Caramel Brulee Latte Recipe: A Starbucks Copycat!

Love the rich, toasty flavors of Starbucks’ Caramel Brulee Latte?

Now, you can make this popular drink at home!

It’s easy, budget-friendly, and lighter on calories.

No more spending $5 or more per cup.

Plus, you control the ingredients, making it as sweet or light as you like.

Ready to enjoy your favorite latte without the guilt? Let’s get started!

How To Make A Caramel Brulee Latte: At A Glance

• Step 1: Brew the Espresso
• Step 2: Prepare the Caramel Brulee Sauce
• Step 3: Make the Caramel Brulee Topping
• Step 4: Froth the Milk
• Step 5: Assemble the Latte
• Step 6: Customize and enjoy!

Ingredients

For the Latte

• Espresso or Strong Coffee: Brew a shot of espresso or use strongly brewed coffee.
• Caramel Sauce: You can use store-bought caramel sauce or make your own caramel brulee sauce.
• Vanilla Syrup: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth.
• Milk: Use your preferred type, whether it’s whole, skim, almond, soy, or oat milk.
• Whipped Cream: For topping, homemade or store-bought.
• Caramel Brulee Topping: You can use toffee bits or make caramelized sugar shards for an authentic touch.

Equipment Needed

• Espresso Machine or Moka Pot: For brewing the espresso.
• Milk Frother or Alternatives: An electric milk frother is ideal, but you can also use a microwave or stovetop to heat and froth the milk.
• Saucepan: For preparing the caramel brulee sauce.
• Baking Sheet: To create the caramel brulee topping.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brew the Espresso

Using an Espresso Machine

1. Grind the Coffee: Use fresh coffee beans and grind them to a fine consistency.
2. Load the Portafilter: Fill the portafilter with the ground coffee and tamp it down firmly.
3. Brew: Attach the portafilter to the machine and start the brew cycle. Extract a single or double shot of espresso.

Using a Moka Pot

1. Prepare the Moka Pot: Fill the bottom chamber with water up to the safety valve.
2. Add Coffee: Fill the filter basket with finely ground coffee.
3. Assemble and Brew: Assemble the Moka pot and place it on medium heat. Brew until you hear a hissing sound, indicating that the coffee is ready.

Step 2: Prepare the Caramel Brulee Sauce

1. Gather Ingredients: You will need sugar, butter, heavy cream, and vanilla extract.
2. Caramelize the Sugar: In a saucepan, heat the sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it melts and turns a golden brown.
3. Add Butter and Cream: Carefully add the butter, stirring until melted. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and continue to stir until smooth.
4. Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract and let the sauce cool slightly.

Tips for Caramelizing Sugar:

• Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pan: This ensures even heat distribution.
• Stir Continuously: Prevents the sugar from burning.
• Watch the Color: Remove from heat as soon as the sugar turns a deep amber to avoid bitterness.

Step 3: Make the Caramel Brulee Topping

1. Prepare a Baking Sheet: Line it with parchment paper.
2. Caramelize Sugar: In a saucepan, melt sugar until it turns a deep amber.
3. Pour and Cool: Pour the caramel onto the baking sheet and let it cool completely. Once hardened, break it into small pieces.

Alternative Toppings:

• Toffee Bits: Store-bought toffee bits can be a quick and delicious alternative.

Step 4: Froth the Milk

Using an Electric Frother:

Heat and Froth: Add milk to the frother and select the froth setting.

Using a Microwave:

1. Heat the Milk: Warm milk in a microwave-safe jar.
2. Froth: Shake the jar vigorously for 30 seconds.

Using a Stovetop:

1. Heat the Milk: Warm milk in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Froth: Whisk vigorously until frothy.

Step 5: Assemble the Latte

1. Combine Ingredients: In a mug, combine the brewed espresso, 2 tablespoons of caramel brulee sauce, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla syrup. Stir well.
2. Add Frothed Milk: Pour the frothed milk into the mug, holding back the foam with a spoon.
3. Top and Serve: Add a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle with the caramel brulee topping or toffee bits. Enjoy your homemade Caramel Brulee Latte!

Customization Options

Dairy-Free and Vegan Variations

Making your Caramel Brulee Latte dairy-free or vegan is simple.

Swap out regular milk for your favorite non-dairy options like almond, oat, or soy milk.

Each type of milk brings a unique flavor and texture to the latte.

Almond milk is light and slightly nutty, oat milk is creamy and rich, and soy milk is a versatile choice that froths well.

For the whipped cream, opt for a vegan version.

There are many plant-based whipped creams available that taste just as delicious as the dairy version.

This way, you can enjoy a creamy, indulgent latte without any animal products.

Sugar-Free Option

If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can still enjoy a delicious Caramel Brulee Latte.

Use sugar-free caramel sauce and sugar-free vanilla syrup.

These substitutes significantly reduce the calorie content without sacrificing flavor.

The result is a guilt-free treat that fits into a low-sugar diet.

