Description
This Caramel Macchiato recipe offers a delightful coffeehouse experience at home, combining rich espresso, creamy milk, homemade vanilla syrup, and luscious caramel sauce. Perfect for a cozy morning treat or an afternoon pick-me-up, the layers of flavor blend harmoniously to create a creamy, sweet, and sophisticated coffee beverage.
Ingredients
Scale
Vanilla Syrup
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Caramel Sauce
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Caramel Macchiato
- 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup (store-bought or homemade)
- ¾ cup whole milk (or milk of choice)
- 2 ounces espresso (or strong brewed coffee)
Instructions
- Make the Vanilla Syrup: In a small pot, combine the granulated sugar and water and heat over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, then continue boiling for 8-10 minutes until the syrup thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the syrup cool before using or storing it in the fridge for up to a month.
- Prepare the Caramel Sauce: In another small pot over medium-high heat, combine the brown sugar, whipping cream, salted butter, a pinch of salt, and vanilla extract. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool before storing in a squeeze bottle or airtight container for easy drizzling.
- Froth the Milk: Pour ¾ cup of whole milk (or your choice of milk) into a frother, steam wand, or whisk, and froth until creamy and foamy.
- Assemble the Caramel Macchiato: Pour 1 tablespoon of vanilla syrup into your mug. Add the frothed milk on top of the syrup, filling the mug.
- Add the Espresso: Brew 2 ounces of espresso (or 4 ounces of strong brewed coffee) and gently pour it over the milk. The espresso will create a distinct ‘mark’ or layer atop the milk.
- Drizzle with Caramel Sauce: Finish by drizzling the cooled caramel sauce on top in two circles around the mug’s edge, then create a crosshatch pattern for decoration. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute espresso with strong brewed coffee if you don’t have an espresso machine.
- Store leftover vanilla syrup and caramel sauce in the refrigerator for up to one month.
- For a dairy-free option, use almond milk, oat milk, or any other plant-based milk.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of vanilla syrup and caramel sauce to your taste.
- Use a steam wand or milk frother for best frothing results; a vigorous whisking can be a good alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
