Copy Cat Starbucks Vanilla Steamer
Inside: This Copy Cat Starbucks Vanilla Steamer is rich, cream, and sweet–and it has NO caffeine or coffee, so it’s perfect for kids too.
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.
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!
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.
A month’s worth of dinners, figured out for you.
Grab my 4-week meal plans with recipes, shopping lists, and picky eater tips for every meal.
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 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, 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.
Copy Cat Starbucks Vanilla Steamer
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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