Homemade Vanilla Steamer Recipe (Starbucks Copycat)

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).

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.