Black Sesame Soft Serve Latte Recipe

Toast and grind sesame

In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast 0.5 cups black sesame seeds, stirring constantly, until fragrant and slightly popping, 3–4 minutes. Transfer immediately to a plate to cool. Once cool, grind the seeds in a spice grinder or high-speed blender until they form a coarse paste, about 1–2 minutes, pausing to scrape down sides.

Make sesame emulsion

Combine the ground sesame, 0.25 cups granulated sugar, and 120 ml whole milk in a small saucepan. Whisk to combine. Warm gently over low heat, stirring, until sugar dissolves and mixture is aromatic, about 3–4 minutes — do not boil. Remove from heat and stir in 120 ml heavy cream, 0.5 tsp vanilla extract, and 0.125 tsp salt. Use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender and process until very smooth and well emulsified, about 30–60 seconds.

Strain and cool

Pass the sesame mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a measuring cup or bowl to remove larger solids for a smoother texture. Press solids with a spatula to extract as much liquid/paste as possible. The strained liquid should measure about 120–140 ml; reserve both the smooth paste and any remaining solids — together these are your black sesame paste for the latte. Keep warm if serving immediately or cool to room temperature if preparing ahead.

If using ready-made vanilla soft serve mix: follow package directions to churn in an ice cream/soft-serve machine. If using softened ice cream: soften 2 cups high-quality vanilla ice cream at room temperature for 5–10 minutes, then whisk with 60 ml milk until smooth and pourable to mimic soft-serve consistency. Keep the soft serve very cold until assembly so it holds shape when spooned into the drink.

Prepare coffee

Brew 240 ml strong coffee or 2 shots (about 60–90 ml) of espresso plus hot water to reach 240 ml. Keep it hot.

Combine sesame and coffee

In a heatproof pitcher, whisk together 120 ml of the strained black sesame paste/emulsion with the hot coffee until fully combined and smooth. Taste and, if you prefer sweeter, add up to 1 tbsp brown sugar syrup or honey and whisk to dissolve.

Assemble the soft serve latte

Pour the black sesame latte into a large mug or glass, leaving about 1.5–2 inches of headroom. Using a spoon, dollop or swirl 3/4 to 1 cup of the prepared vanilla soft serve on top of the hot latte — it will float and slowly melt into the drink. For a layered look, spoon the soft serve slowly down the side so it sits on the surface.

Garnish and serve

Sprinkle 1 tsp toasted black sesame seeds over the soft serve. Serve immediately with a spoon and straw so the diner can stir the melting soft serve into the latte. If serving chilled, assemble the same way but use warm (not hot) coffee so the soft serve holds longer.