French Toast Latte Recipe

A French Toast Latte is one of those drinks that instantly puts you in a cozy mood.

It has the same flavors you get when maple syrup melts into warm cinnamon, plus the smooth vanilla you’d taste in classic French toast.

I started making this latte on slower mornings, and it quickly became one of my favorite homemade drinks because it feels comforting without being heavy. The ingredients are simple, but the flavor hits in such a satisfying way, especially when you shake everything together.

It blends the cinnamon better, makes the milk feel creamier, and gives the espresso a softer edge.

If you want a coffee that tastes like weekend breakfast in a cup, this French Toast Latte is the easiest way to get it.

What Gives This Latte the “French Toast” Flavor?

French toast has three signature notes:

1. Maple syrup — warm, cozy sweetness
2. Cinnamon — the spice that instantly feels comforting
3. Vanilla — that bakery-sweet aroma
4. A creamy base — because a French toast batter is always rich

This latte uses the exact same elements. Maple syrup replaces simple syrup, vanilla paste adds depth you don’t get with extract, and cinnamon ties everything together.

When these ingredients mix with espresso, you get that warm breakfast flavor without it tasting too sweet or heavy.

Why Shaking the Latte Makes a Big Difference

If you’ve never shaken a latte before, this part might surprise you. Shaking isn’t just aesthetic, it changes the drink:

• The dairy becomes thicker and creamier, even if you use low-fat milk.
• The cinnamon blends properly instead of floating on top.
• The maple syrup dissolves better, giving you smooth sweetness.
• The espresso chills instantly without watering down the drink.

A simple mason jar works, but a cocktail shaker makes it feel more fun and gives the latte a café-style finish.

Getting the Cinnamon Flavor Just Right

Cinnamon is powerful, so using too much can make the latte taste dusty. A small dash is enough. You can also use:

• Cinnamon sticks (steeped in hot milk)
• Cinnamon sugar (sprinkled on top)
• Cinnamon syrup (if you want a smoother spice flavor)

Pro tip: If you ever feel like the cinnamon is clumping, whisk it into the maple syrup first. This helps it dissolve evenly.

Step-by-Step: How to Make a French Toast Latte

Step 1: Combine the Flavor Base

In a shaker or mason jar, add:

• ½ tablespoon maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon vanilla paste
• A dash of cinnamon
• A pinch of flaky salt (optional but highly recommended)

Why this step matters:

Mixing the flavor ingredients first gives you the classic “French toast” foundation. Cinnamon blends better when it touches syrup instead of dry milk, and salt enhances the maple’s flavor.

Step 2: Brew and Add the Espresso

Pull a double shot of espresso and pour it directly over the flavor mixture.

This works because hot espresso melts the cinnamon into the syrup and doubles the aroma from the vanilla.

Espresso also slightly warms the mixture, which gives you deeper flavor even when the drink is iced.

If you don’t have an espresso machine use:

• Strong stovetop moka pot coffee
• Nespresso espresso pods
• ¼ cup concentrated cold brew

Step 3: Add Ice

Fill the shaker about halfway with ice.

Why halfway? Too much ice prevents shaking. Too little melts quickly and waters down the drink. Halfway is the sweet spot for chilling without diluting.

Step 4: Pour In the Milk

Pour one cup of milk over the ice and espresso.

Best milk options:

• Whole milk → richest flavor
• Oat milk → naturally thicker
• Soy → very creamy
• Almond → lighter and nutty

Oat milk works especially well because its natural sweetness enhances the maple and vanilla.

Step 5: Shake for 10–15 Seconds

Seal the shaker and shake HARD.

You’ll see the drink become slightly frothy and lighter in color which is exactly what you want.

What shaking does:

• Gives the latte a thick, velvety texture
• Helps cinnamon blend instead of floating
• Makes the maple flavor taste more even
• Softens espresso bitterness
• Chills the drink instantly

This is the step that makes the latte taste “café-made.”

Step 6: Strain Into Your Glass

Fill a serving glass with fresh ice and strain the latte over it.

Using fresh ice prevents your drink from getting watery too fast.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust

Give it one small sip and check:

• Want more maple flavor? Add 1 teaspoon.
• Want more spice? Add a tiny pinch of cinnamon on top.
• Want it creamier? Add a splash of extra milk.

This drink is easy to customize without throwing off the balance.

Step 8: Add Optional Toppings

You don’t need toppings, but they absolutely elevate the latte:

• Cinnamon sugar sprinkle
• Small maple drizzle
• Cold foam with cinnamon
• Vanilla cold foam
• Whipped cream for a dessert version

A dash of cinnamon sugar on the foam gives you that “French toast crust” effect.

Check out more latte recipes:

• Viral Dubai Chocolate Latte Recipe
• Homemade Strawberry Latte Recipe
• Creamy Pistachio Latte Recipe
• Lavender Oatmilk Latte Recipe
• Iced Raspberry Latte Recipe

Troubleshooting Tips

Your latte tastes too mild: Add a little more maple syrup or half a shot more espresso.

Your cinnamon floats on top: Shake the drink harder or dissolve the cinnamon into the maple syrup before mixing.

Your iced drink tastes watered down: Use larger ice cubes or chill the milk beforehand.

The drink tastes too sweet: Use 1 teaspoon of maple syrup instead of ½ tbsp.