The Best Caramel Macchiato Recipe (Sweet, Creamy & Better Than Starbucks)

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes | Servings: 1 | Calories: 250 kcal per serving

A caramel macchiato is one of those drinks that feels fancy but is actually really simple to make at home. It is sweet, creamy, and has layers of espresso, steamed milk, vanilla, and caramel that taste amazing together.

You do not need a fancy coffee machine to make this. You do not need to be a barista. You just need a few simple ingredients and ten minutes.

Once you make this at home, you will save a fortune and wonder why you ever paid six dollars for one.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Caramel macchiatos are one of the most popular coffee drinks out there. Here is why this homemade version is worth making.

It tastes just like the coffee shop version. The flavours are the same. The layers are the same. But you made it yourself and saved money.

It is ready in ten minutes. Faster than driving to the coffee shop, waiting in line, and driving back home. Make it in your own kitchen and drink it while it is fresh.

You can make it exactly how you like it. More caramel? Add more. Less sweet? Use less syrup. Extra strong? Add another shot. This is your drink.

It is cheaper than buying one. A homemade caramel macchiato costs about one dollar to make. A coffee shop version costs five or six dollars. Make it five times a week and you save twenty-five dollars every week.

It looks impressive. The layers of milk, espresso, and caramel look beautiful in the glass. Perfect for taking photos or impressing guests.

Ingredients

• 2 shots espresso (or ½ cup strong brewed coffee)
• 1 cup (240ml) milk (whole milk, 2%, or your favourite)
• 2 tablespoons vanilla syrup
• 2 tablespoons caramel sauce
• Ice (for iced version) or leave out for hot
• Whipped cream (optional)

Equipment Needed

• Espresso machine, stovetop espresso maker, or coffee maker
• Small saucepan or milk frother (for heating and frothing milk)
• Tall glass or coffee mug
• Measuring spoons
• Spoon for stirring

Instructions

Step 1: Make your espresso. If you have an espresso machine, pull two shots. If you do not, make half a cup of very strong coffee using your regular coffee maker or a stovetop espresso maker.

Step 2: Heat the milk. Pour the milk into a small saucepan and heat it over medium heat until it is hot but not boiling. You should see steam rising from it. If you have a milk frother, use that instead.

Step 3: Froth the milk. Use a milk frother or whisk the milk quickly for 30 seconds to make it foamy. You want it creamy and slightly bubbly on top.

Step 4: Add the vanilla syrup to your glass or mug. Pour it into the bottom.

Step 5: Pour the hot frothed milk over the vanilla syrup. Fill the glass about three quarters full.

Step 6: Slowly pour the espresso over the milk. Pour it gently so it sits on top of the milk in a layer. This creates the signature look of a macchiato.

Step 7: Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top. You can make a pattern or just drizzle it randomly. It will look beautiful either way.

Step 8: Add whipped cream on top if you want it extra indulgent. Drizzle more caramel over the whipped cream.

Step 9: Drink it immediately while it is hot and fresh.

For an iced version: Fill the glass with ice first. Add vanilla syrup and cold milk. Pour the espresso over the ice. Drizzle with caramel sauce. Done.

Substitutes & Swaps

Espresso: Strong brewed coffee works perfectly if you do not have an espresso machine. Just make it twice as strong as you normally would.

Vanilla syrup: Make your own by heating equal parts sugar and water until the sugar dissolves, then add a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Or use vanilla extract mixed with a little sugar.

Caramel sauce: Store-bought caramel works great. Homemade is even better if you have time. Salted caramel is absolutely delicious here.

Whole milk: Any milk works. Almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, coconut milk, or skim milk all work fine. Oat milk froths the best out of all the non-dairy options.

Sugar level: Use sugar-free vanilla syrup and sugar-free caramel sauce if you want to cut the sugar. The drink will be less sweet but still tasty.

Variations

Iced Caramel Macchiato: Use cold milk and pour everything over ice. Perfect for hot days or when you want something refreshing.

Extra Caramel Macchiato: Double the caramel sauce. Drizzle it on the bottom of the glass, in the middle with the milk, and on top. Caramel overload in the best way.

Coconut Caramel Macchiato: Use coconut milk and add a tiny splash of coconut extract to the vanilla syrup. Tropical and delicious.

Skinny Caramel Macchiato: Use skim milk, sugar-free vanilla syrup, and sugar-free caramel sauce. Cuts the calories in half but still tastes great.

Caramel Mocha Macchiato: Add one tablespoon of chocolate syrup along with the vanilla syrup. Chocolate and caramel together is amazing.

Tips & Tricks

Do not boil the milk. Heat it until it steams but do not let it boil. Boiled milk tastes bad and does not froth well.

Pour the espresso slowly. If you pour it too fast, it will mix with the milk instead of sitting on top. Slow and gentle is the way to go.

Use good quality caramel sauce. The caramel is one of the main flavours. A good caramel sauce makes a big difference. Cheap caramel tastes artificial.

Froth the milk properly. You want it creamy and foamy, not just hot. A milk frother is cheap and makes this step easy. You can also shake hot milk in a jar with a tight lid for 30 seconds.

Make the vanilla syrup in bulk. Mix one cup of sugar with one cup of water and heat until dissolved. Add two teaspoons of vanilla extract. Store it in the fridge for up to a month.

Adjust sweetness to your taste. Start with less syrup and add more if you need it. You can always make it sweeter but you cannot make it less sweet once the syrup is in.

Serve it immediately. Coffee drinks are best fresh. The espresso loses flavour as it sits and the milk separates. Make it and drink it right away.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	250 kcal
Total Fat	8g
Saturated Fat	5g
Carbohydrates	35g
Fibre	0g
Sugars	33g
Protein	8g
Sodium	120mg

Nutrition is based on one caramel macchiato made with whole milk, vanilla syrup, caramel sauce, and two shots of espresso. Does not include optional whipped cream.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between a latte and a macchiato?

A latte has more milk and the espresso is mixed in. A macchiato has less milk and the espresso sits on top in a layer. The name macchiato means “marked” in Italian because the milk is marked with espresso on top.

Can I make this without an espresso machine?

Yes. Use very strong brewed coffee instead. Make it twice as strong as normal coffee. A stovetop espresso maker also works great and is much cheaper than a full espresso machine.

How do I make the layers stay separate?

Pour the espresso slowly and gently over the back of a spoon. This helps it sit on top of the milk instead of mixing in. If it mixes a little, that is okay. It still tastes the same.

Can I make this the night before?

No. Coffee drinks do not keep well. The espresso gets bitter and the milk separates. Always make it fresh right before you drink it.

What is the best milk for frothing?

Whole milk froths the best because it has more fat. But 2% milk works fine too. For non-dairy, oat milk is the best. It froths almost as well as regular milk.

Why does my caramel sink to the bottom?

That is normal. Caramel is thick and heavy so it sinks. Just stir it before drinking to mix the caramel through the whole drink.

Can I use instant coffee?

You can, but it will not taste as good. Instant coffee is weak and flat compared to espresso. If that is all you have, make it very strong and use twice the normal amount.

The Drink That Saves You Hundreds

Most people spend five or six dollars on a caramel macchiato every single day. That is thirty dollars a week. Over a hundred dollars a month. Just on coffee.

Make it at home for one dollar. Drink it every day. Save the rest. Do something better with that money.

Made this recipe? Tell me in the comments if you made it hot or iced. I want to know which version is your favourite.