Easy Vanilla Bubble Tea Recipe (Vanilla Boba Tea)

Homemade vanilla bubble tea is the ultimate treat! Who doesn’t love a sweet vanilla bean-flavored drink that is creamy and full of boba balls? This recipe is super easy to make at home and saves time and money.

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If you’re a fan of bubble tea, you are sure to love this vanilla bubble tea recipe! It’s a fairly quick recipe and I give all the details and step-by-step instructions with images so you can follow along as you like. Vanilla boba tea is just how it sounds. An amazing vanilla-flavored tea with perfectly cooked boba balls. Now you can enjoy this sweet treat made at home that is fully customizable to your tastes. Make it vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free, hot or iced!

Vanilla Boba Tea Ingredients

• Black Tea – Any black tea will do for this recipe. English Breakfast is a favorite of mine, but other options include Assam and Irish Breakfast!
• Filtered Water – Good water makes good tea! Use fresh filtered water or spring water for amazing-tasting tea.
• Milk – Here you can customize it to your personal tastes! Make vegan bubble tea with plant-based milk, or make it extra creamy using whole milk or even half and half!
• Boba Balls – These are the boba balls I use for my bubble tea, but you can use any brand you like best or even make your own. Prepare your boba according to the packaging directions for best results, but you can also use the recipe I shared below to cook your boba to perfection.
• Ice Cubes (optional) – You certainly don’t have to serve your vanilla boba tea over ice, however many people prefer it that way. Use standard ice cubes, or make tea iced cubes.
• Vanilla Simple Syrup (recipe below) – I’ve included a super easy 3 ingredient recipe for making vanilla simple syrup. However, you can always purchase vanilla simple syrup if you prefer.

Vanilla Simple Syrup Ingredients

• Vanilla Extract 
• Sugar
• Water

How to Make Vanilla Bubble Tea

Step One: Start by making the vanilla simple syrup.

Add 1/2 Cup water, 1/2 Cup Sugar, and 1 Tablespoon of Vanilla Extract to a small saucepan. Simmer on low until the sugar is dissolved. Set aside to cool.

Step Two: Make Tea 

Add 3 tea bags to a small teapot and pour over 2 cups of water. Steep for 5 minutes and then remove the tea bags squeezing out extra liquid and discarding the tea bags.

Step Three: Cook Boba Balls 

(Note: cook boba according to the packaging instructions, this is a general recipe for cooking boba that can be used if instructions are not available)

1. Bring 5 Cups of water to a boil in a large pot.
2. Pour in boba balls into boiling water and stir. 
3. Once the balls rise to the surface
4. cover and cook for about 2-3 minutes. (Or until preferred doneness.)
5. Scoop out the boba with a stainer to release any water and drop the boba in the vanilla simple syrup.

Step Four: Construct Drink

1. Scoop half of the boba balls with a 1/4 measuring cup and any syrup with it and add to the bottom of one serving cup. Repeat for a second serving cup.
2. Add a scoop of ice to both serving glasses.
3. Pour half the tea in one serving glass and the remaining tea in the second serving glass.
4. Top both drinks with milk.
5. Add a wide boba straw.
6. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

• The type of milk you use can alter the taste of your Vanilla Bubble Tea. For a creamy variation, opt for whole milk or even half-and-half. If you’re looking for a dairy-free or vegan version, almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk can be excellent substitutes.
• The sugar in the Vanilla Simple Syrup can be replaced with other sweeteners like honey or agave for a healthier twist.
• Feel free to give your tea a little stir as the syrup and milk tend to settle at the bottom.
• If you prefer an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to your tea.
• Remember, the boba balls are best when fresh. Serve your Vanilla Bubble Tea immediately after preparation for the most enjoyable experience.
• If you want to spice up your drink even more, consider using chai tea instead of black tea for a unique and delicious twist on this classic bubble tea recipe. The vanilla flavor pairs perfectly with the spiciness of chai! 
• Feel free to play around with the ratios of tea, milk, and vanilla simple syrup until you find the perfect balance for your taste. That’s the beauty of making bubble tea at home – you can customize it exactly how you like it!

What Does Vanilla Bubble Tea Taste Like? 

Vanilla Bubble Tea has a sweet and creamy vanilla taste with hints of black tea. The boba balls add a fun chewy texture to the drink, making it even more enjoyable. If you love vanilla-flavored drinks or desserts, this bubble tea is definitely worth trying out!

Why You Will Love This Drink Recipe

• Distinct Flavor Profile: Vanilla Bubble Tea offers a unique combination of flavors. The sweetness and creaminess of the vanilla blend perfectly with the robustness of the black tea, creating a thoroughly enjoyable beverage.
• Fun to Drink: The addition of boba balls not only introduces a new texture but also adds an element of fun to your drink. Each sip comes with a chewy surprise that makes drinking Vanilla Bubble Tea a unique experience.
• Customizable: This recipe can be easily modified to suit your preferences. You can adjust the sweetness, choose your preferred type of milk, or even add your favorite spices for extra flavor.
• Health Benefits: Black tea, a key ingredient in this recipe, is known for its antioxidants and can support a healthy heart. Moreover, you can opt for healthier sweeteners and milk alternatives to make this a guilt-free treat.
• Easy and Cost-Effective: Instead of spending on store-bought versions, you can easily whip up a batch of Vanilla Bubble Tea at home. Not only is it cost-effective, but homemade versions also allow you to control the quality of ingredients used.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a unique dessert idea, or simply want a refreshing drink, Vanilla Bubble Tea is a great choice. Its versatility and crowd-pleasing taste make it a hit on any occasion.

Storaging Vanilla Bubble Tea

Vanilla Bubble Tea is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store vanilla simple syrup and prepared tea separately for a few days in the refrigerator. Boba balls, however, once cooked, should be consumed right away and should not be stored.

FAQ

Is Vanilla Bubble Tea Vegan? 

This recipe can be easily adapted to be vegan-friendly. Simply replace dairy milk with your preferred plant-based alternative, and use an animal-free sweetener like simple syrup, agave, or maple syrup. Additionally, ensure the boba balls you use do not contain any animal products. (Typically they don’t.)

Can I add toppings to Vanilla Bubble Tea? 

Absolutely! Popular toppings for bubble tea include fruit jellies, grass jelly, and aloe vera chunks. You can also get creative and add your favorite fruits or even chocolate chips on top. Have fun experimenting with different toppings and find your perfect combination! 

Why is it called Bubble Tea? 

Bubble tea gets its name from the chewy boba balls at the bottom of the cup. The term “bubble” comes from the boba balls in the tea. Boba tea, bubble tea, and pearl tea are bubble tea.

Is Vanilla Bubble Tea Gluten-Free? 

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check the ingredients used in any toppings or boba balls you add. Some may contain gluten but most from my experience do not.

Does Vanilla Bubble Tea have Caffeine? 

Yes, Vanilla Bubble Tea contains caffeine from the black tea used. It’s important to keep this in mind if you’re sensitive to caffeine or drinking it close to bedtime.

More Bubble Tea Recipes

• Matcha Bubble Tea
• Bubble Tea Recipe
• Chocolate Bubble Tea
• Thai Bubble Tea

Did you make this recipe? Let me know in the comments!