✔ Updated · new copycat recipe with step photos
This copycat Starbucks Tiramisu Latte copies the Tiramisu Velvet Latte from the holiday menu: espresso, milk and vanilla syrup under a thick mascarpone cold foam with a cocoa dusting. It takes 10 minutes and works hot or iced.
How Do You Make a Starbucks Tiramisu Latte? (Quick Answer)
Stir 1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla syrup into 2 shots of espresso and add 1 cup steamed milk (or cold milk over ice). Froth 2 tablespoons mascarpone with 3 tablespoons heavy cream, 2 tablespoons milk, 2 teaspoons vanilla syrup and a pinch of vanilla pudding mix, spoon it on top and dust with cocoa.
At a glance
The one tip that matters: Soften the mascarpone with a spoon before you add the cream. Cold lumps won't froth smooth.
Why You'll Love This Tiramisu Velvet Latte
- Velvety foam mascarpone makes it rich and thick.
- Custard note a pinch of vanilla pudding mix does the trick.
- Real tiramisu flavors espresso, mascarpone and cocoa.
- Fast 10 minutes, no special syrup.
- Hot or iced same foam for both.
What Is the Starbucks Tiramisu Velvet Latte?
The Tiramisu Velvet Latte is part of the Starbucks holiday menu. It is a vanilla latte topped with a mascarpone cold foam and cocoa, inspired by the Italian dessert.
The foam is the whole trick. Once you can make it, the rest is a simple vanilla latte.
Ingredient Notes
Exact amounts are in the recipe card below.
- Mascarpone: full fat, straight from the fridge.
- Vanilla pudding mix: a small pinch gives the foam a custard flavor.
- Vanilla syrup: homemade or store bought.
- Cocoa powder: unsweetened, for the classic tiramisu finish.
Step-by-Step Photos
Here's how it comes together. Exact amounts, times and temperatures are in the recipe card below.
Tips for Success
- Keep everything cold for the foam. Cold cream and mascarpone hold their shape on hot coffee.
- Do not over froth. Stop when it is thick but still pours; too long and it turns into whipped cream.
- Homemade vanilla syrup works best. My Starbucks vanilla syrup takes 10 minutes and keeps for weeks.
- Want it like the cold brew version? Pour vanilla sweetened cold brew over ice and top with the same foam and a little crushed chocolate cookie.
- Dust at the end. Cocoa sinks into wet foam, so add it just before serving.
- A December habit. When I wrap presents after Lucy and Max are asleep, this is the latte I make.
Starbucks Tiramisu Latte
1
drink5
minutes5
minutes380
kcal10
minutesA copycat version of the Starbucks Tiramisu Velvet Latte: espresso, milk and vanilla syrup topped with a thick mascarpone cold foam with a hint of vanilla custard, finished with a dusting of cocoa. Hot or iced. Makes 1 grande sized drink.
Ingredients
- For the Mascarpone Cold Foam
2 tablespoons mascarpone, cold
3 tablespoons heavy cream, cold
2 tablespoons 2% milk, cold
2 teaspoons vanilla syrup
1/2 teaspoon instant vanilla pudding mix (for the custard note)
- For One Latte
2 ounces espresso, freshly pulled (2 shots), or 1/4 cup very strong coffee
1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla syrup
1 cup 2% milk
1/2 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
1 cup ice (for iced)
Directions
- Make the Mascarpone Cold Foam
- Put the mascarpone in a tall glass and stir it with a spoon until soft. Add the cream, milk, 2 teaspoons vanilla syrup and pudding mix, then froth with a handheld frother for 20 to 30 seconds, until thick and velvety but still pourable.
- Build the Latte
- Pull 2 shots of espresso into a mug and stir in 1 1/2 tablespoons of vanilla syrup.
- For hot: steam or heat the milk to 150°F to 160°F (65°C to 71°C) and pour it in. For iced: fill a glass with ice, add the sweetened espresso and 3/4 cup cold milk.
- Spoon the mascarpone cold foam over the top and dust with cocoa through a small sieve.
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Storage
This drink is best made fresh. The foam starts to loosen after about 15 minutes, so froth it right before serving.
More Tiramisu and Holiday Lattes
For the drive-thru version with marshmallow cold foam, make my Dunkin tiramisu latte. For more holiday drinks, try my Starbucks caramel brulee latte and Starbucks gingerbread latte, or browse all my Starbucks copycat recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in the Starbucks Tiramisu Velvet Latte?
It's Starbucks Signature Espresso, milk and vanilla syrup, topped with a mascarpone cold foam and cocoa. It comes hot or iced, and there is also a Tiramisu Velvet Cold Brew.
Is the Starbucks Tiramisu Latte the same as the Tiramisu Velvet Latte?
Yes. Most people search for it as the Starbucks tiramisu latte, but the menu name is the Tiramisu Velvet Latte.
What is mascarpone cold foam?
It's cold foam made with mascarpone, the soft Italian cream cheese used in tiramisu. This copycat froths mascarpone with cream, milk, vanilla syrup and a pinch of vanilla pudding mix for the custard note.
Can I make it without mascarpone?
Yes. Use 2 tablespoons of softened cream cheese plus an extra tablespoon of cream. It's a little tangier.
Can I order or make it iced?
Yes. Pour the sweetened espresso over ice, add cold milk and top with the foam.
How do I make it less sweet?
Use 1 tablespoon of vanilla syrup in the latte and skip the syrup in the foam.
