A strong, aromatic coffee mixed with dreamy caramel brulee sauce (extra points if you make your own!) and creamy milk, all topped off with a generous dollop of whipped cream and even more caramel sauce because why not? This Starbucks caramel brulee latte copycat recipe tastes exactly like the real thing, but it's much cheaper, quicker and easier to make.
There's no Starbucks on the island where I live. So whenever we go somewhere where there is a Starbucks (pretty much every airport, yay!) I always order whatever weird drink they're currently promoting. But whenever I see the Starbucks caramel brulee latte (or a caramel brûlée latte if you're being pedantic) on the menu, I've always got to get it.
Even if the person next to me is ordering a double chocolate chip mocha Oreo frappuccino with strawberry syrup, ice cream, sprinkles and hot fudge sauce (if I had a coffee shop, that would so be at the top of my menu) I'll always order the Starbucks caramel brulee latte because it's just so good.
This recipe only ever seems to appear in the run-up to Christmas, which is lucky for me as that's when I go back to the UK to see family and friends. In London, there's pretty much a Starbucks on every corner, so I never have to walk more than a couple of steps for my caramel caffeine fix.
But if you're like me and don't live anywhere near a Starbucks or aren't rich enough to fork out big bucks every day on over-priced drinks (me neither!) you can use this Starbucks caramel brulee latte to make your own at home. You can follow the recipe word for word to make a drink that tastes just like the original, or tweak it to cut down the calories or omit the dairy. That's the best thing about making stuff at home - you can control every single part of it.
Calories
I'm not going to lie to you. This Starbucks caramel brulee latte isn't health food. The caramel is real full-fat full-sugar caramel. It's not healthy vegan caramel. And the whipped cream on top is real heavy cream. Not some kind of lighter yogurt-based alternative. But if you want a drink that is genuinely similar to what Starbucks offers, you've got to use the proper stuff!
This caramel brulee latte recipe works out at around 260 calories, which is pretty decent. Especially when you consider the original Starbucks caramel latte is 410 calories, according to the Starbucks website.
On another plus side, my recipe cuts sugar and fat wherever possible and definitely makes a smaller cup than what you get from Starbucks. That's probably why it's lower in calories. I mean, seriously - have you ever seen anyone order a 'venti' from there? A cup that size could wake the dead!
There are some ways you can cut down on the calories in this caramel brulee latte recipe if you want to. Start by omitting the whipped cream. Or if the idea of skipping the whipped cream makes you want to cry, you can always just use a small amount. The calorie count allows for around ¼ cup (that's 4 tablespoons) of whipped cream.
You can also lower the calorie count of this caramel brulee latte by being selective about the sauces and syrups you use. Choose a sugar-free caramel brulee sauce and a sugar-free vanilla syrup. This will make your coffee only 120 calories!
Ingredients
There aren't any strange ingredients in this latte. If you like making good coffee drinks at home, you've probably got all the ingredients you need:
- Espresso or strongly brewed coffee - whatever you like to drink at home
- Skim milk - you can use a dairy-free substitute, such as coconut milk or almond milk, but it will affect the flavour
- Caramel sauce
- Vanilla syrup
- Whipped cream
Top tips
Stir the espresso/coffee-milk mixture constantly with a whisk while it's heating up. This way, your caramel brulee latte will be thick and frothy, just like the ones from Starbucks.
We all have different sweetness preference levels. Try adding just a little caramel brulee sauce and vanilla syrup to start off with and taste. You can always add - you can never take away.
Making your own whipped cream instead of using the canned stuff? Good for you! Follow my tips to make the best ever light and fluffy whipped cream.
Storage
Ideally, you should drink this caramel brulee latte straight away, while the milk is frothy and your drink is piping hot. But you can make it in advance, leave it to cool on the counter, then place it in the fridge in a sealed container until you're ready to drink it.
Properly sealed and chilled, your coffee should last up to three days. When you're ready to drink it, heat it back up in the saucepan, whisking away to make it thick. If you don't have time for that, you can always warm it up in the microwave, you just won't get the frothy texture.
Similar recipes
Looking for more Starbucks copycat recipes to make at home? Check out these skinny Starbucks cranberry bliss bars, Starbucks cranberry bliss bars-inspired overnight oats or this Starbucks copycat pumpkin spiced latte.
📖 Recipe
Starbucks Caramel Brulee Latte Copycat
Ingredients
- 1 shot espresso or coffee (around 1.6 floz / 50ml)
- 1 cup skim milk (can use non-dairy)
- 2 tablespoons caramel sauce
- 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup
- whipped cream
- extra caramel sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- Pour the espresso/coffee into a saucepan with the milk. Place over a high heat and whisk constantly until frothy and the milk just begins to boil.
- Take the pan off the heat and stir in the caramel sauce and vanilla syrup.
- Pour the milky coffee into a mug and top with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Sarah @ Sarah's Kitchen
Wow that looks great!
