Viral Cherry Vanilla Latte Recipe (Low-Sugar Option!)
Published Feb 12, 2025 Updated Feb 24, 2025
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This viral cherry vanilla latte will make you want to leap out of bed in the morning! There’s something so fun about creating a homemade version of your favorite drinks and this one is seriously so delicious. This latte combines espresso with the sweet, fruity flavor of cherries and the comforting warmth of vanilla. It’s a must-try!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Delicious Cherry Vanilla Latte
I would like to personally thank The Nitro Bar for this viral cherry latte! It has been my go the past few days (I cannot get enough!). I also love making other fun, homemade lattes depending on my mood – like my keto brown sugar latte, keto matcha latte, or iced pumpkin spice latte. Like those, this cherry vanilla latte is great in the mornings but also as a little afternoon pick-me-up. This iced cherry vanilla latte is a fusion of bold espresso, sweet cherry syrup, and creamy milk,
The cherry vanilla syrup adds a fresh, natural sweetness that elevates the drink beyond what your standard coffee house has to offer. And, by making it at home you can choose whatever ingredients you prefer. Whether that’s choosing a dairy-free milk or adjusting the sweetness to your liking. It’s a versatile and satisfying treat that will make your day brighter!
Ingredient Notes
Here are a few notes on the key ingredients for this cherry vanilla latte! Jump to the full recipe card for the exact measurements.
Low Sugar Cherry Syrup
- Frozen cherries: Give this latte a naturally sweet, fruity flavor that pairs beautifully with vanilla. Fresh cherries work too, but frozen ones are easier year-round!
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth, making the cherry flavors pop!
- Allulose: A great low-sugar option to sweeten things up without overpowering the cherries. Feel free to swap with coconut sugar or regular sugar if that’s more your style.
Cherry Vanilla Latte
- Cherry sauce (made from the ingredients above): The magic ingredient that transforms a regular latte into a cherry vanilla dream.
- Espresso: Brings the bold coffee kick that balances out the sweetness. Strong brewed coffee can work in a pinch, but espresso gives it that rich, café style flavor.
- Milk of choice (almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk, or regular milk): The creamy base that smooths everything out. Use whatever fits your diet and taste.
- Heavy cream: Gives this latte an extra luxurious texture. Skip it for a lighter drink, or use coconut cream for a dairy-free swap.
- Vanilla extract: If you love vanilla as much as I do, a little extra never hurts! If you want a richer vanilla flavor you can use vanilla bean paste instead!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cherry Syrup
Step 1: Cook the cherries – In a small sauce pan over medium heat, add the frozen cherries, water, and allulose. Simmer – Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries soften and release their juices. Remove from the heat and add in the vanilla extract.
Step 2: Blend – Use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer the mixture to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Adjust consistency – If the sauce is too thick, add a little more water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Cherry Vanilla Latte
Step 3: Fill a glass with ice and then pour in the cherry sauce. Brew the espresso – Prepare 1-2 shots of espresso using a Nespresso, espresso machine, or strong brewed coffee.
Step 4: Froth – Froth the milk, cream, and vanilla extract using a milk frother or whisk until slightly foamy. Add the frothy cream to the top of the assembled drink.
Step 5: Optional: Garnish with an extra drizzle of cherry sauce or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Mac’s Pro Tip
Expert Tips
- I always use allulose for low-sugar syrups because it won’t crystallize in the fridge. If you use monk fruit, the sauce may start to crystallize after a few days.
- If you’re feeling fancy, try blending the latte with ice for a frozen treat – it’s like a dessert in a glass!
- If your cherry syrup is too thick, add a splash of water and stir over low heat until it thins out. If it’s too thin, simmer it longer to reduce and concentrate the flavors.
- Boost the cherry flavor by adding an extra spoonful of cherry sauce or a splash of cherry juice to balance the bold espresso flavor.
Serving Tips
- Garnish with fresh cherries, a dusting of cinnamon, or a swirl of whipped cream for an extra special touch.
- Enjoy with some easy protein pancakes, hash brown avocado toast with prosciutto, or as an afternoon pick me up with some double chocolate muffins.
Mac’s Pro Tip
Storage Tips
Store leftover homemade cherry vanilla simple syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
The syrup can also be frozen in ice cube trays for quick and easy use in future lattes!
Recipe FAQs
You can swap allulose for coconut sugar, maple syrup, or regular sugar. Just adjust to taste since different sweeteners vary in intensity.
A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom can add warmth and depth to the flavors. Try experimenting to find your favorite combo!
More Drink Recipes
Fall/Thanksgiving
Sugar-Free Pumpkin Spice Syrup
Sauces, Dressings, & Dips
Simple Homemade Apple Syrup Recipe (Low-Sugar)
Follow on Instagram
If you love this recipe, please give it a star rating and leave a comment below! Follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram for more!
Viral Cherry Vanilla Latte Recipe (Low-Sugar Option!)
Ingredients
Cherry Syrup
- 2 cups frozen cherries
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4-1/3 cup allulose adjust to taste can use coconut sugar or regular sugar here
Cherry Latte
- 2-3 tbsp cherry sauce see recipe above
- 1-2 shots espresso
- 3 tbsp milk of choice almond, coconut, or regular milk
- 2 tbsp heavy cream regular or dairy-free
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract optional, for extra flavor
Instructions
Cherry Syrup
- Cook the cherries – In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the frozen cherries, water, and allulose.
- Simmer – Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries soften and release their juices. Remove from the heat and add in the vanilla extract.
- Blend – Use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Adjust consistency – If the sauce is too thick, add a little more water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Cherry Latte
- Brew the espresso – Prepare 1-2 shots of espresso using a Nespresso, espresso machine, or strong brewed coffee.
- Froth- Froth the milk, cream and vanilla extract using a milk frother or whisk until slightly foamy.
- Assemble the latte – Fill a glass with ice and then pour in the cherry sauce, followed by the espresso and milk mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Top & enjoy – Optional: Garnish with an extra drizzle of cherry sauce or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Notes
- I always use allulose for low-sugar syrups because it won’t crystallize in the fridge. If you use monk fruit, the sauce may start to crystallize after a few days.
- If you’re feeling fancy, try blending the latte with ice for a frozen treat – it’s like a dessert in a glass!
- If your cherry syrup is too thick, add a splash of water and stir over low heat until it thins out. If it’s too thin, simmer it longer to reduce and concentrate the flavors.
- Boost the cherry flavor by adding an extra spoonful of cherry sauce or a splash of cherry juice to balance the bold espresso flavor.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I never expected cherry and coffee to be a match made in heaven, but wow, I was so wrong! This combo is next-level delicious, and now I can’t drink my coffee any other way.
This makes me so happy. And I agree….the flavor combo is so good.
Love these flavors, thank you!!