Make a caramel latte at home instead of running to the coffee shop. You can use store-bought caramel sauce or my small-batch caramel sauce that makes enough for several drinks. Watch the quick video to learn how to start your morning on a sweet note.
During colder months I prefer to stay home and make a caramel latte rather than trek out to a café. If I want something spiced, I’ll make a chai latte and sip it slowly. My kids enjoy the coffee shop for the treats they get, so I sometimes try to sneak homemade muffins into my bag to make a morning at home feel just as special.
I started adding a swirl of caramel sauce to my morning coffee and it brightened my day right away. This recipe is more of an easy formula than a strict set of rules—adjust the amount of caramel to suit your taste. On especially rough mornings, a little extra caramel helps.
Ingredients for caramel latte:
- Strong coffee: Use 2/3 cup of strong brewed coffee per latte. That can be double-strength brewed coffee or two shots of espresso.
- Milk of choice: Whole milk pairs beautifully with caramel, but oat, soy, or nut milks work well too.
- Caramel sauce: Use a store-bought caramel or a homemade small-batch salted caramel. Both are delicious—choose whichever is easier.
- Whipped cream: Optional for topping; an extra drizzle of caramel over the cream is a nice finishing touch.
How to make a caramel latte:
- Pour freshly brewed strong coffee into a serving mug.
- Warm the milk and caramel sauce together. If you have a milk frother, heat and froth the milk with the caramel so the sauce melts and the milk becomes airy. If you don’t have a frother, whisk the milk and caramel in a small saucepan over medium heat until foamy. A handheld stick frother is also an affordable option. (Avoid shaking very hot liquid in a sealed mason jar—pressure can build and cause a mess.)
- Pour the warmed milk and caramel mixture over the coffee in the mug.
- Serve as-is or top with freshly whipped cream and an extra drizzle of caramel for an indulgent finish.
How to make a caramel latte iced:
This drink is excellent iced for warmer weather and requires no special equipment.
- Start with room-temperature or cold coffee, or use cold brew.
- Combine the coffee, milk, caramel sauce and a handful of ice in a mason jar with a lid. Screw the lid on tightly and shake until the caramel is dissolved and the drink is well blended.
- Pour into a serving glass filled with ice. For less dilution, use coffee ice cubes made from leftover coffee.
Does caramel latte have caffeine?
If you use regular brewed coffee or espresso, the latte will contain caffeine. Substitute decaf coffee if you prefer no caffeine.
Other homemade drinks:
- Earl Grey Tea Latte
- Gingerbread Latte
- Peach Iced Tea
- Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte
Caramel Latte
Make a Starbucks-style caramel latte at home. This recipe makes one drink; double or triple the ingredients for more servings.
5 minutes
5 minutes
10 minutes
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup strong coffee
- 1/3 cup whole milk (or milk of choice)
- 2 tablespoons caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- For serving: freshly whipped cream and extra caramel sauce for drizzle
Instructions
- Pour freshly brewed strong coffee into a serving mug.
- Warm the milk and caramel sauce together in a milk frother or in a small saucepan over medium heat, whisking until foamy.
- Pour the warmed milk and caramel mixture over the coffee.
- Garnish with whipped cream and an extra caramel drizzle if desired.
- To make an iced version: use cold coffee or cold brew, combine coffee, milk, caramel and ice in a jar, shake to combine, then pour over ice in a glass.
Notes
Strong coffee: 2/3 cup per latte—use double-strength brewed coffee or two espresso shots.
Milk of choice: Whole milk pairs best, but plant-based milks work well.
Caramel sauce: Use homemade small-batch salted caramel or store-bought sauce.
Whipped cream: Optional, and extra caramel makes a great finishing touch.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1
Serving Size:
1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 243Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 13mgSodium: 318mgCarbohydrates: 51gFiber: 0gSugar: 51gProtein: 4g