

Mix all together.

Add caramel on top.

If you want to get fancy, drizzle the caramel down the side of the cup first.

Enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 170Cholesterol: 20mgSodium: 143mgCarbohydrates: 24gSugar: 17gProtein: 8g

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If you loved this recipe, we would love for you to leave a review to help others!

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I have to admit that I have created tiny cake pop loving monsters. My kids love going to Starbucks as much as their mama because they know it’s cake pop time. They love these mini treats on a stick so much that I had to make a copycat version at home.

What are Starbucks Birthday Cake Pops?

If you have been to Starbucks, you probably saw their famous pink birthday cake pops through their glass goodie case. These treats are a combination of vanilla cake, frosting, and pink candy coating all on a sucker stick.

What are the Other Flavors of Cake Pops at Starbucks

Starbucks doesn’t just make their birthday cake pops. In fact, you can get Starbucks cake pops in a variety of different flavors. Here’s what they have:

• Seasonal Cake Pop.
• Birthday Cake Pop.
• Chocolate Cake Pop.
• Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cake Pop.
• Brownie Cake Pop.

If you are wanting to make any of these cake pops, follow the same instructions below, just switch up your flavors!

Starbucks Birthday Cake Pops Ingredients

For this recipe, you will need ingredients for the cake as well as for the frosting. Here’s what you need:

Cake:

• 1 cup butter, room temperature
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 4 eggs
• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3 cups flour
• 1 cup milk

Outer chocolate coating:

• 6 blocks of Almond Bark (12 oz)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 container cream cheese frosting
• 1 drop pink gel food coloring
• 70 Treat sticks
• 1 package white round sprinkles

Click the links above to purchase the ingredients via my Amazon affiliate link.

How to Make Starbucks Birthday Cake Pops at Home

When making these Starbucks cake pops, you will need to begin by first making the cake and then the frosting. Follow the steps below!

Step 1 Make the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, beat together your sugar and butter. Mix until incorporated. Next add in your oil, eggs, vanilla, baking powder, and salt. Mix until incorporated. While alternating, in your flour and milk a little bit each time. Mix until incorporated.

Step 2 Prepare Spring Form Cake Pan

Prepare your instant pot spring form cake pan by placing Parchment paper on the flat plate. Put the spring form pan on top of it and close shop. Remove any remaining parchment that is sticking out using scissors or ripping it off. Spray with cooking spray, or grease with butter.

Step 3 Put Batter in Spring Form Cake Pan

Fill your pan 3/4 of the way with the batter. Fill your instant pot with 2 cups of water. Placed the trivet inside and place your cake on top of the trivet.

Step 4 Pressure Cook

Close the lid on your instant pot and make sure that the ceiling valve is closed and facing away from you. Set your instant pot to 45 minutes.

Step 5 Quick Release

Once your instant pot has finished cooking, do a manual released by pulling the ceiling valve towards you to remove any pressure.

Step 6 Let Cake Cool

With a towel or hot pads, pull the trivet out of the instant pot using the two handles. Transfer to cooling sheet and allow the cake to completely cool.

Step 7 Make Frosting

While your cake is cooling, add in a small bowl together your Almond bark and 1 tablespoon of oil. Microwave for 30 second intervals, stirring each time. Make sure that your chocolate is completely melted. Add one small drop of pink food coloring to your chocolate mixture. Stir well.

Step 8 Make Cake Balls

Add your cake to a large bowl as well as your frosting. Mix well. Using a cookie scoop, or eyeballing the size ball that you want, using the palm of your hand, form a round ball. Line each one of your cake balls on a cookie sheet.

Step 9 Freeze Cake Balls

Once done, transfer your cake balls to the freezer for about 15 minutes until slightly hard and cool.

Step 10 Add more Chocolate

After the 15 minutes, remove your cake balls. Taking a treat steak, dip it slightly in your chocolate. This will help it stay in the cake pot. Dip your cake pop in the chocolate and cover it completely. Give it a few seconds to drip off any excess chocolate into the bowl.

Step 11 Display

I used a cake pop decorating stand, but you can use even a block of Styrofoam to place the stick in to stand on its own while the chocolate dries and solidifies. Immediately add your sprinkles before the chocolate dries.

Continue and repeat until you have made all your cake pops!

How to Store Leftover Starbucks Birthday Cake Pops

If you want to store your cake pops until that special day, you can actually store them at room temperature. Cover and leave them on the counter for up to a week.

