This Iced Banana Bread Matcha Latte is an easy Starbucks copycat recipe of a viral drink that you can make at home with simple ingredients. The homemade brown sugar syrup is made with cinnamon, vanilla, and a hint of butter, recreating a freshly baked banana bread flavor. The creamy banana cold foam on top completes this cozy matcha latte.
In this post, I'll share a copycat recipe with brown sugar syrup and cold foam made with banana powder, just like they do at Starbucks.
I also share a simpler and lighter, or I call it lazy version, made with maple syrup and real banana. In this version, you don't need to make the syrup, so you can enjoy your drink right away.
Want something even simpler? Try my Banana Matcha Latte with Banana Milk.
I believe matcha and fruit are an elite combination, so make sure to try my Strawberry Matcha Latte and Blueberry Matcha Latte.
If you're new to matcha, make sure to start here: The Ultimate Matcha Guide for Beginners.
Jump to:
- What is the Banana Bread Matcha Latte?
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients
- Assembly
- How to Make the Caramel Crunch Topping
- How to Make the Brown Sugar Syrup
- How to Prepare Matcha for Banana Bread Latte
- How to Make Banana Bread Matcha Latte
- Healthier Maple Syrup Version (Refined-Sugar-Free Version)
- What Does Banana Bread Matcha Taste Like?
- Brown Sugar vs Maple Syrup
- Variations
- Tip for the Perfect Banana Bread Matcha
- Serving suggestions
- FAQ
- Iced Banana Bread Matcha Latte with Banana Cold Foam (Starbucks Copycat)
What is the Banana Bread Matcha Latte?
This Iced Banana bread matcha latte is a smooth, earthy iced matcha latte with homemade brown sugar syrup and topped with creamy banana cold foam and caramel crunch topping. Rich toppings make this matcha latte taste like a satisfying dessert.
This is a popular menu item at Starbucks, and here I share how to recreate it at home in two ways.
Copycat Recipe
- Made with homemade brown sugar syrup.
- Banana cold foam is made with banana powder or banana pudding mix for convenience.
- Topped with easy caramel crunch topping for real Starbucks vibes.
Healthier and Easier Version
- Use maple syrup and a pinch of salt, instead of making syrup from scratch, for instant banana bread vibes.
- Banana cold foam is made with real, fresh bananas for a rich tropical flavor.
- Topped with cinnamon powder for a warm, cozy flavor.
This is more like a special occasion matcha for me! Banana cream top makes this drink taste like a rich dessert. If you're looking for more everyday matcha, also try
Vanilla Matcha Latte.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy copycat recipe of the Starbucks Iced Banana Bread Matcha Latte.
- Cheaper and fresher than store-bought.
- Two versions, depending on what you're looking for: easy copycat and healthier alternative.
- Homemade brown sugar syrup adds freshly baked banana bread flavor.
- Easy banana cold foam adds a banana pudding vibe to your matcha.
Ingredients
For the Copycat Version
Caramel Crunch Topping
- Granulated sugar
Homemade Brown Sugar Syrup (makes 12 tablespoons)
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon powder
- Vanilla paste
- Sea salt
- Unsalted butter (Optional)
Starbucks-Style Banana Cream Cold Foam
- Heavy cream
- Milk
- Banana powder or banana pudding mix
- Brown sugar syrup
Healthy Version
For Fresh Banana Cold Foam
- Heavy cream
- Banana
- Milk
- Maple syrup
- Vanilla paste
- Sea salt
Assembly
- Ceremonia-grade matcha
- milk of your choice (oat milk is my personal favorite)
- Maple syrup or brown sugar syrup
- Sea salt, for Healthy Version
- Cinnamon powder, optional
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make the Caramel Crunch Topping
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Thinly spread the sugar on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake until the sugar is melted and golden brown. Let cool completely.
- Use the back of the spoon to break the sugar into small pieces.
How to Make the Brown Sugar Syrup
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, cinnamon, and salt. Bring it to a boil over medium heat. Then lower the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and stir in butter and vanilla.
- Let the syrup cool completely.
How to Prepare Matcha for Banana Bread Latte
In the traditional whisking method, you sift and whisk matcha powder with hot water. It creates a clump-free, smooth matcha and is the best method to bring out the flavor.
- In a small bowl, sift in matcha powder. I like 3g (about 1.5 teaspoons) of my matcha for my latte. If you like bold flavor, use 4g (about 2 teaspoons).
- Use 158-176°F (70-80°C) water for the best flavor. Use a kettle with temperature control, or slightly let the boiling water cool. Traditional Method: Bring water to a boil, then pour it into a clean cup. This cools down the water slightly. Then pour it into matcha.
- Add hot water and use a bamboo whisk to whisk vigorously until smooth and foamy on the surface. Use "M" or "W" motion.
- Once froth forms, brush the surface with the tip of the bamboo whisk, keep using "M" or "W" motion. This step reduces large bubbles and makes the froth extra creamy.
Hot Water Temperature for Matcha: If your matcha is bitter, the temperature of the water might be too hot. Using a kettle with temperature control is the easiest. But it's not necessary! Try the traditional method instead: bring water to a boil, then pour it into a clean cup to cool down the water slightly. Then use it in matcha.
How to Make Banana Bread Matcha Latte
- In a small cup or bowl, combine heavy cream, milk, banana powder, and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar syrup.
