There’s something irresistible about a caramel latte. The creamy milk, bold espresso, and ribbons of sweet caramel come together in a drink that feels like pure comfort in a cup. It’s the perfect pick-me-up on busy mornings, a cozy treat on chilly afternoons, and a refreshing iced drink when the sun is shining. The best part? You don’t need a coffee shop to enjoy it—you can make a creamy caramel latte right at home in just minutes!
Every time I swirl caramel into my latte, I can’t help but smile. The way it blends into the coffee, creating gorgeous golden streaks, feels indulgent yet so simple. Whether served hot or over ice, this Caramel Latte is a crowd-pleasing favorite that tastes just as good as anything you’d order at Starbucks. Save this recipe and bring café vibes to your kitchen anytime you crave a sweet, cozy drink.
Why You’ll Love It
- Coffee Shop Flavor at Home: Tastes just like your favorite café latte.
- Easy & Quick: Only a few simple ingredients and steps.
- Customizable: Adjust sweetness, use plant-based milk, or add toppings.
- Perfect Any Season: Enjoy it hot in fall or iced in summer.
- Budget-Friendly: Skip the coffee shop and save money by making it at home.
Time Needed
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Servings: 1 large latte
Ingredients
- 1 shot espresso (or ½ cup strong brewed coffee)
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 2 tablespoons caramel sauce (plus more for drizzle)
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Ice cubes (if serving iced)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brew Coffee Brew 1 shot of espresso or ½ cup strong coffee. Set aside.
- Prepare Milk For a hot latte, steam or heat milk until warm and frothy. For an iced latte, keep milk cold.
- Assemble the Drink In a glass or mug, stir caramel sauce into espresso until blended. Add milk and stir again.
- Customize For iced, pour over ice cubes. For hot, top with steamed milk foam.
- Finish & Serve Top with whipped cream, drizzle extra caramel, and sprinkle chocolate shavings if desired. Enjoy immediately!
Variations to Try
- Iced Caramel Latte: Pour over ice and enjoy chilled.
- Salted Caramel Latte: Add a pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness.
- Mocha Caramel Latte: Stir in a spoonful of cocoa powder for chocolatey depth.
- Vanilla Caramel Latte: Add a splash of vanilla extract for extra warmth.
Tips from Chef Emma
- For a frothy top, use a handheld frother or whisk to foam milk.
- Drizzle caramel inside the glass before pouring for a café-style look.
- Use oat milk for a creamy plant-based option.
- Double the recipe for a larger serving or to share with a friend.
Nutrition Info per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 latte
- Calories: 240
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Sugars: 32g
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 120mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I make this latte without espresso?
A: Yes, strong brewed coffee works perfectly. - Q: What type of milk is best?
A: Any milk works—whole milk for creaminess, almond or oat milk for dairy-free. - Q: Can I make it sugar-free?
A: Yes, use sugar-free caramel sauce for a lighter version. - Q: Can I prepare this ahead?
A: It’s best fresh, but you can prep the coffee base and refrigerate until ready to assemble.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Caramel Latte is everything you love about coffee-shop drinks, but made in the comfort of your own kitchen. Sweet, cozy, and customizable, it’s perfect for mornings, afternoons, or anytime you need a pick-me-up. Save this recipe to your coffee board so you can enjoy café-style lattes anytime!
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Creamy Caramel Latte – Sweet, Cozy & Coffee-Shop Worthy
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Caramel Latte is sweet, cozy, and coffee-shop worthy. With caramel swirls, bold espresso, and creamy milk, it’s an indulgent drink you can easily make at home—served hot or iced.
Ingredients
- 1 shot espresso (or ½ cup strong brewed coffee)
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 2 tablespoons caramel sauce (plus more for drizzle)
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Ice cubes (if serving iced)
Instructions
- Brew Coffee: Brew espresso or strong coffee and set aside.
- Prepare Milk: Heat and froth milk for hot, or keep cold for iced.
- Assemble: Stir caramel into espresso. Add milk and mix well.
- Customize: Serve over ice or with steamed milk foam.
- Finish: Top with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and chocolate shavings if desired.
Notes
Try oat milk for a dairy-free option. Add sea salt for a salted caramel twist. For a chocolatey variation, stir in cocoa powder.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 latte
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Protein: 6g
Keywords: caramel latte, iced caramel latte, coffee shop drink, homemade latte, Starbucks copycat latte