Learn how to froth milk at home without fancy gadgets to make this delicious Vanilla Steamer! Flavored with vanilla, cinnamon, and maple syrup, it's the perfect kid-friendly drink for any time! Vegan options included. EASY - Very easy recipe. I've provided different options to froth the milk. You can choose whichever method is most accessible.US based cup, teaspoon, tablespoon measurements. Common Measurement Conversions. You can access metric measurements by using the toggle button below the ingredients list.
2 ½cupsfull fat milkor barista oat milk / almond milk (see recipe note about milk)
1stickcinnamon (about 3 inches) or scant ½ tsp ground cinnamon
1 - 2tbspmaple syrup or honey
2tspvanilla extract
Optional toppings
Whipped cream
Nutmeg
Marshmallows
Instructions
Vanilla steamer
Place the milk, cinnamon, and maple syrup in a saucepan, and slowly heat the milk mixture over medium heat. Stir occasionally.
Heat the milk until it's steaming (about 170 - 180°F). Do not let the milk boil, as it can scorch the milk, which will make it taste quite off-putting.
Remove the cinnamon stick (if used), and set it aside. Do not discard it.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
Pour the milk into a French press (1 L capacity - see recipe notes).
Push the plunger until it’s just below the surface of the milk.
Then start moving the plunger vigorously up and down, while keeping the plunger just above and below the milk surface for the whole process. This will help create small milk foam (microfoam).
Once you've created enough foam, gently swirl the milk inside the French press, until it looks a little shiny.
Pour the milk into two mugs, dividing the foam as equally as possible.
Split the cinnamon stick in two and add them into the two mugs (optional), or sprinkle the surface with extra ground cinnamon (and nutmeg, if you like).
Toppings
Mix nutmeg with some whipping cream and whip until you have firm (but soft) peaks. Then spoon it over the surface of your vanilla steamers.
OR top with a marshmallow (or two). The marshmallow will soften and melt as you drink.
Notes
Note on milk
Full fat milk froths much better compared to low fat. You could also use 2% milk if that's what you have. But 1% or 0% fat milk will not give you the same results or flavors in this recipe. For a vegan option, my go to is barista oat milk. You can also use barista quality almond milk.
Note on using a French press
I use a 1 L capacity French press to make 2 servings. If you only have a small French press, and you don't want to froth twice, you can froth only half the milk as stated in the recipe. Then divide the remaining milk between the two mugs, and top the two mugs equally with the milk and froth from the French press. You can also use a mason jar with a whisk ball and a lid. Vigorously shake the milk until you form enough froth, then quickly pour it into two mugs and serve.