Do you have a birthday, Valentine's, or any special holiday around the corner and you just don't have a gift? Then this red velvet coffee latte is just the thing for you!
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why you will love this recipe
- perfect holiday gift - it is perfect for Valentine's Day as well as other special holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas.
- Great, cozy, and delicious, ideal for winter.
- Easily adaptable for any coffee lover; use preferred milk for vegan, paleo, or low-carb diets.
- Quick to make, ready in just 10 minutes.
what is red velvet latte?
The Red Velvet Latte, inspired by the classic red velvet cake from the mid to late 1800s, is a popular creamy drink for cold winter months, birthdays, and holidays like Valentine's Day.
It consists of milk, chocolate chips (or broken chocolate pieces), cocoa, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and coffee or espresso. Sometimes, beetroot powder is used instead of red food coloring to achieve the signature pink hue.
ingredients
This is an overview of the ingredients needed and substitution options for this recipe. For full measurements and detailed instructions, see the recipe card below.
- full fat whipping cream - I did not get the chance to test the recipe with low-fat cream but feel free to do so if you prefer.
- powdered sweetener - such as regular sugar or a low-carb sweetener such as allulose).
- a cup of coffee (regular or decaf).
- some milk - use your milk of choice (such as regular dairy, almond milk, or coconut milk).
- unsweetened or semi-sweet white or dark chocolate bar, broken into small pieces.
- unsweetened or semi-sweet cocoa powder.
- a few drops of red food coloring.
- some vanilla extract - or your favorite food aroma.
- chocolate shavings or sprinkles to decorate (optional).
how to make red velvet coffee latte
Step 1: make the red coffee creamer
- combine the whipping cream, powdered sweetener, and red food coloring in a small cup or bowl. Use a whisk to whip the cream until it forms stiff peaks.
Step 2: prepare the latte
- in a small saucepan, combine coffee, milk, the broken chocolate bar, and the cocoa powder. Bring this to heat under low to medium heat then use a whisk to combine until most but not all of the chocolate is melted.
- remove the saucepan from the heat, stir in the red food coloring and vanilla extract.
- pour the latte into cups, carefully top with the whipped cream and garnish with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or as preferred. Serve and enjoy warm.
useful tips
- for a more creamy texture, do not let the latte boil. Rather, heat it at a low to medium heat until the chocolate is only slightly melted.
- use good quality chocolate and cocoa for the best flavor!
- use less drops for a pinker shade, and more to make it look red!
- use milk and sweeteners specific to your diet, to make this recipe diet-friendly.
variations
- Adjust the amount of chocolate or use chocolate chips to taste.
- Use espresso for a stronger coffee flavor or add chocolate extract.
- Opt for blended beetroot or beetroot powder instead of food coloring for a healthier version.
- Create red velvet iced coffee by chilling the latte.
- Make it diet-friendly with alternatives like almond milk, allulose, and sugar-free chocolate.
storage and making ahead
The latte and creamer can be made ahead and kept in the fridge for up to one day. To use, simply warm it in the microwave, top with the creamer, and serve. It can also be enjoyed chilled, straight from the fridge.
frequently asked questions
Yes, simply heat the coffee, milk, the broken chocolate bar, and the cocoa powder in the microwave then use a spoon to stir.
The latte gets its pink color from red food coloring, blended beetroot, or beetroot powder, which is added to the creamer. Using more or less of the red food coloring will determine whether the creamer becomes more pink or red.
more tasty drinks for you to enjoy!
- Peanut butter chocolate smoothie
- Strawberry pineapple smoothie
- Lumumba drink
- Kenyan dawa
- Learn about the difference between a latte and a cortado, if you are a coffee lover like I am.
Updated on November 21, 2023: Certain parts of this recipe have been simplified to enhance clarity and readability.
📖 Recipe
Red Velvet Coffee
Ingredients
Whipped Creamer
- ⅓ cup full fat whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon powdered sweetener (such as regular sugar or a low-carb sweetener such as allulose)
- 1-3 drops red food coloring
To make the coffee latte
- 1 cup coffee
- 1½ cups milk of choice (such as regular dairy, almond milk, or coconut milk)
- 3 oz unsweetened or semi-sweet white or dark chocolate bar, broken into small pieces (see notes below) (approx. 85 grams)
- 1 teaspoon unsweetened or semi-sweet cocoa powder
- a few drops of red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- chocolate shavings or sprinkles to decorate (optional)
Instructions
Make the whipped Creamer
- Combine the whipping cream, powdered sweetener, and red food coloring in a small cup or bowl. Use a whisk to whip the cream until it forms stiff peaks.⅓ cup full fat whipping cream, 1 tablespoon powdered sweetener, 1-3 drops red food coloring
Make the coffee
- In a small saucepan, combine coffee, milk, the broken chocolate bar, and the cocoa powder. Bring this to heat under low to medium heat then use a whisk to combine until most but not all of the chocolate is melted.1 cup coffee, 1½ cups milk of choice, 3 oz unsweetened or semi-sweet white or dark chocolate bar, broken into small pieces (see notes below), 1 teaspoon unsweetened or semi-sweet cocoa powder
- Remove the saucepan from the heat, stir in the red food coloring and vanilla extract.a few drops of red food coloring, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pour the latte into cups, top with the whipped cream, and garnish with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or as preferred. Serve and enjoy warm.chocolate shavings or sprinkles to decorate
Notes
- When making the red velvet latte, feel free to use more or less chocolate, to suit your taste. You can also use chocolate chips, instead of a regular bar.
- use espresso for a more intense coffee flavor!
- make it extra healthy by using blended beetroot or a teaspoon of beetroot powder.
- make red velvet iced coffee by chilling the latte in the fridge instead of serving it warm.
- you can also make it diet-friendly by using a suitable sweetener, milk, and chocolate (for example, use almond milk, allulose, and some sugar-free chocolate and sprinkles for keto).
Savita
This red velvet coffee latte sounds so amazing, can't wait to try it out.
Kate Hahnel
Hope you do, I can only recommend it!
Danielle
What a yummy coffee treat! This came out so good I'm going to be addicted to them now LOL!
Kate Hahnel
I am so happy you loved it, this has now become one of our favorite lattes!
Kechi
First, I love love the color and it looks rich, creamy and satisfying! I want.
Natalie
Beautiful and quite innovative. I love it! 🙂 Can't wait to whip this up.
Kate Hahnel
Thank you. I hope you get to make it soon.
Helen
So pretty! What a gorgeous drink to make for a special occasion.
Kate Hahnel
yes it is!!
Tom
This latte is so easy to make. I am drinking this every morning now.