This iced banana bread latte tastes exactly like what it sounds like: creamy, bold, and banana bread in every sip. It is the reason my husband now has a standing coffee order at home.
My husband is particular about his coffee. He has his go-to flavors and he does not usually stray from them, so I was not expecting much when he had a sip of mine. He put the glass down and asked me to make him a hot version. I made him a regular banana bread latte and he has been taking it to work ever since, which for him is saying a lot.
It is easy to see why it stuck. The espresso comes through bold and slightly bitter, which is exactly what keeps this from tasting like a dessert drink. The banana syrup adds that ripe, sweet banana flavor that settles into something more baked and caramel-like as it mixes with the cinnamon and milk. It is creamy, sweet, and nutty, but the espresso keeps it grounded. The same way the pistachio matcha latte works because of that balance between rich and bold, this one earns it through the coffee and banana combination.
If you are building out your iced coffee rotation, the iced caramel coffee is a great everyday option alongside this, and the sunbutter latte is worth trying if you want something in that same nutty, creamy category.
Ingredients
I made banana coffee syrup specifically for this drink and it's really what makes this taste like banana bread instead of just coffee with banana flavor added. I like starting with a tablespoon because the flavor can get strong pretty quickly, especially if you are using homemade syrup. Espresso is my first choice for the coffee since it stays bold once the milk and syrup go in, but strong brewed coffee works perfectly fine if you do not have an espresso machine. I would not skip the cinnamon either. It is a small amount, but it gives the latte that warm, spiced flavor you expect from banana bread.
See the recipe card for exact quantities.
Top Tips for Starbucks Copycat Iced Banana Bread Latte
Let the espresso cool for a few minutes: Pouring piping-hot espresso straight over the ice melts it quickly and can water down the latte. You can also brew the espresso ahead and chill it.
Use coffee ice cubes if you make iced lattes often: Freeze leftover coffee in an ice cube tray and use those instead of regular ice so the latte stays strong as the cubes melt.
Toast the walnuts before adding them: A quick toast brings out their nuttiness and makes the banana bread flavor come through more than using raw walnuts.
How to Make Starbucks Copycat Iced Banana Bread Latte
This iced banana bread latte comes together right in the glass, with the banana syrup added first so it blends evenly once the espresso and milk go in. The caramelized banana garnish is optional, but it makes the drink feel more like a coffee shop order.
Caramelize the banana
Place the banana slices on a heat-safe surface, sprinkle the tops with brown sugar, then torch until the sugar bubbles and turns golden brown.
- Keep the torch moving so the sugar caramelizes without burning.
- The banana should look glossy on top, not blackened or mushy.
Thread the banana slices onto a cocktail pick and set aside.
Add the banana syrup
Pour the banana coffee syrup into the bottom of a tall glass.
Build the latte
Fill the glass with ice, pour the espresso over the top, then slowly add the milk.
- Add the milk slowly if you want a layered look before stirring.
Garnish and serve
Place the caramelized banana skewer over the glass, then add crushed walnuts and a sprinkle of cinnamon if using. Stir before drinking so the syrup doesn't stay at the bottom. Enjoy!
Yes. Use ½ cup of strongly brewed coffee or cold brew instead. Make it stronger than your usual cup so the coffee flavor still comes through after adding the milk and banana syrup.
Whole milk gives the latte a rich, creamy texture, while oat milk adds a subtle toasted flavor that pairs especially well with banana and cinnamon. Almond milk is another good option if you want something lighter.
Yes. Use oat, almond, soy, or another plant-based milk. The rest of the latte is easy to keep dairy-free as long as your banana syrup does not contain dairy.
You can combine the coffee, banana syrup, cinnamon, and milk ahead of time and refrigerate it. Add the ice and garnishes just before serving so the latte does not become diluted.
Absolutely. The garnish is optional and does not provide the main banana flavor in the latte. The banana coffee syrup does that, so you can leave the garnish off for a quicker everyday version.
Yes. Simply leave off the crushed walnuts. The banana syrup and cinnamon still give the latte plenty of banana bread-inspired flavor.
Vanilla, caramel, brown sugar, maple, pecan, and chocolate all pair well with banana and coffee. Start with a small amount of any additional syrup so it does not overpower the banana.
Starbucks Copycat Iced Banana Bread Latte
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk of choice
- 1 tablespoon banana coffee syrup plus more to taste
- 2 shots espresso or ½ cup strong brewed coffee
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 to 3 banana slices for garnish
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar for caramelizing
- Crushed walnuts for garnish (optional)
- Ice
Instructions
- Sprinkle the banana slices with brown sugar. Caramelize with a kitchen torch until the sugar bubbles and turns golden brown.
- Thread the caramelized banana slices onto a cocktail pick.
- Add the banana coffee syrup to a glass.
- Fill the glass with ice.
- Pour the espresso over the ice.
- Pour the milk on top.
- Top with the banana skewer and crushed walnuts, if using. Sprinkle with the ground cinnamon.
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