Louise
That caramel brûlée latte looks and sounds amazing. So tempted to go and get some vanilla and caramel syrup and give it a try. I generally prefer Costa too - especially this time of year, am with you on those Black Forest hot chocolates - so yummy! #magicmoments
Carrie @ Time to be an Adult
These look brilliant. I much prefer Costa over Starbucks but try not to go too often...after the sugar/caffine high there's always a crashing low!! #magicmoments
Amanda
Ohhhhh my... these look like a must try!!!
Amanda@TexMexCrafting
This looks super yummy. The Starbucks one is mighty tasty but it gets really expensive over time.
Cristina @ Simply Sophisticated
I never thought of trying Starbucks drinks at home - what a great idea. Looks amazing and easy to do.
Allison
I've been wanting to try this drink but haven't yet! It seems like I'll save some calories and grams of sugar if I make it at home! This looks simple and delicious! Thanks for sharing! 🙂 I found you through the Do Tell Tuesday link party! 🙂
miranda papandreou
One of my Starbucks favorites! I gotta try this! Thanks for linking up at Wake up Wednesday!
Melissa Trombly
This recipe was SPOT. ON. Definitely making it again.... and again..... and again!
Nicola Quinn
Thank you so much, Melissa! Soooo happy you liked it!
Miz Helen
YES PLEASE! This would be a very special treat for me. Thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and have a great day.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
Nicola Quinn
Thanks so much, Helen. I hope you enjoy it!
Brooke
I tryed this because i didn't want to spend the money at Starbucks. IT WAS DELICIOUS! It tasted just like the actual drink, the only difference i made was that i added a tad of white chocolate syrup.
Nicola
Adding white chocolate syrup sounds delicious, Brooke!
Christie
Love that you found a way to make it at home. Even better that way because you can control the sweetness. I find I don't like my coffee drinks as sweet anymore. This is just perfect for me.
Nicola
I know exactly what you mean, Christie. Sometimes a couple of pumps of syrup from a coffee shop can turn a coffee way too sweet!
Lisa | Garlic + Zest
I don't buy those kinds of drinks from Starbucks because of the enormous calorie count -- but doing it myself, I can control the portion and the ingredients! Great idea and your photos are gorgeous!
Nicola
Thanks so much for your super kind words about my photos, Lisa! 🙂 And I know what you mean about the high calorie counts! Sometimes I'm thankful I don't have a Starbucks close to me!
Jamie | The Kitchenarium
I am such a caramel + espresso sucker too. I love that combo! How great I can now make it at home for a fraction of the cost.
Nicola
Caramel & espresso all the way, right?!
Shashi at RunninSrilankan
I live within walking distance of a Starbucks but hate shelling out the big bucks for it so I am so so glad to stumble by this recipe! Thanks so much for this more budget-friendly, homemade version of Starbucks' caramel brulee latte!!
Nicola
Hope you enjoy it as much as I do, Shashi! 🙂
Helene D'Souza
You had me at caramel brulee! I can imagine sipping this at the beach too =D
Nicola
Great idea, Helene!!
Brittany
What brand of caramel sauce makes it taste the same?? I am a caramel freak and can be pretty picky with my sauces haha so whatever u recommend I'd certainly try. This is my absolute favorite latte from Starbucks
Nicola
I know what you mean about being picky, Brittany. I am, too! I always use homemade caramel sauce. But I know Starbucks uses Monin branded syrups. You can buy Monin Caramel Syrup online on Amazon. Here's the link: http://amzn.to/2iM8bO3
Trish
I made this I use a French coffee press to make coffee strong enough I love your creativity I got hooked on this minus the whip cream one day I was out of Carmel I used honey oh my that is almost as awesome as your Carmel in a moment of desperation I discovered honey coffee and milk is really very good
Nicola
Thanks so much, Trish! I bet it was amazing with yummy French press coffee. I'm definitely going to give your recommendation a shot and try it with honey instead of caramel!
Matt
I’m excited to try this. My husband got me a really nice espresso machine but the caramel brûlée is my kryptonite.
And I swear if I hear “you spend more at Starbucks than at Sephora” one more time hahahaha
Jess
Nicola - AMAZING. As always! Curious. Between sorting and enjoying your awesome concoctions, I've yet to find a recipe for caramel sauce? (My homemade vanilla syrup is cost efficient. As a former barista, I picked up more than a few pointers, and the flavor is outstanding if I say so myself.😏) I'd imagine your caramel sauce would be better than anything on the market.
Taylor
Jess,
Can you give me your homemade vanilla syrup recipe please?
Dana
Just made this, spending $6 a few times a week at Starbucks adds up. Pretty delicious copycat recipe!
Kali
Too much milk for me…but almost exactly what I order from Starbucks!
If you are using 1 cup dairy free milk I’d suggest doubling the recipes for the syrups.