Caramel Brulée Latte Recipe

There's something magical about sipping a warm Caramel Brulée Latte on a chilly morning. This beloved drink combines rich espresso with sweet caramel brulee sauce and creamy steamed milk, creating the perfect cozy beverage. This caramel brulee latte recipe shows you exactly how to recreate that signature Starbucks taste at home.

The best part about making a Caramel Brulée Latte at home is how simple it actually is. You don't need fancy equipment; just a few pantry staples and about five minutes of your time. This caramel brulee latte recipe costs a fraction of the coffee shop price and lets you customize it exactly how you like it.

Why Everyone Loves This Holiday Favorite

The Caramel Brulée Latte first gained popularity as a seasonal holiday drink, quickly becoming one of the most requested beverages at coffee shops everywhere. What makes this drink so special is the combination of burnt sugar caramel notes with smooth espresso; it's like drinking dessert in the best possible way. The caramelized sugar topping adds a delightful crunch that makes every sip feel extra special, which is why people wait all year for this seasonal treat to return.

Unlike a regular caramel latte that uses standard caramel syrup, the Caramel Brulée Latte features a unique brulee sauce that tastes like the crispy, caramelized sugar top of a crème brûlée dessert. This distinctive flavor profile sets it apart from other coffee drinks and explains why it has such a devoted following. The drink pairs beautifully with holiday treats like gingerbread cookies or pumpkin bread, making it the perfect companion for cozy winter mornings or festive gatherings with friends and family.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Recipe Variations & Substitutions
• Equipment Recommendations
• Storage & Meal Prep Tips
• The Secret to Cafe-Quality Results
• FAQ
• Your New Favorite Coffee Drink
• Related
• Pairing
• Caramel Brulée Latte

Ingredients

For the Caramel Brulee Sauce

• Granulated sugar
• Water
• Heavy cream
• Butter
• Vanilla extract
• Sea salt

For the Latte

• Espresso (or strong brewed coffee)
• Milk
• Caramel brulee sauce
• Whipped cream
• Caramel bits or turbinado sugar

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Caramel Brulee Sauce

1. Combine sugar and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves completely.

2. Stop stirring and let the mixture bubble until it turns a deep amber color (about 5-7 minutes); watch carefully to prevent burning.

3. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in heavy cream (it will bubble vigorously), then add butter, vanilla, and salt.

4. Stir until smooth and let cool slightly; the sauce will thicken as it cools.

Expert Tip: For a deeper brulee flavor, let the sugar caramelize until it's dark amber, but not burnt. The darker it gets, the more complex the flavor becomes.

Step 2: Brew Your Espresso

1. Pull two shots of espresso using your espresso machine or brew ½ cup of very strong coffee.

2. Add 2-3 tablespoons of the caramel brulee sauce to your mug and pour the hot espresso over it, stirring well to combine.

Expert Tip: If you don't have an espresso machine, use a Moka pot or make extra-strong coffee with a French press for the best results.

Step 3: Steam and Add the Milk

1. Heat milk in a small saucepan or use a milk frother until it reaches about 150-160°F (steaming but not boiling).

2. Froth the milk using a frother, whisk, or by shaking it vigorously in a jar until it becomes foamy and creamy.

3. Pour the steamed milk over your espresso and caramel mixture, holding back the foam with a spoon.

Expert Tip: For the best microfoam, keep your milk frother just below the surface of the milk and move it in a circular motion.

Step 4: Top and Serve

1. Spoon the remaining foam on top of your latte.

2. Add a generous dollop of whipped cream if desired.

3. Drizzle with extra caramel brulee sauce and sprinkle with caramel bits or turbinado sugar for that signature crunch.

4. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Caramel Brulée Latte while it's hot!

Expert Cooking Tips

These professional tips will help you make the perfect caramel brulee latte every time.

• Watch your caramel closely: The difference between perfectly caramelized sugar and burnt sugar is just seconds. Remove from heat as soon as it reaches deep amber.
• Room temperature cream: Let your heavy cream warm up before adding to hot caramel; this prevents the mixture from seizing.
• Temperature matters: Keep milk between 140-160°F; overheated milk develops a burnt flavor.
• Make sauce in batches: The sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, so make extra to save time.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

One of the best things about making your own Caramel Brulée Latte is how easily you can customize it to fit your dietary needs or taste preferences.

Iced Version

For an iced caramel brulee latte, let your espresso and caramel mixture cool completely, then pour over ice and add cold milk. Top with cold foam and caramel drizzle for a refreshing summer treat.

Dairy-Free Options

Use coconut cream in the brulee sauce and oat milk or almond milk for the latte base. Oat milk froths particularly well and creates a creamy texture similar to dairy milk.

Sugar-Free Alternative

Replace the granulated sugar with a sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. Keep in mind that sugar-free versions won't caramelize the same way, but they'll still taste delicious.

Flavor Variations

• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the brulee sauce for warm spice notes
• Mix in a splash of hazelnut or vanilla syrup for extra depth
• Try white chocolate chips melted into the sauce for a sweeter version
• Add a shot of Irish cream or Baileys for an adults-only treat

Equipment Recommendations

• Espresso machine or Moka pot: Essential for brewing strong coffee; a French press works in a pinch
• Milk frother: Creates that signature foamy texture; a handheld frother costs under $20 and works great
• Heavy-bottom saucepan: Prevents hot spots when making caramel and ensures even heating
• Kitchen thermometer: Takes the guesswork out of heating milk to the perfect temperature
• Glass measuring cup: Makes pouring and measuring liquids easier when making your caramel brulee latte

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Storing Caramel Brulee Sauce

The caramel brulee sauce stores beautifully and makes your Caramel Brulée Latte quick to prepare anytime.

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks; reheat gently before using
• Freezer: Freeze in ice cube trays for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge

Batch Preparation

• Make a double batch of brulee sauce on Sunday for ready-to-go lattes all week
• Pre-measure sauce into small containers for grab-and-go convenience

FAQ

Your New Favorite Coffee Drink

Making a Caramel Brulée Latte at home is easier than you might think and tastes just as good (if not better) than the coffee shop version. With this recipe, you can enjoy this luxurious drink whenever the craving hits, without waiting for it to return as a seasonal offering. The homemade caramel brulee sauce is the real star here, bringing that signature burnt sugar flavor that makes this Caramel Brulée Latte so special and worth making again and again.

Once you've mastered this recipe, try pairing it with other delicious treats from our site. A Brown Sugar Iced Coffee makes a perfect afternoon pick-me-up, while our Crème Brûlée Cookies Recipe pairs wonderfully with your morning Caramel Brulée Latte for the ultimate indulgent breakfast. Don't forget to share your creations and let us know how your latte turned out in the comments below!

Sip, savor, and enjoy every caramelized moment! ☕; Ashley

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Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Caramel Brulée Latte recipe: