Indulge in this decadent Caramel Macchiato recipe
Welcome to my copycat recipe of the beloved Starbucks Caramel Macchiato! This recipe has been crafted with love and attention to detail, to provide you with a taste that is just like the original but without leaving the comfort of your own home.
If you are like me, and love nothing more than grabbing your favorite drink at a coffee shop, then this recipe is perfect for you. Not only will it save you money, but it’s also easy to make and customizable according to your taste.
With a perfect balance of espresso shots, steamed milk, vanilla syrup, and caramel sauce, this recipe is one for the books. Its velvety texture and aromatic flavor make it an indulgent treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth craving.
So grab your apron, get your coffee mug ready, and let’s dive into making this delicious caramel macchiato copycat recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Picture this: you’re at home, craving a caramel macchiato from your favorite coffee shop. The only problem is, you don’t want to leave the house. You could settle for a regular cup of coffee, or you could take matters into your own hands and make a copycat Starbucks caramel macchiato right in your own kitchen. And let me tell you – once you try this recipe, you’ll never go back to settling for just any old cup of coffee.
What makes this recipe so special? For one thing, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can have your very own handmade vanilla-flavored latte with rich undertones of caramel goodness. But that’s not all – it’s also customizable to your liking. Want an iced caramel macchiato? No problem. Looking for a way to make it vegan? Simply swap out the milk for almond or oat milk.
But perhaps the best thing about this recipe is that it tastes just like the real thing from Starbucks. You don’t have to wait in line or pay an arm and a leg for that delicious caramel flavor – you can enjoy it in the comfort of your own home and impress your friends with your barista skills.
So why will you love this recipe? Because it’s easy, customizable, and oh-so-delicious. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to settling for anything less than a perfect caramel macchiato made just the way you like it.
Ingredient List
Here are all the ingredients you’ll need to make this copycat Starbucks Caramel Macchiato:
- 1 cup of milk
- 2 shots of espresso (2 oz)
- 1 tablespoon of caramel sauce
- 2 tablespoons of vanilla syrup
You can use whatever type of milk you like, including oat milk or almond milk for a vegan option! Make sure to choose a vanilla flavored syrup for the most authentic taste. Don’t have an espresso machine? No worries! You could use strong coffee instead by making it extra potent.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we’ve discussed why this Caramel Macchiato Copycat Recipe is worth trying, let’s dive into how to make it. Trust me, it’s simpler than you think.
Ingredients
First off, gather your ingredients. For this copycat recipe, you will need:
– 1 cup of milk of your choice
– 2 shots of espresso or 2 ounces of strong coffee
– 1 tablespoon of vanilla syrup
– 1 tablespoon of caramel sauce
Making the Espresso and Milk Mixture
To make the espresso and milk mixture, pour the vanilla syrup and caramel sauce in the bottom of your cup. Next, steam and froth the milk until it reaches your desired consistency. Pour the steamed milk over the caramel and vanilla syrup in the cup, holding back any foam with a spoon until the cup is nearly full.
Add two shots of espresso or two ounces of strong coffee on top of the steamed milk. By adding this on top, it creates layers that mimic those made with espresso machines.
Finally, add foam to fill to the brim, drizzle caramel sauce on top of the foam for a finishing touch.
Making an Iced Caramel Macchiato
If you’re in more an iced drink kind-of-mood, then simply replace steamed milk with cold milk over ice cubes. Start by pouring vanilla syrup and caramel sauce in a glass filled with ice cubes. Add chilled milk leaving about one-third space at the top for espresso or coffee. Finally, add two shots of espresso or two ounces of strong coffee to fill to full.
Optional Whipped Cream Topping
Want to amp up your Caramel Macchiato? Top with whipped cream! Using an electric mixer, mix heavy cream at high speed until soft peaks form, then add a teaspoon or two of sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Add the whipped cream to your drink or spoon it into a plastic bag or pastry bag to pipe it into beautiful designs.
