Creme Brulee Latte Starbucks Recipe [+Tips]

Ingredients For Crème Brûlée Latte Starbucks Recipe

Okay, this part’s important. To mimic Starbucks’ creamy-dreamy version, you’ll want to gather a few essentials. Some are pantry regulars, and others might be a bit more indulgent, but trust me-they’re WORTH IT.

For The Latte Base

• Espresso (or strong brewed coffee) – 1-2 shots

  You can use a Nespresso machine, a moka pot, or even just super strong coffee if you’re not team espresso.

• Milk – ¾ cup

  Whole milk gives you that creamy, thick texture Starbucks nails, but oat or almond milk work great too for a dairy-free version!

For The Crème Brûlée Syrup

This is where the flavor magic happens. You can buy a crème brûlée syrup (Torani or Monin make some excellent ones), or make your own. Let’s go homemade-because flavor bombs await!

• Brown sugar – ½ cup
• Granulated sugar – 2 tbsp
• Water – ⅓ cup
• Heavy cream – 2 tbsp
• Vanilla extract – 1 tsp

• Butter – 1 tbsp

  This syrup is what adds that toasted caramel-vanilla custard note. It’s HEAVENLY.

Optional Toppings (But Highly Recommended!)

• Whipped cream (of course)
• Caramel sauce drizzle (homemade or store-bought)
• Crushed toffee bits or brûléed sugar sprinkles

‍ How To Make Crème Brûlée Latte (Starbucks Style!)

Here’s your cozy roadmap to flavor town:

Step 1: Make The Crème Brûlée Syrup (if Homemade)

1. In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, and water.
2. Heat over medium, stirring constantly until the sugars dissolve and the mixture starts to thicken (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, butter, and heavy cream.
4. Let it cool-it’ll thicken slightly into a rich, golden syrup.

☕ Step 2: Brew The Espresso Or Coffee

• Brew 1-2 shots of espresso, or about ½ cup of strong brewed coffee if you’re using a standard machine.

Step 3: Steam Or Froth The Milk

• Use a milk frother, steam wand, or just heat milk gently in a saucepan and froth with a handheld whisk or French press.
• Aim for warm and frothy-creamy but not boiling!

Step 4: Assemble The Latte

1. In your favorite cozy mug, add 2-3 tablespoons of your crème brûlée syrup.
2. Pour in your hot espresso or strong coffee.
3. Stir it all together until it’s beautifully blended.
4. Top with frothed milk.

Step 5: Add The Finishing Touches

• Crown it with a generous swirl of whipped cream.
• Drizzle caramel sauce on top in a lattice pattern (because you’re fancy).
• Sprinkle brûléed sugar bits or crushed toffee pieces for that authentic crackly bite.

Expert Tips

Because you deserve a barista-level experience every single time:

• Use fresh espresso – Nothing beats the bold punch of freshly brewed espresso. If you don’t have a machine, try a stovetop moka pot or strong French press coffee.
• Don’t skip the syrup – It’s the heart of the drink. Even a simple version with brown sugar, vanilla, and butter goes a long way.
• Heat the milk gently – Avoid boiling! Burnt milk is a latte killer. Aim for 150°F-160°F for ideal steaming.
• Use a milk frother for café vibes – If you have a handheld frother, that extra foam gives a beautiful texture.
• Customize the sweetness – You control the syrup, so go sweet or mild depending on your mood.
• Double the syrup and refrigerate it – It lasts up to two weeks and makes lattes on the fly a breeze!

Recipe Variations

Feeling adventurous or just love to play around with flavors? Let’s remix this latte!

Dairy-Free Crème Brûlée Latte

• Use oat milk or coconut milk for that creamy texture without the dairy.
• Sub coconut cream in the syrup for a tropical, indulgent vibe.

Mocha Crème Brûlée Latte

• Add 1 tbsp of cocoa powder or chocolate syrup into your coffee before adding milk. Think: fancy café meets dessert heaven.

Salted Caramel Crème Brûlée Latte

• Add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel topping and syrup. It balances the sweetness beautifully.

Iced Crème Brûlée Latte

• Pour the syrup and espresso over ice, then top with cold frothed milk and whipped cream. Summer vibes, anyone?

Final Words

Let’s be real-this isn’t just a drink. It’s an experience. A Crème Brûlée Latte is like a cozy, sweet little hug in a cup. It blends dessert-level indulgence with coffeehouse sophistication. Making it at home means you can tweak it to your perfect sweetness, sip it in your pajamas, and skip the drive-thru line entirely. Total win.

And once you’ve made it once? It becomes dangerously easy to make again. And again. And… well, let’s just say you might want to start buying your brown sugar in bulk

FAQs

What Is A Creme Brulee Latte From Starbucks?

A Creme Brulee Latte from Starbucks is a rich, creamy espresso drink that combines espresso, steamed milk, vanilla syrup, and caramelized sugar flavors. It’s often topped with whipped cream and a caramel drizzle, mimicking the flavors of the classic French dessert, crème brûlée.

How Do I Make A Creme Brulee Latte At Home?

To make a Creme Brulee Latte at home, brew a shot of espresso or strong coffee. Steam milk and add vanilla syrup (or homemade vanilla extract syrup). Combine the espresso and milk mixture, then top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of brown sugar or caramelized sugar for an authentic touch.

Can I Order A Creme Brulee Latte At Starbucks Year-round?

The Creme Brulee Latte is typically offered as a seasonal drink during the holiday season at Starbucks. However, availability can vary depending on the location and the time of year.

What Flavors Are In A Creme Brulee Latte?

A Creme Brulee Latte has a combination of vanilla, caramel, and rich coffee flavors, which mimic the taste of the classic dessert. The smoothness of the steamed milk balances the sweet and slightly burnt sugar taste of the flavoring.

Is The Creme Brulee Latte Sweet?

Yes, the Creme Brulee Latte is a sweet drink due to the vanilla and caramel syrups used in the recipe. The whipped cream and caramel drizzle add additional sweetness, giving it a dessert-like quality.

Can I Customize The Creme Brulee Latte?

Yes, you can customize the Creme Brulee Latte by adjusting the sweetness (request fewer pumps of syrup), using a different milk (such as almond or oat milk), or adding extra toppings like cinnamon or nutmeg. You can also opt for a decaf version if preferred.

What Is The Nutritional Value Of A Creme Brulee Latte?

The nutritional value of a Creme Brulee Latte depends on the size and type of milk used. A standard tall (12 oz) with 2% milk and whipped cream contains around 330 calories, 15 grams of fat, and 36 grams of sugar. Nutritional content can vary with modifications.

Can I Make A Dairy-free Creme Brulee Latte?

Yes, you can make a dairy-free version of the Creme Brulee Latte by substituting dairy milk with almond, soy, or oat milk. You can also request a dairy-free whipped topping, if available, to fully customize the drink.

What Type Of Syrup Is Used In The Creme Brulee Latte?

Starbucks uses vanilla syrup to create the signature flavor profile of the Creme Brulee Latte, along with a caramel drizzle to give it a sweet, burnt sugar taste, similar to the classic crème brûlée dessert.

Can I Make A Creme Brulee Iced Latte Instead Of Hot?

Yes, you can easily make a Creme Brulee Iced Latte by preparing the same recipe but using iced coffee or espresso. Add ice to the glass, pour over the espresso and milk mixture, and top with whipped cream and caramel drizzle.