Nutty, aromatic, warming and nutritious, this Black Sesame Latte is the perfect drink for those days when you want something special but are too lazy to head to Starbucks! I focus on the Korean version (Heukimja Latte) but also show you the substitutions necessary for a Middle Eastern version.
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⭐ Why This Recipe is a Star
- Black Sesame Latte (흑임자라떼 Heukimja Latte) is delicious and nutritious: black sesame has a nutty, earthy, and complex flavor that is simply scrumptious once sweetened.
- It's super easy to make: once you have the black sesame powder or black sesame paste, it literally takes minutes! No special equipment needed too. You can make it caffeine-free (my fave nightcap) or add a shot or 2 of coffee!
- No additives: this drink is very similar to Japanese Kuro Goma (Black Sesame) Latte but, being homemade, you don't get any weird chemicals or preservatives!
Note: For more international latte flavors, such as Oat Milk Matcha Latte or Singaporean Pandan Latte, click here. My current personal fave is Japanese Hojicha Latte!
🍡 What is Black Sesame?
It's simply unhulled sesame seeds. (Hulled, they become white sesame which is sweeter.) They're commonly used in Chinese, Japanese and Korean cooking.
Black Sesame is nuttier, earthier, and has a more complex flavor than its white counterpart. It also contains vitamins, minerals and lots of other stuff that is good for you!
Note: In case you're just here for the recipe, I won't bore you with the health benefits, click over to this Black Sesame Pudding recipe to read more or here for more recipes which use black sesame.
🥘 Ingredients
You only need these simple ingredients:
- black sesame paste: This is made by blending toasted seeds with sesame oil and/ or honey. For detailed instructions, click through to this Chinese homemade black sesame paste recipe. I share tips on how not to burn the seeds- super easy to do- and how to blend everything more efficiently! (You can also use Chinese Black Sesame Paste/ Powder from the Chinese supermarket or "Neri Goma" from the Japanese grocery.)
- milk: I normally like whole milk in my lattes. If vegan, I recommend almond or soy milk as the nuttiness complements the roasted flavor of the black sesame. However, you can substitute with a plant-based milk of your choice too.
- Sweetener (if your black sesame paste is unsweetened): I use honey for a cold latte (heat destroys the nutrients) and light brown sugar syrup or maple syrup when making a hot latte.
- whipped cream (optional but recommended): the sweetness and creaminess goes really well with the earthy black sesame flavor!
Note: you can also add ½ Cup of coffee or 1-2 shots of espresso if you need your caffeine!
📖 Variations & Substitutes
- Less caffeine: substitute the coffee with Hojicha Tea- the smoky roasted flavor goes very well with the nuttiness and earthiness of Black Sesame. Alternatively, just leave out the coffee or use decaf.
- Middle Eastern Inspired: use medjool dates instead of honey to sweeten and substitute black tahini for homemade Asian black sesame paste. Dates are a Whole30-friendly sweetener, FYI!
- Iced: Chill the milk and coffee before pouring over the ice, to prevent the ice from melting and diluting the taste of the black sesame!
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Only if your black sesame paste is unsweetened: mix with the sweetener of your choice. This is to prevent you from getting a bitter mouthful of sesame seeds later!
Note: If pre-sweetened, skip to next step!
2. Use a long spoon to smear the black sesame on the wall of the glass.
3. Pour in the milk followed by the espresso (optional.)
Note: if you want a coffee latte, add the coffee or espresso now. You may need more sweetener if adding coffee!
4. Top with whipped creamed.
Optional: top with some sesame paste or sprinkle on toasted sesame seeds!
Alternative latte art: for a frothy latte top, shake milk in a mason jar or gently warm it in a saucepan and whisk it. (You can also use a blender or milk frother if you have them!)
👩🏻🍳 Expert Tips
Tip #1: The black sesame won't dissolve in the drink- you need to give everything a good stir to mix it up!
💭 Recipe FAQs
Black tahini and black sesame paste are different. If you use tahini, I recommend date syrup or blended dates to sweeten for a Middle Eastern-inspired latte.
Yes, you can use an equal amount of UHT milk or make up the amount using half heavy cream and half water.
🥗 Other Korean Recipes
Enjoyed this easy Black Sesame Latte Recipe? Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟rating in the recipe card below! If you REALLY liked this Korean Heukimja Latte, you'll love this Chinese Black Sesame soup!
Also, please consider supporting my work by buying me a coffee! 🙂 (No obligation though!) Thank you and have a great day!
Black Sesame Latte
Equipment
- Spoon
- Glass Make sure it's heat-proof if making a hot latte
- Blender, saucepan and whisk or milk frother Optional, only if you want a frothy latte top!
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Black Sesame Paste You can get this at the Asian grocery store or make your own using this Chinese black sesame recipe. You can also using black sesame powder and mix it with a bit of sesame oil (to make it more spreadable without having to add a truckload of honey!)
- 1 Tablespooon Honey ONLY IF your black sesame paste is unsweetened, then add some sweetener. You can also use maple syrup, brown sugar syrup or a sugar substitute if making a hot black sesame drink (the nutrients in honey are destroyed by the heat.) I find that using at least half as much sweetener as black sesame is necessary to complement the latter's slightly bitter flavor, but feel free to sweeten to taste!
- 1 Cup Milk My favorites are soy, almond milk or whole milk but feel free to use a vegan milk of your choice.
- 1 shot espresso, optional Only if you want a caffeinated drink! I usually make this drink without coffee to be honest. Substitute: strong coffee
- Sweetened whipped creaming topping Highly recommended to complement the black sesame's earthiness.
Instructions
- If your black sesame paste is unsweetened, mix well with the sweetener of your choice. This is to prevent you from getting a bitter mouthful of sesame seeds later!
- Skip to this step if the sesame paste is sweetened: Use a long spoon to smear the black sesame all over the walls of the glass.
- Pour in the milk. If you want a coffee latte, follow it with the coffee or espresso (optional.)
- I highly recommend squirting on sweetened whipped creamed and sprinkling toasted sesame seeds on top.Alternative: for a frothy latte top, shake milk in a mason jar or gently warm it in a saucepan and whisk it. (You can also use a blender of milk frother if you have them!)
Notes
- Less caffeine: substitute the coffee with Hojicha Tea- the smoky roasted flavor goes very well with the nuttiness and earthiness of Black Sesame. Alternatively, just leave out the coffee or use decaf.
- Middle Eastern Inspired: use medjool dates instead of honey to sweeten and substitute black tahini for homemade Asian black sesame paste. Dates are a Whole30-friendly sweetener, FYI!
- Iced: Chill the milk and coffee before pouring over the ice, to prevent the ice from melting and diluting the taste of the black sesame!
Note: the nutritional information is an estimate automatically calculated using the WPRM recipe maker and I am not responsible for its veracity.
Nutrition
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Nancy says
I love black sesame and this latte hit the spot. So flavourful and addictive
Zen says
So glad you enjoyed it Nancy! I love black sesame too!