Best Homemade Caramel Latte Recipe | Easy Starbucks Copycat Coffee at Home

The caramel latte is one of the most beloved coffeehouse drinks, known for its balance of bold espresso, creamy milk, and sweet caramel sauce. At cafés like Starbucks or Dunkin’, it’s often one of the top sellers year-round. The beauty of the caramel latte lies in its harmony: the bitterness of coffee pairs perfectly with buttery caramel, while steamed milk softens and rounds out every sip.

Making a caramel latte at home may seem complicated at first, but it is much easier than you think. With a few simple tools and ingredients, you can create a café-style beverage without leaving your kitchen. This recipe not only saves money but also gives you control over the sweetness, milk type, and toppings. Whether you prefer a hot caramel latte on a chilly morning or an iced caramel latte in summer, the same base recipe can be adapted to fit your craving.

Also Read: Iced & Hot Matcha Latte

Nutrition Table (Per Serving, Based on 1 Large 12 oz Cup)

Main Ingredients For Caramel Latte (For 1 Large Serving)

• 1 shot (30 ml) fresh espresso or 60 ml strong brewed coffee
• 200 ml (¾ cup + 1 tbsp) milk (whole milk preferred)
• 2 tbsp (30 g) caramel sauce or syrup
• 1 tsp (5 g) granulated sugar (optional, to adjust sweetness)
• Whipped cream for topping (optional)
• Extra caramel drizzle for garnish (optional)

Espresso – 30 ml (1 shot)

Espresso is the foundation of the latte. It brings bold flavor, natural bitterness, and a caffeine boost. Freshly pulled espresso shots are ideal, but if you don’t own an espresso machine, a concentrated strong brewed coffee will work as a substitute. Espresso provides depth, ensuring the drink isn’t overly sweet.

Milk – 200 ml (¾ cup + 1 tbsp)

Milk adds creaminess and balances the strength of espresso. Whole milk is the best choice because it froths beautifully and creates a silky texture. However, you can substitute with skim, almond, oat, or soy milk depending on dietary preference. The milk is steamed and frothed, which gives lattes their signature velvety foam.

Caramel Sauce – 2 tbsp (30 g)

Caramel sauce delivers the signature sweetness and buttery notes. Store-bought caramel works fine, but homemade caramel sauce offers richer flavor. It can be drizzled inside the cup before pouring in coffee and milk for café-style presentation. The thickness of the sauce also influences the texture and sweetness of the drink.

Sugar – 1 tsp (optional)

While caramel already adds sweetness, some people prefer an extra touch. Sugar should be used sparingly because too much can overpower the coffee flavor. Adjust based on personal taste and the type of caramel sauce used, as some brands are sweeter than others.

Whipped Cream (optional)

Whipped cream transforms the caramel latte into a dessert-like treat. It creates a light, airy topping that holds extra caramel drizzle beautifully. This step is optional, but for those who want the true café-style finish, it is highly recommended.

How to Prepare a Homemade Caramel Latte

Step 1: Brew the Espresso

Begin by preparing a fresh shot of espresso using an espresso machine. If using a French press or drip coffee maker, brew a double-strength coffee to mimic espresso intensity. Freshly ground beans are best, as they retain maximum flavor and aroma. Set aside the espresso while you prepare the milk.

Step 2: Steam and Froth the Milk

Pour milk into a frothing pitcher or small saucepan. If you have a steam wand, steam until milk reaches 65°C (150°F), creating a smooth foam. Without a steam wand, heat milk on the stovetop until hot but not boiling, then froth using a handheld frother or whisk vigorously. Properly frothed milk should have small, velvety bubbles, not large ones.

Step 3: Sweeten with Caramel

In your coffee mug, add 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce. For extra flavor, drizzle some around the inside walls of the mug before adding coffee. Pour in the hot espresso shot and stir to combine with caramel until smooth and fully dissolved. This step ensures that the caramel flavor is infused throughout the drink.

Step 4: Combine Coffee and Milk

Slowly pour the steamed milk into the mug, holding back the foam with a spoon at first, then layering foam on top at the end. This creates a café-quality latte with a smooth body and a foamy cap. Stir gently to blend, ensuring caramel is evenly distributed.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top with whipped cream if desired, then drizzle additional caramel over the cream. Serve immediately while hot and aromatic. Enjoy your homemade caramel latte as a comforting treat in the morning or a pick-me-up during the day.

