Strawberry Shortcake Latte – A Sweet & Creamy Coffee Treat

I know Valentine’s Day is over, but that doesn’t mean the sweet gestures have to stop. Yesterday, I surprised my fiancé with a homemade latte that tasted like a slice of strawberry shortcake in a cup—creamy, dreamy, and just the right amount of indulgence.

I wanted to make something special without saying it outright, and this was my way of doing just that.

This latte is a blend of rich espresso, velvety milk, and a hint of strawberry sweetness, topped with whipped cream for that extra touch of love. So, if you’re treating yourself or someone special, this is the kind of drink that makes any day feel a little more magical.

Let me show you how to make it! ☕🍓💕

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• A Café-Worthy Treat at Home – Skip the expensive coffee shop drinks and make this indulgent latte right in your own kitchen. It’s just as delicious (if not better)!

• Perfect Balance of Sweet & Creamy – The combination of bold espresso, silky milk, and strawberry sweetness creates a flavor that’s comforting yet refreshing.

• Great for Any Occasion – Whether you’re celebrating a special moment or just need a mid-day pick-me-up, this latte adds a little extra joy to your day.

• Brings a Touch of Romance to Your Coffee Routine – Whether you’re making it for yourself or someone special, this latte feels like a little love note in a cup.

• Tastes Like Dessert Without the Guilt – It gives you all the flavors of a strawberry shortcake without the need for an actual slice of cake—perfect for when you want something sweet but light.

• A Fun Way to Experiment with Flavored Lattes – If you’ve never tried a fruity latte before, this is the perfect introduction to adding fun, unexpected flavors to your coffee.

Ingredients & Equipment

To make the perfect Strawberry Shortcake Latte, choosing the right ingredients makes all the difference.

Starting with espresso, a good-quality, freshly brewed shot will give the drink a rich, bold base that balances the sweetness of the strawberries and syrup. If you don’t have an espresso machine, strong brewed coffee or a Moka pot can work as a substitute, but espresso provides the best depth of flavor.

For the strawberries, fresh is always best for a natural, vibrant taste. When selecting them, look for bright red berries that are fragrant and firm. If fresh strawberries aren’t in season, frozen ones work too, but make sure to thaw them first.

Granulated sugar helps bring out the natural sweetness of the strawberries when making the homemade strawberry syrup. You can adjust the sugar amount based on how sweet you like your latte. For a refined sugar-free version, honey or maple syrup can be used instead.

The milk is what gives the latte its creamy texture. Whole milk creates the richest and most velvety consistency, but you can use oat, almond, or coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative. A milk frother or steam wand is useful for getting that luxurious foam, but if you don’t have one, heating the milk on the stove and whisking vigorously works too.

Vanilla extract adds a warm, comforting note that enhances the dessert-like flavors of the latte. A good quality, pure vanilla extract is worth it, as it makes a noticeable difference compared to artificial versions.

No strawberry shortcake-inspired drink is complete without whipped cream. Whether you use store-bought or homemade, this final touch makes the latte feel extra indulgent. For homemade whipped cream, whipping heavy cream with a little vanilla and sugar takes just minutes and tastes even better.

Lastly, strawberry syrup brings everything together. A homemade syrup using fresh strawberries and sugar will have the best natural flavor, but store-bought syrup is a convenient option. Just make sure to choose one without artificial flavors or high fructose corn syrup for the best taste.

As for equipment, an espresso machine or strong coffee maker, a milk frother or whisk, and a small saucepan for making the strawberry syrup are the main tools needed. A blender can also be useful if you want an extra smooth syrup. With the right ingredients and a little effort, this latte turns into the perfect cozy, sweet treat.

Ingredients for making Strawberry Shortcake Latte:

• 1 shot of espresso (or ¼ cup strong brewed coffee)
• ½ cup fresh strawberries, chopped
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• ¾ cup milk (whole milk or dairy-free alternative)
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract
• Whipped cream, for topping
• 1 tbsp strawberry syrup (homemade or store-bought)

How To Make Strawberry Shortcake Latte

Instructions for making Strawberry Shortcake Latte:

1. Make the Strawberry Syrup
   In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the chopped strawberries and sugar with 2 tablespoons of water. Stir and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the strawberries break down and the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and strain if you want a smoother consistency.

2. Prepare the Espresso
   Brew a fresh shot of espresso. If using strong coffee instead, make about ¼ cup.

3. Steam or Heat the Milk
   In a separate small saucepan, heat the milk over low heat until warm but not boiling. Stir in the vanilla extract. If you have a milk frother, use it to create a velvety texture. If not, whisk the milk vigorously to create a bit of foam.

4. Assemble the Latte
   In a mug, add 1 tablespoon of the strawberry syrup, then pour in the freshly brewed espresso. Stir well to combine.

5. Add the Milk
   Gently pour the steamed milk over the espresso mixture, holding back the foam with a spoon and then spooning it on top.

6. Top It Off
   Finish with a generous swirl of whipped cream and drizzle with extra strawberry syrup for a pretty, café-style presentation.

7. Enjoy!
   Stir gently before drinking and enjoy this sweet, creamy, strawberry shortcake-inspired treat! 🍓☕💕

Recommendations & Alternatives

• Make It Iced – Pour the strawberry syrup and espresso over ice, then add cold frothed milk for a refreshing chilled version.
• Dairy-Free Option – Use oat, almond, or coconut milk for a creamy, plant-based alternative.
• Extra Dessert-Like – Crush some shortbread cookies and sprinkle them on top of the whipped cream for a true “shortcake” feel.
• White Mocha Twist – Stir in a teaspoon of white chocolate syrup for a richer, more indulgent flavor.
• Rosewater Elegance – Add a drop of rosewater to the milk for a subtle floral note that pairs beautifully with the strawberries.
• Caramelized Strawberry Syrup – Roast the strawberries with a little brown sugar before making the syrup to create a deeper, almost jam-like flavor.
• Layered Aesthetic – For a café-style look, pour the strawberry syrup first, then the milk, and finally the espresso on top to create a beautiful layered effect before stirring.