Vanilla Coconut Milk Steamer | The Recipe ReDux

Instead of hot chocolate, go for hot vanilla with this easy-to-make milk steamer~ by Deanna Segrave-Daly, RD
EQUIPMENT (affiliate links) -My favorite kitchen tools to froth milk:
Nespresso Aeroccino
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I'm so over winter.
Like that isn't an obvious statement.
As we've reached the third snowiest winter ever here in Philly and spring is still officially a month away, I'm trying (rather desperately) to keep sunny in the kitchen at least with recipes like this. And this.
[bctt tweet="Instead of hot chocolate, go for a Vanilla Coconut Milk Steamer (easily made at home!) @tspbasil #thereciperedux" username=""]
So, with this month's Recipe ReDux theme, I knew I was going hot beverage (with a tropical twist.)
Beverages Are Hot - That which is served in a mug, glass, or stein is becoming just as interesting as what’s on the plate. New cocktail-only blogs are emerging. Pinners are cooking with their Keurig K-cups. Hot beverages have gone way beyond hot cocoa. Beverages are in! Whether you’re serving something hot or cool, kid-friendly or happy hour worthy, show us your healthier drink.
I've always been a vanilla girl. While I do love me some dark chocolate (Dove Minis) and ANYTHING chocolate peanut butter (my pinterest board devoted to Peanut Butter Chocolate Love), vanilla was always my ice cream choice since I was a kid. I've made my own vanilla extract, vanilla sugar and even vanilla salt. I'm a sucker for any kind of vanilla lotion, soap or household product.

So, why not hot vanilla instead of hot chocolate? Since my espresso maker/milk steamer died a few years back and I haven't replaced it, I whipped this version up on the stove in 5 minutes using both cow's milk and canned light coconut milk, topped with a small dollop of real whipped cream and a sprinkle of unsweetened coconut.
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Vanilla Coconut Milk Steamer
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
Instead of hot chocolate, go for hot vanilla with this easy-to-make milk steamer
Ingredients
- 1 cup nonfat milk
- 1 cup canned light coconut milk
- 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped (or ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla sugar or granulated sugar, optional
- Pinch of salt
- Whipped cream
- Unsweetened flaked coconut
Instructions
- In a small pot, whisk together milk, coconut milk, vanilla pod and seeds, sugar (optional) and salt. Bring to a simmer (don't not boil) over medium-high heat. Reduce to medium low and heat for another 3-4 minutes. Remove from stove and remove vanilla pod.
- If you have a milk frother, pour into pitcher and froth. If not, whisk thoroughly then pour into 2 mugs.
- Top each mug with a small dollop whipped cream and a sprinkle of flaked coconut.
I'm thinking next time I make this, I need to add a shot of Kahlua or Amarula (an insanely good cream liqueur from South Africa.)





Yum!! I am a huge coconut fan so I will definitely have to try this (maybe even the version with a little Kahlua)! 😉
Let me know if you make one with Kahlua and I'll join you virtually 🙂
I just got back from a run & am freeeeezing up in Boston. Would love this steamer right now. Looks so warm & cozy.
Yes, you can relate to our plight if you are in Boston for sure!
This looks fantastic! What a delicious alternative to a hot cocoa or another hot drink, but still indulgent and exciting.
You had me at vanilla bean. 🙂 Looks delicious!
Another fellow vanilla gal - love it 🙂
I'm with you on this winter my fellow east coast friend! But this drink looks like the perfect remedy to a blistery winter day. I feel warm & toasty just thinking about it 🙂
Ugh - will this winter ever end?? I thought February was the shortest month. I will be imbibing in your Mandarin Chamapagne Cocktail very soon.
Oh yum! This recipe looks perfect for a rainy day like it is here today. I think i'll pop myself on the couch with a cup of this while I check out all the other recipe reduxes
I'm clicking mugs with you!
Ooooohh this sounds so yummy, will definitely have to try this one out! 🙂
Look at those vanilla specks!,! I'm coconuts biggest fan. My world just got better.
I'm with you - coconut always makes me happier (especially so if I'm in a climate where coconut trees are!)
Mmm...Simple, soothing, delicious! Although I tend to be more partial to chocolate, I would totally sip this yummy drink. Now confession time...I just popped over to say hi, and am now just realizing that it is FEBRUARY 21 already!!! Oh, my. I completely am missing this ReDux, but at least I can ogle all the other yummy beverages 🙂 Cheers!
No worries about missing ReDux this month - I'm off to enjoy your almond post 🙂
I love vanilla. What a creative idea changing up hot chocolate. It is fun to think about spring being so close. I love the springtime. 🙂 the earth wakes up love it being warmer and all the colors.
I love this idea Deanna! We definitely thought the same when using coconut milk to make a yummy, creamy yet healthy drink! I heat milk all the time at night and put vanilla in it for a relaxing drink before bed, so this sounds right up my alley! Even though I do love chocolate, I like my vanilla just like you too!
xoxo Sarah Grace, Fresh Fit N Healthy.
I'm much more of a vanilla girl also and I would SO choose this steamer over hot chocolate!
Such a clever idea! It looks like a super satisfying drink for after dinner (and it will totally make me want to fall asleep).
I've never made a drink with coconut milk before, so it's probably about time I did. I do like vanilla drinks though, as well as chocolate - it's good to alternate 🙂
Now I'm thinking of a chocolate coconut milk steamer may be next for me to tinker with 🙂
Oh man, I used to drink steamers all the time (before I liked coffee). Haven't had one in so long and this sounds wonderful!
This looks great for the cold day I woke up to today! I love chocolate, but vanilla is a great way to change things up.
Cheers,
Steph
These look so creamy! Reminds me of those milk steamers they sell at Starbucks...I think they're for kids, but I always wanna order one for myself. And I agree with you, vanilla ice cream all the way. But chocolate+peanut butter combo is definitely high on my list of best things.
To answer your question I'm definitely a girl who loves chocolate. While your drink sound utterly delicious, I' add a chunk if chocolate as a finishing touch. Great idea to post a beverage for thereciperedux.
This sounds delicious and perfect for the frigid weather we are having here!
I like the way you think, Mireya 🙂
As a Chicagoan, I can fully empathize with the awful winter thing. But I think a "hot vanilla" would definitely make it better!