Get ready to indulge your senses with a truly unique and delightful creation: the Banana Pudding Matcha Latte! Imagine the comforting, nostalgic flavors of creamy banana pudding – sweet banana, hints of vanilla, and that lovely Nilla wafer essence – all swirled together with the earthy, vibrant notes of matcha.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 8 mins (includes blending and assembling)
Servings: 1
Ingredients:
For the Banana Pudding Matcha Latte:
- 1 tsp Matcha Powder, sifted
- 2 tbsp Hot Water, around 175°F , not boiling
- 1/2 medium Ripe Banana
- 3/4 cup Milk
- 1-2 tsp Maple Syrup
- 1/4 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 cup Ice Cubes
- 1-2 Vanilla Wafer Cookies, crushed, for garnish
- Whipped Cream, for topping
Instructions:
- Prepare Matcha Shot: In a small bowl or matcha bowl, add the sifted matcha powder. Pour in the hot water.
- Whisk Matcha Vigorously: Using a bamboo whisk (chasen), whisk the matcha and hot water in a quick “W” or “M” motion until no clumps remain and a fine layer of foam appears on top. This should take about 20-30 seconds. A small milk frother can also work. Set aside.
- Blend Banana Base: In a blender, combine the ripe banana, milk, maple syrup (or sweetener), and vanilla extract. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Your Latte: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
- Pour Banana Milk: Pour the blended banana milk mixture over the ice, leaving about an inch or two of space at the top.
- Add Matcha: Gently pour the prepared matcha shot over the banana milk mixture. Watch the beautiful layers form!
- Garnish & Serve: Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafer cookies.
- Enjoy Immediately: Stir gently if desired, or enjoy the layers as they are. Sip and savor your unique dessert-inspired latte!
Recipe Notes:
- Matcha Quality: Good quality matcha makes a difference in flavor and color. Sift it to prevent clumps for a smoother drink.
- Banana Ripeness: Use a ripe banana for the best natural sweetness and banana flavor. A frozen banana will yield a thicker, more milkshake-like consistency.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the maple syrup or sweetener to your personal preference. The ripeness of your banana will also affect the overall sweetness.
- Milk Options: Oat milk or whole dairy milk will give an extra creamy result, but any milk works well.
- Blending Smoothness: Ensure the banana mixture is blended thoroughly to avoid any chunks and achieve a silky texture.
- Vanilla Wafer Magic: The crushed vanilla wafers as a garnish really enhance the “banana pudding” experience with their distinct flavor and a little crunch.
- No Blender?: You can mash the banana very thoroughly with a fork until it’s almost a puree, then vigorously whisk it with the milk, sweetener, and vanilla. It won’t be as smooth as blended, but still delicious.
- Skip the Toppings?: If you prefer a simpler drink, it’s still fantastic without the whipped cream and cookie garnish.
There you have it – an incredibly inventive, surprisingly harmonious, and utterly delicious Banana Pudding Matcha Latte! This recipe is a delightful way to combine classic comfort with modern flair, perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings in a uniquely refreshing way. We hope you enjoy this fun and flavorful creation! Happy blending!
