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When the weather gets brisk in the mornings, I always want something both soothing and cool. This iced apple crisp cream chai latte totally hits the spot, mixing spiced tea, velvety foam, and a whisper of apple sweetness all over cold ice. Making this at home is as good as anything from your favorite coffee spot, plus you control everything—sweetness, milk, all of it. I first made one on the first chilly day I had to wear a sweater, and now it’s my go-to for fall, whether I’m hanging on the couch with a book or taking a walk with my favorite scarf wrapped tight.
The biggest surprise when I tried this drink at home was just how much tastier it turned out. Making it yourself means you can decide how strong the chai is or how creamy you want it. Now I throw it together any time I want a little pick-me-up or a cozy treat.
Dreamy Ingredients
- Ground cinnamon: Toss in some on top at the end for classic apple pie vibes—it really ties it together
- Ice: Use fresh cubes and don’t add until you’re about to pour so it stays crisp
- Apple brown sugar syrup: This is what makes the drink taste like an apple crisp in a glass. If you’ve got homemade, awesome, but bottled is fine too
- Heavy cream: Choose fresh heavy cream for the best thick foam. If you’re dairy free, try thick oat or coconut cream
- Milk: Two percent or whole milk gives you rich flavor but barista oat milk also foams up like a dream
- Chai concentrate: Pick one that’s extra bold for more chai flavor—or make your own if you’re up for it
Simple Steps
- Finish with the Cream:
- Grab the cold foam from the freezer and whisk it again real quick to make sure it’s thick. Let it gently slide over your iced chai so it floats on top. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sip it right away
- Plop in Ice:
- Fill your glass with ice, but stop an inch or so from the rim to leave space for the cloud of cream
- Mix Chai and Milk:
- Pour chai concentrate and milk into your biggest glass—try 16 ounces if you can. More apple syrup means more fall flavor, so toss an extra spoonful in if you’re feeling it
- Set the Cream Aside:
- Pop that thick cream into the freezer again so it stays super cold while you work on the chai
- Whip the Apple Cream:
- Combine heavy cream, your chosen milk, and apple brown sugar syrup in your freezing cold bowl. Keep your hands off so it stays cold. Whisk super fast until you have something like soft ice cream
- Chill Your Tools:
- Toss a metal bowl and your whisk into the freezer for about 10 minutes before you start. This simple step helps your cream fluff up nice and thick
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That dreamy apple brown sugar foam is what I look forward to most. It takes me right back to those chilly weekends baking apple crisp with my kids. The first time we made that creamy topping for chai, the kids couldn’t believe it—it really does taste like dessert in a glass.
Keep It Fresh
Best plan is to enjoy your latte right after you make it, but if you have extras, stash the chai-milk mix in one jar and the apple cream in another in the fridge for a day. Just rewhip the cream when you’re ready to use it again.
Switch Things Up
Can’t find apple brown sugar syrup? No worries—use a little maple syrup and a dash of apple juice, or swap in some apple butter. Oat or cashew milk will work great if you want it plant-based.
How to Serve
Pair it with a crunchy biscotti or a rich scone for an extra special morning. It’s also perfect for cozy fall brunches or afternoon snacks with friends.
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Where It Comes From
Masala chai hails from India and is famous for being full of comforting, warming spice. Apple crisp is a fall staple in North America. Blending them gives you this downright comforting drink that feels like autumn in a cup.
Common Questions
- → What’s the trick for super smooth apple cream on top?
Get everything really cold—chill your bowl and whisk before starting. Chill the mix a little if you need to. Whisking by hand gives the fluffiest cold foam.
- → Is it okay to swap out dairy milk for something else?
Totally! Oat milk (skip the light stuff—use the barista kind) tastes great and keeps it thick for both the drink and creamy topping.
- → Do I need any fancy gadgets for this?
You can just use a cold bowl and a whisk—no special tools needed. A milk frother is cool if you have one, but it’s not a must.
- → Where does the apple crisp flavor come from?
The apple brown sugar syrup mixed into the cream gives it that classic taste. Add a splash to your chai if you want even more apple flavor.
- → Can I use premade chai from the store?
Go for it—store-bought chai concentrate saves time and tastes good every time, so your drink turns out just right.
- → Do I have to add cinnamon on top?
It’s up to you, but adding some cinnamon on top really boosts the chai and apple flavors and makes the whole thing smell amazing.