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I'm a coffee lover wanting to share my easy and quick, but tasty coffee recipes.

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  • Cinnamon Roll Iced Latte

    If you have a sweet tooth like me and love coffee, you need to try this cinnamon roll iced latte! I’m always craving something sweet, especially when I’m studying or just need a little pick-me-up during the day. This has become one of my favorite things to make because it tastes like a cinnamon roll but is still an iced coffee.

    I just pull two shots of espresso over brown sugar and cinnamon, add 2% milk and ice, and top it with a homemade cream cheese cold foam. The cold foam is definitely my favorite part because it makes the whole drink taste like a cinnamon roll without actually having to eat one.

    As a college student, I also love that it’s a little lighter than getting an actual cinnamon roll from a coffee shop. It satisfies my sweet craving, gives me my caffeine fix, and feels like a little treat without being too much. Plus, it’s super easy to make at home!

    Ingredients

    • 2 shots espresso
    • ¾ cup 2% milk
    • 1–2 tbsp brown sugar
    • ½ tsp cinnamon
    • Ice

    Cream Cheese Cold Foam

    • 2 tbsp heavy cream
    • 1 tbsp 2% milk
    • 1 tbsp cream cheese, softened
    • 1 tbsp powdered sugar
    • ¼ tsp vanilla extract

    Instructions

    1. Add the brown sugar and cinnamon to a glass.
    2. Pull 2 shots of espresso directly over the cinnamon and brown sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
    3. Fill the glass with ice.
    4. Pour in the 2% milk and stir.
    5. Froth the heavy cream, 2% milk, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until thick and smooth.
    6. Top the latte with the cream cheese cold foam.
    7. Finish with a sprinkle of cinnamon and enjoy!

  • Salted Brown Sugar Latte Recipe

    If you want a coffee that tastes a little more exciting than your usual iced latte, this salted brown sugar latte is super easy to make. It only takes a few ingredients, so it’s perfect for a busy college morning (or a late-night study session).

    Ingredients

    • 2 tbsp brown sugar
    • A small pinch of salt
    • Ice
    • Milk
    • Coffee or espresso

    How to Make It

    Start by adding 2 tablespoons of brown sugar to a glass. Add a small pinch of salt and a splash of hot coffee or water, then stir until the sugar melts into a syrup.

    Fill the glass with ice and pour in your milk. Leave a little room at the top for your coffee. Add your espresso or strong brewed coffee, then give everything a good stir.

    Taste it and add a tiny bit more salt if you want that sweet-and-salty flavor to stand out. That’s pretty much it!

    I like this recipe because you don’t need anything fancy to make it. It’s sweet, creamy, and has just enough salt to make it taste different from a regular iced latte. Plus, you can make it in a few minutes before heading to class.

  • My Easy Apple Pie Latte Recipe ☕🍎

    If you’re a college student who loves a seasonal coffee but does not love spending $6+ every time you want one, this apple pie latte is for you. Between classes, studying, work, and trying to have some  of a social life, I don’t always have time to make an elaborate coffee at home. I wanted something that felt like a fun fall coffee-shop drink without requiring a million ingredients or taking 20 minutes to make.This is my quick and easy apple pie latte that I make when I’m craving something sweet, cozy, and a little more exciting than my usual coffee. The best part? Most of the ingredients are things I can keep in my kitchen and use over and over again, so it ends up being way cheaper than buying a seasonal latte every time.

    What You’ll Need

    • 2 shots of espresso (or your favorite strong coffee)
    • 1 tablespoon Trader Joe’s Apple Pie Spread
    • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
    • About ⅓ cup whole milk
    • Ice
    • Optional: cold foam

    If I have a few extra minutes, I love adding homemade cold foam on top. You’ll need:

    • Heavy whipping cream

    • A splash of milk

    • A small spoonful of Trader Joe’s Apple Pie Spread

    I don’t really measure the cold foam ingredients. I just mix them until I get the amount and consistency I want.

    How to Make It

    1. Brew the espresso (double shot)

    Start by making one shot of espresso. If you don’t have an espresso machine, strong brewed coffee works too. 

    2. Make the apple pie mixture

    Add 1 tablespoon of Trader Joe’s Apple Pie Spread and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar to your glass. Pour in about ⅓ cup of whole milk and stir everything together. The apple pie spread gives the latte that warm, spiced apple flavor, while the brown sugar adds just enough sweetness.

