When you’re craving a sweet and creamy cappuccino, nothing quite hits the spot like a homemade caramel cappuccino.
This easy 5-minute recipe is fast to make but packed with flavor – from the rich caramelly sweetness of the sauce to the smooth, frothy milk.
This delicious concoction will make any occasion special, whether you enjoy it as an indulgent breakfast or an after-dinner treat.
So brew yourself a cup and have fun trying out this unique twist on your favorite classic!
What is a caramel cappuccino?
A caramel cappuccino is an espresso-based beverage that combines espresso shots with steamed milk and caramel sauce; it’s topped with creamy milk foam. The result is a smooth, creamy cup of coffee that’s perfectly sweetened.

This take on the classic cappuccino will satisfy your sweet tooth as the delicious caramel sauce, and creamy milk is perfectly sweet.
Plus, this beverage has many variations that allow for creative customization for different occasions or moods!
Some common customizations include adding an extra shot of espresso for an additional caffeine boost or replacing part of the milk with cream to make it even richer, but more on this later.
Which ingredients go into a caramel cappuccino?
This easy caramel cappuccino is made with just three ingredients:
- Milk of choice – I prefer to use whole milk for its full flavor, but feel free to use a different kind. I’ll talk more about this below.
- Espresso coffee – you can use your favorite coffee brewer for this. I’ll cover the various options below.
- Caramel sauce – you can use your favorite store-bought kind or make it at home.

As you can see, this caramel cappuccino doesn’t require a ton of ingredients, making it easy to make in the early morning or whenever you need that caffeine boost.
What kind of milk froths well?
When choosing milk to foam, your best bet is to choose one with a higher fat content.
Milk with higher fat content will create the most consistent and voluminous foam because of its ability to trap air bubbles.
Fuller-bodied milk also has creamier textures which makes them ideal for creating aesthetically pleasing cappuccinos or latte art:

This type of milk has the richest and creamiest taste, adding an extra layer of flavor. However, it is also the highest in calories.
If you’re looking for dairy alternatives such as almond or oat milk that still produce good quality foam but are lower in saturated fats – try using one specifically created for baristas:

These versions contain added ingredients designed specifically for achieving a smooth microfoam consistency needed by professional baristas who want a great cup of coffee every time!
If you want to learn more, you can check out the best milk for frothing here.
How do you make the best espresso at home?
The key to making the best espresso at home is about having the right tools and ingredients on hand.
To make espresso at home, you’ve got a lot of options:
- Use an espresso machine for that authentic espresso shot with a great crema.
- Opt for Moka pot coffee if you like a strong espresso-like coffee that’s easy to make in a large serving.
- You can use your AeroPress if you want the quickest espresso-like coffee. The AeroPress is also perfect if you’re on the go.
- The most convenient way to make espresso is with a Nespresso machine. Choose a delicious espresso pod, and the machine takes care of the rest!

As you can see, you’ve got a lot of options to make espresso at home. All of them will make for a delicious caramel cappuccino.
If you’re going to use your espresso machine, AeroPress, or Moka pot, make sure to use the best coffee beans:
What are the best coffee beans to use?
You can use any coffee beans to make espresso. Most espresso beans are medium to dark roasted.
I’d recommend changing things up and testing out various coffee beans until you find the perfect flavor you’re looking for.
I usually go for a darker roast with this recipe, as I find the flavor combines with the sweet caramel sauce the best.

