Dulce De Leche Latte Recipe [+Tips]

Basic Ingredients

• 1 shot of espresso (or ¼ cup of very strong brewed coffee)
• ¾ cup of milk (whole milk gives the creamiest results, but you can use oat, almond, or any milk of your choice)
• 2-3 tablespoons of dulce de leche (you can find it in most Latin food aisles or make your own!)
• Whipped cream (optional but highly recommended)
• Pinch of cinnamon or sea salt (for that fancy final touch)

Optional Add-ins

• Vanilla extract (¼ tsp for added warmth and depth)
• Espresso powder (if you’re using regular coffee but want a stronger kick)
• Brown sugar (for those who want it extra sweet-no judgment here!)

How To Make Dulce De Leche Latte?

Get ready to impress yourself. This comes together in minutes, but the flavor? Oh, it lingers. Here’s your step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Brew The Espresso Or Coffee

• If you’ve got an espresso machine, pull a shot of espresso.
• No machine? No problem. Brew about ¼ cup of very strong coffee using your favorite method (French press, Moka pot, pour-over-you do you!).

Step 2: Heat And Froth The Milk

• Pour your milk into a small saucepan and heat over medium-low. Don’t let it boil-just warm it up until it’s steaming.
• Use a milk frother, hand whisk, or even shake it vigorously in a mason jar (then microwave it) to get that luscious froth on top. Trust me, froth makes everything better.

Step 3: Melt In The Dulce De Leche

• Stir the dulce de leche into the hot milk while it’s still on the stove. It melts beautifully and infuses the milk with a caramel-like aroma that’s truly irresistible.

Step 4: Assemble Your Latte

• Pour the espresso into your favorite mug.
• Slowly pour the dulce de leche milk over it.
• Give it a gentle stir to combine. The magic is happening now!

Step 5: Top It Off

• Add a cloud of whipped cream on top (don’t skip this-it’s the cherry on top of your caramel sundae latte dream).
• Dust with cinnamon or a few flakes of sea salt. Or both. Go wild!

Expert Tips

Want to take your Dulce de Leche Latte from pretty good to life-changing? Here’s how:

• Warm your mug first – It keeps your latte hot longer. Just fill it with hot water for a minute while you prep everything else.
• Make your own dulce de leche – Simmer a can of sweetened condensed milk (sealed, label removed) in a pot of water for 2-3 hours. Let it cool and BOOM-homemade heaven.
• Use barista-style plant milks – They froth better and make a creamier drink than regular almond or oat milk.
• Drizzle extra dulce de leche on top – Like a caramel drizzle at a coffee shop. It’s not just tasty, it’s downright photogenic.
• Add a pinch of sea salt – Trust me, that salty-sweet combo? Divine.

Recipe Variations

Feeling creative or just want to switch things up? This latte is endlessly customizable. Here are a few delicious ways to remix your mug:

• Iced Dulce de Leche Latte – Skip the heating. Mix cold milk with dulce de leche, pour it over ice, and top with cold espresso. Cool, creamy, caffeinated bliss.
• Mocha Dulce de Leche Latte – Add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder to your milk while heating. Think: a caramel-y hot chocolate with espresso.
• Spiced Dulce de Leche Latte – Stir in a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even cardamom for a warming twist.
• Boozy version – A splash of Bailey’s or Kahlua never hurt anybody (adults only, of course!).
• Dulce de Leche Chai Latte – Replace the espresso with strong brewed chai. Sweet, spicy, and indulgent.

Final Words

This isn’t just a latte. It’s a whole moment. It’s for the days when you need something special, something extra cozy, or something to just treat yourself-no justification necessary. The silky texture of steamed milk, the deep richness of espresso, and that sticky-sweet dulce de leche work in perfect harmony to create a drink that feels luxurious and homey at the same time.

The best part? You made it yourself. And it tastes even better than the ones from your local café because it’s got that secret ingredient-love (and a little extra dulce de leche if you’re like me ).

FAQs

What Is A Dulce De Leche Latte?

A dulce de leche latte is a delicious coffee drink made by combining espresso or strong brewed coffee with steamed milk and a rich caramelized milk syrup known as dulce de leche. The syrup adds a creamy, sweet, and caramel-like flavor to the latte.

How Do You Make Dulce De Leche At Home?

To make dulce de leche at home, you need sweetened condensed milk. You can simmer it gently for a few hours, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and turns a caramel color. Alternatively, you can use a pressure cooker or slow cooker to speed up the process.

Can I Use Store-bought Dulce De Leche For A Latte?

Yes, store-bought dulce de leche works perfectly fine for making a latte. It’s convenient and saves time, offering the same rich flavor you’d get from homemade dulce de leche.

What Type Of Coffee Should I Use For A Dulce De Leche Latte?

Espresso is the most common coffee base for a dulce de leche latte. You can also use a strong brewed coffee if you don’t have an espresso machine. The coffee should have a bold flavor to complement the sweetness of the dulce de leche.

Can I Make A Dairy-free Version Of A Dulce De Leche Latte?

Yes, you can easily make a dairy-free version of a dulce de leche latte by using plant-based milk, such as oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk. Be sure to use a dairy-free version of dulce de leche or make your own using coconut milk.

How Much Dulce De Leche Should I Use For A Latte?

Typically, 1 to 2 tablespoons of dulce de leche per cup of coffee or espresso is sufficient. You can adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference.

Can I Make A Cold Dulce De Leche Latte?

Yes, you can make a cold version of the dulce de leche latte by preparing an iced espresso or strong coffee, adding chilled milk or a dairy-free alternative, and stirring in the dulce de leche. Serve it over ice for a refreshing treat.

How Do I Froth Milk For A Dulce De Leche Latte?

To froth milk, use a steam wand if you have an espresso machine. If not, you can froth milk using a handheld frother, a jar, or even by shaking it vigorously in a sealed container. For a creamy texture, aim for microfoam, which is silky and smooth.

Can I Add Flavorings Like Vanilla Or Cinnamon To A Dulce De Leche Latte?

Yes! You can enhance the flavor of a dulce de leche latte by adding vanilla extract, cinnamon, or even a pinch of nutmeg. These spices complement the sweetness of the dulce de leche, creating a more complex flavor profile.

What Is The Difference Between Dulce De Leche And Caramel Syrup In A Latte?

Dulce de leche is made by slowly simmering sweetened condensed milk, giving it a creamy, caramelized flavor. Caramel syrup, on the other hand, is made by melting sugar and adding cream. Dulce de leche is thicker and creamier than traditional caramel syrup, making it ideal for lattes.