- Froth using a handheld frother until thick and creamy. If you're using banana pudding mix, add a splash more of milk if the consistency is too thick.
- Fill the glass with ice, and add the brown sugar syrup. Pour the milk and top with whisked matcha. Slowly pour the cold foam on top and sprinkle the caramel crunch topping.
Healthier Maple Syrup Version (Refined-Sugar-Free Version)
- In a small blender, add heavy cream, banana, milk, maple syrup, vanilla paste, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Fill the glass with ice, and add the maple syrup and a pinch of salt. Pour the milk and top with whisked matcha. Slowly pour the cold foam on top and sprinkle the cinnamon powder.
What Does Banana Bread Matcha Taste Like?
Banana bread matcha combines earthy matcha with cozy flavors inspired by freshly baked banana bread. The matcha keeps the drink rich and bold, and the banana cold foam adds creamy sweetness like a dessert. Brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and a hint of butter create warm bakery flavors that pair beautifully with matcha.
The drink is rich and comforting without being overly sweet. If you enjoy banana bread and matcha lattes, this combination feels surprisingly natural and delicious.
Brown Sugar vs Maple Syrup
For the Starbucks-inspired version, I made a homemade brown sugar syrup with cinnamon, vanilla, and a small piece of butter. It creates a warm, freshly baked-goods vibe that tastes closer to banana bread with banana cold foam.
But if you want a quicker and lighter (and lazier in a good way!) version, caramel-y flavor from maple syrup works beautifully too. Banana and maple are naturally delicious together, and the flavor pairs wonderfully with matcha.
The brown sugar version feels richer and more dessert-like, while the maple syrup version is easy and fresh, and a little bit healthier.
Variations
- Make It Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free heavy whipping cream with milk alternatives like oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk for the latte and cold foam.
- Add Espresso: For a dirty matcha twist, add a shot of espresso for a cozy. Or swap matcha with espresso completely for banana bread matcha.
- Make It Hot: Skip the ice and serve the latte with warm milk for a cozy banana bread matcha latte on colder days.
Tip for the Perfect Banana Bread Matcha
- Sift the matcha: This helps prevent clumps and creates a smooth latte.
- Whisk the matcha separately first: Fully dissolve the matcha before pouring it into the milk for the full flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness to your taste: Banana sweetness can vary depending on ripeness, so taste and adjust if needed.
- Use a ripe banana: A ripe banana gives fuller flavor and adds natural sweetness to the cold foam.
- Use a bold matcha: Stronger matcha contrasts with the sweet banana bread flavors. Delicate matcha can get lost behind the cinnamon and banana.
Serving suggestions
Make these desserts for a perfect Japanese tea time with matcha!
FAQ
Yes! Maple syrup and date syrup are great alternatives, adding a caramel-like flavor.
I don't recommend culinary-grade matcha for the latte, as its flavor is often a little too bitter, and its color can be dull. Ceremonial-grade matcha makes a smooth and bright green matcha. But you don't need an expensive matcha. Affordable ceremonial-grade matcha has a great flavor for making a fun latte.
Iced Banana Bread Matcha Latte with Banana Cold Foam (Starbucks Copycat)
Ingredients
The Copycat Version
For Caramel Crunch Topping (makes enough for 4 servings)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
For the Brown Sugar Syrup (makes 12 tablespoons)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup water
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter Optional
- 1 teaspoon vanilla paste
- 1 pinch sea salt
For Starbucks-Style Banana Cream Cold Foam
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 3 tablespoons banana powder can sub with 2 Tablespoons banana pudding mix
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar syrup
Healthy Version
For Fresh Banana Cold Foam
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ½ banana
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ tablespoons maple syrup
- ½ tablespoon vanilla paste
- 1 pinch sea salt
Assembly
- 2 teaspoons ceremonia-grade matcha 4g
- ¼ cup 158-176°F 70-80°C hot water, boil water, then pour it into a clean cup to cool down slightly.
- ½ cup oat milk or milk of your choice.
- 2 Tablespoons maple syrup or brown sugar syrup
- 1 pinch sea salt for Healthy Version
- Cinnamon powder optional
Instructions
Copycat Version
Make the Caramel Crunch Topping
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Thinly spread the sugar on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-13 minutes until the sugar is melted and golden brown. Let cool completely.
- Use the back of the spoon to break the sugar into small pieces.
Make the Brown Sugar Syrup
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, cinnamon, and salt. Bring it to a boil over medium heat. Then lower the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and stir in butter and vanilla.
- Let the syrup cool completely.
Starbucks Style Banana Cream Cold Foam
- In a small cup or bowl, combine heavy cream, milk, banana powder, and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar syrup.
- Froth using a handheld frother until thick and creamy. If you're using banana pudding mix, add a splash more of milk if the consistency is too thick.
Healthy Version
Make Fresh Banana Cold Foam
- In a small blender, add heavy cream, banana, milk, maple syrup, vanilla paste, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Assembly
- Prepare the matcha: In a small bowl, sift in matcha powder. Add hot water and use a bamboo whisk to whisk, moving in an M or W shape, until smooth and foamy on the surface.
- Fill the glass with ice, and add the syrup. Add a pinch of salt if you're using maple syrup. Pour the milk and top with whisked matcha. Slowly pour the cold foam on top and sprinkle the caramel crunch topping or cinnamon powder.
Notes
Nutrition
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