Homemade Caramel Latte (5 Minutes!) - Fork In The Kitchen

Are you ready for the most delectable, irresistible, and satisfying homemade caramel latte that there ever was?!

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I tend to go in phases when it comes to food (or drink), and lattes are no exception. First, it was the vanilla latte, which is hands-down still the best vanilla latte around, but let me tell you. A caramel latte made with my homemade caramel simple syrup is actually outta this world good – and better than anything you’re gonna find at a coffee shop.

This latte recipe definitely fits the bill when you’re in the mood for a rich, buttery, creamy drink. Using my easy at-home latte method, which requires no fancy equipment or machines, you can DIY lattes whenever your mood strikes.

Looking for an iced version? Check out my iced caramel latte recipe here.

Spotlight: Caramel Simple Syrup

A caramel latte is all about the caramel! Hands down, my homemade caramel simple syrup is a GAME CHANGER. I don’t say that lightly – it truly makes the best caramel latte around. 1,000 times better than anything store-bought, I promise.

Make it ahead of time and have homemade lattes all week long – it keeps in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, if it lasts that long. You could also substitute a classic caramel syrup that’s used for ice cream, but note that it’s thicker and will need to melt in the milk.

Let’s Make a Caramel Latte at Home

Making a caramel latte is really not much different than making a regular homemade latte; you just add that delicious caramel syrup to it!

Step 1: Make Espresso at Home Without a Machine

Espresso is traditionally made using an espresso machine, which sends pressurized water through very finely ground coffee that is packed together, resulting in rich espresso coffee with crema.

But can you make espresso at home without a machine? Yes, there are a few ways you can still achieve espresso—or espresso-like coffee—at home for your homemade lattes.

• Strongly Brewed Coffee: an easy option! You will need less water in your coffee-to-water ratio when brewing coffee. The general recommendation is a 15:1 ratio of water to coffee for a strong brew. Ultimately, it depends on your preferences.
• Instant Espresso

Find more options for espresso in my homemade latte post!

Step 2: Froth the Milk

First things first, I recommend using whole milk for the best froth, or oat milk for a dairy free option.

My favorite way to froth milk at home is to heat milk in a mason jar.

• Add the milk to the jar and heat it in the microwave without the lid until hot.
• Add the caramel syrup (caramel sauce is shown in the photo below), then top the jar with a lid and shake it vigorously (while dancing…because happiness makes better lattes) until it’s doubled in size and foamy.

Please keep these tips in mind when you use the mason jar method for making frothed milk:

• Do not microwave the lid. It’s metal and cannot be microwaved.
• Carefully remove the jar from the microwave, and use a towel or potholders to prevent burning your hands.
• Carefully remove the lid from the jar, pulling it slowly to avoid any pressure that may have accumulated. I like to use a towel to remove it, just in case there is any splatter or excess heat.

If you don’t have a lid for your jar, heat the milk in a small saucepan. Then, use a whisk to froth the milk, vigorously whisking until it becomes foamy. You can also use a handheld milk frother.

See my homemade latte post for more tips on how to foam milk at home.

Once the milk is frothed, pour it on top of the espresso in your mug, spooning out any remaining foam from the jar. P.S. If you‘d like extra caramel, drizzle more into the mug before pouring your latte.

Be Extra!

If we’re looking at technicalities, then technically speaking, there isn’t whipped cream on lattes. But we all know that whipped cream is an exceptionally delicious topping on caramel lattes – and don’t forget the extra caramel drizzle!

Did you make this recipe? Please leave a star rating and review in the form below. I appreciate your feedback, and it helps others, too!

5 (9 ratings)

Get the Recipe How to Make a Caramel Latte

Prep: 1 minute minCook: 4 minutes minsTotal: 5 minutes mins Servings: 1 latte Print Pin Rate Making a hot caramel latte at home has never been easier – or more delicious – thanks to this easy homemade caramel syrup and my easy latte method that requires no special equipment! You'll have a coffee-shop-worthy coffee at home in just 5 minutes! 1/2x1x2x3x

Ingredients

Latte

• ▢ 3 ounces espresso (2 shots), or ½ cup strong coffee
• ▢ 6 ounces whole milk, or milk of choice
• ▢ 2 Tablespoons caramel syrup, or caramel sauce

Equipment

• ▢ 16-Ounce Wide Mouth Mason Jar
• ▢ Handheld Frother Wand optional
• ▢ Double-Wall Glass Coffee Mugs

Instructions

1. Brew espresso or strong coffee as desired, and pour into a mug.3 ounces espresso (2 shots)
2. Pour milk and caramel syrup into a 12 ounce or larger mason jar. Microwave for 1 ½ minutes. Depending on your microwave, you may need to continue heating in 30-second increments up to another minute. You want the milk hot, but not boiling. 6 ounces whole milk, 2 Tablespoons caramel syrup
3. Carefully remove the jar of milk from the microwave; you may need to use a towel or potholder as it will be hot. Put the lid on the mason jar, and shake vigorously for 30 seconds to 1 minute until doubled in size. See notes below for additional frothing methods.
4. Continue using a towel or potholder while holding the jar and remove the lid carefully, being aware of any pressure that may have built up in the jar. Pour it into the mug of espresso, and top with any foam that remains in the jar. Serve immediately with whipped cream and additional caramel drizzle, if desired.

Notes

• Caramel: you can use the classic caramel syrup (like simple syrup) or caramel sauce – like the ice cream topping. Both can be store-bought if needed.
• Use caution when shaking and opening the mason jar! Make sure the lid is on tight, use a towel or pot holder to hold the jar as needed, and open the lid carefully (I again, use a towel in hand).
• Additional frothing methods: 
  • Use a milk frother wand
  • Shake the jar of milk before microwaving. Make sure the milk doubles in size before microwaving, then once heated, immediately pour it into your espresso.
  • Heat milk in a saucepan on the stovetop (or again in the microwave) then use a whisk to froth the milk. 
• Strong Coffee: if using strongly brewed coffee instead of espresso, consider using more coffee/less milk for a more latte-like coffee-forward flavor.

Calories: 228kcal, Carbohydrates: 34g, Protein: 8g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 27mg, Sodium: 231mg, Potassium: 432mg, Sugar: 34g, Vitamin A: 403IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 300mg, Iron: 1mg Course: BeverageAuthor: Becca MillsCuisine: American Did you make this recipe?Please leave a star rating and review in the form below. I appreciate your feedback, and it helps others, too!

The post “4 Ways to Make a Homemade Lattes” was originally published in March 2017; in May 2022 each latte was re-published as individual posts.