Name: Homemade Caramel Latte
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Cafe‑Style
Ingredients: ½ cup brewed espresso or very strong coffee; 1 cup milk (whole milk, oat milk, almond milk, or choice of milk); 2–3 tbsp caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade); Optional: whipped cream, for topping; Optional: extra caramel sauce for drizzle; Optional: pinch of sea salt (for a salted‑caramel twist)

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A Homemade Caramel Latte is my go-to drink when I want a cozy, café-style treat without leaving the house. It’s rich, smooth, and perfectly sweet — combining espresso (or strong coffee) with steamed milk and luscious caramel sauce. I love how easy it is to make, and once I got the hang of it, I stopped buying them at coffee shops because mine tastes just as good (if not better).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers all the caramel goodness I crave in a warm, creamy cup that feels indulgent but is incredibly easy to whip up. I get to control the sweetness, the milk, and how strong I want my coffee. It’s ready in minutes and makes any morning feel like a special occasion — especially when I top it with a swirl of whipped cream and an extra drizzle of caramel. Homemade Caramel Latte

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Espresso or strong brewed coffee
Milk (whole milk, oat milk, almond milk — whatever I’m in the mood for)
Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Whipped cream (optional, but I highly recommend it)
Extra caramel drizzle for topping
Pinch of sea salt (optional, for a salted caramel twist)

Directions

I brew a strong shot or two of espresso, or about ½ cup of very strong coffee if I don’t have an espresso machine.
While the coffee brews, I heat the milk on the stovetop or microwave until hot, then froth it using a frother, whisk, or blender until it’s nice and foamy.
I stir a spoonful or two of caramel sauce into the hot espresso until it melts completely.
I pour the frothed milk over the caramel coffee mixture, holding back the foam with a spoon and topping it off at the end.
I top with whipped cream and an extra caramel drizzle. If I’m feeling fancy, I sprinkle on a tiny pinch of sea salt.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 1 caramel latte and takes about 5 minutes from start to finish — quicker than waiting in the drive-thru.

Variations

Sometimes I add a splash of vanilla or cinnamon to the milk for a little extra warmth. For an iced version, I pour the coffee and caramel over ice, then add cold frothed milk. I’ve also used flavored syrups like vanilla or hazelnut along with the caramel for a twist. And when I want it extra rich, I use half-and-half instead of milk. Homemade Caramel Latte

Storage/Reheating

This latte is best enjoyed fresh, but I’ve stored leftover coffee-caramel mix in the fridge and reheated it with fresh milk the next day. If I make extra caramel sauce, I store it in a jar in the fridge and warm it up slightly before using again.

FAQs

Can I make this without an espresso machine?

Yes! I use strong brewed coffee or instant espresso powder if I don’t have a machine. It still tastes great.

What’s the best caramel to use?

I like using a thick, buttery caramel sauce — either homemade or a high-quality store-bought one. I warm it slightly so it stirs in smoothly.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Absolutely. I use oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk, and dairy-free whipped topping. The result is just as creamy.

How can I froth milk without a frother?

I shake the hot milk in a jar with a lid, whisk it vigorously by hand, or blend it for a few seconds to get that foam.

Is this drink very sweet?

It can be, but I adjust the amount of caramel to my taste. I start with less and add more if I want it sweeter.

Conclusion

A Homemade Caramel Latte is the ultimate way to bring a touch of comfort and indulgence to any part of the day. I love how simple it is to make, how easy it is to customize, and how it turns my kitchen into my favorite coffee shop. Whether I’m starting my morning or treating myself in the afternoon, this caramel latte always hits the sweet spot.