    3. Add ice

    Fill your glass with ice. I usually fill it pretty generously because I like my latte really cold.

    4. Add your coffee

    Pour your espresso or strong coffee over the top and give everything a good stir. And that’s it! You have an apple pie latte without leaving your dorm, apartment, or kitchen.

    Optional: Make It With Apple Pie Cold Foam

    If I have an extra minute before class, I’ll make a quick apple pie cold foam.I combine heavy whipping cream, a splash of milk, and some apple pie spread, then whip or froth it until it becomes thick and fluffy. Spoon it right over your iced latte.The cold foam is definitely optional, but it makes the drink feel much more like something you’d get from a coffee shop.

    Why I Make This Instead of Buying a Latte

    Honestly, the biggest reason I make this at home is money. College is expensive enough without spending $5–$8 on coffee every time I want a fun seasonal drink. I can make this in a few minutes while I’m getting ready, take it with me to class, and save the coffee-shop money for something I actually need.

    I also love that I don’t have to make the recipe complicated. I already have coffee, milk, and brown sugar at home, and the apple pie spread can be used for multiple drinks. Once you have the ingredients,

  • Pumpkin Spice Iced Latte Recipe

    Pumpkin Spice Iced Latte

    I love fall mornings before class. There’s something about getting ready while it’s still a little chilly outside and making a pumpkin spice coffee before heading out the door. This latte is perfect for busy mornings because it’s super quick to make and easy to take with you on the way to class.

    What I Use

    • 2 shots of espresso
    • Planet Oat Pumpkin Spice Oatmilk Creamer (about 2 tablespoons)
    • Whole milk (about half a cup)
    • Ice
    • Pumpkin pie spice (optional)

    How I Make It

    1. Pull two shots of espresso into a glass.

    2. Pour in some Planet Oat Pumpkin Spice Oatmilk Creamer (about 2 tablespoons) and mix it with the espresso.

    3. Pour in whole milk until the glass is about halfway full and add ice.

    5. Finish pouring in the rest of the milk and give it a good stir. Top with a little pumpkin pie spice (optional)

    Tip: I like adding the ice after pouring in some of the milk. This helps keep the espresso from getting too watered down. Also, I measure with my heart to make the perfect color iced latte.

    It’s a super easy way to make a pumpkin spice latte at home without having to go out and buy one! Not only is it cost effective, but it is quick and easy without any prep of making syrups at home.

  • My Favorite Coffee Shop in Irmo, SC to Study

    As a broke college student, I feel like finding a good place to study is basically a survival skill and Loveland in Irmo has quickly become one of my FAVORITE spots.

    First of all, the atmosphere is just so good. It’s cozy without being distracting, they play relaxing jazz music, there are plenty of outlets (which is honestly a necessity when your laptop is fighting for its life), and the staff is always so nice and welcoming.

    And the COFFEE?? Amazing. I’m already spending money I probably shouldn’t be spending as a college student, so when I do treat myself to coffee, I want it to be worth it.

    Another huge plus is that they’re open 7 AM–7 PM, which is perfect because I can come in, get settled, study for a few hours, take a break, and still have plenty of time to get work done. It’s become one of those places where I walk in and immediately feel calm and ready to dive into work.

    So if you’re a fellow broke college student looking for a study spot where you can drink good coffee, listen to jazz, charge your dying laptop, and pretend you have your life together for a few hours… go to Loveland. 

  • My Ninja Luxe Café Pro Review as a College Student

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    As a college student, I’m always trying to find ways to save money, especially when it comes to coffee. Buying a coffee every morning can get expensive fast, which is one of the reasons I’ve really enjoyed having the Ninja Luxe Café Pro.

    I use it pretty much every morning to make a double espresso shot. It’s become part of my routine, and I love that I can make it at home instead of spending money at a coffee shop before class.

    My Favorite Thing About It

    The biggest thing I like about the Ninja Luxe Café Pro is how convenient it is.

    It has a built-in grinder, so I can use whole coffee beans without needing a separate grinder. I usually just make my double espresso and go about my morning.

    I also really like the hot-water feature. I drink tea at night, especially when I’m studying, so I can use the machine to heat water for my tea too. It’s nice having one machine that I can use for both coffee and tea.

    Is It Worth It for a College Student?

    The machine definitely isn’t cheap, so I think this really depends on how much coffee you normally buy.

