I absolutely love sharing this Caramel Apple Latte Recipe with friends because it captures all the cozy vibes of fall in a single cup. There’s just something magical about the way warm caramel blends with crisp apple flavors and rich espresso that makes it feel like a hug in a mug. Whether you’re craving an afternoon pick-me-up or a comforting treat on a chilly day, this latte’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep on rotation.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how simple ingredients come together to make something SO special. The secret? A smooth double shot of espresso paired with steamed milk and that perfect combo of apple syrup and caramel sauce. If you love pumpkin spice lattes but want to try something a little different, this Caramel Apple Latte Recipe is a fun twist you won’t regret trying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Seasonal Flavor Fun: The blend of apple and caramel perfectly captures autumn without being overly sweet.
- Easy to Make at Home: You don’t need fancy ingredients or equipment to whip this up, just basics and some Torani syrups.
- Customizable Warmth: Whether you want it hot or iced, this recipe adapts well to whatever mood you’re in.
- Impress Guests Effortlessly: It looks and tastes like a café creation but takes just minutes in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Caramel Apple Latte Recipe plays a crucial role in balancing sweet, spicy, and bitter flavors. I always recommend using freshly ground espresso and whole milk for the creamiest, richest latte experience.
- Espresso: Freshly ground espresso beans provide the deep coffee flavor you want in a latte, so skip pre-ground stuff if possible.
- Whole Milk: Using whole milk gives you that creamy, smooth texture that froths beautifully compared to skim or plant milks.
- Torani Apple Flavor Syrup: This syrup gives you that authentic crisp apple taste without having to cook fresh apples down yourself.
- Torani Caramel Sauce: Adds luscious sweetness and pairs perfectly with apple — a classic combo you’ll find in every sip.
- Whipped Cream: Fresh whipped cream is the ultimate indulgent topper; I love fluffy clouds on my latte.
- Apple Spice: Sprinkle a little on top for a warm, cozy hint of fall spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
Variations
I love encouraging a little creativity with the Caramel Apple Latte Recipe because it really lends itself well to personal tweaks. Here are a few ways I’ve adapted it depending on the season or my mood!
- Iced Version: When the weather’s warmer, I swap hot steamed milk for cold milk over ice and it’s just as delicious and refreshing.
- Dairy-Free: Use oat or almond milk instead of whole milk—just froth carefully to get that texture right.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of pumpkin pie spice or a dash of cinnamon to the whipped cream for extra cozy flavor.
- Extra Caramel Drizzle: If you’re a caramel fanatic like me, drizzle some extra caramel sauce on top for that sweet finish.
How to Make Caramel Apple Latte Recipe
Step 1: Pull a Perfect Double Shot of Espresso
Start by finely grinding your espresso beans—fresh is best here. Load your espresso maker and brew a double shot. A strong espresso base is key for balancing the sweetness of the syrups, so take your time to get that rich, velvety pull. If you don’t have an espresso machine, a strong brewed coffee or aeropress concentrate can also work in a pinch.
Step 2: Mix in Apple Syrup and Caramel Sauce
Add 1 ounce of the Torani Apple flavor syrup to your cup, followed by 1 ounce of the caramel sauce. Pour the hot espresso over these to let the flavors mingle. Trust me, this layering adds depth and sweetness that’s perfectly balanced with the espresso’s boldness.
Step 3: Steam and Froth Your Milk
Use your espresso machine’s steam wand to heat and froth 6 ounces of whole milk. Pour the steamed milk into your cup while holding back the froth with a spoon, then spoon the froth on top. This technique keeps the texture just right and gives you the classic creamy latte feel.
Step 4: Top with Whipped Cream and Apple Spice
Finish your Caramel Apple Latte Recipe by topping it with a generous 3 ounces of whipped cream, then sprinkle a touch of apple spice on top. If you’re feeling fancy, add an extra drizzle of caramel or even a caramel apple pop for that extra-special touch that makes this drink fun to serve.
Pro Tips for Making Caramel Apple Latte Recipe
- Use Fresh Espresso: Grinding your espresso beans just before brewing makes a huge difference in flavor depth.
- Temp Check for Milk: Don’t overheat your milk; around 150°F is ideal for creamy froth without burning.
- Layer Your Syrups: Adding syrups before the espresso lets the hot coffee gently meld flavors without losing aroma.
