Description
Enjoy a cozy, festive Crockpot Gingerbread Latte perfect for holiday gatherings or chilly mornings. Made with warming spices, rich espresso, and creamy milk, this slow-cooked latte is sweetened naturally and topped with indulgent caramel and whipped cream for a delightful seasonal treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 8 cups whole milk (or any type of milk will work)
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp packed brown sugar
- 3 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 pinch ground cloves
- ½ tsp freshly ground nutmeg
- 3½ cups freshly brewed espresso (or strong coffee, avoid flavored coffee)
Toppings and Garnishes
- Caramel sauce
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Whipped cream
- Gingerbread cookies
Instructions
- Add Ingredients: Add all base ingredients including milk, maple syrup, brown sugar, ground ginger, vanilla extract, cinnamon sticks, ground cloves, nutmeg, and freshly brewed espresso to a large slow cooker.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cook the mixture on low heat for 3 hours or until thoroughly heated through. Keep an eye on the mixture to ensure it doesn’t reach a boil, which can affect the texture and flavor.
- Warm Setting: After the initial cook, switch the slow cooker to the warm setting and continue cooking for another 2 hours, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors evenly.
- Final Stir and Taste: Give the latte a good stir right before serving and adjust sweetness or spice levels if necessary to your taste preference.
- Prepare Cups and Serve: For a festive presentation, dip the rims of your cups in caramel sauce then in graham cracker crumbs to coat. Serve the latte topped with fresh whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel syrup. Garnish with gingerbread cookies for an extra holiday touch.
Notes
- Use whole milk for a creamier latte, or substitute with plant-based milk for a vegan or lactose-free option.
- Monitor the slow cooker to avoid boiling the mixture, which can cause the milk to separate.
- Adjust the amount of espresso or coffee to control the strength of your latte.
- The caramel and graham cracker rim is optional but adds a delightful texture and flavor contrast.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated for another serving.
