This healthy version of the holiday gingerbread latte is gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar-free, and vegan! Perfect for a cozy winter pick-me-up.
The gingerbread latte is one of the most popular coffee shop festive favourites. (Except Starbucks decided not to bring it back this year!) But with loads of sugar and calories, it’s not a very healthy choice, let alone food allergy-friendly.
Insert this healthy homemade gingerbread latte recipe! In less that 3 minutes, you can create a coffee shop quality drink that is gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, paleo, and refined sugar-free. Yes, it really is all of those things!
And I can’t forget to mention how delicious it is. I seriously prefer it to the sugary alternatives. Plus I bet you already have the ingredients in your pantry.
Ready to jump into the holiday spirit? Keep reading to learn how to make your caffeine fix super festive.
Looking for more healthy coffee drinks? Check out some of these:
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Allergy-friendly. This healthier gingerbread latte is free of gluten, dairy, and refined sugar. It is also vegan!
- Have the coffee shop experience at home! You won't miss the dairy and added sugar, plus you don't have to leave the house.
- You can have a healthy homemade drink in just 3 minutes.
- Save money. You don't need to spend $6 on a drink because you probably already have everything in your pantry.
Ingredients Needed
Here is everything you'll need to make this healthier gingerbread latte:
- Molasses: A classic gingerbread ingredient! This thick, syrupy substance adds sweetness and the classic depth of flavour that gingerbread cookies usually have.
- Maple syrup: My go-to for refined sugar-free sweetness. The combination of maple and molasses gives depth to this drink without artificial sugar syrups.
- Espresso: Because we need our caffeine! I love using my Nespresso machine to brew espresso pods for this drink, however you could use instant espresso or even just strong coffee if that's what you have.
- Dairy-free milk: I use Silk unsweetened almond milk. It froths pretty well in the Nespresso Aeroccino frother.
- Cinnamon
- Ground ginger: These spices give the ultimate gingerbread flavour.
- Dairy-free whipped cream: Optional topping. I like to use coconut whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.
Equipment Note
I recommend using a handheld milk frother for this recipe. It blends the "gingerbread syrup" ingredients well with little mess. If you don't have one, you could use a regular whisk as long as it's small.
You can also use the handheld milk frother to foam your milk if you pre-heat it, although I find best results using an electric machine like the Nespresso Aeroccino.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Be sure to read the recipe card below for the full ingredient list and instructions.
(1) Add the molasses and maple syrup to your mug. Brew the espresso into the mug and mix together with a hand whisk.
(2) & (3) At the same time, froth the milk. Pour into the mug, add the spices, and whisk together.
(4) & (5) Top with remaining milk foam, or even coconut whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Enjoy warm!
Snack Pairings
There are many ways to enjoy a healthy gingerbread latte: as a morning pick-me-up, an afternoon snack, or as a treat all on its own. Why not try it with one of these gluten-free holiday treats:
- Matcha Shortbread Cookies (Vegan)
- Gluten-Free & Vegan Christmas Crack
- Gluten-Free Almond Biscotti
- White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies
Expert Tips
- Move quick. This drink comes together quick, so you can enjoy it nice and hot.
- Keep the handheld milk frother inside the cup. If you whisk too high, you may create a mess.
- Don't worry if your latte separates. You may find that sometimes the sauce will sink to the bottom of the cup because it is more dense than the milk. Don't worry, just give it a stir if you find that happens.
Frequently Asked Questions
As Starbucks did not bring back the holiday gingerbread latte in 2021, there is no clear answer. In the past, the gingerbread syrup has been controversial for potential gluten-containing ingredients. Making it at home is your best bet for a safe drink!
Yes. To make this healthy gingerbread latte nut-free, simply use your favourite nut and dairy-free milk, such as soy or oat.
Yes, pure molasses is gluten-free. Molasses is a by-product of refining sugar cane into sugar, so there are no inherent gluten-containing ingredients in it. Wholesome Sweets has a bottle of molasses that is specifically marked gluten-free.
If left to sit, the homemade gingerbread syrup may sink to the bottom of the cup because it is more dense than the milk. Don't worry, just give it a stir if you find this happening.
This healthy homemade gingerbread latte is sure to impress any Starbucks lover! A gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan recipe – anyone you serve will be able to enjoy this delicious treat.
Have you made this healthy gingerbread latte? Be sure to leave a comment telling me how much you loved it, and tag me on instagram @livglutenfree! I hope you enjoy as much as I do.
More Gluten-Free Holiday Recipes
Recipe
Healthy Gingerbread Latte
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon molasses
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1-2 shots espresso can sub 1-4 oz strong-brewed coffee
- 1 cup dairy-free milk I use Silk unsweetened almond milk
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ginger
- coconut whipped cream optional topping
Instructions
- Add the molasses and maple syrup to your mug. Brew the espresso into the mug and mix together with a hand whisk.
- At the same time, froth the milk. Pour into the mug, add the spices, and whisk together.
- Top with remaining milk foam, or even coconut whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Enjoy!
Let us know what you think!