- Whipped Cream Freshness: Use fresh whipped cream whenever possible—pre-packaged versions just don’t give the same fluffy texture or flavor.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Latte Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping mine with a light dusting of apple pie spice, a drizzle of caramel sauce, and a little whimsical touch like a caramel apple pop or cinnamon stick stirrer. It not only makes it look festive but also adds an extra layer of flavor as you sip.
Side Dishes
Pairing this latte with a warm cinnamon roll or a slice of spiced apple bread turns your coffee break into a cozy mini celebration. My family goes crazy for this combo especially on crisp weekend mornings.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve this Caramel Apple Latte Recipe in clear glass mugs to show off the layered look. Adding a festive straw or even a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme brings a beautiful aroma and personal flair that impresses guests every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This latte is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, I store the brewed espresso and syrup mixture separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Keep the milk fresh and froth it again before serving to maintain the latte’s creaminess.
Freezing
I don’t recommend freezing this recipe since the caramel and milk textures can change after thawing, and you’ll lose the fresh frothiness that makes the latte special.
Reheating
When reheating leftover espresso and syrup mixture, gently warm it on the stovetop or microwave—avoid boiling to prevent bitterness. Reheat fresh milk separately and froth or whisk briefly before combining to get that creamy latte texture back.
FAQs
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Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso for this Caramel Apple Latte Recipe?
Yes, you can! While espresso is ideal because of its concentration and rich flavor, you can use a strong brewed coffee or even an aeropress concentrate as a substitute. Just keep in mind the flavor might be a bit lighter and less intense, so you might want to adjust the syrup amounts to taste.
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What’s the best way to froth milk without an espresso machine?
If you don’t have a steam wand, try heating milk on the stove or microwave until warm (not boiling) and then froth by shaking it vigorously in a tightly sealed jar or using a handheld frother. This might not create as much froth as an espresso machine, but it still works well for the latte.
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Can I make this Caramel Apple Latte Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Swap whole milk for oat, almond, or soy milk, and use a dairy-free whipped topping or coconut cream. Just be sure your caramel sauce and syrups are vegan-friendly, as some contain dairy ingredients.
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How can I make an iced version of this latte?
To make an iced Caramel Apple Latte, mix the caramel and apple syrup first, then brew your espresso and let it cool slightly. Fill a glass with ice, add the syrup mixture and espresso, then top with cold milk and stir gently. Finish with whipped cream and caramel drizzle if desired.
Final Thoughts
This Caramel Apple Latte Recipe has truly become one of my favorite cozy treats to warm up with during cooler months, and I hope it becomes a favorite in your home too. It feels fancy enough to impress but is so easy to make that you can enjoy it anytime without stress. So next time you want to treat yourself, try this recipe—I promise you’ll love that perfect blend of sweet apple and buttery caramel with every sip!
PrintCaramel Apple Latte Recipe
- Prep Time: 6 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 6 minutes
- Yield: 1 hot latte
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A warm and indulgent Caramel Apple Latte featuring a double shot of espresso blended with steamed whole milk, apple-flavored syrup, and rich caramel sauce, topped with whipped cream and apple spice for a perfect fall-inspired treat.
Ingredients
Espresso & Syrups
- 2 ounces espresso (double shot)
- 1 ounce Torani Apple flavor syrup
- 1 ounce Torani Caramel sauce
Milk & Toppings
- 6 ounces whole milk, steamed and frothed
- 3 ounces whipped cream
- ¼ ounce apple spice
Garnish
- Additional caramel sauce for drizzling
- 1 caramel apple pop (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Espresso: Finely grind your espresso beans and load your espresso maker. Brew a double shot of espresso for the hot latte.
- Add Syrups: Pour 1 ounce of Torani Apple flavor syrup into your cup, followed by 1 ounce of caramel sauce, then add the freshly brewed hot espresso on top.
- Steam and Froth Milk: Steam 6 ounces of whole milk using an espresso machine’s steaming wand until hot and frothy. Use a spoon to hold back the froth as you pour the steamed milk into your cup.
- Add Milk Froth: Spoon the remaining froth over the latte to create a creamy top layer.
- Top the Latte: Generously top the latte with 3 ounces of whipped cream. Sprinkle ¼ ounce of apple spice over the whipped cream, drizzle additional caramel sauce, and garnish with a caramel apple pop if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Caramel Apple Latte immediately while hot and enjoy this seasonal delight.
Notes
- Nutritional values provided are estimates and may not reflect precise values.
- For an iced version, combine caramel and apple syrup first, brew espresso and dissolve if instant, then layer over ice with milk, topping with whipped cream and caramel drizzle as desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 10 ounces)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
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