This banana bread matcha latte combines earthy matcha with sweet bakery-inspired banana bread flavours. Learn how to make this iced or hot matcha latte at home.
Banana Bread Matcha
A Banana Bread Matcha Latte is a matcha latte flavoured with banana bread syrup. The simple syrup adds notes of ripe banana, brown sugar, cinnamon and vanilla that mimic the flavour of freshly baked banana bread.
While banana and matcha may seem like an unexpected pair at first, they actually work really well together. Matcha has a umami flavour and pairing it with sweet dessert-inspired ingredients creates balance. The warm spice and caramelized sweetness of banana bread syrup softens the earthy notes from the green tea powder without overpowering them.
If you enjoy this recipe, you may also like my Banana Bread Tea Latte made with black tea and the same homemade syrup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A fun twist on a classic matcha latte: Sweet banana bread flavours pair perfectly with earthy matcha.
- Perfect year-round: Refreshing iced for summer and cozy served hot in cooler months.
- Beginner-friendly: The homemade syrup softens matcha’s earthy flavour for an easier introduction.
- Affordable: Café-style quality at home for a fraction of the cost.
- Easy to customize: Enjoy it hot or iced or even dairy-free.
Ingredient Notes
- Matcha: Use a good quality matcha powder for the best flavour and vibrant colour.
- Water: Under boiling water is needed to prepare the matcha properly.
- Banana Bread Syrup: Make my homemade banana bread syrup in advance so you can always have it on hand for this latte recipe.
- Milk: Any type of milk or milk alternative will work well.
- Ice and Cold Foam or Whipped Cream: For the iced latte version only.
How to Make An Iced Banana Bread Matcha Latte
Ingredient measurements and full directions are in the printable recipe card below.
Step 1: Prepare the Matcha
Sift matcha powder into a bowl to remove clumps. Add warm water and whisk until smooth and frothy.
Step 2: Add Syrup and Milk
Fill a glass with ice. Add banana bread syrup and milk.
Step 3: Pour the Matcha
Slowly pour the whisked matcha over the milk for a layered latte effect.
Step 4: Top with cold foam, stir and enjoy!
For more of a treat, add cold foam or whipped cream to the top of the latte. Garnish with thinly sliced bananas and cinnamon, if desired. Stir before drinking and enjoy immediately!
How to Make It Hot
To make a hot version of this latte, prepare the matcha the same way by sifting and whisking in warm water until smooth. Add banana bread syrup to a mug with the matcha. Heat and froth milk and top mug with the frothed milk. Garnish with ground cinnamon and/or banana slices (optional) and enjoy warm.
Tips for the Best Matcha Latte
- Sift matcha before whisking to avoid clumps in your latte
- Use water around 175°F (80°C) instead of boiling water to prevent bitterness
- Whisk in a zig-zag “W” motion for a frothy texture
- Adjust syrup amount depending on your sweetness preference
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Banana Bread Matcha Latte taste like?
It tastes creamy, lightly earthy and sweet with warm banana bread flavours like cinnamon, vanilla and caramelized banana.
Can I use store-bought banana bread syrup?
I highly recommend homemade banana bread syrup as it gives this drink a richer and more authentic flavour. If you already have store-bought banana bread syrup though, you can certainly try that instead. Just note that the results may vary.
Can I make this without a bamboo whisk?
Yes, you don’t need a bamboo whisk to make this latte. A handheld milk frother or even a blender will work to combine the matcha with the warm water.
Banana Bread Matcha Latte
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon matcha
- ¼ cup water under boiling
- 1-2 tablespoons banana bread syrup
- ½ cup milk
- Ice and cold foam or whipped cream for iced latte only
Instructions
To Make it Iced:
- Sift matcha powder with a fine mesh sieve into a bowl to remove clumps. Add warm water and whisk with a bamboo whisk or an electric whisk until smooth and frothy.
- Fill a glass with ice. Add banana bread syrup and milk.
- Slowly pour the whisked matcha over the milk for a layered latte effect.
- For more of a treat, add cold foam or whipped cream to the top of the iced latte. Garnish with thinly sliced bananas and cinnamon, if desired. Stir before drinking and enjoy immediately!
To Make it Hot:
- In a mug or bowl, sift matcha with a fine mesh sieve to remove any clumps. Add warm water and whisk together with a bamboo whisk or an electric whisk until smooth and frothy.
- Add whisked matcha and banana bread syrup to a serving mug and stir to combine.
- Heat and froth milk of your choice. Add the milk froth to the mug, garnish with ground cinnamon and banana slices (optional) and enjoy!