This easy caramel brulée latte recipe is a homemade copycat of the Starbucks drink. Caramel sauce, vanilla, and brown sugar create a decadent base for your latte, which is topped with whipped cream and more caramel!
Making Starbucks copycat drinks at home is one of those things that feels a little magical, a little devious, and a lot delicious. I started making them in grad school when I couldn’t afford their lattes, and these days the tradition continues because the nearest Starbucks is half an hour away. I’m inherently too lazy/antisocial to deal with that on the daily. 🙃
This caramel brulée latte is one I’ve been making since I lived in NYC some 20 years ago. We’ll use store-bought caramel syrup, brown sugar, vanilla, and milk to create a quick base for our latte. Then all you have to do is pour in your coffee and serve it with whipped cream and more caramel on top.
For latte purists, I’m aware that this is not technically a latte because I use coffee instead of espresso. But, as I’ve mentioned in my other copycat recipes, I don’t have an espresso machine and can’t bring myself to sacrifice the moola or the counter space to get one. Therefore we’re going the coffee route!
Want more Starbucks copycat ideas? Check out my gingerbread latte, pumpkin spice latte, and honey-vanilla latte recipes.
Why You’ll Love this Caramel Brulée Latte Recipe
- Quick. It only takes a few minutes to make this latte. Whip up the caramel base on the stove while your coffee is brewing, then serve and start sipping.
- Easy. No fancy ingredients or special equipment required. If you can stir ingredients, brew coffee, and turn on a stove you can make this recipe.
- Decadent. Despite its simplicity, this latte is lusciously decadent. If you’re looking for a satisfying and slightly sinful morning sip this is it.
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this caramel brulée latte recipe. Be sure to scroll down to the recipe card for specific amounts.
- Caramel syrup – I often use Smucker’s caramel ice cream topping. You could also use homemade caramel syrup if you want to get really fancy. I’ve also had great success with some of the artisanal caramel sauces that sometimes pop up in the specialty aisle of the grocery store.
- Vanilla extract
- Brown sugar – I prefer light brown sugar, but dark brown works if that is what you have. Don’t sub for regular white sugar though. You need brown sugar to compliment the caramel.
- Milk – Any kind works. I prefer whole milk or low-fat milk, but you can also use skim or your preferred plant-based milk. If you want my opinion, I would probably opt for oat milk.
- Coffee – Your preferred coffee brewed the way you would normally make it.
- Whipped cream – For serving. Be generous when you add it! No sense in holding back at that point.
How Many Lattes Does This Recipe Make?
This recipe makes one large latte using a 16-oz mug, or two smaller lattes using 8-oz mugs.
How to Make a Caramel Brulée Latte
Now that you know what you’ll need, here’s how to make it:
- Make the caramel base. Combine caramel syrup, vanilla, brown sugar, and milk in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, 1-2 minutes.
- Assemble your latte. Pour the milk mixture into a large coffee mug and add 10 oz of freshly brewed coffee.
- Serve. Top with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel syrup.
Serving Suggestions
You can serve this latte on its own or with a little treat on the side. I’m rather partial to mantecadas (Mexican muffins) or señorita bread if I have some around. The combo is truly stellar!
These pumpkin apple muffins, these blueberry coffee cake muffins, and these maple scones are also delightful with a fancy homemade latte!
More Cozy Drinks to Try
PrintCaramel Brulée Latte
This easy caramel brulée latte recipe is a homemade copycat of the Starbucks drink. Caramel sauce, vanilla, and brown sugar create a decadent base for your latte, which is topped with whipped cream and more caramel!
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 7 minutes
- Yield: 1 latte
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 – 1½ tablespoons caramel syrup (according to taste) *
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- ⅔ cup milk
- 10 oz coffee**
- Whipped cream
Instructions
Make the caramel base. Combine caramel syrup, vanilla, brown sugar, and milk in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, 1-2 minutes.
Assemble your latte. Pour the milk mixture into a large coffee mug and add 10 oz of freshly brewed coffee.
Serve. Top with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel syrup.
Notes
* I used Smuckers caramel ice cream topping. You could also use homemade caramel syrup if you want to get really fancy.
** I realize that a “latte” is technically steamed milk + espresso, but I don’t have an espresso machine. If you’re lucky enough to have one I imagine you could increase the amount of milk and use a shot or two of espresso instead of coffee. 🙂
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