Once you have your drink and your topping as desired, sit back, take a sip, and enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are a few ways to play around with the ingredients of this copycat Starbucks Caramel Macchiato recipe. Here are some substitutions and variations to try:
– Milk: You can use any type of milk you like, including oat, almond, or soy milk. The type of milk you choose will affect the flavor and texture of the drink.
– Syrup: If you don’t have vanilla syrup, you can use any flavored syrup you like. Caramel syrup or hazelnut syrup would be delicious in this recipe.
– Espresso: If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can make strong coffee and use that instead. Just make sure it’s strong enough to stand up to the milk and syrup.
– Caramel sauce: If you don’t have caramel sauce, you can make your own by melting sugar in a saucepan until it turns golden brown. Then add cream and stir until smooth. You can also use store-bought caramel ice cream topping instead.
– Iced variation: To make this recipe into an iced caramel macchiato copycat, simply pour the vanilla syrup into the bottom of a glass with ice cubes, then add cold milk and shots of espresso on top. Drizzle caramel syrup over the espresso shots and stir everything together.
– Salted caramel variation: For a twist on this classic recipe, add a pinch of sea salt or kosher salt to your caramel sauce. This will give your drink a subtle salty-sweet flavor that’s hard to resist.
Whether you want to switch things up or just make do with what ingredients you have on hand, there are so many ways to customize this recipe to your liking. Experiment with different flavors and techniques until you find your perfect caramel macchiato made just the way you like it!
Serving and Pairing
Sipping on a freshly made caramel macchiato copycat recipe is an experience that can never be forgotten. It’s like being in a coffee heaven where the sweetness of caramel syrup and the richness of espresso beans collide to create an iced masterpiece in a glass.
To complete this experience, I recommend pairing your caramel macchiato with light snacks such as blueberry scones or lemon poppyseed muffins if you’re having it for breakfast. If you’re enjoying it for dessert or as an afternoon treat, I suggest pairing it with buttery cookies or chocolate muffins to complement the rich notes of the espresso.
Since this copycat Starbucks caramel macchiato recipe is easy to make, it’s perfect for hosting brunches or gatherings. You can serve it in a tall glass with ice cubes and top it off with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce, making your guests feel like they’re at their favorite coffee shop.
For those who prefer non-dairy milk, I recommend oat milk or almond milk to achieve a smooth texture and to get that sweet nutty flavor. The cold and refreshing taste of an iced caramel macchiato makes it a perfect summer treat that pairs well with salads, sandwiches, and light entrées.
In conclusion, this copycat Starbucks caramel macchiato recipe is versatile, delicious, and pairs well with various snacks and meals. Whether you’re enjoying it alone or sharing it with friends and family, the caramel macchiato will undoubtedly give you the energy boost you need while satisfying your sweet tooth cravings!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Preparing a caramel macchiato at home can save you time and money, especially if you make it ahead of time. This recipe can be easily made the night before and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Once ready to drink, reheat the macchiato in the microwave for 1-2 minutes and stir well before serving.
If you have any leftover caramel macchiato, you can store it in the fridge for up to two days. However, I recommend drinking it right away to enjoy its optimal flavor and texture.
Also, note that while the caramel sauce may become thicker after sitting for a while, all you need to do is heat it up slightly by placing it in a warm water bath or microwave for 30 seconds.
To avoid losing the quality of your macchiato after reheating, use only microwavable glass containers. Plastic containers can affect the taste of your drink when microwaved.
With these tips, you can easily make caramel macchiato ahead of time without worrying about losing its taste and texture.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s move to the tips and tricks that will help you make the perfect Starbucks caramel macchiato copycat recipe. Whether you are using an espresso machine or a simple stove-top coffee maker, these tips will guide you in making a flawless drink.
Firstly, make sure your milk is properly steamed. The ideal temperature for milk is between 140-150°F. To achieve this, heat the milk slowly and keep stirring it to prevent scorching. Make sure to take it off the heat before it reaches boiling point.
