A condensed milk latte is a comforting and delectable coffee drink that combines the boldness of espresso with the smooth sweetness of condensed and creamy milk. The next level ingredient is condensed milk, which adds richness, warmth, and a natural caramel-like sweetness. Whether you’re making a hot or iced latte with condensed milk, this guide will walk you through the ultimate recipe, including variations and customizations with condensed milk.
Updated on July 25, 2025
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When I see Spanish Latte or variations with condensed milk pop up at the local Coffee Bean and Starbucks I can’t help but to laugh! No offense, but Asians have known the power of condensed milk recipes for ages.
The tongue-hugging sweetness and malty, sweet, and caramel flavor of condensed milk is unique and truly elevates any drink! Adding some to your coffee, latte, tea, and morning espresso is so yummy…you’ve got to try this when you’re in need of a sweet pick me up.
Why You’ll Love Condensed Milk Latte
- Creamy and Indulgent: Condensed milk adds a velvety texture and extra sweetness.
- Customizable: Make it dairy-free, iced (vegan condensed milk), or even stronger with an extra shot of espresso.
- Café-Quality at Home: Save money while enjoying a barista-style vanilla latte from your own kitchen.
What is Condensed Milk?
Condensed milk is cow’s milk (or plant-based alternatives) that has been cooked down to remove most of its water content, leaving behind a super thick, creamy, and sweet milky sauce. It has a natural caramelized flavor and a rich texture, making it a fantastic sweetener for coffee drinks, sago tapioca drinks, and so many desserts and beverages.
Condensed milk is really the secret sauce that will elevate your latte!
Taste Profile:
- Rich and creamy
- Sweet with a hint of caramel
- Smooth and velvety
Ingredients for the Perfect Condensed Milk Latte
For a single serving (16 oz):
Ingredients
- 1–2 shots of espresso (or ½ cup strong brewed coffee)
- This is the flavor backbone of your drink. Espresso provides bold, rich coffee notes, while strong brewed coffee works well if you don’t have an espresso machine. Using a strong brew ensures the coffee flavor isn’t watered down by the milk and condensed milk.
- 1 cup milk (dairy, oat, almond, soy, or coconut)
- Milk creates the creamy base of the drink. Dairy milk gives a classic, velvety texture, while plant-based options like oat, almond, soy, or coconut milk provide flavor variations and a vegan-friendly version.
- 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk (regular, coconut, or vegan)
- Condensed milk adds sweet creaminess and depth, giving the drink a rich café-style flavor. Coconut or vegan versions work perfectly for a plant-based twist without losing sweetness or body.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vanilla rounds out the flavors and enhances the sweetness naturally, balancing the slight bitterness of the espresso or strong coffee.
- Pinch of salt
- A tiny pinch of salt helps to balance sweetness and brings out the complex coffee flavors, making the drink taste more vibrant and well-rounded.
Optional Add-ins:
- Whipped cream for extra indulgence
- Cinnamon or nutmeg – or pumpkin pie spice, for a warm spice kick
- Caramel drizzle for a café-style finish
- Add in Japanese coffee jelly for more coffee power in an iced version of condensed milk latte.
Equipment
- Measuring cup and spoons
- Frother or Whisk
Instructions
Brew the Espresso
- If using an espresso machine, pull 1-2 shots of espresso.
- If using brewed coffee, make a strong ½ cup serving.
Heat and Froth the Milk
- Warm your milk of choice over medium heat until hot but not boiling.
- Whisk 1 tbsp of condensed milk into your milk while it’s hot, allowing it to fully dissolve. Add the vanilla extract and pinch of salt.
- Use a milk frother, whisk, or French press to froth the milk until light and foamy.
Combine and Serve
- Pour the steamed milk over the espresso and gently stir.
- Top with milk foam, whipped cream, or cinammon spice if desired.
How to Make an Iced Vanilla Latte with Condensed Milk
- Follow all the above steps, but allow the milk mixture to cool down before pouring in your espresso.
- Once the milk mixture is cool, pour in a glass, add lots of ice, then add the espresso. Enjoy your iced condensed milk latte!
