Nothing quite compares to that first sip of a Salted Caramel Latte on a brisk morning, where the sweet and salty flavors dance together in perfect harmony. Unfortunately, not all of us have the luxury of a skilled barista living in our kitchen. But fear not, with a little guidance and the right ingredients, you can whip up your own gourmet Salted Caramel Latte at home, turning your kitchen into your new favorite coffee shop.
The first time I tasted a Salted Caramel Latte, it was love at first sip.
The blend of rich espresso, creamy milk, gooey caramel, and that surprising touch of salt creates a symphony of flavors that's just too good to reserve for special cafe visits alone.
My kitchen experiments began with enthusiasm, a borrowed espresso machine, and more caramel sauce than anyone should have on hand. It was a journey of trial, error, and sticky counters, but eventually, I found the perfect balance that would bring this café favorite into the comfort of my own home.
It's my go-to treat for family breakfasts on the weekend, a sweet surprise for friends who drop by, and, sometimes, a comforting companion for those quiet moments of solitude. Let me walk you through each step so you, too, can savor the warmth and sweetness of a Salted Caramel Latte anytime the craving strikes.
Ingredients
- Salted Caramel Sauce: This is the star of the show, adding that irresistible sweet and salty kick to your latte. If you're adventurous, making your own caramel sauce allows you to control the sweetness and saltiness to your liking. However, store-bought works just fine for those busy mornings or when convenience is key. For a healthier twist, consider a lower-sugar option or even a vegan caramel sauce made with coconut milk!
- Hot Milk: The creamy base that carries our delightful flavors. While whole milk gives the richest taste, don't hesitate to swap it out with your preferred alternative. Almond, oat, and soy milk are excellent dairy-free options that lend their own unique notes to the latte. Just remember, the creamier the milk, the more indulgent your latte will be.
- Espresso Coffee: The robust foundation that balances the sweetness of the caramel with its deep, rich coffee flavor. A shot of espresso from your home machine or a stovetop espresso maker does the trick beautifully. No espresso machine? No problem! Strong brewed coffee from a French press or even a drip coffee maker can substitute in a pinch, though the flavor profile may be slightly different.
For Topping:
- Whipped Cream: What's a decadent latte without a dollop of whipped cream on top? It adds a luxurious texture and a beautiful presentation. If you're looking for alternatives, coconut whipped cream is a fantastic dairy-free option that's just as fluffy and satisfying.
- Caramel Sauce: A final drizzle of caramel sauce not only makes your latte Instagram-worthy but also reinforces that gooey caramel goodness with every sip. Feel free to use the same caramel sauce as in the drink for consistency or experiment with different types for varying sweetness levels and textures.
Tips and Tricks
- Master the Art of Milk Frothing: Whether you're using a fancy frother, a small whisk, or shaking it up in a jar, getting your milk to that creamy, dreamy frothiness makes all the difference. Warm your milk gently before frothing to achieve the best texture, and if using non-dairy milk, oat milk tends to froth beautifully, giving you that café-quality finish.
- Espresso Quality Matters: The heart of any latte lies in its espresso. If you're using a machine, experiment with different beans to find your perfect match. No machine? No worries! A strong brew from a French press (or even your coffee maker) using finely ground coffee can stand in admirably.
- The Right Salt Makes a Difference: When adding salt to your caramel sauce or latte, opt for a flaky sea salt over table salt. The delicate crunch and burst of flavor from something like Maldon Sea Salt elevates the drink from great to unforgettable.
- Sweetness to Your Liking: The beauty of making your own Salted Caramel Latte at home is tailoring it to your taste. Start with less caramel sauce and add to taste—remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it out once it's in there!
- Get Creative with Toppings: While whipped cream and a caramel drizzle are classic, don't be afraid to add your own twist. A sprinkle of cinnamon, a dash of cocoa powder, or even a few salted caramel bits can add an extra layer of flavor and fun to your latte.
More Drink Recipes to Try
- Dirty Chai Latte: This drink marries the spicy warmth of traditional chai with a bold espresso zing—truly a match made in heaven for those who love a little adventure in their cup.
- Crockpot Hot Chocolate: It doesn't get any better than when you have the creamiest hot chocolate gently simmering away, ready to bring smiles to the whole family.
- Iced Mocha Latte: It’s a blissful blend of rich chocolate and robust coffee, served over ice, turning your patio into the coolest cafe in town.
- Chocolate Mint Latte: This Chocolate Mint Latte is your ticket to starting your day on a refreshingly sweet note. It combines the comfort of chocolate with a whisper of minty freshness.
Salted Caramel Latte
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon salted caramel sauce
- 4 ounces hot milk
- 2 ounces espresso coffee
- For Topping: Whipped Cream Caramel Sauce, Maldon Sea Salt
Instructions
- Place the caramel sauce in a serving glass. (I like to drizzle it down the sides.)
- Prepare the steamed milk and carefully add to the serving glass. Add in brewed espresso.
- Alternatively, used the De’Longhi Eletta Cappuccino machine on the Cafe Latte Setting. Simply place the caramel in the cup and press the button!
- Top with whipped cream and caramel sauce and serve warm.
Robin Rue
Ooooh. I can't wait to make this. I love fancy lattes.
Wendy Polisi
Hope you enjoy it as much as I did Robin!
*Wendy Polisi*
*https://wendypolisi.com *
Hyla @hylaandpeterechols.com
This is great for when having people over!!!
Wendy Polisi
For sure! A great easy way to take things to the next level.
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Wendy Polisi
Wendy Polisi
For sure Jill!
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Wendy Polisi
mail4rosey
You wouldn't hear me complaining if this made its way to my kitchen. I'd love to make salted caramel lattes aat home too!
TColeman
This is one of my favorite drinks. I love that I would be able to make it at home!
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle
That sounds so amazing! I love flavored coffees like this, but I've never tried making one at home. This would save me a TON of money.
Heather - Heartfully Heather
Okay that looks really good! I really need a machine like that! I have a Kerig, but this is so much better.
Tyler
Perfect for the sweet coffee lover <3
xoxo
Tyler
http://www.feeltheesunlight.com/
Destany
You had me at "salted caramel." I'll try anything salted caramel 🙂 Making it a latte is definitely a plus.
Ann Bacciaglia
This drink looks so delicious. I wish I had this machine at my house. I could make a ton of different drinks.
Run For Life
Yum. This sounds like a great drink. I love me some flavored coffee. I haven't tried salted caramel but plain caramel is my favorite.
Lisa Marie Heath
You pretty much have all my favorites in one drink here. I'm a salted caramel lover and coffee is my best friend. This looks so delicious
Dawn Gibson-Thigpen
i love a good salted caramel latte. it is so satisfying. lol
Shannon Graham
you literally can NEVER go wrong with salted caramel. I would LOVE a cup of this right now.