Creamy Vegan Iced Banana Matcha Latte

ingredients

For the Banana Cashew Cream

• ½ cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 20 minutes, then drained
• 1 large very ripe banana
• ⅓ cup plant milk, oat, soya, almond, or cashew
• 2 tbsp maple syrup, or sweetener of choice
• Pinch of sea salt

For the Matcha

• 2 tsp ceremonial-grade matcha
• ¼ cup hot, not boiling, water
• 1½ cups creamy plant milk
• 1 cup ice

instructions

1. Start by making the banana cashew cream. Drain the soaked cashews well, then add them to a high-speed blender with the banana, plant milk, maple syrup, and sea salt.
2. Blend until completely smooth, thick, and creamy. You’re looking for a silky, spoonable cream that can sit on top of the latte rather than immediately sinking into it. If the mixture is too thick to blend, add a small splash of plant milk, but keep it as thick as possible.
3. Next, make the matcha. Sift the matcha into a small bowl to remove any clumps. Add the hot water and whisk vigorously in a zigzag motion until the matcha is smooth and lightly frothy. You can also use a handheld frother.
4. Fill two glasses with ice. Divide the plant milk between the glasses, then pour the whisked matcha over the milk.
5. Spoon the banana cashew cream over the top of each glass. Stir before drinking if you want it fully creamy, or sip as it slowly melts into the matcha.

notes

• Use a very ripe banana for the best natural sweetness and creamy texture. The spottier the banana, the sweeter the cream will taste.
• Oat milk or cashew milk will make the latte feel the creamiest, while soya milk gives it a little extra plant protein.
• Hot but not boiling water is important for matcha. If the water is too hot, the matcha can taste bitter.
• If you like a stronger matcha flavor, add an extra ½ tsp matcha. If you prefer it softer and more milky, add a splash more plant milk.
• The banana cashew cream is best fresh, but you can store any extra in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Stir before using, as it may thicken slightly.