Butterfly Pea Vanilla Bean Latte – Magic in a Mug

---

INTRODUCTION

This Butterfly Pea Vanilla Bean Latte – Magic in a Mug is a calm, colorful drink that feels special and tastes smooth. The bright blue comes from butterfly pea flower powder and the warm vanilla bean adds soft, sweet notes. It makes a lovely morning drink or a calm mid-day treat. This recipe is simple and can be part of a healthy routine because it can be made low sugar and gluten free. If you want a gentle, lighter option that still feels like a treat, this latte is a great pick. For more ideas that pair well with floral lattes, try this butterfly pea vanilla zen latte recipe for a calm twist.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

You will love this recipe because it looks like a small magic show in a cup and it tastes clean. It is a healthy version of a cafe latte when you cut the syrup or use a sugar-free option. The drink is naturally gluten free and can be made low calorie if you cut coconut cream or use light milk. It also works as a lighter option for special mornings and is great for meal prep when you batch the butterfly pea mix ahead. This latte is a calm, pretty drink that is easy to make and fits many diets, so it is good for weight loss plans when served with controlled portions and low sugar choices. If you like layered, pretty drinks, this version plays well with other floral drinks like the fizzy mocktails found in this sparkling vanilla pear mocktails post.

HOW TO MAKE Butterfly Pea Vanilla Bean Latte – Magic in a Mug

This how-to section shows each step in simple words. The flavors come from butterfly pea powder and a split vanilla bean. You will make a bright blue base, pull hot espresso, and add steamed coconut milk for foam. For a high protein meal style drink, see the variations below where we add protein powder. For a floral twist, you can read more about a lavender silk latte here: butterfly pea lavender silk latte.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

• Small bowl or jar for butterfly pea mix
• Spoon or small whisk
• Espresso machine, Moka pot, or strong brewed coffee maker
• Milk steamer or small pot and frother
• Measuring spoons and cup
• Fine knife to split the vanilla bean
• Tall glass or latte mug

Ingredients You’ll Need :

• 2 tbsp butterfly pea flower powder
• 1/2 cup hot water
• 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
• 2 tbsp coconut cream
• 2 shots espresso
• 1 cup steamed coconut milk
• 1-2 tbsp vanilla syrup
• Optional: coconut whip for topping

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :

1. Mix 2 tbsp butterfly pea flower powder with 1/2 cup hot water in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and no clumps remain.
2. Add the split and scraped vanilla bean seeds and the pod to the bowl for a deep vanilla flavor. Add 2 tbsp coconut cream and stir until smooth. Let the mix sit for 1–2 minutes so the vanilla infuses.
3. Brew 2 shots espresso. If you do not have espresso, use 1/2 cup very strong brewed coffee.
4. Steam 1 cup coconut milk until it is hot and frothy. If you do not have a steamer, heat the milk in a small pot and use a hand frother to make foam.
5. In a clear tall glass, pour the butterfly pea mixture first to create the blue base.
6. Slowly pour the 2 shots of espresso over the back of a spoon so it layers above the blue base.
7. Gently pour the steamed coconut milk on top to create a soft top layer. Swirl gently to make a marble or ombre effect.
8. Add 1–2 tbsp vanilla syrup to sweeten. For a lighter option, use 1 tbsp or a sugar-free syrup.
9. Top with a dollop of coconut whip if you like. For a color change trick, add a drop of lemon juice to the cup to turn the blue to purple-pink. This is a fun pro tip that wows guests.

HOW TO SERVE Butterfly Pea Vanilla Bean Latte – Magic in a Mug

Serve this latte in a clear glass to show the blue and coffee layers. Keep portion size around 8–12 ounces to control calories and sugar. For a low calorie or weight loss friendly drink, use one shot of espresso and light coconut milk, and reduce the syrup to 1 tsp or use stevia. If you need protein, serve with a small high protein snack like a hard-boiled egg or a Greek yogurt cup. To keep the drink diabetic-friendly, use sugar-free vanilla syrup and keep the portion small. For a simple, balanced plate, pair the latte with whole grain toast and a small portion of nut butter for added fiber and healthy fat.

