The Starbucks Caramel Brulee Latte is a decadent holiday treat, and this homemade recipe allows you to recreate that magical experience in your own kitchen, saving you money and endless trips to the coffee shop.
Key Ingredients for Starbucks Caramel Brulee Latte
- 1-2 shots (1-2 oz) strong brewed espresso or very strong coffee
- 8 oz whole milk (or your preferred milk alternative like oat, almond, or soy for a dairy-free option)
- 3 tablespoons caramel brulee sauce (see notes for making your own if unavailable)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Extra caramel brulee sauce or caramel sauce, for drizzling
- Optional: Raw sugar or turbinado sugar, for brulee topping
How to Make Starbucks Caramel Brulee Latte
This Starbucks Caramel Brulee Latte recipe is surprisingly simple, perfect for a cozy morning or an afternoon pick-me-up. In less than 15 minutes, you’ll enjoy a creamy, sweet, and satisfying coffee experience that rivals your favorite cafe’s rendition. The rich, caramelized flavors and velvety texture make it a true indulgence.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brew Your Espresso: Prepare 1-2 shots of strong espresso. If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use very strong brewed coffee, concentrating it by using less water than usual. Set aside.
- Infuse the Milk: In a small saucepan, combine the whole milk, 3 tablespoons of caramel brulee sauce, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Heat Gently: Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir gently and continuously until the sugar has dissolved and the milk mixture is hot but not boiling. You want to gently warm the milk and allow the flavors to meld. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Froth the Milk (Optional but Recommended): For that authentic latte experience, froth the warmed milk. You can use a handheld milk frother, an electric frother, or even vigorously whisk the milk in the saucepan to create some foam. Alternatively, pour the hot milk mixture into a jar with a tight-fitting lid, seal it, and shake it vigorously for about 30-60 seconds to create foam.
- Assemble Your Latte: Pour the freshly brewed espresso into your favorite mug.
- Add the Milk Mixture: Carefully pour the hot, sweetened caramel brulee milk mixture over the espresso. If you frothed your milk, spoon the foam on top.
- Top it Off: Generously dollop whipped cream on top of your latte.
- Drizzle and Brulee: Drizzle additional caramel brulee sauce (or regular caramel sauce) over the whipped cream. For the ultimate Starbucks Caramel Brulee Latte experience, sprinkle a small amount of raw sugar or turbinado sugar over the whipped cream and drizzle of sauce. You can then briefly torch this sugar with a kitchen torch until it caramelizes for a true brulee effect. If you don’t have a torch, the caramelized sauce will still be delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Starbucks Caramel Brulee Latte
You’ll fall head over heels for this homemade Starbucks Caramel Brulee Latte because of its incredibly rich and comforting caramelized flavor profile, perfectly balanced with creamy milk and robust espresso. Imagine the delightful crackle of caramelized sugar on top, a sensory experience that truly elevates this drink. Not only does it taste divine, but recreating this beloved holiday beverage at home offers significant cost savings compared to frequenting a coffee shop, making it an economical treat. The ability to customize the sweetness and the inclusion of authentic caramel brulee sauce (or a delicious homemade version!) sets it apart, offering a personalized cafe-quality experience right in your kitchen.
Compared to a simple caramel latte, the distinct brûléed sugar notes of the Caramel Brulee Latte provide a more complex and sophisticated flavor. This recipe is an absolute game-changer for any coffee lover craving that festive Starbucks magic without the daily expense. So, why wait for a special occasion? Gather your ingredients, and let’s whip up this delightful Starbucks Caramel Brulee Latte at home today!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Leftover Starbucks Caramel Brulee Latte can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh, as the milk can separate and the froth will dissipate over time.
To reheat, gently warm the latte on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently until heated through. Be careful not to boil the milk. It’s recommended to froth fresh milk and add it to the reheated coffee base for the best texture if you desire foam. For future enjoyment, you can freeze any leftover coffee base (without the whipped cream and toppings) in an ice cube tray or a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat as directed above.
Final Thoughts
This homemade Starbucks Caramel Brulee Latte recipe brings the cozy, festive magic of your favorite holiday drink straight to your home. It’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying way to treat yourself, proving that delicious coffee shop favorites are easily achievable in your own kitchen. Give it a try and savor every sweet, caramelized sip!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare 1-2 shots of strong espresso. If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use very strong brewed coffee, concentrating it by using less water than usual. Set aside.1-2 shots strong brewed espresso or very strong coffee
- In a small saucepan, combine the whole milk, 3 tablespoons of caramel brulee sauce, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract.8 oz whole milk, 3 tablespoons caramel brulee sauce, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir gently and continuously until the sugar has dissolved and the milk mixture is hot but not boiling. You want to gently warm the milk and allow the flavors to meld. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- For that authentic latte experience, froth the warmed milk. You can use a handheld milk frother, an electric frother, or even vigorously whisk the milk in the saucepan to create some foam. Alternatively, pour the hot milk mixture into a jar with a tight-fitting lid, seal it, and shake it vigorously for about 30-60 seconds to create foam.
- Pour the freshly brewed espresso into your favorite mug.1-2 shots strong brewed espresso or very strong coffee
- Carefully pour the hot, sweetened caramel brulee milk mixture over the espresso. If you frothed your milk, spoon the foam on top.
- Generously dollop whipped cream on top of your latte.whipped cream
- Drizzle additional caramel brulee sauce (or regular caramel sauce) over the whipped cream. For the ultimate Starbucks Caramel Brulee Latte experience, sprinkle a small amount of raw sugar or turbinado sugar over the whipped cream and drizzle of sauce. You can then briefly torch this sugar with a kitchen torch until it caramelizes for a true brulee effect. If you don’t have a torch, the caramelized sauce will still be delicious!caramel brulee sauce or caramel sauce, raw sugar or turbinado sugar