This gingerbread latte is the perfect Christmas coffee drink. I’m no barista, so I made this in a crockpot, and let me tell you, it turned out perfect! This is a great festive drink that’s ready to enjoy after dinner and makes enough for a crowd. It’s loaded with Christmas spices and brown sugar to really bring the holiday flavor. I like to prep a batch on Sunday and enjoy it all week long.
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Being that it’s almost Thanksgiving, that means it’s time to start preparing for Christmas, right? It’s time for gingerbread to swoop in and replace pumpkin spice as the flavor of the season. I love gingerbread because it’s the most classic Christmas flavor if you ask me. This Starbucks-inspired gingerbread latte recipe is made in a crockpot, which means it’s super simple. It makes a huge amount, so it’s perfect for Christmas Eve.
What’s in This Gingerbread Latte Recipe?
- Milk: I like to use whole milk for an extra creamy sip, but this will work well with other dairy or plant-based milks too.
- Maple Syrup: Adds a subtle sweet flavor to the drink.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of molasses flavor to the drink.
- Spices: Ground ginger, cinnamon sticks, ground cloves, and ground nutmeg add a warm and spicy flavor to the drink.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweet flavor of the drink.
- Coffee: I prefer to use espresso, but strongly-brewed coffee also works. Use a blend you love, although I don’t recommend a flavored blend.
Tips for Success
- Keep an eye on your crockpot from time to time, making sure that it doesn’t boil.
- I rimmed my glasses by dipping them in caramel sauce and crushed graham crackers.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover crockpot gingerbread lattes in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in a pot set over medium-low heat as needed. It’s perfect to have on hand when you are entertaining during the holidays.
Crockpot Gingerbread Latte
Ingredients
- 8 cups whole milk
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 3 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 pinch ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
- 3½ cups freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee
Optional Garnishes
- Caramel sauce
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Whipped cream
- Gingerbread cookies
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a large slow cooker.8 cups whole milk, ¼ cup pure maple syrup, 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar, 3 teaspoons ground ginger, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 2 cinnamon sticks, 1 pinch ground cloves, ½ teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg, 3½ cups freshly brewed espresso
- Cook on low for 3 hours or until heated through. Monitor to make sure it doesn’t boil.
- Turn slow cooker to warm setting and cook for another 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Stir again right before serving and taste.
- Dip rims of cups in caramel sauce and then in graham cracker crumbs to create the look above (optional). Top with fresh whipped cream and caramel syrup if desired. For extra fun, top with gingerbread cookies.Caramel sauce, Graham cracker crumbs, Gingerbread cookies, Whipped cream
Becky’s Tips
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment!
Was wondering if I could add sweetened condensed milk to this as in the peppermint hot cocoa recipe?
You could certainly try it!
Hello! Does this make six measuring cups of coffee? 1 serving is exactly 1 measuring cup?
It makes six serving sizes of coffee!
Would it be just as good without Coffee/Expresso? I’d like to make it for my family, but due to health concerns, Coffee is kind of out of the equation. Is there a good substitute? Or could I just leave it out of the recipe? Thank you!
I think you could use tea. Black tea or decaf black tea would be best. I make a sweet chai a lot and use a lot of the same ingredients.
Can i subsTitute with coconut milk?
Definitely!
Planning on making this for Christmas morning and I was wondering what i should do if my slow cooker doesn’t have a warm setting? I appreciate your reply:)
You could potentially do low but I worry it might burn over time. You could transfer it to a stock pot and place it on the lowest stovetop setting to keep warm. Hope you love it!
thank you for the recipe. looks delicious!
Hope you love it!
Can one substitute low fat milk or almond milk for the whole milk? Thanks in advance!
What a great idea! So great to wake up to this for breakfast
I love the little guys on the side of the glass too. So festive and would be a hit at any get together this season!
I made this on Christmas and actually put four cups of strong coffee in it and everyone couldn’t wait to have some..only to be disappointed when it tasted like milk with a sprinkle of cinnamon, couldn’t even taste the coffee really. I don’t know how it happened when I followed the recipe exactly except put more coffee. Mine didnt even come out looking like the color of yours in the photos, it was light like milk, where yours looks dark like caramel.