Iced Condensed Milk Add Ins
- boba balls, tapioca, grass jelly
Notes
- Blending the Ingredients: Using a whisk helps combine the condensed milk very well with the milk.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Condensed milk is naturally sweet, so start with a small amount and adjust to your preference.
- Use Warmed Condensed Milk: Warming it slightly before mixing can help it blend smoothly with your espresso or coffee.
- Pair with Bold Coffee: Since condensed milk is rich, a strong espresso or dark roast coffee works best to balance the flavors.
- Dairy-Free Alternatives: Coconut condensed milk is a great option for those avoiding dairy while still enjoying creaminess.
Add-Ins & Variations with Condensed Milk
- Coconut Condensed Milk: Adds a tropical twist with a subtle coconut flavor.
- Ube Flavor Latte: Add real ube halaya or ube extract for an earthy, Filipino style twist.
- Caramel Condensed Milk Latte: Mix in 1 tbsp of caramel syrup for a deeper sweetness.
- Honey Latte: Make a honey coffee latte or make whipped honey and drizzle it in for an added layer of sweet flavor.
- Hazelnut Latte: Swap out vanilla extract for hazelnut syrup.
- Spiced Latte: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a cozy feel like in golden lattes. You can even add chai and make it a “dirty chai” condensed milk latte.
- Mocha Vanilla Latte: Stir in 1 tbsp cocoa powder for a chocolatey variation.
- Earthy Sensation: Add matcha jelly or top with matcha whipped cream for an earthy and contrasting depth of flavors. Grass jelly coffee is also delicious!
Storage and Leftovers
Condensed milk coffee is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store the components for convenience:
- Store the coffee separately. If you’ve brewed espresso or strong coffee with condensed milk, let it cool completely and keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Shake or stir before using, as the condensed milk will settle to the bottom.
- A glass mason jar works really well.
- Keep milk separate. For iced or reheated versions, store milk on its own and combine just before serving to preserve creaminess and texture.
- Reheat gently. If you’re enjoying it hot, warm the coffee slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave. Avoid boiling, as this can alter the flavor and texture and make it bitter.
- Do not pre-mix with ice. Ice will dilute the drink and affect the balance of coffee and sweetness.
A latte made with condensed milk is the perfect balance of bold coffee, creamy sweetness, and rich texture. Whether you enjoy it hot or iced, this homemade condensed milk latte recipe will give you that luxurious café-quality experience in every sip.
Try different variations and find your favorite way to customize this delightful drink!
Have you tried making this recipe? Let us know your favorite add-ins in the comments below! Please share, like, pin, or give stars. Thank you for the love!
Creamy CONDENSED MILK Latte
Equipment
- measuring cup and spoons
- Frother or Whisk
Ingredients
- 1-2 shots of espresso or ½ cup strong brewed coffee
- 1 cup milk dairy, oat, almond, soy, or coconut
- 1 tbsp sweetened condensed milk regular, coconut, or vegan
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Optional Add-ins:
- Whipped cream for extra indulgence
- Cinnamon or nutmeg – or pumpkin pie spice for a warm spice kick
- Caramel drizzle for a café-style finish
Instructions
Brew the Espresso
- If using an espresso machine, pull 1-2 shots of espresso.If using brewed coffee, make a strong ½ cup serving.1-2 shots of espresso
Heat and Froth the Milk
- Warm your milk of choice over medium heat until hot but not boiling.1 cup milk
- Whisk 1 tbsp of condensed milk into your milk while it’s hot, allowing it to fully dissolve. Add the vanilla extract and pinch of salt.Use a milk frother, whisk, or French press to froth the milk until light and foamy.1 tbsp sweetened condensed milk, 1 tsp vanilla extract, pinch of salt
Combine and Serve
- Pour the steamed milk over the espresso and gently stir.Top with milk foam, whipped cream, or cinammon spice if desired.Whipped cream for extra indulgence, Cinnamon or nutmeg – or pumpkin pie spice, Caramel drizzle for a café-style finish
How to Make an Iced Vanilla Latte with Condensed Milk
- Follow all the above steps, but allow the milk mixture to cool down before pouring in your espresso.Once the milk mixture is cool, pour in a glass, add lots of ice, then add the espresso. Enjoy your iced condensed milk latte!
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