If you’re someone obsessed with cozy vibes and cafe-quality drinks, yet a fan of making their personalized versions in pajamas at home, then you’re in for a treat. Caramel Brulee Latte is a drink with that indulgent feel, but is surprisingly simple to whip up. And here’s the best part: you can recreate this scrumptious toasty drink your way, even better than Starbucks, in your kitchen with just a few pantry staples.
Let’s break it down and stir things up!
What Is a Caramel Brulee Latte?
It is a coffee-based drink that uses a shot (or two) of espresso with caramel brulee sauce and steamed milk. At Starbucks, they usually top it with whipped cream and caramel.
this drink’s name comes from a French dessert crème brûlée which has cream at its base and a sugary topping, but this latte version has espresso for a caffeine boost.
What’s In a Caramel Brulee Latte?
Here’s what usually goes into a caramel brulee latte:
- Espresso: The Heart of the drink is espresso. It is strong and balances the sweetness
- Caramel Brulee Sauce: All the magic happens here. It’s rich and has that deep caramelized sugar taste
- Steamed Milk: To mellow things out and add that creamy latte texture
- Whipped Cream: Because…why not?
- Caramel Brulee Topping: Little bits of crunchy caramel that sit on top and make every sip feel special
Our barista recommends making your own caramel sauce if you have the time; it gives the drink a homemade twist that store-bought syrups can’t match.
Taste Profile:
A caramel brulee latte is usually sweet, but the caramel brulee sauce brings in a smoky undertone to bring in a bit of complexity and cut the overwhelming sweetness. When these flavors combine with espresso and warm milk, it feels luxurious, but not too overwhelming. Your taste buds would be treated with:
- Buttery caramel notes
- Slight toasty sugar depth
- Creamy milkiness
- A mild coffee kick
If you’re someone who normally prefers your coffee not too sweet, you can adjust the caramel sauce or skip the topping. But if you are someone with a sweet tooth? This latte has got your back.
Caramel Brulee Latte Calories
Starbucks Version:
A grande (16 oz) Starbucks Caramel Brulee Latte with 2% milk and crowned with whipped cream hits about:
- 410 calories
- 49g sugar
- 14g fat
That’s for sure on the indulgent side, but hey, it’s a treat!
Homemade Version:
If you make it at home, you can easily cut that down while still keeping the flavor. For example:
- Use low-fat or oat milk
- Control the caramel sauce quantity
- Skip or lightly dollop the whipped cream
- Try using a sugar-free caramel syrup
A DIY version comes in at around 200–250 calories, based on the swaps you make. Not bad for something that tastes like dessert in a cup, right?
What’s the Difference Between a Caramel Macchiato and a Caramel Brulee Latte?
We get this question all the time!
Both drinks are caramel-forward and milk-based, but there are a few key differences:
| Feature | Caramel Macchiato | Caramel Brulee Latte |
| Espresso Placement | Poured on top | Mixed into the milk |
| Sauce Type | Vanilla syrup + Caramel drizzle | Caramel Brulee sauce |
| Flavor | Slightly less sweet, layered flavor | Sweeter, richer caramel depth |
| Toppings | Caramel drizzle | Whipped cream + caramel brulee bits |
The caramel macchiato is normally more “espresso-forward” since it has coffee on the top. The brulee latte, on the other hand, is more on the creamier side and it is about that deep caramel goodness making it more like a dessert in a cup.
Caramel Brulee Latte Starbucks Recipe
Ready to have that cozy cafe energy into your kitchen? Let’s make our own caramel brulee latte, no fancy barista training required.
Ingredients:
- 1–2 shots espresso
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp caramel sauce
- Whipped cream (optional, but encouraged!)
- Toffee bits or crushed caramel candy (for that signature crunch)
Optional Homemade Caramel Sauce:
If you’re feeling adventurous, our barista recommends this simple caramel:
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- Pinch of sea salt
In a saucepan, heat sugar until it’s golden. Then add butter and slowly pour in cream. Let it bubble until smooth and thick. Cool and store.
Steps:
- Make espresso or coffee, brew up 1–2 shots of strong coffee, and then pour into your favorite mug
- Warm the milk, steam or gently heat your milk on the stove or in the microwave
- Mix in caramel, stir the caramel sauce into the hot milk until dissolved
- Combine and pour the caramel-milk mixture over espresso
- Top it off, add whipped cream and sprinkle crushed toffee or caramel bits on top
Here you get your own Starbucks-style caramel brulee latte, no drive-thru needed.
What to Add to a Caramel Brulee Latte?
Our barista has a few twists to recommend if you’re feeling a bit adventurous with your morning brulee latte and want to make it your way.
- Add a Dash of Sea Salt
A bit of flaky salt on top cuts through the sweetness and gives it that salted caramel vibe
- Swap the Milk
Try oat milk for a naturally sweet finish or almond milk for a slightly nuttier taste
- Extra Espresso
Need a stronger caffeine kick? Add a second (or third, we’re not judging) shot
- Spice It Up
Cinnamon or nutmeg adds a warm, fall-inspired twist. Just a little pinch will do
- Drizzle with Chocolate
Yes, caramel + chocolate = latte bliss.
Final Sip
A caramel brulee latte brings both comfort and caffeine to the cup, making it an all-rounder. You can have it any time of the day, and when making it at home, you can make it more like a dessert some days, or add an extra shot of espresso and cut down on sugar to make it into an espresso-forward drink on other days. We love it because it’s fancy without being fussy, rich without being cloying and highly customizable.
Plus, once you try making it at home, you might just skip the Starbucks line altogether (or at least… sometimes). It’s that easy, and honestly kind of empowering to whip up your own cozy café moment without even changing out of your pajamas. From our team of coffee geeks to you, cheers to sweet sips and homemade happiness.
Our barista recommends:
- Pair your latte with a buttery croissant or a piece of dark chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
- Try it with a double shot of espresso when you feel like ‘single won’t do for today.
- Spice it up with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to make it fall-perfect.
Craving to explore more fancier options? Try our rich and indulgent Cookies and Cream Frappuccino or give a shot to a robust Double Shot Espresso for days that call for extra boost.