If you want to store them for a week or up to a month, you can place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can You Freeze Them

Yes, you can store your cake pops in the freezer. In fact, they will last 1 to 3 months if stored properly in the freezer. Place them in a large zip lock freezer bag for best results. Let them defrost at room temperature.

Other Starbucks Recipes to Try

Do you love Starbucks as much as I do? I love Starbucks, but I don’t always have the money to spend on it. So, instead I just make my own Starbucks copycat recipes! Here are a few of my favorites:

• Starbucks Pumpkin Scones
• Starbucks Pumpkin Bread
• Instant Pot Egg Bites Starbucks Copycat
• Starbucks Chocolate Chunk Cookies
• Copycat Starbucks lemon Loaf
• Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars

Starbucks birthday cake pops

Print

Ingredients

• Cake:
• · 1 cup butter, room temperature
• · 2 cups granulated sugar
• · 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• · 4 eggs
• · 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
• · 2 teaspoons baking powder
• · 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• · 3 cups flour
• · 1 cup milk (I used 1%, but you can use any.)
• Outer chocolate coating:
• · 6 blocks of Almond Bark (12 oz)
• · 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• · 1/2 container cream cheese frosting
• · 1 drop pink gel food coloring
• · 70 Treat sticks · 1 package white round sprinkle

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, beat together your sugar and butter. Mix until incorporated.

2. Next add in your oil, eggs, vanilla, baking powder, and salt. Mix until incorporated.

3. While alternating, in your flour and milk a little bit each time. Mix until incorporated.

4. Prepare your instant pot spring form cake pan by placing Parchment paper on the flat plate. Put the springform pan on top of it and close shop. Remove any remaining parchment that is sticking out using scissors or ripping it off. Spray with cooking spray, or grease with butter.

5. Fill your pan 3/4 of the way with the batter.

6. Fill your instant pot with 2 cups of water. Placed the trivet inside and place your cake on top of the trivet.

7. Close the lid on your instant pot and make sure that the ceiling valve
is closed and facing away from you. Set your instant pot to 45 minutes.

8. Once your instant pot has finished cooking, do a manual released by pulling the ceiling valve towards you to remove any pressure.

9. With a towel or hot pads, pull the trivet out of the instant pot using the two handles. Transfer to cooling sheet and allow the cake to completely cool.

10. While your cake is cooling, add in a small bowl together your Almond bark and 1 tablespoon of oil. Microwave for 30 second intervals, stirring each time. Make sure that your chocolate is completely melted.

11. Add one small drop of pink food coloring to your chocolate mixture. Stir well.

12. Add your cake to a large bowl as well as your frosting. Mix well.

13. Using a cookie scoop, or eyeballing the size ball that you want, using the palm of your hand, form a round ball. Line each one of your cake balls on a cookie sheet.

14. Once done, transfer your cake balls to the freezer for about 15 minutes too hard and slightly and cool.

15. After the 15 minutes, remove your cake balls. Taking a treat steak, dip it slightly in your chocolate. This will help it stay in the cake pot.

16. Dip your cake pop in the chocolate and cover it completely. Give it a few seconds to drip off any excess chocolate into the bowl.

17. I used a cake pop decorating stand, but you can use even a block of Styrofoam to place the stick in to stand on its own while the chocolate dries and solidifies. Immediately add your sprinkles before the chocolate dries.

18. Continue and repeat until you have made all your cake pops! Enjoy

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 24 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 260Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 52mgSodium: 210mgCarbohydrates: 30gFiber: 0gSugar: 17gProtein: 3g

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There are just some things at Starbucks that I absolutely love to eat but are so expensive to buy! And it’s the simplest things too. Their cream cheese danishes or their chocolate chunk cookies.

I can add these Starbucks egg bites to the list of things that I love to buy from the store but are super simple to make at home. You only need a handful of ingredients and can make them in your Instant Pot or oven. It’s the perfect Starbucks copycat recipe to make at home!

What are Egg Bites?

Egg bites are prepared using a French Sous Vide cooking technique (low temperature for a long time). They are little bite sized egg creations filled with creamy cheese, bacon, and can have other ingredients like spinach and peppers thrown in.

To me, it’s kind of an easy way of making an egg omelette only better.

Starbucks Egg Bites Ingredients

• 3 slices of bacon cooked and chopped into small pieces
• 5 large eggs
• 1 silicone egg bites mold
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ cup less-fat cream cheese
• ¼ cup
• 1 tbsp cottage cheese
• 2 oz Gruyere cheese
• Cooking spray

How to Make Starbucks Egg Bites

Using your Instant Pot, making your Starbucks egg bites is a breeze. Just follow the steps below!

Step 1

In a blender, process the eggs, salt, pepper, cream cheese, cottage cheese, and Gruyere cheese.

Step 2

Lightly spray the silicone egg mold with cooking spray.

Step 3

Distribute the chopped bacon pieces to the bottom of each silicone mold. Take the egg mixture (after blended) and disperse among each mold pouring over the bacon pieces. Make sure you do not over fill so that you can place the lid of the molds without making a mess.

Step 4

In the instant pot, pour one cup of water. Place the trivet into the Instant Pot. Put the silicone lid on the silicone mold. Place the mold in the Instant Pot on the trivet inside.

Step 5

Close the instant pot by placing the lid on the pot and twist the lid to secure. Close the valve. Using the steam setting, set the timer to 8 minutes.

Step 6

When the Instant Pot has finished, open the valve to release the pressure. Using the trivet, pull the mold out of the Instant Pot. Keeping the egg bites in the mold, place the silicone mold on a wired cooling rack. Let them stay in the molds before removing for about 5 minutes. They will continue to cook as well as cool.

Notes: You can use more than one mold without changing the high pressure or time on the instant pot.

Starbucks Egg White Bites in the Oven

If you want the healthier version of this recipe that you can bake in the oven instead, follow this Copycat Oven-Baked Starbucks Egg Bites Recipe.

Basically, you will put your egg mixture into muffin tins. Place them in the oven at 325 degrees for 60-minutes.

Starbucks Copycat Drinks to Pair with Your Egg Bites

If you really like Starbucks, you probably don’t just go there for their egg bites. The coffee drinks are to die for. So, instead of spending your hard earned money on those drinks, make your own copycat drinks with these recipes:

• Starbucks Caramel Macchiato
• Starbucks White Hot Chocolate
• Copycat Starbucks Keto Drink
• Starbucks Peppermint Mocha Recipe
• Chestnut Praline Latte Starbucks Copycat
• Easiest Iced White Chocolate Mocha
• Iced Chai Latte-Starbucks Copycat

Other Starbucks Breakfast Recipes

Of course, egg bites are not the only breakfast dishes I love at Starbucks! Check out some of our Other Starbucks breakfast recipes:

• Starbucks Pumpkin Bread
• Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf
• Starbucks Copycat Cheese Danish
• Starbucks Bacon & Gouda Artisan Breakfast Sandwich
• Copycat Starbucks Spinach and Feta Breakfast Wraps

How to Store Leftovers

You can store your leftover egg bites in the refrigerator for up to a week. Place your egg bites in a ziplock bag or a sealed Tupperware dish. To reheat your egg bites, simply throw them in the microwave for 30 seconds.

Can you Freeze Egg Bites?

Egg bites can also be frozen for several months. I would recommend putting them in individual serving size freezer bags. This way you can pull one out for whoever wants one instead of thawing a whole bunch nobody will eat. To reheat frozen egg bites, simply throw them in the microwave for 1 ½ – 2 minutes.

Starbucks copycat egg bites

Yield: 7 bites

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Additional Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 18 minutes

How to make easy egg bites that are perfect for busy mornings.

Print

Ingredients

• 3 slices of bacon, cooked and chopped into small pieces
• 5 large eggs
• 1 silicone egg bites mold
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ cup 1/3-less-fat cream cheese
• 1 tbsp cottage cheese
• 2 oz Gruyere cheese
• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. In a blender, process the eggs, salt, pepper, cream cheese, cottage cheese, and gruyere cheese.

2. Lightly spray the silicone egg mold with cooking spray.

3. Distribute the chopped bacon pieces to the bottom of each silicone mold.

4. Take the egg mixture (after blended) and disperse among each mold
pouring over the bacon pieces. Make sure you do not over fill so that
you can place the lid of the molds without making a mess.

5. In the instant pot, pour one cup of water. Place the trivet into the Instant Pot.

6. Put the silicone lid on the silicone mold.

7. Place the mold in the Instant Pot on the trivet inside.

8. Close the instant pot by placing the lid on the pot and twist the lid to secure. Close the valve.

9. Using the steam setting, set the timer to 8 minutes.

10. When the Instant Pot has finished, open the valve to release the pressure.

11. Using the trivet, pull the mold out of the Instant Pot. Keeping the egg
bites in the mold, place the silicone mold on a wired cooling rack.

12. Let them stay in the molds before removing for about 5 minutes. They will continue to cook as well as cool.

13. You can use more than one mold without changing the high pressure or time on the instant pot.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 74Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 93mgSodium: 174mgCarbohydrates: 0gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 5g

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