Who would have thought something so simple could taste so good? We’re talking about homemade vanilla milk, and I’ll bet you have all 3 ingredients in your kitchen right now! This milk is made in 2 minutes and is a great addition to any toddler or kid’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

Graphic for post - the best vanilla milk - 2 minutes- great for kids - healthy - naturally sweetened. Image is of a clear glass cup with vanilla milk with a colorful napkin and striped straw.

Easy Vanilla Milk

If you’re anything like me, you may have heard about vanilla milk and thought, really? What’s all the fuss about? Isn’t it a lot like regular milk?

Well, my friend, I’m here to tell you that this stuff feels a little magical. I can’t put my finger on it, but something about this little combination of vanilla extract and maple syrup mixed into milk really feels like a treat. You might never want to drink regular milk again.

Make up a big batch and you’ll find yourself enjoying this delicious homemade vanilla milk all week long. It’s a perfect addition to lunch, dinner, or even for a quick snack.

Ingredients for vanilla milk – milk, maple syrup and vanilla extract any marble countertop.

Ingredients Needed

  • Milk: use whole milk or any plain unsweetened plant-based milk, such as soy, almond, coconut, etc.
  • Maple Syrup: for a little sweetness, you can also use honey, agave nectar or pitted dates.
  • Vanilla Extract: use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

A hand pouring in Maple syrup syrup blender full of milk on a white marble countertop.
Add ingredients into a blender or glass. Mix or blend until smooth.
A clear glass blender point in vanilla milk to a clear glass on a white marble countertop.
Pour into a glass and serve!
  1. Add all ingredients to a mason jar or jar with a lid. Give a good shake for about 30 seconds to mix it up. You can also use a blender.
  2. Serve and enjoy!  

How to Store

Homemade vanilla milk should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Give it a good shake or quick stir before serving.

Clear glass full of vanilla milk with on top of a striped napkin with a striped straw.

Cooking with Kids

You can easily have your kids help you make this flavored milk.

TODDLERS

  • Toddlers can help measure and pour the ingredients into the cup.
  • They can help put the lid on and then shake until all of the ingredients are well incorporated. Note: if using a blender, make sure to talk about not touching the blender blade while making something in the blender, as it can be sharp. 
  • Have them pour their milk into their cup. 

KIDS

  • You can pretty much let older kids make this recipe by themselves. 
  • They can pick out and measure all of the ingredients. Note: make sure to talk about not touching the blender blade while making something in the blender, as it can be sharp. 
  • Have them pour the vanilla milk into their own cup as well as a second cup for you!

Expert Tips

  • Do not give cow’s milk as a drink to babies under one year of age.
  • Limit dairy consumption to 16-24 ounces a day for kids 12-24 months and 2-2.5 cups for kids 2-5 years of age. Too much milk can make bellies too full for other foods and displace other nutrients, including iron.
  • Feel free to adjust the amount of vanilla or sweetener to your liking.
  • Add a little dash of cinnamon for extra flavor!
  • You might want to make a double batch of this one – it doubles as a very yummy coffee creamer for adults.
  • For dairy-free vanilla milk, use a plain plant-based milk.
Clear glass full of vanilla milk with on top of a striped napkin with a striped straw.

Get the recipe: The Best Homemade Vanilla Milk (2 Minutes)

5 stars (3 ratings)
Who would have thought something so simple could taste so good? We're talking about homemade vanilla milk, and I'll bet you have all 3 ingredients in your kitchen right now! This milk is made in 2 minutes and is a great addition to any toddler or kid's breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
Yield: 2 servings
Prep: 2 minutes
Total: 2 minutes
Author: Michele Olivier
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients 

  • 2 cups milk
  • 2-3 tbsp maple syrup, honey or agave nectar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions 

  • Add all ingredients into a large cup with a lid or a blender.
    A hand pouring in Maple syrup syrup blender full of milk on a white marble countertop.
  • Shake or blend for 30 seconds or until all ingredients are incorporated.
    A clear glass blender point in vanilla milk to a clear glass on a white marble countertop.
  • Pour into a glass and serve!

Notes

Age: 1+ years
Milk Notes: you can use whole milk or any plain unsweetened plant-based milk, such as soy, almond, coconut, etc.
Add-ins: feel free to add in a pinch of cinnamon, drizzle of peanut butter, a few strawberries or chopped bananas or a pinch of nutmeg. 

Equipment

Kids Glass Cups
Measuring Cups

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Medically reviewed and cowritten by Jamie Johnson, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), and Lauren Braaten, Pediatric Occupational Therapist (OT).