Why You’ll Love Caramel Vanilla Latte Recipe

It delivers café‑style flavor (rich caramel + smooth vanilla) using simple ingredients.
No espresso machine or milk steamer required — you can make it at home with basic equipment.
It’s customizable: skip the foam, use whipped cream, adjust sweetness, switch milk types.
It gives you the treat feeling without the café price tag.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

French Vanilla liquid coffee creamer (3 tablespoons)
Caramel sauce (2 tablespoons)
Double‑strength hot brewed coffee (⅔ cup)
Milk (1 cup — 2% used here)
Optional: whipped cream and additional caramel sauce for topping

Directions

In a large 14‑oz coffee mug (or similar size), add the vanilla creamer and caramel sauce. Pour in the hot brewed coffee and stir until the caramel is mostly dissolved.
In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat. While heating, whisk or beat constantly (e.g., with an egg beater or whisk) to create foam. Heat until the milk is hot (but not boiling).
Remove from heat. Pour the hot milk slowly into the coffee mug, using a large spoon to hold back the foam as you pour. Once the milk is poured, spoon the foam on top.
If desired, top with whipped cream and drizzle additional caramel sauce over the foam or whipped cream.
Serve immediately, while hot.

Servings and timing

Yield: Enough to fill one large (about 14 oz) coffee mug with room for foam or whipped cream.
Active prep time: ~5 minutes
Heating and frothing milk: ~3–4 minutes
Total time: ~8–10 minutes

Variations

Use a different creamer flavor (hazelnut, vanilla bean, salted caramel) for a twist.
Swap milk for almond, oat, or soy milk if preferred (note: frothing may differ).
Skip the foam and use whipped cream instead for a richer top.
Add a pinch of sea salt into the drink and on top of the caramel drizzle for a salted‑caramel version.
Make an iced version: chill the coffee, use cold milk or milk alternative, pour over ice, top with whipped cream and caramel.
Increase the caramel sauce for a sweeter punch, or reduce for less sweetness.
For extra foam without a whisk: shake hot milk in a tightly‑sealed jar vigorously until frothy, then pour.

Storage/Reheating

This drink is best enjoyed immediately while hot and foamy.
If you have leftover (though foam will lose texture), cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours.
To reheat: warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently; avoid microwave if foam present (it will collapse).
Foam will degrade on standing; for best experience, re‑froth or add fresh foam/milk before serving again.

FAQs

What size mug should I use?

A mug around 14 ounces works well for this recipe — it gives space for milk, foam or whipped cream, and toppings.

Can I use regular coffee instead of double‑strength?

Yes — but using double‑strength brewed coffee ensures the flavor holds up when you add milk and creamer. If you use regular strength, the coffee taste may be milder.

Do I need an espresso machine?

No. This recipe uses brewed coffee rather than espresso, which makes it accessible without specialized equipment.

How do I make foam without a milk steamer?

Heat milk gently in a saucepan and whisk vigorously (or use a handheld frother, egg beater, or jar shaking method) until it becomes frothy before pouring.

Can I use a non‑dairy milk?

Absolutely. Almond, oat, soy or other plant‑based milks work fine. Note that frothing behavior may vary depending on the milk.

How sweet is this latte?

It’s reasonably sweet due to the vanilla creamer and caramel sauce. You can reduce caramel or choose a less sweet creamer if you prefer lower sweetness.

Can I skip the whipped cream or the foam?

Yes. You can simply serve the drink after mixing the coffee, caramel and creamer, then add hot milk without frothing, or top with whipped cream instead of foam.

How do I make an iced version of this latte?

Brew coffee and chill it. In a glass over ice, add caramel sauce and vanilla creamer, pour in the chilled coffee, add cold milk, and stir. Top with whipped cream and caramel drizzle if desired.

Is the caramel sauce from scratch required?

No — you can use store‑bought caramel sauce for convenience. If you’d like to make your own caramel sauce, feel free — the recipe will work either way.

Can I adjust the strength of the coffee flavor?

Yes — to make the coffee flavor stronger, use more double‑strength coffee or less milk. To make it milder, use regular strength brewing or increase the milk volume slightly.

Conclusion

This Caramel Vanilla Latte offers a delightful treat you can whip up at home using everyday ingredients and minimal tools. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly morning or indulging mid‑afternoon, it brings café flair without the café price. Customize it to your taste, skip the foam if you like, go non‑dairy if needed, and enjoy a delicious, rich caramel‑vanilla coffee experience.