Caramel Brulée Latte Recipe

If you’re dreaming of a festive holiday coffee drink, this caramel brulée latte recipe is a beautiful way to indulge. Inspired by the caramelized sugar topping on crème brûlée, this latte combines a toasty caramel flavor with smooth coffee and frothy milk. Not only does it bring a cozy touch to chilly mornings, but it also offers a chance to slow down and savor a sweet moment during a busy holiday season.

Ingredients

• 2 shots of espresso (or ½ cup strong dark roast coffee)
• 2 tablespoons caramel syrup (plus extra for drizzling)
• ½ cup milk
• 2 tablespoons whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Whipped cream for garnish

Note: You can substitute espresso with a very dark roast if you don’t have espresso beans available.

Directions

1. Pour the caramel syrup into the bottom of your favorite coffee mug.
2. In a microwave-safe container, combine the milk, whipping cream, and brown sugar. Heat in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, ensuring it’s hot but not boiling.
3. Use a handheld frother or whisk to froth the heated mixture until it nearly doubles in volume.
4. Add the espresso (or dark roast coffee) to the mug with the caramel syrup and stir well.
5. Stir the vanilla extract into the frothed milk mixture. Then slowly pour it into the mug, mixing gently with the espresso and caramel syrup.
6. Top your latte with whipped cream and a final drizzle of caramel syrup to finish off the festive look.

Tips & Variations

• Dairy-free option: Swap regular milk and whipping cream for non-dairy alternatives like sweetened condensed coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk. Keep in mind this can introduce subtle flavor differences.
• Homemade caramel syrup: Some home cooks make a quick syrup with brown sugar, water, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and salt. Simmer it briefly on the stove and store extra in the fridge for up to one month.
• Add cold foam: For an iced twist, whisk 2 tablespoons of syrup, 1 tablespoon of heavy cream, and 2 tablespoons of milk to create a smooth, sweet cold foam. Pour it over cold brew or iced coffee for an indulgent alternative.
• Experiment with roasts: A darker roast enhances the toasty caramel flavors, but you can use any roast you prefer.

Nutrition Facts

The exact nutrition will vary based on the type of milk, amount of syrup, and any additional toppings. In general, you can estimate around 200–300 calories for a standard homemade caramel brulée latte. If you use dairy-free alternatives or nonfat milk, the calorie count will fluctuate accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Making your own caramel brulée latte at home can transform an ordinary morning into a cozy coffee-shop experience. Whether you enjoy it with a good book or serve it during the holidays to guests, it’s a quick way to add cheer and warmth to your day. Take a moment to relish the caramelized sweetness and treat yourself to well-deserved comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso?
   Absolutely. Brew a strong dark roast and use about ½ cup to replicate espresso intensity.

2. How do I make it dairy-free?
   You can replace milk and whipping cream with non-dairy milk alternatives like oat, almond, or coconut. Sweetened condensed coconut milk also works well for the caramel syrup.

3. Can I skip the whipped cream topping?
   Yes. The whipped cream is optional, but it does add extra creaminess and a fun, festive presentation.

4. What sets a caramel brulée latte apart from a standard caramel latte?
   A caramel brulée latte highlights the flavor of caramelized sugar, offering a deeper, toastier sweetness compared to a regular caramel latte. It’s the perfect holiday spin on a classic favorite.

Caramel Brulée Latte Recipe

Recipe by Matt Simmons

5.0 from 5 votes

Servings

1

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

5

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 2 shots of espresso (or ½ cup strong dark roast coffee)

• 2 tablespoons caramel syrup (plus extra for drizzling)

• 1/2 cup milk

• 2 tablespoons whipping cream

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Whipped cream for garnish

Directions

• Pour the caramel syrup into the bottom of your favorite coffee mug.
• In a microwave-safe container, combine the milk, whipping cream, and brown sugar. Heat in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, ensuring it’s hot but not boiling.
• Use a handheld frother or whisk to froth the heated mixture until it nearly doubles in volume.
• Add the espresso (or dark roast coffee) to the mug with the caramel syrup and stir well.
• Stir the vanilla extract into the frothed milk mixture. Then slowly pour it into the mug, mixing gently with the espresso and caramel syrup.
• Top your latte with whipped cream and a final drizzle of caramel syrup to finish off the festive look.

Notes

• Dairy-free option: Swap regular milk and whipping cream for non-dairy alternatives like sweetened condensed coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk. Keep in mind this can introduce subtle flavor differences.
  Homemade caramel syrup: Some home cooks make a quick syrup with brown sugar, water, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and salt. Simmer it briefly on the stove and store extra in the fridge for up to one month.
  Add cold foam: For an iced twist, whisk 2 tablespoons of syrup, 1 tablespoon of heavy cream, and 2 tablespoons of milk to create a smooth, sweet cold foam. Pour it over cold brew or iced coffee for an indulgent alternative.
  Experiment with roasts: A darker roast enhances the toasty caramel flavors, but you can use any roast you prefer.