Starbucks Iced Caramel Brulée Latte at Home -

If you've ever craved Starbucks' seasonal Iced Caramel Brulée Latte but didn't want to leave home or spend café prices, you'll love making this coffeehouse favorite in your own kitchen. You'll discover how simple ingredients can transform your regular coffee into a luxurious drink that rivals the original. With just a few key steps and the right techniques, you'll reveal the secrets to creating this rich, caramel-infused beverage that's perfect for any time of year.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Brew a double shot of espresso or strong coffee and mix with 2 tablespoons caramel sauce and 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup.
Pour mixture over ice with 1 cup cold milk of choice (whole milk recommended for creaminess).
Top with whipped cream and crushed toffee bits or caramel brulée pieces for authentic texture.
Add an extra drizzle of caramel sauce on top for the signature Starbucks appearance.
Save money by using simple grocery store ingredients to recreate this seasonal favorite at home.

Why you'll love this recipe

Whether you're a coffee enthusiast or simply love Starbucks drinks, this homemade Iced Caramel Brulée Latte recipe will become your new favorite.

You'll save money by skipping the coffee shop trips while still enjoying that signature caramel-coffee taste you crave. Plus, you can customize the sweetness and strength to match your preferences perfectly.

Making this drink at home means you'll always have your favorite beverage ready when you want it, without waiting in long lines or dealing with busy baristas.

The simple ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store, and you'll love how quickly you can whip up this cafe-quality drink.

Best of all, you can impress your friends and family with your barista skills while serving them this delicious, coffee-house inspired creation.

[DIRECTIONS]:

Ingredient notes

While gathering ingredients for your homemade Iced Caramel Brulée Latte might seem intimidating, you'll find that most items are readily available at your local grocery store.

Your coffee base can be either espresso from a machine or strong brewed coffee, while the milk choice is flexible – whole milk creates the creamiest texture, but almond or oat milk work well for dairy-free options.

For the caramel sauce, you'll get great results from store-bought varieties, though homemade adds an extra special touch. The vanilla syrup adds depth to the drink's flavor profile, and you can find it in most grocery stores.

Don't worry if you can't find specific caramel brulée topping – crushed toffee bits make an excellent substitute. Additionally, consider pairing your latte with infused water to enhance hydration and promote overall wellness while enjoying your beverage.

Origin of the recipe

Starbucks introduced the Caramel Brulée Latte as a seasonal holiday beverage in 2009, quickly becoming a fan favorite among coffee enthusiasts.

You'll find that this drink was inspired by the classic French dessert crème brûlée, which features a delicate caramelized sugar top over creamy custard.

The drink's signature elements include:

Rich espresso blended with steamed milk for a velvety base
Sweet caramel sauce that creates ribbons of golden flavor
Distinctive brûlée topping that adds a satisfying crunch
Whipped cream crown that melts perfectly into the drink

When Starbucks created this recipe, they wanted to capture the essence of holiday indulgence in a cup.

You can now recreate this beloved seasonal treat year-round at home, enjoying the same comforting flavors that made it a winter menu staple.

How to make the recipe

You'll start by brewing your hot double espresso shot and stirring in the caramel sauce and vanilla syrup until well combined.

Next, you'll pour in your cold milk of choice and add plenty of ice cubes, giving everything a thorough stir to chill the drink completely.

Finally, you'll top your creation with a generous sprinkle of crushed toffee or caramel brulée pieces, making it look just like the cafe version.

Step 1. Brew Hot Double Espresso Shot

To begin crafting your iced caramel brulée latte, you'll need to pull a double shot of espresso using either an espresso machine or a strong coffee alternative.

If you're using an espresso machine, make sure it's properly warmed up and loaded with freshly ground coffee beans for the best results. For those without an espresso maker, you can brew extra-strong coffee using your preferred method.

Grind your coffee beans to a fine consistency, similar to table salt.
Add the grounds to your espresso machine's portafilter, tamping them down firmly.
Place your cup under the spout and start the extraction process.
Watch as the rich, dark espresso flows into your cup, creating lovely crema on top.

Don't worry if your espresso isn't perfect – the caramel and milk will help balance the flavors.

Step 2. Add Caramel And Vanilla

Now that your espresso is ready, it's time to incorporate the signature flavors that make this drink so irresistible.

Start by adding 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce to your hot espresso, stirring until it's completely dissolved. Next, pour in 1 tablespoon of vanilla syrup, which adds a subtle sweetness and depth to your drink.

Make certain you're using high-quality caramel sauce for the best results – you'll notice the difference in taste.

If you'd like your drink a bit sweeter, you can adjust the amount of caramel sauce to your preference. The key is to mix these ingredients while the espresso is still hot, as this helps the flavors blend together perfectly and guarantees the caramel sauce doesn't clump at the bottom of your glass.

