Copycat Starbucks Cake Batter Latte Recipe

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While the Starbucks Cake Batter Latte isn’t officially on the menu, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy this sweet treat. By getting creative and customizing some of Starbucks’ classic ingredients, you can recreate the flavor of a beloved childhood dessert in your coffee cup.

How to make a Starbucks Cake Batter Latte

A Starbucks Cake Batter Latte isn’t (yet) an official permanent menu drink — it comes from what people call a “secret menu” item that baristas can make if you know how to order it.

Ingredients

• 1-2 shots of espresso (or strongly brewed coffee if espresso isn’t an option).
• 1 cup of milk (oat milk works great for mimicking the creamy consistency, but you can use dairy, almond, or soy milk).
• 1-2 tablespoons of vanilla syrup (Starbucks uses their own vanilla syrup, but store-bought brands like Torani or Monin work perfectly).
• 1 tablespoon of hazelnut syrup (this flavor creates the cake batter effect when combined with vanilla).
• Optional sweetener (if you prefer your latte super sweet, add sugar, maple syrup, or your favorite sweetener).
• Whipped cream for topping.
• Sprinkles (optional, but who doesn’t love a little fun and color like real cake toppings?).

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make the perfect Starbucks Cake Batter Latte:

1. Prepare the Espresso: Brew 1-2 shots of espresso using a machine, stovetop espresso maker, or simply very strong coffee if you don’t have an espresso machine.
2. Steam the Milk: Heat your milk (or oat milk) until hot but not boiling. For a frothy texture, use a milk frother, handheld whisk, or shake the warm milk in a jar for a foam-like consistency.
3. Mix the Syrups: In your coffee cup, pour in the vanilla syrup and hazelnut syrup. This combination creates the signature “cake batter” flavor profile. Stir to mix.
4. Combine Coffee and Milk: Add the freshly made espresso to your cup and pour the steamed milk over it. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
5. Top and Garnish: Finish it off with whipped cream for that Starbucks feel. Add sprinkles if desired—because every cake batter needs decorations!
6. Sip and Enjoy: Give your latte a quick mix, take a sip, and let the decadent, dessert-inspired flavors brighten up your day!

Tips for the Perfect Cake Batter Latte

• Experiment with Syrup Ratios: Adjust the amount of vanilla and hazelnut syrup based on your taste preferences. If you like sweeter lattes, add a little extra syrup or sugar.
• Use Blonde Espresso: If you’re ordering at Starbucks or making espresso at home, go for a lighter roast like blonde espresso for a smoother, sweeter base.
• DIY Starbucks Syrups: If you’re making this latte at home regularly, consider buying Starbucks-branded syrups for an authentic taste. Alternatively, make your own vanilla and hazelnut syrups by simmering sugar, water, and extracts!
• Elevate the Presentation: Want to make it feel extra special? Serve your latte in a glass mug so you can see the creamy layers of milk and espresso—and don’t forget those sprinkles for a pop of color.
• Caffeine-Free: If you love the flavor but don’t want the jolt of caffeine, substitute espresso with decaf or simply skip the coffee altogether for a “cake batter steamer.”

What to serve with

The Starbucks Cake Batter Latte is sweet, creamy, and indulgent—a drink that feels like dessert in itself. However, pairing it with complementary treats can elevate the entire experience.

1. Cupcakes

• Go for vanilla cupcakes with buttercream frosting to mirror the cake batter theme.
• If you’re feeling adventurous, try hazelnut or salted caramel cupcakes, which align with the undertones of the latte’s syrups.
• Add sprinkles to the cupcake frosting for a fun, colorful look that matches the playful vibe of the Starbucks Cake Batter Latte.

2. Cookies

• Sugar cookies topped with frosting or sprinkles pair perfectly, as their simplicity complements the sweetness of the Starbucks Cake Batter Latte.
• Snickerdoodles (soft cinnamon-coated cookies) add a cozy, slightly spiced flavor that enhances the drink’s creamy notes.
• White chocolate chip cookies are an excellent choice, mimicking the vanilla flavors of the latte.

3. Donuts

• A classic glazed donut is a safe and delicious pairing, echoing the sweetness of the drink.
• Vanilla cream-filled donuts or frosted donuts with sprinkles highlight the fun, cake-like flavor of the latte.

Ingredients Substitutes

I’ll break down key components of the recipe and suggest alternatives that work just as well.

Espresso or Coffee Substitutes

Espresso is the foundation of any latte, but if you don’t have access to an espresso machine or prefer a different coffee base, here are some options:

1. Strong Brewed Coffee: Brew your regular coffee using 2-3 times the amount of grounds to achieve a stronger, espresso-like flavor.

