Caramel Brulée Latte Recipe: Starbucks Holiday Favorite at Home
Hey coffee friend! If you love creamy espresso drinks with a hint of toasted, burnt-sugar magic, the caramel brulée latte will steal your heart. It’s sweet, warm, and a little fancy—perfect for chilly mornings, movie nights, or holiday vibes. You’ll find it as a seasonal star at Starbucks, but guess what? You can absolutely make this café-style treat at home with simple tools and a few smart tricks. Let’s brew something special together. 💛
What is a Caramel Brulée Latte?
Think of it as a latte that tastes like crème brûlée in a cup—silky milk, bold espresso, and a sauce that brings deep caramelized flavor (not just plain caramel sweetness).
Key parts:
- ☕ Espresso – the bold base
- 🥛 Steamed milk – creamy and smooth
- 🍮 Caramel brulée sauce – richer, “toasted sugar” notes
- 🍦 Whipped cream – optional, but lovely
- ✨ Crunchy brûlée topping – crushed caramel candy or brûléed sugar
How it differs from a regular caramel latte:
- Caramel Latte: sweet, buttery caramel.
- Caramel Brulée Latte: deeper, toasted, “burnt sugar” flavor—more dessert-like.
Flavor Profile: Why People Love It 😍
- Sweet + toasty: like cracking the top of a crème brûlée.
- Creamy comfort: steamed milk softens the espresso for a snug mug moment.
- Balanced sip: espresso bitterness cuts through sweetness, so it’s indulgent without being flat.
Ingredients You’ll Need (Homemade Version)
Make 1 (12–16 oz) drink. Swap freely to match your taste or diet.
| Ingredient | Standard | Easy Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Espresso | 2 shots (about 60 ml) | 120–180 ml strong brewed coffee |
| Milk | 200–240 ml whole milk | Oat, almond, soy, lactose-free |
| Caramel brulée sauce | 2–3 tbsp | Thick caramel sauce + pinch of toasted sugar (notes below) |
| Whipped cream | 2–3 tbsp | Coconut whip, light whip, or skip |
| Topping | 1–2 tsp crushed caramel candy | Raw sugar, turbinado, brûléed sugar shards |
Pro shopping tip: If you can’t find “brulée” sauce, buy a thick caramel and add a pinch of toasted sugar (see DIY below) to mimic the flavor.
How to Make a Caramel Brulée Latte at Home
What you need
- Espresso machine or moka pot or strong coffee brewer
- Milk frother, French press plunger, or a jar with lid
- Small saucepan (for sauce)
Step-by-step (5–7 minutes)
- Brew espresso: Pull 2 shots (or brew strong coffee).
- Warm milk: Heat milk until hot but not boiling (about 60–65°C / 140–150°F).
- Froth: Use a frother, pump a French press 10–15 times, or shake hot milk in a jar (careful!).
- Cup prep: Add 2–3 tbsp caramel brulée sauce to your mug.
- Combine: Pour in espresso and stir to dissolve the sauce.
- Top with milk: Add steamed milk, hold back the foam, then spoon foam on top.
- Finish: Add whipped cream and crunchy brûlée topping. Enjoy!
No espresso machine?
- Moka pot: makes rich, espresso-like coffee.
- AeroPress: short, concentrated brew.
- Strong drip: brew at a higher ratio (e.g., 1:12 coffee:water).
DIY Caramel Brulée Sauce (quick version)
- Caramelize sugar: In a light-colored pan, heat ½ cup (100 g) sugar on medium, undisturbed, until melted amber.
- Add butter & cream: Whisk in 2 tbsp butter and ⅓ cup (80 ml) warm cream slowly (it will bubble).
- Finish: Add pinch of salt and ½ tsp vanilla. Cool to thicken.
- Brulée twist: Stir in ½–1 tsp “toasted sugar” (toast 1–2 tbsp sugar dry in a pan until lightly tan; cool and grind). This adds that burnt-sugar depth.
Barista tip: If your drink tastes too sweet, add a pinch of salt or an extra espresso shot to rebalance.