    If you’re spending $5–$7 on coffee several times a week, making your coffee at home can save quite a bit of money over time. You still have to buy coffee beans, but I’d much rather spend money on a bag of beans than constantly buy individual drinks.

    For me, the convenience is a huge plus too. I don’t have to drive somewhere, wait in line, or worry about spending money on coffee when I’m already running late for class.

    A Few Downsides

    The biggest downside is obviously the price. It’s a pretty big purchase, especially when you’re a college student. The initial purchase is a lot but I used to spend $2,000 a year on coffee if not more.

    It also takes up a decent amount of counter space, so it might not be ideal if you have a really small kitchen or dorm setup.

    But if you have the space and you drink coffee regularly, I think it’s worth considering.

    My Verdict

    Overall, I really like my Ninja Luxe Café Pro.

    I mostly use it for my morning double espresso and nighttime tea, but I like knowing that I can make other drinks whenever I want. Most importantly, it has made it much easier for me to cut back on buying coffee out.

    As a college student, anything that makes my morning easier and helps me save money is a win.

    Rating: 4.8/5

  • Recipe for Iced Brown Sugar Vanilla Latte

    Easy + Fast Iced Brown Sugar Vanilla Latte

    An easy start to your day

    This is one of my favorite iced lattes to make at home. It’s really simple, and I usually already have everything I need. It takes me about 4 minutes from start to finish to make and I save so much money making this at home rather than buying from a shop.

    What I Use

    • 2 shots of espresso
    • 1–2 tablespoons brown sugar
    • Vanilla bean paste from Trader Joes
    • Whole milk
    • Ice
    • BoxCar Coffee Beans

    How I Make It

    1. Add the brown sugar and vanilla bean paste in the cup.

    2. Brew the espresso over the brown sugar and vanilla bean paste and mix. Make sure the espresso is hot to melt the brown sugar.

    3. Pour in whole milk until the glass is about halfway full.

    4. Add ice.

    5. Add the rest of the milk and enjoy!

    Tip: I like adding the ice after pouring in some of the milk. This helps keep the espresso from getting too watered down, so you still get that strong coffee flavor.

    I use vanilla bean paste from Trader Joe’s and my usual coffee beans, but you can use whatever you have at home! I typically use 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, but sweeten it to your liking.

  • My Go-To Coffee Essentials as a Busy College Student

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    As a busy college student, I have to be able to make quick coffee that I actually enjoy.

    To make things easy, I use the Ninja Luxe Café Pro. While the initial price might seem a little intimidating, it has more than paid for itself over the past year.

    I love how easy it is to use, and I can have my coffee ready in about five minutes, which is honestly less time than it can take to sit in a drive through first thing in the morning. If you’re someone who loves coffee but wants to save money and time, it’s been a great addition to my morning routine.

    I also bought a 100-pack of disposable coffee cups. Since I’m away from home for more than eight hours a day, I don’t really want to carry around a cup with leftover milk and coffee sitting in it all day. So, in my mind, I’m justifying the purchase as a convenience and honestly, I’m pretty happy with it. 😂

    It’s not the most glamorous coffee accessory, but sometimes convenience wins.

    I also don’t have a working ice maker in my fridge, so, naturally, I decided to buy an ice maker.

    It has honestly been so convenient. It makes ice really quickly, and the basket holds enough ice for my iced coffee without me having to constantly refill it. If you make iced coffee as often as I do, having ice ready to go is a small thing that makes my mornings so much easier.

    My go-to coffee beans are the Boxcar beans from Lowes Foods. One of my favorite things about them is that on Fridays, their bags of beans are half off, so I can pick up a bag for around $7.

    I usually go through a bag about every two weeks, which makes it a pretty affordable part of my daily coffee routine. The beans are also freshly roasted that week, so I’m getting fresh coffee without having to spend a ton of money on specialty beans.

    For me, this is one of the easiest ways I’ve found to make better coffee at home while still keeping my coffee budget under control. A good cup of coffee doesn’t have to cost $6 or $7 every morning!

    These are my daily coffee essentials, and honestly, they have made my mornings so much easier. From finding affordable, fresh coffee beans to having ice ready to go, each of these little things has helped me make coffee at home more convenient and save money in the long run.

    I hope sharing what works for me helps you find a few ways to make your own coffee routine easier and maybe save you some money along the way, too!