Oat Milk Latte
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My creamy oat milk latte recipe makes a light, delicately sweetened latte using only 2 ingredients. NO espresso machine needed.
I used to make 2 to 3 lattes per day, and I always used whole milk. As much as I love the flavor, my stomach sometimes begs to differ. So, I’ve tried my hand at making lattes using plant-based milks. Most recently, I’ve been obsessed with oat milk.
Unlike almond or coconut milk, which often separate when heated, oat milk mixes seamlessly into the espresso and milk. What sets it apart is just how creamy and velvety it is. The trick to making a cafe-style oat latte is using the correct milk. Regular oat milk will work, but the barista blends are what make them froth beautifully. While I prefer Oatly, I’ve found that as long as the blend includes some fat in it (usually oil), you’ll be fine.
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
- Two simple ingredients. If you have coffee and oat milk, you can be sipping this latte in minutes.
- Works hot or iced. I love a warm latte, but come summer, I only drink them over ice.
- Easy to customize. Add a little sweetener or syrup to make a festive drink, or use chocolate-flavored oat milk to make a mocha.
- Alternative preparation methods. I prefer using my handy milk steamer, but I also tested the stovetop, microwave, and milk frother methods, just in case.
- Dairy-free and vegan. So no one has to miss out on all the fun.
Key Ingredients
Here’s what goes into my homemade oat latte, along with kitchen notes. Full measurements are in the recipe card below.
- Espresso shots OR brewed coffee. I prefer the traditional espresso method, but if you don’t have an espresso maker, use strongly brewed coffee.
- Oat milk. Look for oat milk labeled ‘barista blend’ as this is made to be creamier and won’t break when you add it to the hot coffee. If you can’t find it, regular oat milk will work, but it just won’t be as frothy.
- Sweetener of choice. Optional, but great if you prefer your lattes to taste sweet. I, for one, love the natural sweetness of honey lattes.
How to make an oat milk latte
Step 1- Add the espresso. Pour two shots of espresso into two mugs. Add sweetener if using.
Step 2- Steam milk. Add the oat milk to a milk steamer. Steam to 55C/130F, tilting it slightly to create a foam.
Step 3- Add foam. Using the back of a spoon, hold back the foam portion to pour the warm milk into each mug. Spoon the oat milk foam on top.
Alternative brewing methods
If you don’t have a milk steamer, fear not! I’ve had success making lattes using a few other methods. Here’s how:
Stovetop method. Pour milk into a small saucepan over medium heat. Once it begins to simmer, whisk vigorously until it foams. Pour the warm milk into the two espresso glasses and top with foam.
Microwave method. Add the milk to a mason jar, cover it, and shake until frothy. Microwave it for 1-2 minutes or until warm. Pour the warm milk into the two espresso glasses and top with foam.
Milk frother method. Add milk to a microwave-safe container and heat for 1-2 minutes or until warm. Froth with a milk frother until foam appears, then pour the warm milk into the espresso glasses and top with the foam.
Arman’s recipe tips
- If you use instant or freshly brewed coffee, make sure it’s very strong. 1/2 cup (125 ml) of freshly brewed coffee is enough for two lattes.
- Make decaf lattes. Use decaf coffee beans. I make decaf versions for my partner in the evenings- the process is identical, just swap the beans.
- Iced oat milk latte. Pour the espresso over ice cubes (or coffee ice cubes) and top with oat milk, followed by the foam.
- Add spices. Add a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or a chai spice blend to make a chai oat latte.
Variations
- Cappuccino. Use equal parts steamed milk and foam.
- Flat white. Omit the foam and increase the steamed milk.
- Macchiato. Omit the steamed oat milk and double the amount of foam on top.
- Café au lait. Add just a few tablespoons of steamed oat milk.
- Mocha latte. Use chocolate-flavored oat milk and make the latte as instructed.
- Vanilla latte. Use vanilla-flavored oat milk and add one teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Storage instructions
To store: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
To reheat: Microwave in 30-second intervals or reheat on the stovetop until warm.
Frequently asked questions
Not necessarily; some oat milk brands sneak in a heavy dose of added sugar. For healthy oat milk, look for one with a short ingredient list and no added sugar or flavorings. Oatly offers a low-sugar oat milk that tastes identical to its regular oat milk.
Oat Milk Latte
Ingredients
- 2 shots espresso or 1/2 cup strongly brewed coffee * See notes
- 1 1/2 cups oat milk barista blend
Instructions
- Pour two shots of espresso into two glasses or mugs and set them aside.
- Add your oat milk to a metallic milk steamer or jug. Steam your milk using the milk steamer attachment of the coffee machine. When the temperature reaches 55C/130F, tilt it slightly to on the side and create a gentle froth. Remove it from the steamer.
- Using a spoon, hold back the foam portion and pour the warm milk into the two glasses. Spoon the froth on top of them both and enjoy.
To make it stovetop
- Pour your milk into a small saucepan and place it over medium heat. Once it begins to simmer, whisk it vigorously for several minutes, until it begins to foam. Remove the milk from the heat and pour the warm milk into the glasses and scoop out the foam on top.
To make it in the microwave
- Add your oat milk to a sealable glass jar and vigorously shake it until it becomes frothy and doubles in size. Microwave it for 1-2 minutes, or until the milk is warm and froth appears. Pour the warm milk into the coffee glasses and spoon out the froth on top.
Notes
Nutrition
More homemade latte recipes
- Almond milk latte– I tested nearly every barista blend almond milk to get the perfect almond latte.
- Gingerbread latte– I developed this recipe after my partner spent over $50 on a week’s worth of Starbucks Gingerbread lattes. Seriously.
- Keto pumpkin spice latte– The classic festive drink gets a sugar-free makeover.
This recipe is simple but delicious. I’ve adopted a whole foods, plant-based diet to lower my LDL, and I miss half and half in my coffee most. While non-dairy milks cannot replicate the richness of dairy cream, this latte provides a tasty alternative that I genuinely enjoyed. I’ll make this again and again! Thank you for sharing!
That’s such a great description, Rita- oat milk does have the richness of dairy cream, which makes this oat latte so creamy and indulgent. Thanks for the lovely review and rating.