Iced Caramel Brulee Latte

Craving a cold version of this delightful drink?

Here’s how to make an iced Caramel Brulee Latte:

1. Prepare the Espresso: Brew your espresso and let it cool to room temperature.
2. Mix the Ingredients: In a glass, combine the cooled espresso, 2 tablespoons of caramel brulee sauce, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla syrup. Stir well.
3. Add Cold Milk: Pour in cold milk of your choice. You can use the same dairy-free options mentioned earlier if preferred.
4. Add Ice: Fill the glass with ice cubes.
5. Top and Serve: Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of caramel brulee topping or toffee bits. Enjoy your refreshing iced latte!

Tips for Perfecting Your Latte

How to Store the Caramel Brulee Sauce and Topping

Proper storage of your caramel brulee sauce and topping ensures they stay fresh and delicious for your next latte.

Caramel Brulee Sauce:

• Cooling: Allow the sauce to cool completely after preparing it.
• Storage: Transfer the sauce to an airtight container. Glass jars with tight-fitting lids work best.
• Refrigeration: Store the container in the refrigerator. The caramel brulee sauce can last up to two weeks when refrigerated.
• Reheating: Before using, reheat the sauce gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to make it pourable again. Stir well to ensure even consistency.

Caramel Brulee Topping:

• Cooling and Breaking: After the caramelized sugar cools and hardens, break it into small pieces or shards.
• Storage: Place the pieces in an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature.
• Longevity: The caramel brulee topping can stay fresh for up to two weeks, but make sure to keep it in a cool, dry place to avoid sticking.

Recommendations for Making Your Own Whipped Cream

Homemade whipped cream can elevate your Caramel Brulee Latte to a new level of deliciousness.

Here’s how to make it:

1. Ingredients: You’ll need heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract.
2. Chilling the Equipment: Chill the mixing bowl and whisk in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before starting. This helps the cream whip faster.
3. Whipping the Cream: Pour the heavy cream into the chilled bowl. Add sugar and a splash of vanilla extract to taste.
4. Whipping: Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Whip the cream until it forms soft peaks. Be careful not to overwhip, as it can turn into butter.
5. Storage: Store any leftover whipped cream in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Give it a quick whisk before using it again.

Adjusting Sweetness and Flavor Intensity to Personal Preference

Customizing your Caramel Brulee Latte to suit your taste is easy.

Here’s how:

• Caramel Sauce: Adjust the amount of caramel brulee sauce based on your sweetness preference. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more if you like a sweeter drink.
• Vanilla Syrup: Similarly, you can vary the amount of vanilla syrup. Adding more will increase both sweetness and flavor complexity.
• Milk Choice: The type of milk you use can also affect the flavor. Whole milk adds richness, while non-dairy options can offer unique flavors. Experiment with different milks to find your favorite.
• Espresso Strength: Adjust the strength of your espresso by altering the amount of coffee grounds or brewing time. A stronger espresso will give your latte a more robust coffee flavor.

Pairings and Serving Suggestions

Suggested Treats to Pair with Your Caramel Brulee Latte

• Biscotti: The crunchy texture of biscotti complements the creamy latte perfectly. Try flavors like almond, chocolate, or hazelnut.
• Cinnamon Rolls: Soft, sweet, and spiced, cinnamon rolls are a classic pairing with any coffee drink.
• Pumpkin Bread: Especially during the fall, pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting adds a seasonal touch.
• Madeleines: These delicate French cookies have a light, buttery flavor that pairs well with the rich caramel notes of the latte.
• Scones: Blueberry or maple scones are excellent choices. They are not overly sweet and provide a nice balance.
• Caramel Popcorn: For a sweet and salty combination, caramel popcorn can be a fun and unique pairing.

Creative Ideas for Serving

Making your Caramel Brulee Latte visually appealing and adding extra flavors can enhance your enjoyment.

Here are some creative serving ideas:

• Drizzle Extra Caramel: Before pouring your latte, drizzle caramel sauce inside the mug. It adds extra flavor and looks beautiful.
• Layered Presentation: Create a layered effect by carefully pouring frothed milk over the espresso and caramel mixture, allowing the layers to remain visible.
• Garnish with Spice: Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the whipped cream for added warmth and aroma.
• Use a Clear Glass Mug: Serve your latte in a clear glass mug to show off the layers and toppings. It’s visually appealing and makes the drink feel more special.
• Holiday Twist: Add a dash of peppermint extract during the holiday season for a festive twist.
• Serve with a Spoon: Include a small spoon with your latte, especially if you add caramel drizzle and whipped cream. This allows you to enjoy every bit of the delicious topping.

Conclusion

Making a Caramel Brulee Latte at home is not only cost-effective but also allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor to your liking.

You can enjoy a rich, creamy latte with fewer calories and without the coffee shop price tag.

Experiment with different milk types, sweeteners, and toppings to find your perfect combination.

Don’t forget to share your creations and experiences.

Enjoy crafting your own delightful lattes!