Viral Ritz-Carlton Oʻahu Turtle Bay Banana Bread Latte (Copycat)
If you’ve been anywhere near food TikTok or Instagram lately, chances are you’ve seen the famous Banana Bread Latte from The Ritz-Carlton Oʻahu, Turtle Bay.
And honestly? It deserves the hype.
This cozy coffee drink tastes exactly like warm banana bread in latte form with rich espresso, creamy milk, cinnamon spice, vanilla, and caramelized banana flavor that somehow feels both nostalgic and luxurious at the same time.
The original is served at Hoʻolana Café inside the stunning Ritz-Carlton Oʻahu, Turtle Bay resort on Oahu’s North Shore, where people line up daily for this now-viral drink.
I immediately knew I had to recreate it at home.
Serve Two Ways:
Iced Banana Bread Latte (Best for Spring/Summer)
- Fill glasses with ice
- Pour latte mixture over
- Stir well
- Top with cinnamon
Hot Banana Bread Latte
- Heat milk mixture gently (don’t boil)
- Froth if desired
- Pour into mugs
- Finish with cinnamon
Pro Tips For BEST Flavor
- Use VERY Ripe Bananas: this creates richer banana bread flavor naturally.
- Don’t Skip The Salt: a tiny pinch balances sweetness and enhances the coffee flavor.
- Macadamia milk is also incredible for Hawaiian vibes.
- Stir Before Serving: the syrup naturally settles slightly.
- Don’t Over Sweeten: the real drink is balanced and cozy, not dessert-level sugary.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I Make This Dairy-Free?
Absolutely. Oat milk works beautifully here.
Can I Make It Lower Sugar?
Yes, reduce brown sugar slightly or use maple syrup.
Can I Blend The Syrup Instead Of Straining?
You can, but straining gives the smoothest, most café-style texture.
Blending creates a thicker banana smoothie-style latte.
Both are delicious depending on the vibe you want.
My Go-To Kitchen Staples
- Milk frother
- Stainless steel Vitamix
- Glass cups
- Nugget ice maker
- Glass straws
- Favorite vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
I always link my exact favorites, so you can recreate this perfectly at home. If you click and buy, I might earn a little commission—thanks for the love!
Hawaiian Coffee Shop Vibes
This Banana Bread Latte completely captures the cozy, tropical magic of mornings at Turtle Bay.
It’s creamy, comforting, lightly spiced, and feels like the kind of drink you’d sip slowly overlooking the ocean.
And now you can make it at home anytime.
Gina
Banana Bread Latte
Ingredients
Banana Bread Syrup
- 2 ripe bananas mashed
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch sea salt
- 2 shots espresso
- ½ cup whole milk or milk of choice
- nugget ice
Instructions
Banana Bread Syrup
- In a saucepan combine: mashed bananas, brown sugar, water, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt.
- Simmer over low heat for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and fragrant.
- Strain through a fine mesh sieve for a smooth syrup (not required)
- Let cool completely
- Brew 2 shots espresso or ¼ cup strong coffee concentrate.
- Add 1–2 tbsp syrup to mug or glass.
To Make Iced Latte
- Pour in hot espresso and stir well.
- Fill with ice.
- Pour cold milk over top and stir.
- Sprinkle cinnamon on top and enjoy.