2. Instant Coffee: Dissolve 1-2 teaspoons of instant coffee in hot water; it’s a quick and easy way to mimic espresso.

3. Decaffeinated Options: Substitute espresso or coffee with a decaffeinated version for a caffeine-free latte.

4. Tea Base: If you’re not a fan of coffee, opt for a black tea latte (e.g., Earl Grey) as the base. Add the vanilla and hazelnut syrups for the signature “cake batter” flavor.

Milk Substitutes

Milk creates the creamy texture in a latte, but using the right substitute can make your drink suitable for dietary preferences or allergies:

1. Oat Milk: A popular choice for lattes because of its creamy texture and slightly sweet flavor. It mimics traditional dairy texture well.

2. Almond Milk: Almond milk is lighter in texture and brings a subtle nutty flavor to the latte, enhancing the hazelnut syrup notes.

3. Soy Milk: Soy milk adds a smooth, rich quality to the latte and holds foam well when steamed.

4. Coconut Milk: Coconut milk has a naturally sweet, tropical taste that makes your latte creamier but may slightly alter the traditional cake batter flavor.

5. Low-Fat or Non-Dairy Creamer: Replace milk completely with a flavored coffee creamer (like vanilla or hazelnut) for a rich, dessert-like latte.

Vanilla Syrup Substitutes

Vanilla syrup is key to achieving the signature sweet flavor in a Cake Batter Latte, but there are a few swaps and DIY alternatives:

1. Vanilla Extract: Replace the syrup with ½ teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.

2. Homemade Vanilla Syrup: Mix 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract in a pot. Simmer until fully dissolved, then cool.

3. Vanilla Bean Paste: Vanilla bean paste adds a rich and authentic flavor to your drink—it’s slightly more concentrated than syrup, so use sparingly.

4. Maple Syrup: Maple syrup provides natural sweetness with a subtle depth. Though not identical to vanilla syrup, it can mimic the sweetness for a healthier option.

Hazelnut Syrup Substitutes

Hazelnut syrup is responsible for the nutty undertones that simulate cake batter. If you don’t have hazelnut syrup, here’s what you can use instead:

1. Almond or Pecan Syrup: Almond syrup offers a slightly nutty, sweet flavor that works as a close substitute. Pecan syrup also blends beautifully into the latte for a bakery-inspired taste.

2. Nut Butter: Add ½ teaspoon of hazelnut, almond, or cashew butter to your coffee for a creamy consistency and nutty flavor.

3. Homemade Hazelnut Syrup: Simmer 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, and a handful of crushed hazelnuts. Strain and cool for a DIY alternative.

4. Caramel Syrup: Caramel syrup brings a rich, buttery sweetness that pairs nicely with vanilla, creating a slightly different but still indulgent latte.

Whipped Cream Substitutes

Whipped cream adds a final touch of decadence, but there are plenty of alternatives for taste, texture, and dietary needs:

1. Coconut Whipped Cream: Whip a can of chilled coconut milk or cream into a soft, fluffy texture for a dairy-free topping. Its creamy sweetness pairs beautifully with the latte.

2. Dairy-Free Store-Bought Whipped Toppings: Many brands like Reddi-Wip now offer almond milk or coconut milk-based whipped toppings that work perfectly for lattes.

3. Frothed Milk Foam: Skip the whipped cream altogether and simply froth some milk (or a milk substitute) to create a creamy layer on top.

4. Marshmallow Fluff: For added sweetness and a fun twist, top your latte with marshmallow fluff or mini marshmallows instead.

Sprinkles Substitutes

Sprinkles add a playful and colorful touch to the Cake Batter Latte, but there are alternatives depending on dietary restrictions or preferences:

1. Edible Glitter or Sugar Crystals: Use edible glitter for a dazzling, sophisticated look or substitute sprinkles with colored sugar crystals for a similar effect.

2. Crushed Cookies: Add a sprinkle of crushed sugar cookies or vanilla wafer crumbs to mimic the flavors of cake.

3. Shaved Chocolate: Instead of sprinkles, garnish your latte with white chocolate or milk chocolate shavings for indulgent flair.

4. Toasted Nuts: A sprinkle of finely chopped and toasted hazelnuts or almonds can add crunch and amplify the nutty essence of the latte.

Final Thoughts

The Starbucks Cake Batter Latte shines as a sweet, dessert-like drink, and pairing it with complementary treats can turn your enjoyment into a full-blown café-style experience.

More Starbucks Recipes:

• Copycat Starbucks Cake Pop Creamer Recipe
• Starbucks Strawberry Shortcake Frappuccino Recipe
• Homemade Starbucks Frog Cake Pop Recipe