Why You’ll Love Caramel Brûlée Latte Recipe

You get the café experience at home—without paying for the premium price of a specialty shop version.
It’s quick and easy to prepare in about 10 minutes, making it perfect for a cozy morning or an afternoon treat.
The caramel‑brûlée twist (think caramel sauce + toffee bits) elevates a classic latte into something extra special.
It’s versatile: you can make it hot or iced, switch up the milk for a dairy‑free version, and adjust sweetness to your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

caramel syrup or caramel sauce
espresso or very strong coffee
2% or whole milk (or your preferred milk alternative)
crushed toffee bits (optional)
whipped cream (optional)

Directions

Brew your espresso or very strong coffee.
In a large latte mug, add the caramel syrup (or caramel sauce) and then pour in the hot espresso/coffee. Stir to combine.
Steam or froth your milk until hot and frothy.
Pour the steamed milk over the espresso mixture, allowing some foam to top.
Finish with whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, and crushed toffee bits for texture and flavor. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Yield: 1 latte
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook/Assembly Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 8 minutes

Variations

Use skim milk, almond milk, oat milk or soy milk for a lighter or dairy‑free version.
Swap the caramel syrup for a sugar‑free or lower‑sugar caramel alternative to reduce sweetness.
Make it iced: pour the caramel/coffee mix over ice, then add cold milk (and optionally cold foam) rather than steaming.
Try flavor variations: replace caramel syrup with toffee nut syrup, vanilla syrup, or brown sugar syrup for a different twist.
Skip the whipped cream or toffee bits if you prefer a simpler drink or lower the calorie count.

Storage/Reheating

This beverage is best enjoyed immediately while hot and fresh. If you have leftover steamed milk and coffee mixture (without toppings), you can refrigerate it in a sealed container for up to 24 hours. Reheat gently on the stove or in a microwave until warm (avoid boiling), then froth a little fresh milk on top. Note: whipped cream and toffee toppings will not hold well in storage, so add them fresh just before serving.

FAQs

What is the difference between a caramel latte and a caramel brûlée latte?

A caramel latte uses milk, caramel syrup and espresso‑coffee. A caramel brûlée latte goes a step further by adding richer caramel flavor plus crunchy elements like toffee bits, giving it a deeper, dessert‑like taste.

Can I make a skinny (lower‑calorie) caramel brûlée latte?

Yes — you can use sugar‑free caramel syrup, swap whole milk for skim or a lighter plant‑based milk, and omit whipped cream or replace it with a lighter alternative.

What if I don’t have an espresso machine?

You can use very strong brewed coffee instead of espresso. Just ensure the coffee is bold enough to balance the sweetness of the caramel.

Which milk works best for this latte?

Whole milk or 2% milk produce a creamier texture and richer flavor. If you prefer or require dairy‑free, oat milk or almond milk are good substitutes and froth fairly well.

Can I make this drink iced?

Absolutely — combine the caramel syrup and coffee, add cold milk and ice, and optionally finish with cold foam or whipped cream and toffee bits.

How sweet will this drink be?

It will be fairly sweet due to the caramel syrup and toppings. You can adjust by reducing the caramel amount or skipping the toffee bits and whipped cream.

Can I omit the whipped cream and toffee bits?

Yes — the core of the drink is the coffee + caramel + milk. The whipped cream and toffee add flair and texture but are optional.

How do I froth milk at home without specialized equipment?

You can warm milk gently on the stove or in the microwave, then use a handheld frother, whisk, or even a French press by pumping to create foam.

Is there a recommended coffee‑to‑milk ratio?

In the recipe, approximately ⅓ cup (≈ 80 mL) of espresso or very strong coffee is paired with about ½ cup (≈ 120 mL) of milk. Adjust to taste if you prefer a stronger or milder coffee flavor.

What toppings or additions could I serve with this latte?

This latte pairs nicely with breakfast pastries, biscotti, or madeleines. You could also pair it with a caramel‑popcorn treat or a brunch dish featuring caramel or apple flavors.

Conclusion

If you’re craving a special‑treat coffee drink but want to skip the café line, this caramel brûlée latte delivers indulgence, flavor and comfort — all made easily at home. Rich caramel, creamy milk and bold coffee combine with a touch of garnishes to elevate your daily latte into something worthy of a moment of pause.

Caramel Brûlée Latte

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This Caramel Brulée Latte is a cozy, sweet homemade version of the popular Starbucks holiday drink, featuring caramel sauce, espresso, and steamed milk, topped with whipped cream and caramel brulée bits.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 1 serving
Category: Drinks
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1/2 cup milk (any kind)
1 shot (1 oz) espresso or 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee
2 tablespoons caramel sauce, plus more for topping
Whipped cream, for topping
Caramel brulée bits or crushed toffee bits, for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat or steam it using a milk frother until hot and frothy.
Brew the espresso or coffee and pour it into a mug.
Stir the caramel sauce into the espresso until well combined.
Pour the steamed milk into the mug, holding back the foam with a spoon, then spoon the foam on top.
Top with whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, and caramel brulée bits or crushed toffee bits if desired.

Notes

You can use dairy or non-dairy milk like oat, almond, or soy.
Make your own caramel brulée bits by crushing toffee candy or using caramel chips.
Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less caramel sauce.
For a stronger coffee flavor, use two shots of espresso.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 latte
Calories: 250
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 100mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 30mg