How to Make the Iced Apple Crisp Nondairy Cream Chai at Home

amandakaybradley

2 years ago

With its azure blue skies, deep red, yellow, and orange leaves, and slight crispness in the air, the fall season inspires a deep sense of well-being.

And if you’re longing to foster an added layer of inner peace this season, look no further than the new iced apple crisp nondairy cream chai!

This seasonal beverage first hit the fall menu at Starbucks in 2024 and is the epitome of all the cozy fall feels.

Like most things in life (and the Starbucks menu), it’s only around for a limited time.

But if you want to enjoy the comforting chai flavors with a hint of delicious apple sweetness sprinkled all year, I’ve got your back!

This easy Starbucks copycat recipe is a snap to throw together with the added bonus of only a fraction of the added sugar you’ll get by ordering it on the Starbucks app.

So stick with me as we explore what makes this drink the ultimate way to celebrate the fall season (no offense, PSL)!

And if you’re a get-me-to-the-recipe-ASAP kind of person, click here.

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What is an Iced Apple Crisp Nondairy Cream Chai?

The new Starbucks iced apple crisp nondairy cream chai combines the warming spices of chai tea with the flavors of apple nondairy cold foam.

And what takes the drink to the next level is a delectable creamy texture from perfectly frothed plant-based milk.

One sip, and you’ll agree that this drink is the best way to capture fall in a glass!

What’s in an Iced Apple Crisp Nondairy Cream Chai?

With only a few key ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to whipping up your own version of this new coffee chain favorite!

Milk

Creamy oat milk replaces dairy products in this new fall drink.

The chai spices pair perfectly with the subtle flavor and perfect texture of the oat milk.

You’ll need oat milk for the base of the latte and the nondairy cold foam topping.

When purchasing oat milk, opt for the “creamy” versions as they froth the best for these types of drinks.

You can substitute other types of nondairy milk for this recipe, such as soy milk or even almond milk, if that’s what you have on hand.

However, the frothing may be slightly different for other types of milk.

Using dairy milk is also acceptable if that’s your preference.

And if you love cold foam, dairy milk might be your best option because nothing foams like a mixture of heavy whipping cream and skim milk.

Chai Spices

For centuries, chai has been celebrated for its healing properties.

Thanks to its blend of spices, including cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves, chai contains antioxidants that can help with blood pressure, brain function, and gut health.

However, these benefits are generally most prominent when consuming the spices in their purest form.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve never seen a coffee chain barista blend fresh spices for my chai tea latte.

Major coffee chains generally use a chai tea concentrate pumped full of sugar and no actual cinnamon or ginger.

But by recreating this drink at home, you can reap all the benefits of these flavorful spices.

In addition to the chai spice mix listed above, you’ll also need a black tea bag to form the base of the chai.

Buying chai concentrate is also an option if you’re short on time.

Flavor Syrup

The delicious apple flavor starring in this drink comes from the apple brown sugar syrup used to sweeten the crisp cold foam.

Although I have seen the authentic Starbucks version of this syrup for sale on Amazon, it’s pretty expensive.

Making your own version at home is simple, cheap, and allows you to control the ingredients.

All you really need for this syrup is brown sugar, apples, and water.

Honeycrisp apples work well, but again, feel free to use whatever apples you have on hand or would use for a homemade apple pie.

Not all apples hold their flavor well when used in recipes; the same applies to this recipe.

And the best part is that once you mix up a batch of apple syrup, it stays fresh in the fridge for several weeks.

In addition to the syrup used in the sweet cream, I like to add a touch of vanilla syrup to the chai itself to add a hint of sweetness.

But you could also add a hint of honey or maple syrup.

Recreating these drinks at home is the best option because you can use whatever you have on hand and tailor the ingredients to your individual taste!

Copycat Iced Apple Crisp Nondairy Cream Chai Latte Recipe

Crisp apples combine with calming chai and creamy oat milk resulting in the ultimate fall drink!

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 20

Total Time 25

Ingredients

1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup water
2-3 large apples Honeycrisp work best in this recipe
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground cardamom
1/2 tsp ground cloves
2 cups boiling water
2 black tea bags
1-3 tsp simple syrup can use honey, maple syrup, etc.
3/4 cup oatmilk
ice

Instructions

Combine the brown sugar, water, and apples in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
When the apples have softened, pour the mixture into a strainer set over a bowl. Using a spoon, crush the apples to remove as much of the juice as possible. Once you've removed what you can from the apples, pour the syrup into a jar and allow to cool to room temperature. If you're using premade apple syrup, skip the first two steps.
Mix the cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves in a small bowl. If you have a spice grinder, combine the spices for an even finer consistency.
Combine the boiling water, tea bags, and spice mixture, and allow it to steep for 10 minutes.
Once 10 minutes have elapsed, remove the tea bags and stir the mixture. If you didn't finely grind the spices in the beginning, you may want to strain it through cheesecloth to remove the larger spice particles. Do this by placing a strainer lined with cheesecloth over a bowl. Pour the chai concentrate through the strainer. If you like frosty drinks, let the chai concentrate chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before assembling the drink.
Fill your favorite glass with ice and pour the homemade chai concentrate to fill the glass halfway. Add approximately 1/4 cup oatmilk and 1-3 teaspoons sweetener of your choice. Stir to combine.
Combine 1-2 teaspoons of the apple syrup and 1/2 cup oatmilk in a bowl or automatic milk frother. Froth and pour into the glass.
Sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon, and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is chai good for you?

Chai’s combination of spices and black tea boasts a wealth of health benefits. Research suggests that chai may help with heart health, blood sugar control, and even digestion. Of course, the health benefits are often offset by the sugar content in most coffee chain versions of the drink.

How much sugar is in an iced apple crisp nondairy cream chai latte?

According to the Starbucks menu, a grande iced apple crisp nondairy cream chai latte contains 46 grams of sugar. Although guidelines vary, the American Heart Association recommends no more than 9 teaspoons (36 grams) of sugar for men and 6 teaspoons (25 grams) daily for women.

But by whipping up your own version at home, you can cut a significant amount of sugar without sacrificing flavor.

You can also reap the benefits of adding real spices instead of the imitation versions offered by coffee chains.

Is there caffeine in an iced apple crisp nondairy cream chai latte?

Yes. Black tea contains slightly less caffeine than a cup of coffee. The Starbucks website lists the approximate caffeine content in a grande of this new drink at 95 mg.

Can you get an iced apple crisp nondairy cream chai latte year-round at Starbucks?

Unfortunately, the new iced apple crisp nondairy cream chai is a seasonal drink only offered on their fall menu for a limited time.

But by making the drink at home, you can enjoy it all year long!

Final Thoughts

Move over pumpkin spice latte—the new iced apple chai is guaranteed to become the new fall favorite of chai lovers everywhere!

Between the creamy oatmilk, comforting blend of spices, and tangy sweetness reminiscent of grandma’s apple crisp, it’s a drink that will make you fall head over heels.

Try it today and experience the very best autumn has to offer.

If you love this recipe, check out my other “coffee shop at home” content.