Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I lounged on my couch, I stumbled upon a simple yet eye-catching idea for a cozy drink. Enter the Roasted Banana Hojicha Latte! This delightful blend brings together the comforting essence of fresh banana bread and the earthy notes of hojicha tea, creating a treat that warms your soul with each sip. Not only is this recipe quick to whip up, but it also serves as a stunning alternative to those pricey café drinks, making it perfect for anyone who craves a touch of indulgence at home. With its luscious banana milk layered beneath a frothy hojicha base and a sprinkle of salted vanilla cream, this latte is not just a drink—it’s a moment to savor. I can’t wait to share with you how to craft this delightful beverage—are you ready to elevate your homemade drink game? Why Will You Adore This Drink? Unforgettable Flavor: With the richness of roasted banana and the earthy sophistication of hojicha, this latte adds a touch of café elegance to your home kitchen. Effortless Preparation: Only a few steps and ingredients are needed to create this delight. Enjoy a cozy café experience without the long wait or hefty price tag! Versatile Variation: Whether you prefer almond milk, want to add a mocha twist with cocoa, or spice it up with espresso, the options are endless to cater to your taste. Warmth and Comfort: Sipping this latte feels like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket, perfect for chilly mornings or relaxation after a long day. Showstopper Presentation: The stunning layers of banana milk, hojicha, and salted vanilla cream make for a visually appealing drink, sure to impress guests or simply elevate your daily routine. Pair it with a slice of healthy banana oatmeal cookies for a delightful treat you will love! Roasted Banana Hojicha Latte Ingredients For the Banana Milk ½ large banana – Use ripe bananas for enhanced sweetness. ¾ cup (180 ml) whole milk – Substitute with almond milk for a dairy-free option. Ground cinnamon – Freshly ground cinnamon will provide better flavor. For the Hojicha Layer 2 tsp hojicha powder – This is the main flavor component; sift to avoid clumping. ¼ cup (60 ml) hot water (NOT boiling) – Ensure water is just below boiling to preserve flavor. For the Salted Vanilla Cream 2 tbsp whole milk – Adds creaminess to the topping. 2 tbsp heavy cream – Use in the mixture for added richness. Generous pinch of flaky sea salt – Balances the sweetness of the cream. ¼ tsp vanilla bean paste – This enhances the flavor of your salted vanilla cream. 2 tsp light agave nectar – Sweetens the cream; substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a vegan option. Indulge in the layers of flavor with this Roasted Banana Hojicha Latte and embrace a warm moment cherished in every sip! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Roasted Banana Hojicha Latte Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (205°C). While it warms up, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This will make cleaning up easier after you’ve roasted your banana—a key ingredient for your Roasted Banana Hojicha Latte. Step 2: Roast the Banana Slice the banana in half lengthwise and place it cut-side up on the lined baking sheet. Sprinkle a dash of ground cinnamon over the banana halves and roast them in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until they’re golden and caramelized. Once done, let them cool for about 5 minutes to avoid burns while handling. Step 3: Blend the Banana Milk After the banana has cooled, add the roasted halves to a blender along with the whole milk. Blend the mixture on high until smoothly combined, achieving a creamy consistency without any lumps. This delicious banana milk will provide the sweet, comforting base for your latte. Set it aside to focus on the next layer. Step 4: Prepare the Hojicha Layer In a mixing bowl, sift the hojicha powder to prevent clumping. Gradually whisk in ¼ cup of hot water that’s just below boiling—not bubbling—until the mixture becomes frothy and well-combined. The earthy aroma of hojicha will start to fill your kitchen, getting you even more excited for your Roasted Banana Hojicha Latte! Step 5: Make the Salted Vanilla Cream In a separate bowl, combine the milk, heavy cream, flaky sea salt, vanilla bean paste, and agave nectar. Use a handheld frother or whisk vigorously to mix until the cream thickens and holds soft peaks. This velvety salted vanilla cream will sit beautifully atop your latte, adding a touch of indulgence. Step 6: Assemble Your Latte In a tall glass, start by adding a small amount of crushed ice to create a refreshing chill. Next, pour in the banana milk, followed by the frothy hojicha mixture to form a layered effect. Finally, spoon the thick salted vanilla cream on top, allowing it to float. This visual layering is not only stunning but part of what makes the Roasted Banana Hojicha Latte so special! Storage Tips for Roasted Banana Hojicha Latte Fridge: Store any leftover banana milk in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. It’s best enjoyed fresh but can be prepped ahead. Freezer: You can freeze banana milk in ice cube trays for up to 2 months. Use these cubes in smoothies or as a quick addition to future lattes. Reheating: Gently reheat banana milk on the stove over low heat, stirring constantly. Avoid boiling to maintain its creamy texture. Assembly Reminder: For the best experience, layer and serve your Roasted Banana Hojicha Latte immediately after preparation to enjoy the stunning presentation and flavors. What to Serve with Roasted Banana Hojicha Latte Indulging in a warm, cozy drink elevates your experience, especially when paired with delightful accompaniments. Banana Bread: The familiar taste of banana bread echoes the roasted banana flavors in the latte, making it an irresistible pairing. Enjoy a slice slightly warm for a true comfort food experience. Oatmeal Cookies: Chewy, hearty oatmeal cookies provide a delightful contrast in texture while harmonizing beautifully with the sweetness of the latte. These treats are perfect for a cozy afternoon snack. Matcha Muffins: Delicate muffins infused with matcha offer a light, herbal flavor that complements the earthy notes of hojicha in your latte, creating a balanced taste with every bite. Almond Biscotti: Crunchy almond biscotti are perfect for dipping, providing a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the creamy latte. Their nutty flavors enhance the drink’s richness. Cinnamon Rolls: Warm, gooey cinnamon rolls, with their buttery sweetness and spiced aroma, create a lovely experience alongside the latte, bringing out the cinnamon notes in both. Flavored Scones: Whether lemon, blueberry, or cranberry, these light pastries provide a refreshing zest that balances the deep nuttiness of the drink while adding a delightful flaky texture. Sparkling Water: A glass of sparkling water serves as a refreshing palate cleanser between sips, enhancing your overall sipping experience. Herbal Tea: Choose a light herbal tea like chamomile or peppermint; it aligns beautifully with the comforting nature of the latte while providing a soothing, aromatic companion. Make Ahead Options Preparing the Roasted Banana Hojicha Latte in advance is a fantastic way to save time on busy mornings! You can roast the banana and make the banana milk up to 24 hours ahead; simply blend the roasted banana with milk, then refrigerate. The hojicha powder can also be sifted and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For the salted vanilla cream, whip it up and keep it in the fridge, but avoid adding the agave nectar until just before serving to maintain its sweetness. When you’re ready to enjoy, just combine the layers and top with the salted vanilla cream, ensuring you have a café-quality drink with minimal effort! Expert Tips for the Best Roasted Banana Hojicha Latte Choose Ripe Bananas: Using bananas that are fully ripe will enhance the natural sweetness, ensuring your drink is perfectly flavorful. Perfect Hojicha Prep: Always sift the hojicha powder before mixing it with hot water to prevent clumping and achieve a smooth texture for your latte. Watch the Water Temperature: Be mindful not to boil the water; using hot water just below boiling helps preserve the delicate flavors of the hojicha in your Roasted Banana Hojicha Latte. Thicken the Cream Wisely: A handheld frother is your best friend for making salted vanilla cream. Whip until thickened but be cautious not to over-whip, or it may become grainy. Layering Technique: Pour slowly and carefully when layering banana milk and hojicha to create a beautiful visual effect—this presentation elevates your indulgent drink. Personalize It: Don’t hesitate to explore variations with different milks or additions, like a sprinkle of cocoa powder or a shot of espresso, for a unique twist on your latte experience. Variations & Substitutions for Roasted Banana Hojicha Latte Feel free to play around with this recipe and make it your own, transforming your latte experience into something uniquely delightful! Dairy-Free: Swap whole milk for almond, oat, or cashew milk for a creamy yet dairy-free option. Your latte will still be rich and comforting! Vegan Twist: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream and agave nectar for a fully plant-based treat. This keeps all the indulgence without any animal products! Mocha Delight: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder into the banana milk or hojicha layer for a delicious mocha version that chocolate lovers will adore. Espresso Boost: Kick up the caffeine by adding a shot of espresso between the hojicha and banana milk layers. This adds a delightful coffee undertone! Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne or a dash of nutmeg for a warming twist that enhances the cozy vibe of this latte. Perfect for chilly days! Sweet Variations: Try sweetening the salted vanilla cream with maple syrup or honey instead of agave nectar for a different flavor profile. Each alteration brings its own unique charm. Banana Bread Flavor: Add a splash of vanilla extract and a pinch of nutmeg to your banana milk for an even more comforting twist reminiscent of childhood banana bread. No matter how you choose to tweak your Roasted Banana Hojicha Latte, enjoy a moment of warmth and comfort that suits your palate! Pair it with a slice of Roasted Greek Potatoes or a delightful Jalapeno Popper Roasted Potato Salad for a well-rounded treat. Roasted Banana Hojicha Latte Recipe FAQs What kind of banana should I use for the Roasted Banana Hojicha Latte? Absolutely! Use ripe bananas for enhanced sweetness and flavor in your latte. Look for bananas that are slightly speckled with brown spots, indicating they are at peak ripeness. This will result in a deliciously creamy banana milk that will perfectly complement the earthy hojicha flavors. How should I store any leftover banana milk? Very simply! Store any leftover banana milk in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. While it’s best when fresh, this can save you some time! Just give it a good stir before using, as it may separate. Can I freeze banana milk for later use? Yes, you can! Pour the banana milk into ice cube trays and freeze it for up to 2 months. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a zip-top bag. You can use these banana milk cubes in smoothies or blend them with a bit of new milk for a quick future latte. What should I do if my hojicha powder clumps? Oh no! If your hojicha powder clumps, it’s best to sift it before adding hot water. Always whisk the powder with just below boiling hot water until frothy to prevent clumping. If clumps still occur, consider straining the mixture through a fine mesh sieve before using it. Is this recipe suitable for dietary restrictions? Absolutely! This Roasted Banana Hojicha Latte is vegetarian and gluten-free. For those who are dairy-free, simply substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk, and use coconut cream for the salted vanilla cream topping. If you have allergies, always double-check specific ingredients to ensure they meet your dietary needs. Cozy Up with a Roasted Banana Hojicha Latte Delight Enjoy a warm and indulgent Roasted Banana Hojicha Latte that combines roasted banana with earthy hojicha for a cozy drink. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 35 minutes mins Servings: 1 drinkCourse: DrinksCuisine: JapaneseCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Banana Milk½ large banana Use ripe bananas for enhanced sweetness.¾ cup whole milk Substitute with almond milk for a dairy-free option.ground cinnamon Freshly ground cinnamon will provide better flavor.For the Hojicha Layer2 tsp hojicha powder This is the main flavor component; sift to avoid clumping.¼ cup hot water Ensure water is just below boiling to preserve flavor.For the Salted Vanilla Cream2 tbsp whole milk Adds creaminess to the topping.2 tbsp heavy cream Use in the mixture for added richness.Generous pinch flaky sea salt Balances the sweetness of the cream.¼ tsp vanilla bean paste This enhances the flavor of your salted vanilla cream.2 tsp light agave nectar Sweetens the cream; substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a vegan option. Equipment ovenblendermixing bowlHandheld Frotherbaking sheet Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Roasted Banana Hojicha LattePreheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.Slice the banana in half lengthwise, place cut-side up on the baking sheet, sprinkle with ground cinnamon, and roast for 20 minutes, or until golden and caramelized.After cooling for about 5 minutes, blend the roasted banana with the whole milk until creamy.Sift the hojicha powder in a bowl and whisk in ¼ cup of hot water until frothy.In a separate bowl, combine milk, heavy cream, flaky sea salt, vanilla bean paste, and agave nectar. Whisk until thick with soft peaks.In a tall glass, add crushed ice, then layer in the banana milk, followed by the hojicha mixture, and top with salted vanilla cream. Nutrition Serving: 1drinkCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 6gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 90mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 0.5mg NotesStore any leftover banana milk in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. For the best experience, serve immediately to enjoy the stunning presentation and flavors. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
