Caramel latte: a creamy coffee with caramel flavour

A caramel latte is creamy, sweet and full of comfort. The combination of espresso, milk and caramel is loved by coffee fans who want just a little something extra. It might seem like a drink you only order in a coffee shop, but you can surprisingly easily make it at home.

Many people struggle to balance between bitter and overly sweet, or can’t get the foam nice and firm. With this recipe, you’ll serve a full, silky-smooth caramel latte that looks great and tastes even better.

What is a caramel latte and what makes it so delicious?

A caramel latte consists of espresso, frothed milk and a splash of caramel syrup. The sweet caramel tones create a soft coffee drink with a full flavour and creamy texture. Perfect for those craving something warm and tasty.

Unlike a regular latte, the caramel version adds a flavour component that brings everything together. The difference with a latte macchiato is mainly in the build-up: with a caramel latte you usually mix the coffee with milk and syrup, while with a macchiato the espresso sits on top of the milk.

The popularity is easy to explain. Caramel gives a rich, full sweetness that pairs perfectly with the soft bitterness of espresso. The warm version is ideal for cold days, while an iced caramel latte is wonderfully refreshing in summer.

Recipe info & Ingredients

Recipe info

• Preparation time: 5 minutes
• Servings: 1 glass
• Category: Coffee recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup strong coffee or espresso
• 150 ml milk (whole milk or plant-based alternative)
• 1 tablespoon caramel syrup or caramel sauce
• Optional: whipped cream for topping
• Optional: extra caramel sauce for decoration

Preparation instructions

1. Brew a cup of strong coffee or a double espresso with your espresso machine, percolator or moka pot. Let the coffee rest briefly so the flavour can settle.
2. Heat the milk in a small pan until just below boiling point. Using plant-based milk? Choose a variety with enough fat, like oat barista, for a creamy result.
3. Froth the milk with a milk frother or whisk until the foam is firm but airy. This usually takes 30 to 60 seconds, depending on the type of milk.
4. Pour one tablespoon of caramel syrup into a large glass and carefully add the warm, frothed milk.
5. Then slowly pour the coffee into the milk. Do this along the side of the glass or over a spoon so the coffee layers nicely on the milk.
6. Finish your latte with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Serving tips and variations

For a refreshing iced caramel latte, fill a glass with ice cubes, use cold milk and slowly pour the espresso and caramel syrup over it. The result is creamy, sweet and delightfully cooling.

Prefer a salted caramel latte? Add a pinch of coarse sea salt to the caramel syrup or sprinkle some over the whipped cream.

Plant-based enjoyment is of course possible too. Oat milk froths nicely and gives a soft flavour, but soy or almond milk are good options as well. Choose a barista variety if you want sturdy foam.

For a real treat, top your latte with whipped cream and a swirl of caramel sauce. Want to go further? Sprinkle some cinnamon or cocoa powder over the topping for an extra festive touch.

Use this product to make your caramel latte

For a caramel latte with full flavour, it’s best to use an espresso with character. The espresso beans from Café du Jour provide a strong, rounded flavour that doesn’t get lost in the sweetness of the caramel.

Prefer pre-ground coffee? Then ground coffee is a smooth choice that pairs nicely with creamy milk and caramel syrup.