Secondly, use good quality espresso beans. The better the quality of your coffee, the better your macchiato will taste. Try using locally roasted espresso beans for a fresh taste.
Next, use a flavored syrup to add extra depth of flavor to your caramel macchiato. Instead of just using regular vanilla syrup, try experimenting with other flavors like hazelnut or cinnamon.
If you prefer iced caramel macchiatos, try using cooled coffee instead of hot espresso shots. This will help prevent diluting the drink since the ice cubes will melt slower. Additionally, using thinner wisps of caramel sauce instead of thick globs prevents the caramel from sinking straight to the bottom of your cup.
To add more foam on top of your drink, give the steamed milk jar a down and up jerky motion a few times before finally pouring it onto your espresso. This adds texture and increases the froth on top of your caffeine-rich coffee beverage.
Lastly, always use fresh ingredients and store them correctly for optimal taste. Making sure that your vanilla syrup or caramel sauce have not expired can make a big difference in flavor too. Store both in air-tight containers in a dark place at room temperature or chilled in the fridge depending on what variety you get so that they don’t spoil as easily.
By following these simple but effective tips and tricks, you can make a Starbucks caramel macchiato copycat recipe that tastes like it was made from a professional barista in the comforts of your own home.
FAQ
As a barista with years of experience, I have received various questions from people who love the classic Starbucks caramel macchiato. In this FAQ section of the article, I’ll do my best to address some of the most common concerns, providing helpful tips and recommendations along the way. So, whether you’re an experienced barista or a coffee enthusiast looking to perfect your homemade macchiato recipe, keep reading!
What’s the closest thing to a caramel macchiato at Starbucks?
The vanilla latte and caramel macchiato share a lot of similarities in their ingredients, as they both consist of vanilla syrup, espresso, and milk.
What is a Starbucks caramel macchiato made of?
Nothing beats the taste of rich espresso blended with velvety steamed milk, infused with a smooth vanilla-flavored syrup, and topped with a delectable caramel drizzle.
What is the equivalent of a caramel macchiato?
As a barista, I have come across several coffee variants that are perfect to be served cold. These include the iced vanilla latte, cold brew with cream and vanilla or caramel syrup, iced coffee with cream and any preferred syrup, iced white mocha, and the iced cinnamon dolce latte. For those who prefer their coffee to be sweeter or just want to mask the taste of coffee, adding sugar syrups to these beverages is definitely the way to go.
Why doesn t Starbucks mix the caramel macchiato?
When crafting a caramel macchiato, it’s essential to layer the ingredients in a particular order to get the full flavor profile. Beginning with a dose of vanilla syrup, next comes the milk, and finally, the espresso. The finishing touch is a beautifully laid out pattern of caramel drizzle in a unique crosshatched design. Be sure not to mix the layers of flavors as doing so would disrupt the balance of the beverage.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you’re a fan of Starbucks’ Caramel Macchiato, then this copycat recipe is perfect for you to make at home. This recipe is easy to make with simple ingredients and can be customized to your preferences.
By following these detailed instructions and tips, you can create a delicious Caramel Macchiato that tastes just like it came from Starbucks. Plus, with the money you’ll save by making it at home, you can indulge in your favorite coffee drink more often without breaking the bank.
So next time you’re craving a Caramel Macchiato, skip the trip to Starbucks and try making this copycat recipe instead. I guarantee it will be just as satisfying, if not even more so. Happy brewing!
Just Like Starbucks Caramel Macchiato Copycat Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces shots espresso
- 12 ounces milk, steamed
- 2 ounces vanilla-flavored syrup
- caramel syrup (from the ice cream aisle)
Instructions
- Steam the milk (or heat it up in the microwave without scalding and don't care about foam). Prepare espresso. Add about 2 ounces of vanilla syrup to a cup, add hot milk, add espresso, top with milk foam if you have it, and top with caramel*.
- Enjoy!
- *The kind in the squeeze bottle that is also used to top ice cream works well.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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