Our Banana Bread Latte: The Coffee Hug Everyone Needs

It began with a handful of creators experimenting with espresso and overripe bananas. And now, with dessert-inspired drinks taking over #CoffeeTok, it’s safe to say that the banana bread latte is a full-blown, real-time viral trend. When Melia Sailiata, our Culinary Production Assistant, saw this crave-worthy coffee flooding her own social feeds, she knew she had to create a version of her very own. (What else would someone in the culinary industry with a barista background do?!) And we’re so glad she did! 

Melia’s cocktail-esque version goes all in on the banana factor. Using two ripe bananas, vanilla, and a mix of nutty seasonings, Melia creates a banana simple syrup that gives her latte all the cozy, nostalgic vibes of a fresh-baked loaf, right from the oven. The oat milk base keeps things nice and creamy, and the brûléed banana garnish adds a welcomed dash of playfulness.

Now, you might be thinking, A banana bread latte? In spring? But when you look a little deeper into the overall vibe of 2025, the clarity starts to surface — this isn’t just another sweet gimmick. The banana bread latte taps into a wave of this year’s trends, like nostalgia (think dirty sodas, vintage dessert remixes, homey flavors), plant-based milks (like oat, almond, and macadamia), and the idea of coffee as a snack (it’s versatile, it’s portable, it’s energy boosting). 

What do we think? Well, perhaps it’s resonating with the cultural zeitgeist simply because it’s a sensorial jackpot: it smells good, it looks good, it tastes good. And it just feels good to indulge in something so familiar yet novel all at once — it’s the perfect way to start a day or spice up an otherwise routine afternoon. Go ahead, you deserve it!

1 serving

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 bananas, plus more for garnish
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• ⅛ cup walnuts
• ½ tsp vanilla paste
• ¼ tsp cinnamon, plus more for garnish
• ⅛ tsp nutmeg
• ¾ cup oat milk 
• ¼ cup brewed espresso
• 1 Tbsp turbinado sugar

Directions

1. To make the banana bread syrup: In a blender, combine bananas, 1 cup water, brown sugar, walnuts, vanilla bean paste, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Blend until smooth, about 1 minute.

2. Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve and into a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the syrup darkens and thickens, 6 to 8 minutes. Set aside and cool in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.

3. To make the latte: In a 12 ounce glass, add 3 tablespoons of the banana bread syrup and 2 ounces of brewed espresso and stir until combined. Fill the glass halfway with ice, top with milk, and a dash of cinnamon.

4. To make the garnish: Slice a  banana into 2 ½”-thick coins. Dip one side of each banana slice in turbinado sugar. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugared slices by waving the flame over the sugar until melted and golden, about 30 seconds. Skewer two banana slices with a toothpick and add to the rim of the glass. Enjoy!

Tips

The riper your bananas are, the sweeter they will be. Adjust the amounts according to your taste. 

If you prefer a lighter milk, oat milk can be substituted for almond or macadamia. Just be sure to dial back the syrup slightly so the sweetness isn’t overpowering.