Caramel Brulee Latte Starbucks Recipe [+Tips]

• Espresso shots (2 shots): Strong, rich espresso is the heart and soul of this drink. If you don’t have an espresso machine, a strong brewed coffee or a concentrated cold brew will work in a pinch.
• Whole milk (about 1 cup): For that creamy texture. You can substitute with any milk of your choice (almond, oat, soy), but whole milk gives the best froth and richness.

• Caramel Brulee Sauce: This is the secret sauce that makes the drink iconic.

  • You can buy Starbucks’ caramel brulee sauce online, but making it at home is super satisfying.
  • Homemade caramel brulee sauce involves caramelized sugar, butter, cream, and a hint of vanilla – we’ll get into that in the recipe!
• Whipped cream: For topping – creamy, fluffy, and totally indulgent.
• Brown sugar or caramelized sugar topping: To sprinkle on top of the whipped cream, giving you that crackly brulee finish.
• Vanilla syrup: Adds a sweet, aromatic depth to the latte.
• Optional: a pinch of sea salt: To enhance the caramel flavor with a subtle saltiness.

How To Make Caramel Brulee Latte Starbucks?

Now comes the fun part – crafting this glorious drink from scratch! Don’t worry; I’ll guide you step-by-step so your kitchen turns into a cozy café:

Step 1: Brew The Espresso

• Pull two shots of espresso using your espresso machine. If you don’t have one, brew a strong coffee concentrate.
• Set it aside and let it stay hot.

Step 2: Make The Caramel Brulee Sauce (if Homemade)

• In a small saucepan, melt ½ cup of granulated sugar over medium heat.
• Stir gently until the sugar turns a deep amber color (this is the caramelization).
• Carefully add 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter and stir until melted.
• Slowly pour in ½ cup heavy cream while stirring continuously – the mixture will bubble, so be careful!
• Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt, then remove from heat.
• Let cool slightly. This rich sauce is what gives your latte that signature caramel brulee flavor.

Step 3: Steam And Froth The Milk

• Heat 1 cup of milk until hot but not boiling (about 150°F/65°C).
• Froth the milk using a milk frother or whisk vigorously until nice and foamy.

Step 4: Combine Espresso, Vanilla Syrup, And Caramel Brulee Sauce

• In your favorite mug, pour the hot espresso.
• Stir in 1-2 tablespoons vanilla syrup.
• Add 2-3 tablespoons of your caramel brulee sauce (or adjust to taste).

Step 5: Add Steamed Milk And Top It Off

• Pour the steamed milk over the espresso mixture, holding back the foam with a spoon.
• Spoon the frothy foam on top.
• Generously pile on whipped cream.

Step 6: Brulee Topping Time!

• Sprinkle a tablespoon of brown sugar (or caramelized sugar) over the whipped cream.
• If you want that classic brulee effect, use a kitchen torch to carefully caramelize the sugar topping until golden and crispy.

And voilà! Your homemade Starbucks-style Caramel Brulee Latte is ready to be sipped and adored.

Expert Tips

Okay, so you want to be a pro at this? Here are some insider nuggets to make your caramel brulee latte next-level:

• Espresso strength matters: The bolder your espresso, the better it cuts through the sweetness.
• Homemade sauce is a game changer: Making your own caramel brulee sauce lets you adjust sweetness and add a personal touch.
• Don’t skimp on the torch: The caramelized sugar topping is what makes this drink truly special – invest in a small kitchen torch for authentic brulee crispness.
• Milk alternatives: Oat milk steams beautifully and adds a natural sweetness if you want a dairy-free option.
• Temperature control: Avoid boiling milk, as it can ruin the froth and taste. Aim for warm and silky.
• Preheat your mug: Hot espresso + cold mug = temperature shock. Warm your cup beforehand for a cozy, lasting heat.
• Layer flavors: Adding a pinch of sea salt can amplify the caramel notes without making it salty.
• Whipped cream hack: For richer whipped cream, add a tiny splash of vanilla extract or even a teaspoon of the caramel brulee sauce.