Variations of Caramel Latte

1. Iced Caramel Latte

An iced caramel latte is refreshing on warm days. Instead of steamed milk, use cold milk and add espresso over a glass of ice. Stir in caramel sauce until dissolved, then pour in milk. Top with whipped cream and caramel drizzle for the same indulgent finish, but chilled.

This version can also be prepped ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. It’s lighter than a hot latte but equally satisfying. Adding a pinch of sea salt creates a salted caramel iced latte, enhancing complexity and balancing sweetness.

2. Salted Caramel Latte

The salted caramel latte has gained huge popularity in cafés for its balance of sweet and salty flavors. Simply add a pinch of flaky sea salt to the caramel sauce before mixing with espresso. The salt intensifies the caramel flavor and cuts through sweetness.

This variation works well hot or iced. A salted caramel latte pairs perfectly with pastries like croissants or muffins, making it a favorite brunch drink. Adjust the salt level carefully to avoid overpowering the drink.

3. Vegan Caramel Latte

For a dairy-free alternative, replace cow’s milk with oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk. Use a plant-based caramel sauce or make homemade caramel with coconut cream. Frothing ability varies depending on the milk substitute, but oat milk often creates the best foam.

This variation makes the latte accessible to those with lactose intolerance or vegan diets. The flavor is slightly different but equally delicious, with some plant milks adding their own nutty undertones. Whipped coconut cream can be used as a topping for an extra special finish.

4. Caramel Mocha Latte

The caramel mocha latte adds chocolate to the mix. Stir 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder or chocolate syrup into the espresso along with caramel sauce. The combination creates a richer, dessert-like drink that resembles a liquid caramel brownie.

This version is perfect for evening treats or as an indulgent pick-me-up. Topped with whipped cream and both caramel and chocolate drizzles, it becomes a café-style specialty beverage you can easily replicate at home.

5. Skinny Caramel Latte

A skinny caramel latte reduces calories without sacrificing flavor. Use skim milk or almond milk, sugar-free caramel syrup, and skip the whipped cream. The result is a lighter latte with fewer calories but still satisfying sweetness.

This is a great option for those who want to enjoy the caramel latte daily without extra calories. Many cafés offer skinny versions, but making it at home gives you even more control over ingredients and sweetness.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Caramel sinking to the bottom? Stir caramel thoroughly with espresso before adding milk.
• Foam too bubbly? Over-whisking creates large bubbles; aim for small, micro-foam consistency.
• Drink too sweet? Reduce caramel to 1 tablespoon or use sugar-free syrup.
• Lacking flavor? Use freshly brewed espresso and high-quality caramel sauce.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair your caramel latte with pastries like cruffins, muffins, or croissants.
• Add a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg on top for extra warmth.
• Serve in glass mugs to showcase caramel drizzle patterns for a café-style look.
• Enjoy as a dessert beverage with cookies or cake slices.

Storage and Reheating

Caramel lattes are best enjoyed fresh. However, you can prepare caramel-coffee concentrate (espresso mixed with caramel sauce) ahead and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready, reheat the concentrate, steam fresh milk, and combine. Avoid reheating a finished latte, as milk foam loses texture.

Cultural Context and Popularity

The caramel latte has become a modern classic across coffee chains worldwide. First popularized by specialty cafés, it now rivals the vanilla latte in demand. The appeal lies in its approachable sweetness, which makes espresso enjoyable even for non-coffee drinkers. Social media trends, Pinterest boards, and TikTok videos continue to fuel its popularity, especially with iced and seasonal salted caramel versions.

At home, it offers comfort and indulgence in a single cup. Whether you’re recreating a Starbucks favorite or experimenting with unique flavors, the caramel latte has become a staple recipe for coffee lovers everywhere.

Final Thoughts

The homemade caramel latte is more than just a drink—it’s an experience. With simple ingredients and easy techniques, you can bring coffeehouse luxury into your kitchen. From classic hot lattes to iced, salted, or vegan versions, this recipe is adaptable for every taste and occasion.

By understanding the purpose of each ingredient, practicing milk frothing, and exploring variations, you can craft a latte that’s uniquely yours. Once you’ve mastered it, your mornings will never be the same. Save money, customize sweetness, and enjoy a comforting caramel latte anytime, all from the comfort of home.