Salted Caramel Latte Recipe [+Tips]

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Oh, the Salted Caramel Latte – is there anything more decadent, comforting, and downright addictive? Imagine the rich, robust aroma of freshly brewed espresso mingling with the creamy warmth of steamed milk, all wrapped up in a luscious swirl of buttery caramel with just the right pinch of salt to keep your taste buds dancing. This isn’t just your average coffee – it’s an experience. Perfect for those cozy mornings when you want to treat yourself or an afternoon pick-me-up that feels like a hug in a cup.

Why do we love this drink so much? It hits that magical balance between sweet and salty, bitter and creamy, hot and soothing. Plus, making it at home means you can customize every aspect – less sugar, more caramel, oat milk or whole milk, whatever your heart desires. No more settling for the overpriced coffee shop versions that sometimes miss that perfect note.

Get ready, because I’m about to walk you through a fantastic, foolproof recipe that will have you feeling like a barista in your own kitchen. Let’s get started!

Ingredients For Salted Caramel Latte Recipe

Here’s the lineup of what you’ll need. Nothing complicated, just simple ingredients that come together beautifully:

  • Freshly brewed espresso (2 shots or about 60 ml): The star of the show, strong and rich to balance the sweetness.
  • Milk (1 cup or 240 ml): Whole milk gives the creamiest texture, but almond, oat, or soy milk work great if you want to go dairy-free.
  • Caramel sauce (2 to 3 tablespoons): This is the golden syrupy magic. You can buy it ready-made or whip up a homemade batch (more on that later).
  • Sea salt (a pinch): Just a tiny sprinkle to enhance the caramel’s sweetness and add that addictive salty kick.
  • Sugar or sweetener (optional, to taste): Because everyone’s sweetness level is different – taste as you go.
  • Whipped cream (optional): For that indulgent café-style finish.

Bonus Tools You’ll Want

  • Espresso machine or strong brewed coffee alternative (Moka pot, AeroPress, or even a super strong drip).
  • Milk frother or steam wand to get that luscious foam.
  • Spoon or small whisk.

How To Make Salted Caramel Latte?

Alright, now to the good stuff! Follow these steps, and you’ll be sipping on café-quality magic in no time:

  1. Brew the espresso: Start by pulling two shots of espresso. If you don’t have an espresso machine, make very strong coffee using your preferred method. The key is intensity to hold up to all that caramel and milk.
  2. Heat and froth the milk: Pour your milk of choice into a small saucepan and warm gently over medium heat. Don’t let it boil! Heat until steaming and just before simmering. If you have a milk frother or steam wand, this is where you use it to create creamy, velvety foam.
  3. Mix caramel and espresso: In your favorite coffee mug, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of caramel sauce. Pour the hot espresso over it and stir thoroughly until the caramel is fully dissolved – this part smells heavenly.
  4. Add milk: Slowly pour the steamed milk into the caramel-espresso mixture, holding back the foam with a spoon. Once most of the milk is in, top with the remaining foam to create that luscious, layered effect.
  5. Sprinkle sea salt: Finish with a tiny pinch of sea salt right on top of the foam. The salt will elevate the sweetness and create that signature flavor punch.
  6. Optional – whipped cream topping: If you’re feeling extra indulgent, pile on some whipped cream and drizzle a little more caramel on top. Yes, please!
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Expert Tips

Want your Salted Caramel Latte to be next-level? Here’s what the pros swear by:

  • Make your own caramel sauce: Melt 1 cup of sugar gently over medium heat until golden amber, then stir in 6 tablespoons of butter, followed by 1/2 cup heavy cream. Add a pinch of salt. Let it cool before use – this homemade caramel is unbeatable.
  • Don’t skimp on the espresso: The stronger, the better. It balances the sweetness and prevents the latte from tasting too dessert-like.
  • Use flaky sea salt: Coarse or flaky sea salt adds a delightful crunch and burst of salty flavor that fine table salt just can’t match.
  • Froth your milk properly: The texture of the milk foam can make or break the latte. Aim for creamy microfoam, not big, bubbly foam.
  • Taste as you go: Everyone’s sweetness preference differs. Add caramel gradually and taste before adding more sugar or syrup.

