Vegan Vanilla Latte Popsicles Recipe: Creamy Coffee Popsicles

Too hot to enjoy your coffee? Try these Vanilla Latte Popsicles — a frozen caffeine fix that’s easy to make and delicious. Use store-bought plant-based vanilla milk or blend your own from oats and nuts. Sweeten with just dates or your preferred sweetener to suit your taste.

On vacation, I missed my breakfast popsicles, so I made these Vegan Vanilla Latte Popsicles as an alternative to my Lavender London Fog Popsicles. Between the two, this hot summer felt much more bearable.

What did I use for my vanilla latte popsicles recipe?

I made the nondairy milk from scratch for these rocket pops, but you can skip that step if you’re short on time. Use 2 cups of pre-made sweetened vanilla nondairy milk, or choose unsweetened and sweeten with dates or your favorite unrefined sweetener.

I like thicker plant milks — almond, cashew, or oat milk all work well and give a creamier popsicle. If you prefer convenience, use a quality pre-made vanilla non-dairy milk.

For the coffee element, I use coffee concentrate. It’s easy to make with a French press, or you can steep grounds in a jar and strain through a nut milk bag. If you’d rather, use very strong brewed coffee that’s chilled.

Is vanilla vegan?

Most vanilla extracts are vegan. Historically, a flavoring called castoreum — derived from beavers — was used in some products, but it’s rare today because it’s expensive to produce. Most manufacturers use real vanilla extract from beans or synthetic vanillin, both of which are suitable for vegans. If you want reassurance, choose a labeled vegan or organic vanilla extract made from real vanilla beans.

Why is some vanilla ice cream yellow?

Non-vegan homemade ice cream can turn yellow from egg yolks in the custard base. Vegan versions without egg yolks won’t develop that yellow tint.

Since egg yolks are non-vegan, what can I use for my vegan vanilla ice cream?

You don’t need egg yolks to make creamy vegan vanilla ice cream or pops. Full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream provide richness and thickness similar to a custard base. Rolled oats, soaked nuts, or blended cashews also create a satisfying, creamy texture.

Can lattes be vegan?

Yes. “Latte” means milk in Italian, and you can make vegan lattes by replacing dairy with plant-based milks like soy, almond, oat, or coconut. These alternatives steam or froth well and pair nicely with espresso or strong coffee.

What is the best latte flavor?

“Best” depends on your taste. I favor a classic vanilla latte — it enhances other flavors without being overtly sweet and pairs beautifully with floral additions like lavender. You can use any flavored creamer, syrup, or extract you prefer.

Where can I get popsicle molds?

I used a William Sonoma rocket pop mold that takes wooden sticks; they’re fun but can be tricky to remove since the mold is one piece. Keep sticks straight, or the tops can be hard to remove. I prefer molds with separate cavities for easier popping, and novelty molds like astronaut or rocket shapes are especially fun.

How do I make popsicles without molds?

No mold? Use ice cube trays, small disposable cups, or muffin tins. Insert wooden sticks or toothpicks in a pinch for smaller shapes. Get creative with what you have on hand.

What is the best way to store popsicles?

Store popsicles in the freezer in an airtight container or a sealed freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. For longer storage, wrap each popsicle in plastic wrap or use individual popsicle bags before placing them in a container.

Vegan Vanilla Latte Popsicles: The Ingredients

These popsicles need a non-dairy milk base, which you can prepare ahead or substitute with pre-made vanilla nondairy milk.

For the non-dairy milk base (or use 2 cups pre-made sweetened vanilla nondairy milk):

• Dates — natural sweetener with a hint of caramel
• Almonds — can substitute with other nuts or use all cashews
• Cashews — can substitute with other nuts or use all almonds
• Steel-cut oats or rolled oats — rolled oats are more economical and work well
• Water

For the vanilla pops:

• Vanilla extract (or another extract like lavender, chocolate, or orange)
• Vanilla stevia or sweetener of choice — maple syrup, agave, or another sweetener to taste
• Coffee concentrate or very strong chilled brewed coffee

How to make Vegan Vanilla Latte Popsicles

You can either prepare your own non-dairy milk base or use 2 cups of pre-made sweetened vanilla nondairy milk.

To prep your own non-dairy milk base:

1. Add the milk ingredients to a blender and let them soak for 6 hours up to overnight.
2. Blend thoroughly and strain through a fine-mesh strainer or nut milk bag. Save the pulp for baking or treats within 4 days.

To make the vanilla latte popsicles:

1. Stir vanilla, sweetener, and coffee concentrate into the strained milk until well combined.
2. Pour into popsicle molds and freeze for at least 8 hours.

Enjoy a refreshing breakfast popsicle to start your day.

More recipes to try

If you like these popsicles, try other flavors such as Mango Lassi Popsicles, Pineapple Mojito Rumsicles for a party treat, or Banana Pudding Popsicles for something sweeter.