Starbucks Caramel Brulée Latte (Seasonal Favorite)
- When: Usually a holiday/seasonal release (late fall–winter in many regions).
- What’s inside: espresso + milk + caramel brulée sauce + whipped cream + crunchy topping.
- Menu styles: Hot, Iced, or Frappuccino.
Ordering tips & customizations:
- 💡 Less sweet: ask for 1–2 pumps fewer of sauce.
- 💡 Dairy-free: swap to oat or almond milk.
- 💡 Stronger coffee taste: add an extra shot.
- 💡 Lighter: no whip, fewer pumps, or smaller size.
- 💡 Extra dessert vibe: add a caramel drizzle on top.
Health & Nutrition: What to Know Before Indulging
Estimates for a 16 oz drink with 2% milk and whip.
| Metric | Typical Range* |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~350–450 kcal |
| Sugar | ~40–55 g |
| Fat | ~12–18 g |
| Caffeine | ~150 mg (about two shots) |
*Nutrition varies by recipe and brand—treat these as helpful guides, not absolutes.
Make it lighter at home:
- Use oat, almond, or skim milk.
- Go sauce-light (1–2 tbsp) or try sugar-free caramel.
- Skip the whipped cream or use a small dollop.
- Add extra espresso to balance sweetness without extra sugar.
Fun Variations to Try 🎉
- Iced Caramel Brulée Latte: Shake espresso + sauce + ice, top with cold milk and foam; finish with topping.
- Caramel Brulée Affogato: 1 scoop vanilla ice cream + 1 shot hot espresso + drizzle of brulée sauce + sugar shards.
- Spiked Night-Cap (21+): Add 30 ml Baileys, Kahlúa, or bourbon to your hot latte.
- Vegan/Dairy-Free: Oat milk + coconut whip + brulée topping made from turbinado sugar.
- Extra-Indulgent: Double foam, whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and crushed toffee. ✨
Pairing Ideas: What to Enjoy with It
- Pastries: croissants, almond croissants, brioche.
- Crunchy sides: biscotti, shortbread, butter cookies.
- Holiday treats: gingerbread, pecan pie bars, cinnamon rolls.
- Simple snack: toast with salted butter (sweet + salty = yum).
Final Sip: Why the Caramel Brulée Latte is Worth the Hype
The caramel brulée latte is cozy, classy, and totally doable at home. It gives you that café feeling with a creme-brûlée twist—perfect for slow mornings or festive nights. Try the classic, then play with lighter swaps or dreamy add-ons. And when you nail your version, I’d love to hear it—share your caramel brulée latte creation and your favorite twist! ✨☕️
Quick Comparison (for clarity)
| Drink | Sweetness | Flavor Notes | Topping |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caramel Latte | Sweet, buttery | Smooth caramel | Optional drizzle |
| Caramel Brulée Latte | Sweet, toasted | Burnt-sugar, dessert-like | Whip + crunchy brûlée bits |
Mini Checklist ✅
- Brew 2 shots espresso
- Warm & froth milk
- 2–3 tbsp brulée sauce in cup
- Combine, top, and enjoy
- Snap a pic 📸 and share your twist!
FAQ’s
What is a caramel brulée latte?
A caramel brulée latte is a creamy espresso drink made with steamed milk, rich caramel brulée sauce, and topped with whipped cream plus caramelized sugar bits for a sweet, dessert-like flavor.
What is caramel brulee sauce made of?
Caramel brulée sauce is made from sugar, butter, and cream, blended with vanilla for a rich, caramelized flavor.
What is the difference between a caramel macchiato and a caramel brulee latte?
A caramel macchiato is made with vanilla syrup, espresso, steamed milk, and caramel drizzle, while a caramel brulée latte features espresso, milk, and caramel brulée sauce topped with crunchy caramelized sugar bits for a richer, dessert-like flavor.
What does caramel latte taste like?
A caramel latte tastes rich and creamy with smooth espresso, steamed milk, and a sweet buttery caramel flavor. It’s a perfect balance of coffee boldness and dessert-like sweetness.