STORAGE & FREEZING : Butterfly Pea Vanilla Bean Latte – Magic in a Mug

This latte is best fresh. If you make extra butterfly pea mix, you can keep it in the fridge for up to 3–4 days in a sealed jar. Reheat gently and whisk before use. The brewed espresso does not freeze well for texture, but you can freeze the butterfly pea-vanilla base in small ice cube trays and melt a cube into hot water or milk to re-create the base fast. Do not freeze the fully mixed latte with steamed milk; frozen milk changes texture and separates on thaw. For meal prep, keep the powder mix ready and the vanilla pod removed when storing for best flavor.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

• Serve with a small bowl of oats for a balanced breakfast. The latte can be a lighter option while the oats add fiber.
• Pair with fresh fruit and a handful of nuts to make a more filling, high protein meal-like snack.
• For a small, balanced meal, put this drink alongside a spinach and egg white omelet for a high protein meal that stays light.
• For a seasonal twist, serve the latte with baked apple slices or a low sugar muffin.

If you want a cold, creamy pairing, try a spiced chai drink like found in this iced pumpkin chai recipe which pairs well with floral lattes: delicious iced pumpkin cream chai tea latte.

VARIATIONS

• Healthier version: Make a lighter option by using light coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk and one shot of espresso. Use 1 tsp sugar-free vanilla syrup or stevia to reduce calories. This gives a low calorie, gluten free drink that still tastes rich.
• High-protein or low-carb version: Add one scoop of unflavored or vanilla protein powder to the warm steamed milk before frothing. Use unsweetened almond milk for a lower calorie and low carb base. This creates a high protein meal style drink that helps you stay full longer. You can also use collagen peptides for more protein without changing flavor.
• Air fryer / oven-baked version: Make a crunchy side in an air fryer: toss coconut flakes with a light spray of oil and a pinch of salt, then air fry at 325°F (160°C) for 3–5 minutes, shaking once, until golden. Serve the toasted coconut on top or as a side snack. If you bake, toast the coconut in an oven at 325°F for 5–7 minutes. For a syrup twist, try making a small batch of baked vanilla bean syrup in the oven and keep it for weeks—see how to flavor syrups like this lavender vanilla bean syrup guide.

These variations make the drink fit many diets: diabetic-friendly, low carb, or higher protein. They also show how the latte can be a great option for meal prep or a quick pick-me-up.

FAQs

Q: Is this latte gluten free?
A: Yes. The base ingredients are naturally gluten free. Use gluten free vanilla syrup if you buy a branded syrup to be sure.

Q: Can I make this drink diabetic-friendly?
A: Yes. Use sugar-free vanilla syrup or no syrup at all. Use unsweetened milk and control portion size. This makes a lower sugar, diabetic-friendly version.

Q: How long does the butterfly pea mix last?
A: Store the mixed butterfly pea and vanilla base in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Stir before use. Do not keep it longer because flavor fades.

Q: Can I use milk instead of coconut milk?
A: Yes. Use any milk you like. For a lighter option, use unsweetened almond milk or skim milk. For a richer, dairy-free version, use coconut milk.

Q: Is the latte good for weight loss?
A: It can be. A small cup with low sugar and light milk makes it a lower calorie treat and good for weight loss when you watch portions and swap in low calorie options.

Q: Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
A: Yes. Make the butterfly pea base and store it. Brew fresh espresso when ready for best taste. See Make-Ahead Tips below.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Butterfly Pea Vanilla Bean Latte – Magic in a Mug

• Make the butterfly pea and vanilla base up to 3 days ahead. Keep it in a sealed jar in the fridge. Warm and whisk before use.
• Pre-measure your vanilla syrup into small jars or dosing bottles for quick use in the morning.
• Steamed milk is best fresh, but you can heat milk and keep it warm in a thermos for a short time if you need to carry the drink.
• For fast mornings, freeze the base in ice cube trays. Pop one cube into hot milk and stir. This saves time and works well for meal prep.
• If you want a high protein start, pre-measure protein powder into single-serve packets and add to the milk when you steam it.

---

Print