Step 3. Add Cold Milk

After blending your espresso with the caramel and vanilla flavors, the next step brings a creamy coolness to your drink.

Pour one cup of your preferred cold milk into the mixture, whether you're using whole milk, almond milk, or oat milk. The milk will transform your coffee into a silky, invigorating beverage that's perfect for hot summer days.

Watch as the milk creates beautiful swirls when it meets the coffee mixture
Notice how the caramel sauce starts to create delicate ribbons throughout
See the drink's color transform into a lovely light brown shade
Observe the way the milk adds a luxurious, velvety texture

For the best results, stir gently but thoroughly to guarantee all ingredients combine perfectly, creating that signature Starbucks smoothness you love.

Step 4. Add Ice and Stir

With your drink mixture ready, it's time to transform it into a perfectly chilled beverage by adding a generous amount of ice cubes.

Fill your glass about two-thirds full with ice, making sure you've left enough room for the liquid to move freely when stirring. Using a long spoon, gently stir the mixture for about 30 seconds, allowing the ice to cool the drink evenly and create that signature café-style chill.

As you stir, you'll notice the drink becoming noticeably colder and slightly lighter in color as the ingredients blend together.

Don't worry if some of the ice starts to melt – this actually helps achieve the ideal temperature and consistency.

Once everything's well combined, your drink is ready for the final touches.

Step 5. Top With Crushed Toffee

The final flourish for your iced caramel brulée latte comes from sprinkling a generous layer of crushed toffee or caramel brulée topping across the surface.

You'll want to guarantee the topping is finely crushed to create that signature Starbucks texture and prevent any large chunks from disrupting your sipping experience.

Crush your toffee pieces between two pieces of parchment paper using a rolling pin.
Sprinkle the crushed topping evenly across the drink's surface.
Add an extra drizzle of caramel sauce in a circular pattern.
Tap the glass gently to help the toppings settle into the foam.

Don't worry if some of the toppings sink into your drink – they'll create delicious caramel-flavored pockets throughout your latte as you enjoy it.

If you liked this you may also like

Since you enjoy making this invigorating caramel brulée latte at home, you'll love trying other Starbucks-inspired drinks like the Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso, Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew, or Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam Cold Brew.

Each of these beverages offers its own unique twist on classic coffee flavors, letting you explore different combinations of sweetness and creaminess.

The Brown Sugar Oat drink provides a plant-based option with warm, caramel notes, while the Vanilla Sweet Cream adds a silky layer of indulgence to smooth cold brew.

If you're craving fall flavors, the Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam brings together aromatic spices with velvety cold foam, creating a seasonal treat you can enjoy year-round. Additionally, consider refreshing yourself with a Christmas Zesty Lemon Thyme Holiday Water Infusion for a hydrating and delicious alternative during the festive season.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does Homemade Caramel Sauce Last in the Refrigerator?

Your homemade caramel sauce will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks.

You'll know it's still good if the color remains consistent and there's no sign of mold.

Before using your refrigerated caramel sauce, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then give it a quick stir to restore its smooth texture.

Can I Use Cold Brew Coffee Instead of Espresso?

You can absolutely use cold brew coffee instead of espresso in your drink!

Cold brew's smooth, less acidic flavor profile works wonderfully in iced beverages, and you'll still get that rich coffee taste you're looking for.

Just substitute an equal amount of cold brew concentrate for the espresso, adjusting the strength to your preference by adding more or less water when brewing.

Where Can I Buy Caramel Brulée Topping?

You can find caramel brulée topping at specialty coffee shops, kitchen supply stores, or major retailers like Target and Walmart during the holiday season.

If you can't locate it, try online marketplaces like Amazon or specialty food websites.

As an alternative, you can make your own by crushing toffee bits or hard caramel candies, or use store-bought toffee bits found in the baking aisle.

Is This Drink Available Year-Round at Starbucks?

No, you won't find the Caramel Brulée Latte at Starbucks year-round.

It's actually one of their seasonal holiday beverages that typically appears in stores from November through early January.

During the rest of the year, you'll need to make it at home or try similar drinks like their regular Caramel Latte.

When it does return for the holiday season, you'll find it available both hot and iced.

What's the Calorie Count for This Homemade Version?

Your homemade version's calorie count will vary based on your ingredient choices, but you're looking at approximately 250-300 calories when made with whole milk and regular caramel sauce.

You can reduce the calories by using almond milk (down to about 180-200 calories) or opting for sugar-free syrups.

The biggest calorie contributors are the caramel sauce and milk, so adjusting these will have the most impact.

Conclusion

You'll find this homemade Starbucks Iced Caramel Brulée Latte recipe both rewarding and budget-friendly. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you're now equipped to create this beloved drink whenever the craving strikes. Don't be afraid to adjust the sweetness or coffee strength to match your preferences. Whether it's a morning pick-me-up or afternoon treat, you'll love having this café-quality drink right at your fingertips.