Imagine the comforting sweetness of creamy banana pudding, perfectly swirled with the vibrant, earthy notes of high-quality matcha, all in one soul-soothing latte. This isn’t just a beverage; it’s an experience – a delightful fusion that transforms your favorite dessert into a sippable masterpiece. What makes this Matcha Banana Pudding Latte so incredibly special is its unique marriage of familiar comfort and sophisticated flavor. The smooth, sweet banana base beautifully complements the slightly bitter, umami-rich matcha, creating a balanced and indulgent treat. Perfect for a cozy afternoon pick-me-up, a unique weekend indulgence, or when you simply crave something wonderfully different, this latte is your ticket to a moment of pure bliss.
Time & Serving:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Assemble Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 1 large latte
Ingredients:
For the Creamy Banana Pudding Base:
▢ 1/2 medium ripe banana, blended
▢ 1/4 cup milk, any kind
▢ 1 teaspoon maple syrup
▢ 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
▢ Pinch of salt
▢ 1-2 Nilla wafers, crushed
For the Matcha Latte:
▢ 1 - 1.5 teaspoons ceremonial grade matcha powder, sifted
▢ 2 tablespoons hot water, (around 175°F/80°C)
▢ 1/2 - 3/4 cup milk, any kind, for steaming/frothing
Optional Garnishes:
▢ Whipped cream
▢ Extra crushed Nilla wafers or vanilla cookies
▢ A thin slice of banana
▢ A light dusting of matcha powder
Instructions:
- Prepare the Banana Pudding Base: In a small bowl or a mini blender, combine the mashed banana, 1/4 cup milk, maple syrup (if using), vanilla extract, salt, and crushed Nilla wafers (if using). Whisk vigorously or blend until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Prepare the Matcha: In a separate small bowl or mug, sift the matcha powder. Add the hot water. Whisk vigorously (traditionally with a bamboo whisk or “chasen,” but a small regular whisk or milk frother also works) in a “W” or “M” motion until the matcha is fully dissolved and a fine layer of foam appears on top.
- Warm and Froth Milk (for Latte): Gently heat the 1/2 – 3/4 cup milk in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until warm, or microwave for 30-60 seconds. Be careful not to boil. Froth the warm milk using a milk frother, French press (by pumping the plunger), or by shaking vigorously in a sealed jar until light and foamy.
- Assemble the Latte: Pour the prepared banana pudding base into your favorite latte mug or heatproof glass. If you’d like an iced version, add ice cubes now over the banana base.
- Combine and Serve: Gently pour the prepared matcha over the banana pudding base. Then, top with the frothed milk, holding back the thicker foam with a spoon initially and then spooning it on top.
- Garnish and Indulge: Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of crushed Nilla wafers, a banana slice, or a light dusting of matcha powder, if desired. Stir gently before sipping to combine the layers of flavor. Enjoy your cozy and indulgent Matcha Banana Pudding Latte!
Recipe Notes:
- Matcha Matters: For the best flavor and vibrant color, use good quality ceremonial grade matcha. Culinary grade can be used, but it might be more bitter and less vibrant. Always sift your matcha to prevent clumps.
- Banana Ripeness: The riper your banana, the sweeter it will be, and the less additional sweetener you’ll need. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots for maximum natural sweetness and flavor.
- Sweetness to Your Liking: Adjust the amount of maple syrup or sweetener in the banana base to your personal preference. Taste the banana base before adding it to the latte and add more sweetener if needed.
- Milk Choices: Different milks will yield slightly different results. Oat milk is known for its creaminess and ability to froth well, making it an excellent choice for lattes. Almond, soy, or dairy milk also work beautifully.
- Hot vs. Iced: This recipe is fantastic both hot and iced! For an iced version (Instruction #4), simply pour the banana base over ice, then add the matcha, and top with cold frothed milk (or just cold milk if you prefer not to froth it for an iced version).
- Achieving Smoothness: For the smoothest banana pudding base (Instruction #1), using a small blender or immersion blender is ideal. If mashing by hand, ensure the banana is extremely ripe and mash it thoroughly.
- Authentic Pudding Touch: The crushed Nilla wafers (Instruction #1) really enhance the “banana pudding” flavor profile. If you don’t have them, a plain vanilla biscuit or cookie can work, or omit them entirely if preferred.
- Whisking Matcha: If you don’t have a bamboo whisk (chasen), a small wire whisk or an electric milk frother can be used to incorporate the matcha powder and hot water (Instruction #2). The goal is a smooth, clump-free mixture.
There you have it – your very own Matcha Banana Pudding Latte, a truly unique and delightful concoction that brings together the best of comforting dessert and energizing tea. This creamy, dreamy latte is perfect for those moments when you deserve a special treat. We hope you enjoy crafting this cozy indulgence and savoring every sip of its wonderful flavor combination!
