How to Make a Caramel Brulee Latte at Home

That cozy, festive feeling is back, and for coffee lovers, it means the return of seasonal favorites. 

Topping the list is the Starbucks Caramel Brulee Latte, a sweet, rich, and comforting drink that perfectly captures the holiday spirit.

What is a Caramel Brulee Latte?

A Caramel Brulee Latte is a popular seasonal beverage from Starbucks, typically available during the winter holidays.

It combines rich espresso, steamed milk, and a special caramel brulee sauce. The drink is topped with whipped cream and a crunchy caramel brulee topping.

The Meaning Behind “Brulee”

The name “brulee” comes from the French word for “burnt,” referencing the torched sugar crust on top of a crème brûlée dessert. 

This latte captures the smoky-sweet, caramelized sugar flavor, adding a creamy texture to the classic latte.

A Dessert in a Cup

Designed to be a comforting treat on a cold day, the Caramel Brulee Latte is essentially a dessert in a cup, offering a cozy and indulgent experience during the winter months.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Recipe

Making your favorite coffee shop drinks at home comes with a lot of perks. Here’s why you’ll love this homemade Caramel Brulee Latte recipe:

It’s budget-friendly

A daily trip to the coffee shop adds up quickly. Making your latte at home costs a fraction of the price, saving you money without sacrificing taste.

Ready in minutes

Once you have your ingredients prepped, assembling this latte takes less than 10 minutes. That’s faster than waiting in line at a busy café.

Fully customizable

You have complete control. Prefer it less sweet? Use less syrup. Need a dairy-free option? Swap the milk. You can tailor every element to match your personal taste.

Enjoy it anytime

No more waiting for the holiday season to roll around. 

With this recipe, you can satisfy your Caramel Brulee Latte craving any day of the year, even as an iced treat in the middle of summer.

Key Ingredients and Tools

Before we start brewing, let’s gather everything you’ll need. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity, requiring just a few core components and basic kitchen tools.

Ingredients

Ingredient	Description
Espresso	Freshly brewed espresso is the foundation. If you don’t have an espresso machine, strongly brewed coffee works great.
Milk	Whole milk provides the creamiest texture, but feel free to use 2%, skim, or any plant-based milk like oat, almond, or soy.
Caramel Sauce	This is the star of the show. You can use a store-bought caramel sauce or make your own for a richer flavor.
Whipped Cream	A generous topping of whipped cream adds a luscious, airy texture.
Toffee Bits	Crushed toffee pieces provide that signature “brulee” crunch and an extra layer of caramel flavor.

Essential Tools

• Espresso Maker or Coffee Brewer: An espresso machine, Moka pot, AeroPress, or even a simple French press will work.
• Milk Frother: A steam wand, handheld frother, or even a French press can be used to create foamy, steamed milk.
• Saucepan: If you’re making your own caramel sauce or heating milk on the stove.
• Latte Mugs: Choose your favorite large mug to serve your creation.

How to Make the Perfect Caramel Brulee Latte

Ready to get started? This recipe is broken down into simple, easy-to-follow steps.

Step 1: Prepare the Espresso

The base of any great latte is high-quality espresso.

Using an Espresso Machine

Pull one or two shots of fresh espresso.

Without an Espresso Machine

Brew a small amount of very strong coffee. A French press or AeroPress is excellent for this, as they produce a concentrated, robust flavor. 

You’ll want about 1/3 cup of strong coffee per latte.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce (Optional but Recommended)

While store-bought sauce is convenient, homemade caramel takes this latte to the next level.

Combine Sugar and Water

In a saucepan, mix 1 cup of sugar with 1/2 cup of water. Heat over medium-high heat without stirring.

Wait for Amber Color

Let the mixture boil until it turns a deep amber color. This can take several minutes, so watch it closely to prevent it from burning.

Add Cream and Butter

Carefully remove the pan from the heat and slowly whisk in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1 tablespoon of butter. The mixture will bubble vigorously.

Finish with Vanilla

Once the bubbling subsides, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Let the sauce cool slightly before use.

Step 3: Steam and Froth the Milk

Creating velvety, steamed milk is essential for a latte.

With a Steam Wand

Use the steam wand on your espresso machine to heat and froth about 1/2 cup of milk until it’s steamy and has a layer of microfoam on top.

With a Handheld Frother

Warm your milk in a saucepan or the microwave. Then, use a handheld frother to whisk it until it becomes foamy.

In the Microwave

Pour milk into a jar with a lid, shake vigorously for 30-60 seconds until frothy, then microwave for 30 seconds to stabilize the foam.

Step 4: Assemble Your Latte

Now for the fun part putting it all together!

Add Sauce to Mug

Pour 2-3 tablespoons of caramel sauce into the bottom of your mug.

Pour the Espresso

Brew your espresso or strong coffee directly over the caramel sauce. Stir well to combine.

Add Steamed Milk

Gently pour the steamed milk into the mug, holding back the foam with a spoon.

Top It Off

Spoon the remaining milk foam over the top. Add a generous swirl of whipped cream, an extra drizzle of caramel sauce, and a sprinkle of crushed toffee bits.

Customizations and Variations

One of the best things about making this latte at home is the ability to customize it. Here are a few ideas to try:

Iced Caramel Brulee Latte

Don’t heat the milk. Instead, combine cold milk, caramel sauce, and espresso in a glass filled with ice. Top with whipped cream and toffee bits.

Skinny Version

Use skim milk or a low-calorie plant-based milk. Opt for a sugar-free caramel syrup and skip the whipped cream to reduce calories and sugar.

Vegan Option

Use oat or soy milk, as they froth well. Ensure your caramel sauce is dairy-free (many store-bought ones are not), and use a coconut or almond-based whipped cream.

Flavor Twists

Add a pump of vanilla or toffee nut syrup for an extra layer of flavor. A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg on top can also add a warm, spicy note.

Unlock Your Inner Barista

By following these steps, you can create a delicious, coffee-shop-quality drink that’s perfectly tailored to your preferences. 

So go ahead, treat yourself to this cozy and decadent latte, you’ve earned it.