Homemade Vanilla Steamer Recipe (Starbucks Copycat)
Inside: This homemade Vanilla Steamer is rich, creamy and sweet–and it has NO caffeine or coffee, so it’s perfect for kids too.
When you’re popping into a coffee shop and craving something warm and caffeine-free for your kids (or yourself) that’s not hot chocolate, a vanilla steamer is a perfect choice.
It’s simply warm milk with vanilla syrup, frothed milk, and whipped cream. It’s caffeine-free, coffee-free, rich in calcium, and tastes like a big hug.
And luckily, it’s easy to save yourself money and make it at home.
Ingredients in a Homemade Vanilla Steamer
- Milk: Use your milk of choice. Fuller-fat milk will give it a richer flavor.
- Honey: You can also swap this for maple syrup. And feel free to adjust the sweetness in this Copycat Starbucks Vanilla Steamer either up or down.
- Vanilla extract
- Almond extract: This is optional but a couple drops of almond extract makes everything addictively delicious.
- Whipped cream: Store-bought or homemade. I provide details below for how to make your own.
How to Make a Homemade Vanilla Steamer
- Place milk, honey, vanilla extract, and almond extract in a small saucepan and stir until combined.
- Heat over medium-low heat until steaming, stirring constantly (don’t allow it to boil).
- Create a foamy top by using a frother in the hot milk mixture or by shaking it vigorously in a mason jar.
- Top with whipped cream (if using).
Watch how to make a Vanilla Steamer
How to make frothed milk
For the photos here, I used the Capresso Frother (it’s a splurge for sure–I received a free one a few years ago–but whips up stellar foam). I also use an inexpensive, handheld milk frothers which you can use to make the top foamy.
A much more low-tech method: Put your warm Vanilla Steamer in a big, heat-safe glass jar like a mason jar. Close it tightly with a lid, wrap it in a kitchen towel, and shake vigorously before pouring it into a mug.
How to make real whipped cream
Take your Vanilla Steamer to the next level with a dollop of real whipped cream and some sprinkles. (Then high-five yourself for saving a bunch of money.)
- Chill a glass or metal mixing bowl and beaters in the fridge until they’re very cold (be sure your heavy whipping cream is well chilled too).
- Place 1 tablespoon sugar, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla, and 1 cup heavy whipping cream in the bowl and beat with a mixer on medium speed for 3-5 minutes or until the whipped cream forms stiff peaks.
- Store any leftover whipped cream in an airtight container in the fridge.
Homemade Starbucks Vanilla Steamer
This warm, comforting drink is a like a big hug in a mug! Rich in calcium and caffeine-free.
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 3 teaspoons honey
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 drops almond extract
- 2 dollops real whipped cream, optional
Instructions
Stovetop directions
- Place milk, honey, vanilla extract, and almond extract in a small saucepan and stir until combined.
- Heat over medium-low heat until steaming, stirring constantly (don't allow it to boil!).
- Create a foamy top by using a frother or by shaking it vigorously in a heat-proof jar.
- Top with whipped cream (if using).
Microwave directions:
- Place milk, honey, vanilla extract, and almond extract in a mug and stir until combined.
- Microwave on HIGH for 1-2 minutes or until hot.
- Create a foamy top by using a frother or by shaking it vigorously in a heat-proof jar.
- Top with whipped cream (if using).
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1 cupAmount Per Serving: Calories: 177Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 22mgSodium: 128mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 0gSugar: 9gProtein: 9g
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This looks AMAZING Sally. I love the drool of whip on the side of that mug! I have recently developed an aversion to coffee so this looks like the perfect alternative for me!
Thanks Liz! Hope you like it.
Oh em gee THANK YOU!!!! I do not drink coffee so this is what I always order at Starbucks and I love love LOVE it!! I get mine with coconut milk instead of dairy milk and the flavors are to die for!! So excited to have a homemade version just in time for the weekend snowstorm lol. Thanks again!!
Alicia–nice to know there’s someone else out there who doesn’t drink coffee! 😉 Stay warm!
I have never had Starbuck’s steamed milk, but my first coffee shop steamed milk was a revelation! I’ve made it for myself and my daughter without the foam (the coffee shop where I first got it didn’t add foam) by just adding about a teaspoon of vanilla to the milk. Adding a little almond flavoring sounds great, but I don’t feel like I need the extra sugar.
Dawn–the vanilla and almond extracts definitely add a lot of flavor, so you could definitely skip the sugar!
I’m dying over the drippy whipped cream! This looks delish!
Thanks Rebecca!
This looks like a very comforting drink. I’m a coffee fan myself but there’s always at least one person in my circle of friends that isn’t. It’s great to have more options about what to serve, particularly drinks that are more interesting than just hot chocolate for the 100th time.
It IS super comforting and relaxing, just gonna drink this before going to bed forever see ya
Sally
I love reading your blogs there is always something positive something new something interesting and healthy.
I am defo going to try this as I have got myself out of caffeine based indulgence. Will let you know how it goes!
This was very bland and bad
IT doesn’t always have to be healthy is my opinion
Sorry you didn’t like it. It’s meant to be lightly sweetened, but you could certainly add more sweetener if you like.
This is tasty, but i especially like to use it insstead of regular brothed milk for my coffee, and not as a single drink. It’s really great to add flavour!
This looks so good! What a fun treat to make for kids!
Thanks for sharing! Is there a milk that works best?
We generally use 1% milk.
Wow! This recipe looks amazing. Perfect for a cozy treat at home. Can’t wait to try it with the kids!