Hey there! If you’re craving a little warmth and a touch of luxury in your cup, you’re going to LOVE this Red Velvet Latte.
It’s like a hug in a mug—creamy, chocolatey, with just a hint of red velvet magic. Perfect for chilly mornings, valentine days, quiet afternoons, or when you need something a little special to sip.
This is one of those drinks that feels fancy but is SO easy to make at home. Plus, it’s kid-friendly if you skip the coffee! Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup milk (any kind—dairy, almond, oat, or soy)
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons red velvet cake mix
- 1 teaspoon sugar (or adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup brewed coffee or espresso (optional for kids)
- Whipped cream (optional, but highly recommended!)
- Cocoa powder or red velvet crumbs (for garnish)
Pro Tips
- No coffee, no problem! This latte is amazing as a red velvet hot chocolate. Just skip the coffee and add a little more milk.
- Whisk it well. Whisking the milk and cocoa together helps it get smooth and creamy—no lumps!
- Don’t skip the vanilla. It adds that bakery-like, “cake in a cup” flavor.
- Adjust sweetness to taste. Red velvet cake mix is slightly sweet already, so taste before adding more sugar.
Tools You’ll Need
- A small saucepan
- A whisk
- Measuring spoons
- A mug
- Optional: milk frother
Substitutions and Variations
- Dairy-Free: Use almond, oat, or soy milk instead of regular milk.
- Sugar-Free: Use a sugar substitute or skip the sugar entirely.
- Coffee-Free: Make it a hot chocolate by omitting the coffee.
- Extra Chocolatey: Add a teaspoon of chocolate syrup for a richer flavor.
Make Ahead Tips
You can mix the cocoa powder, red velvet cake mix, and sugar in a jar ahead of time for quick lattes during the week. Just add milk and heat!
Instructions
1. Heat the Milk
Pour the milk into a small saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat until it’s warm (don’t let it boil!).
2. Whisk in Dry Ingredients
Add cocoa powder, red velvet cake mix, and sugar to the milk. Whisk well until everything is fully dissolved and smooth.
3. Add Coffee and Vanilla
Stir in the brewed coffee (if using) and vanilla extract. Whisk again until everything is blended.
Pour and Garnish
Pour the latte into your favorite mug. Top with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cocoa powder, or a few red velvet crumbs for that extra fancy touch.
Tips for Leftovers and Storage
If you make too much, store the latte in the fridge for up to 2 days in an airtight container. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, whisking well to get it creamy again.
Time to Cozy Up!
I can’t wait for you to try this Red Velvet Latte—it’s pure comfort in a cup. Whether you’re sharing it with your family or just treating yourself, it’s the perfect way to make any moment feel special. When you make it, let me know how it turned out in the comments! Did you add your own twist? I’d love to hear all about it! 😊