Recipe Variations

Feel like mixing things up? Here are some fun twists to personalize your caramel brulee latte:

• Iced Caramel Brulee Latte: Brew the espresso, let it cool, mix with cold milk and caramel brulee sauce, add ice cubes, then top with whipped cream and caramelized sugar.
• Vegan-Friendly: Use oat or almond milk, coconut whipped cream, and a vegan caramel sauce.
• Extra Chocolate Kick: Add a tablespoon of chocolate syrup for a caramel mocha brulee latte.
• Pumpkin Spice Fusion: Add a dash of pumpkin spice or cinnamon to the milk while steaming for a seasonal twist.
• Decaf Delight: Use decaf espresso to enjoy this latte any time without caffeine jitters.
• Caramel Brulee Mocha: Mix in some cocoa powder or chocolate syrup for that rich mocha experience.

Final Words

There you have it! A detailed, delicious, and entirely doable recipe to bring the Starbucks holiday magic into your home. This caramel brulee latte is more than just a drink – it’s a cozy ritual, a decadent treat, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family, friends, or a solo self-care moment. Imagine curling up with a warm cup of this luscious latte while watching your favorite movie or reading a good book. Pure bliss, right?

Give yourself permission to indulge, experiment, and savor every creamy, caramelized sip. And hey, if you nail this recipe, you might just find yourself skipping the coffee shop line forever.

FAQs

What Is A Caramel Brulee Latte At Starbucks?

A Caramel Brulee Latte is a seasonal drink at Starbucks made with espresso, steamed milk, and a rich caramel brulee sauce. It is topped with whipped cream and caramelized sugar, offering a sweet and creamy flavor that evokes the taste of caramelized sugar with a hint of vanilla.

How Can I Make A Caramel Brulee Latte At Home?

To make a Caramel Brulee Latte at home, brew a shot of espresso or strong coffee, heat up milk (any type), and mix with caramel sauce and vanilla syrup. Top it with whipped cream, then drizzle with caramelized sugar or additional caramel sauce for the signature flavor.

What Ingredients Are In A Caramel Brulee Latte?

The main ingredients for a Caramel Brulee Latte are espresso, steamed milk, caramel brulee sauce, whipped cream, and caramelized sugar topping. You may also need vanilla syrup depending on the specific recipe used.

Can I Make A Dairy-free Caramel Brulee Latte?

Yes, you can make a dairy-free version of the Caramel Brulee Latte by using dairy-free milk alternatives like almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Be sure to also use dairy-free whipped cream and check that your caramel sauce doesn’t contain dairy.

Is The Caramel Brulee Latte Served Hot Or Iced?

The Caramel Brulee Latte is typically served hot, but you can also request it iced at Starbucks. For an iced version, the espresso is poured over ice, followed by the caramel brulee sauce, milk, and toppings.

What Makes The Caramel Brulee Latte Different From A Regular Caramel Latte?

The main difference between a Caramel Brulee Latte and a regular Caramel Latte is the caramel brulee sauce used in the former. Caramel brulee sauce has a richer, deeper flavor, often with a hint of burnt sugar, compared to the sweeter, simpler caramel syrup in a regular Caramel Latte.

What Is The Best Milk To Use For A Caramel Brulee Latte?

The best milk for a Caramel Brulee Latte depends on personal preference. Whole milk gives a rich, creamy texture, while skim milk will make it lighter. Non-dairy alternatives like oat milk or almond milk are also great options for a vegan version.

Can I Make A Caramel Brulee Latte Without Espresso?

Yes, if you don’t have espresso, you can substitute with a strong brewed coffee. However, using espresso is ideal for achieving the signature robust flavor and balance with the caramel brulee sauce.

How Many Calories Are In A Caramel Brulee Latte?

The calorie count for a Caramel Brulee Latte can vary depending on the size and specific ingredients, but a standard Tall (12 oz) Caramel Brulee Latte with whole milk and whipped cream typically contains around 320 calories. Choosing non-fat milk or omitting whipped cream can lower the calorie count.

What Can I Do If I Want To Reduce The Sweetness Of A Caramel Brulee Latte?

To reduce the sweetness of a Caramel Brulee Latte, you can ask for less caramel brulee sauce or choose a sugar-free vanilla syrup instead of the regular syrup. You can also opt for a smaller size or skip the whipped cream topping.