If you’re interested, you can check out the best coffee beans for cappuccino here.
Or, if you’re using a specific coffee brewer, you can check out the following articles:
You can also go for some decaf coffee beans if you want to enjoy this delicious cappuccino later in the day!
Which caramel sauce is best used?
The best part about homemade recipes is that you can use any ingredients you prefer.
This also goes for the caramel sauce. You can use any caramel sauce that you already have at home; for example, I usually have this Monin caramel sauce lying around:

For a unique flavor, you can try the salted caramel sauce, or you can stick to the regular version.
If you have the time, it’s worth making caramel sauce at home. Have a look below to learn more:
How do you make caramel sauce at home?
Homemade caramel sauce has a rich flavor that works perfectly with your cup of joe and adds an extra layer of complexity to its taste.
Easy to make and full of flavor, this sweet concoction will have you savoring every sip!
So, what do you need?
- White granulated sugar
- Heavy cream
- Water
The making of caramel sauce requires just the above-listed ingredients. It’ll look like this when finished:

If you have the ingredients at home and want to make caramel sauce from scratch, check out this in-depth article.
Now that you’ve got a good idea about this delicious cappuccino, you can put it to the test by following the recipe below:
Easy Caramel Cappuccino

With this easy caramel cappuccino recipe, you'll be enjoying this delicious drink in just five minutes!
Ingredients
- One espresso shot
- 2 oz (60 ml) whole milk
- 1 tbsp (15 grams) of caramel sauce
Instructions
- Start by brewing your espresso shot. You can use your favorite coffee brewer for this.
- Meanwhile, steam the milk and make sure there's a good amount of foam.
- Coat your cappuccino cup with caramel sauce.
- Pour the espresso shot into the cup.
- Finish with the steamed milk and add the milk foam on top.
- If you want, you can add some more caramel sauce on top. Enjoy it while it's hot!
Notes
If you prefer a more robust cappuccino, you can add an extra espresso shot. If you love to drink a sweeter cappuccino, I suggest finishing the cappuccino with an extra drizzle of caramel sauce.
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Nutrition Information:
Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 100Total Fat: 2.84gSaturated Fat: 1.05gUnsaturated Fat: 1.46gCholesterol: 13mgSodium: 25.1mgCarbohydrates: 15.6gSugar: 16gProtein: 1.83g
What are some variations to this caramel cappuccino?
If you’re looking for variations to this classic drink, plenty of options are available.
Whether you’re in search of a more decadent flavor or looking for ways to give your cappuccino an extra kick, here are some ideas to help mix up your go-to order:
- One way to enhance the flavor profile is by adding an extra shot of espresso. This will give your caramel cappuccino a bolder taste and a bit more caffeine punch – perfect for those mornings when you need a little something extra.
- Another option is adding cream to the mix, which will create an even richer and creamier cup with sweet notes throughout each sip. A few tablespoons whisked into steamed milk can make all the difference in giving your cappuccino its decadent flavor while keeping its signature sweetness from the caramel sauce.
- Lastly, you can play around with spices such as cinnamon or stick with a classic dusting of cocoa powder for even more flavor!

No matter what variations you choose, enjoy these little twists on this beloved caffeinated beverage – nothing wrong with getting creative every now and then.
FAQs about caramel cappuccino
Below are some frequently asked questions about the caramel cappuccino you may have. Have a look below to see if this recipe is a good fit for you:
Does a caramel cappuccino taste like coffee?
A caramel cappuccino does not taste like regular brewed coffee. Even though it has espresso added, it’s getting overwhelmed by the caramel sauce. A caramel cappuccino is sweeter than regular coffee.
How much caffeine is in a caramel cappuccino?
A caramel cappuccino has between 64-70 mg of caffeine. But it can go up to 150 mg of caffeine for a larger version with more espresso.
Is a caramel cappuccino sweet?
A caramel cappuccino is usually a sweet drink. Depending on how you make it and the shop that serves it, the sweetness could vary – but in general, most people find a caramel cappuccino to be pretty sweet.
Conclusion
You can make a great caramel cappuccino at home with a little effort.
Experimentation with different levels and styles of coffee beans can also be rewarding.
So pick up some quality coffee beans, grind them fresh, or buy a pre-ground blend of the roast of your choice.
With these tips, you now have the power to make a unique and delicious homemade cappuccino from the comfort of your own kitchen!
And if you’re on a roll, you might want to try out even more espresso-based recipes. Have a look below for some of my favorites: