A vanilla steamer is warm, sweet and comforting, without a drop of coffee. If you love the copycat Starbucks vanilla steamer but want to skip the sugar, this homemade vanilla steamer recipe delivers all the flavour with none of the guilt. Best of all, you can make a vanilla steamer at home in minutes.
What Is a Vanilla Steamer?
A vanilla steamer is simply steamed milk sweetened and flavoured with vanilla. Unlike a coffee, there is nothing in it to keep you buzzing, which makes it a lovely, kid friendly drink for cooler evenings. Think of it as the calmer cousin of your favourite coffee shop order.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of milk (whole milk gives a richer flavour, though oat milk, almond milk or soy milk all work beautifully)
- 1 to 2 pumps of Zerup zero sugar vanilla syrup, to taste
- A pinch of ground cinnamon (optional)
- Whipped cream, to top (optional)
How to Make a Sugar Free Vanilla Steamer
- Pour the milk into a small saucepan over medium low heat. Heat the milk gently and stir occasionally so it does not catch. You want it hot and steaming, not at a rolling milk boil.
- Once the milk mixture is warm, stir through your vanilla syrup.
- For proper coffee shop foam, froth the milk with a milk frother until light and airy. No frother? Pour the warm milk into a mason jar with a tight fitting lid and shake vigorously for frothed milk.
- Pour into your mug, top with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon, and serve.
Microwave Directions
Short on time? Add the milk to a microwave-safe mug and heat in short bursts until hot, then stir in the syrup. Two mugs are easily done at once for the whole family.
Recipe Notes
Traditional recipes lean on vanilla extract, vanilla bean paste or a real vanilla bean pod, then rely on maple syrup or honey for sweetness. Our version keeps that warm vanilla steamer taste while cutting the sugar entirely. A cinnamon stick steeped in the warm milk adds a lovely depth if you have one handy.
Make It Sugar Free with Zerup
The secret to a genuinely sugar free steamer is the syrup, and that is where we come in. At Zerup Australia, our zero sugar vanilla syrup brings smooth, sweet vanilla flavour to every cup without the sugar. Explore our full range of coffee syrups or grab an individual bottle to start making your own copycat Starbucks favourites at home.