Recipe Variations

Feeling adventurous or want to tailor your latte? Here are some fun twists and swaps:

  • Vegan Salted Caramel Latte: Use coconut or oat milk and a vegan caramel sauce (made with coconut milk and coconut sugar).
  • Iced Salted Caramel Latte: Brew espresso, cool it down, and pour over ice. Add cold milk and caramel syrup, then stir well and sprinkle salt.
  • Pumpkin Salted Caramel Latte: Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree and a pinch of pumpkin pie spice with your caramel for an autumnal delight.
  • Spiced Salted Caramel Latte: Stir in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the caramel for a warm, cozy flavor.
  • Decaf Version: Use decaf espresso or strong brewed decaf coffee so you can enjoy this latte anytime without caffeine jitters.

Final Words

Making a Salted Caramel Latte at home is more than just mixing ingredients – it’s about creating a moment of bliss. Whether you’re cozying up with a book, impressing friends at brunch, or simply treating yourself after a long day, this latte is a game-changer. The combination of robust coffee, creamy milk, luscious caramel, and that perfect pinch of salt elevates your coffee ritual to pure joy.

Plus, you get the satisfaction of knowing exactly what’s in your cup – no artificial nonsense, just pure deliciousness. The best part? It’s so easy to tweak and make your own.

FAQs

What Is A Salted Caramel Latte?

A salted caramel latte is a coffee beverage that combines espresso, steamed milk, caramel syrup, and a pinch of sea salt. It has a rich, sweet flavor with a savory balance from the salt, creating a perfect blend of sweet and salty.

How Do I Make A Salted Caramel Latte At Home?

To make a salted caramel latte, you need brewed espresso (or strong coffee), steamed milk, salted caramel syrup, and a pinch of sea salt. Brew the espresso, steam the milk, then mix in the caramel syrup and salt before combining it all together.

What Kind Of Caramel Syrup Should I Use For A Salted Caramel Latte?

You should use a high-quality caramel syrup that is designed for coffee drinks. Store-bought varieties like Torani or Monin work well, or you can make your own caramel sauce by melting sugar and adding cream and butter.

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Can I Make A Salted Caramel Latte Without Espresso?

Yes, you can use strong brewed coffee as a substitute for espresso. While espresso gives the drink a richer, bolder flavor, a good-quality brewed coffee will still deliver a similar taste, especially when paired with milk and caramel syrup.

Can I Use Non-dairy Milk For A Salted Caramel Latte?

Absolutely! Non-dairy milks like almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk can be used as a substitute for regular milk. Oat milk, in particular, is popular for its creamy texture and ability to froth well, making it a great choice for lattes.

How Do I Froth Milk For A Salted Caramel Latte?

To froth milk, you can use a steam wand on an espresso machine, a handheld milk frother, or even a French press. Heat the milk to about 150°F (65°C), and then froth it until it has a velvety texture with a layer of foam.

How Much Caramel Syrup Should I Use For A Salted Caramel Latte?

Typically, 1 to 2 tablespoons of caramel syrup per drink is enough to achieve the perfect balance of sweetness. However, you can adjust the amount depending on your personal taste preferences.

What Type Of Salt Should I Use In A Salted Caramel Latte?

Sea salt is the best choice for a salted caramel latte because it has a fine texture and a pure, natural flavor that complements the sweetness of the caramel. A small pinch is enough to enhance the drink without overpowering it.

Can I Make A Salted Caramel Latte Iced Instead Of Hot?

Yes, you can easily make an iced salted caramel latte. Simply brew the espresso, then cool it. Add ice to a glass, pour in the chilled espresso, and mix in the caramel syrup and milk. Stir well and finish with a pinch of sea salt.

How Can I Make My Salted Caramel Latte More Decadent?

To make your salted caramel latte more indulgent, try adding whipped cream on top, a drizzle of extra caramel sauce, and a sprinkle of additional sea salt. You could also use flavored syrups or infuse the milk with spices like cinnamon for a richer taste.