Caramel Brulée Latte
This easy homemade caramel brulée latte is a festive, creamy coffee drink topped with a crackly brulée sugar crust. Perfect for holiday mornings or cozy afternoons, it brings coffeehouse luxury to your own kitchen in under 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 shots (2 oz or 60 ml) espresso or very strong brewed coffee
- 8 oz (240 ml) milk (whole, 2%, oat, or almond milk)
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tsp (4 g) raw or turbinado sugar (for brulée topping)
- Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
- 1/4 tsp (1 ml) vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Brew 2 shots (2 oz) of espresso or 1/2 cup (120 ml) very strong coffee using your preferred method (espresso machine, moka pot, French press, or drip brewer on bold).
- Heat 8 oz (240 ml) milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until steaming but not boiling (about 2-3 minutes). Froth the milk using a frother, whisk, or by shaking in a jar until foamy.
- If making homemade caramel sauce: In a dry saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tbsp (36 g) granulated sugar until deep amber. Whisk in 1 tbsp (14 g) butter and 2 tbsp (30 ml) heavy cream. Stir until smooth and let cool slightly.
- In a heatproof mug, add 2 tbsp (30 ml) caramel sauce and 1/4 tsp (1 ml) vanilla extract. Pour in the hot espresso or coffee and stir well.
- Slowly add the frothed milk, holding back the foam with a spoon, then spoon the foam on top.
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream (if using). Sprinkle 1 tsp (4 g) raw sugar evenly over the top.
- Brulée the sugar: Use a kitchen torch to melt and harden the sugar into a glassy crust, or place the mug under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely.
- Garnish with an extra drizzle of caramel and a pinch of sea salt if desired. Let the brulée topping cool for 30 seconds before sipping.
Notes
For a dairy-free version, use oat, almond, or coconut milk and coconut-based caramel sauce and whipped cream. Use decaf coffee for a late-night treat. If you don’t have a kitchen torch, the broiler works—just watch closely. Prep caramel sauce ahead for quick assembly. Taste and adjust sweetness to your preference. For a salted caramel twist, add a pinch of flaky sea salt on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 large mug (about 12 oz)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Protein: 6
Keywords: caramel brulée latte, holiday coffee, homemade latte, caramel latte, brulée coffee, festive drink, coffeehouse recipe, winter beverage, easy latte, Christmas coffee