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December 15, 2016

Copy Cat Starbucks Vanilla Steamer

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Copy Cat Starbucks Vanilla Steamer

One of my standard cold-weather orders at Starbucks is a Vanilla Steamer, which is simply warm milk with vanilla syrup topped with frothed milk–and sometimes, if I’m throwing caution to the wind, whipped cream. It’s also a drink kids can enjoy too, since it’s coffee-free and caffeine-free.

  You might also like: How to Order a Healthier Drink at Starbucks

 

Copy Cat Starbucks Vanilla Steamer
I started making these a few years ago when it occurred to me that I could treat myself (for a lot less money) at home. I could also control what went into my mug. And I could save money. Lots of it!

Copy Cat Starbucks Vanilla Steamer

You can easily adjust the sweetness in this Copy Cat Starbucks Vanilla Steamer. I add a couple drops of almond extract, which makes everything addictively delicious.

And frothed milk! Lots of frothed milk. Because frothed milk feels extra-super-special even though it’s just milk with a bunch of air in it (don’t tell my kids). 

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 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, close it tightly with a lid, wrap it in a kitchen towel, and shake vigorously before pouring it into a mug.

Copy Cat Starbucks Vanilla Steamer

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.)

HOW TO MAKE REAL WHIPPED CREAM

  • 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.
Continue to Content
Copy Cat Starbucks Vanilla Steamer

Copy Cat Starbucks Vanilla Steamer

Yield: 2
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups milk
  • 3 teaspoons honey
  • 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 drops almond extract
  • 2 dollops real whipped cream, optional

Instructions

Stovetop directions

  1. Place milk, honey, vanilla extract, and almond extract in a small saucepan and stir until combined.
  2. Heat over medium-low heat until steaming, stirring constantly (don't allow it to boil!).
  3. Create a foamy top by using a frother or by shaking it vigorously in a heat-proof jar.
  4. Top with whipped cream (if using).

Microwave directions:

  1. Place milk, honey, vanilla extract, and almond extract in a mug and stir until combined.
  2. Microwave on HIGH for 1-2 minutes or until hot.
  3. Create a foamy top by using a frother or by shaking it vigorously in a heat-proof jar.
  4. Top with whipped cream (if using).

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

  • Capresso Pro Milk Frother for Cappuccino, Espresso, Latte and Hot Chocolate
    Capresso Pro Milk Frother for Cappuccino, Espresso, Latte and Hot Chocolate
  • Aerolatte Milk Foamer, The Original Steam-Free Frother, 8.5-Inch, Polished-Chrome Finish
    Aerolatte Milk Foamer, The Original Steam-Free Frother, 8.5-Inch, Polished-Chrome Finish
  • McCormick All Natural Pure Vanilla Extract, 4 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
    McCormick All Natural Pure Vanilla Extract, 4 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
  • McCormick Pure Almond Extract, 2 oz
    McCormick Pure Almond Extract, 2 oz
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1 cup
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 177Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 22mgSodium: 128mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 0gSugar: 9gProtein: 9g
© Sally
Cuisine: American / Category: Drinks
Recipe for a rich, creamy Copy Cat Starbucks Vanilla Steamer:

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Copy Cat Starbucks Vanilla Steamer

Disclosure: This page contains Amazon Affiliate links. If you purchase a product through this link, your cost will be the same but I will receive a small commission to help with operating costs of this blog. Thanks for your support!

Hi! I'm Sally, a dietitian-mom.

I believe that EVERY mom can feel successful and confident about feeding her kids, lose the stress, and finally enjoy mealtime again.

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Filed Under: Drinks, Recipes Tagged With: drinks, recipes, starbucks, vanilla steamer

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Elizabeth Shaw says

    December 16, 2016 at 3:01 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Sally says

      December 16, 2016 at 3:13 pm

      Thanks Liz! Hope you like it.

      Reply
  2. Alicia says

    December 16, 2016 at 4:54 pm

    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!!

    Reply
    • Sally says

      December 17, 2016 at 8:46 am

      Alicia–nice to know there’s someone else out there who doesn’t drink coffee! 😉 Stay warm!

      Reply
  3. Dawn says

    December 16, 2016 at 5:59 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Sally says

      December 17, 2016 at 8:46 am

      Dawn–the vanilla and almond extracts definitely add a lot of flavor, so you could definitely skip the sugar!

      Reply
  4. Rebecca says

    December 16, 2016 at 6:05 pm

    I’m dying over the drippy whipped cream! This looks delish!

    Reply
    • Sally says

      December 17, 2016 at 8:45 am

      Thanks Rebecca!

      Reply
  5. Vince says

    December 20, 2017 at 10:06 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Bri says

      October 12, 2020 at 8:17 pm

      It IS super comforting and relaxing, just gonna drink this before going to bed forever see ya

      Reply
  6. Beenish says

    January 12, 2018 at 4:52 pm

    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!

    Reply
  7. sam miller says

    October 2, 2018 at 7:06 pm

    This was very bland and bad

    IT doesn’t always have to be healthy is my opinion

    Reply
    • Sally says

      October 3, 2018 at 9:35 am

      Sorry you didn’t like it. It’s meant to be lightly sweetened, but you could certainly add more sweetener if you like.

      Reply
  8. Briana says

    October 12, 2020 at 8:15 pm

    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!

    Reply

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