How to Make the Best Salted Caramel Latte at Home

Warm, inviting, and indulgent, the salted caramel latte has become a beloved staple in coffee shops and homes.

But how do you make it at home? And what exactly is a salted caramel latte?

Quick Answer: What is a salted caramel latte?

A salted caramel latte is a warm, sweet, and slightly savory coffee drink that combines espresso, steamed milk, and salted caramel sauce. It’s topped with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

In this article, it’s time to explore what makes this drink so special, the best coffee to use, and how you can easily recreate it at home with just a few simple ingredients.

Get ready to elevate your coffee game and enjoy the comforting embrace of this delectable latte!

What is a salted caramel latte?

A salted caramel latte combines espresso with steamed milk and salted caramel sauce, creating a balanced blend of sweet, savory, and rich flavors.

The salted caramel adds a buttery sweetness with just a hint of salt, which enhances the caramel’s flavor and offsets the coffee’s natural bitterness.

This creates a unique taste that’s both indulgent and smooth.

Many versions (including this recipe) are topped with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel for extra richness.

It’s the perfect cozy choice if you enjoy a mix of sweet and salty in your coffee drinks!

What does this latte taste like?

A salted caramel latte tastes like a warm, cozy blend of sweet and savory with a rich, buttery caramel flavor enhanced by just a hint of salt.

The caramel sauce adds a deep sweetness with slightly toasty, almost nutty notes, while the salt highlights these flavors, balancing the overall sweetness and adding a subtle complexity.

With the espresso, you get a mild bitterness that grounds the drink, while the steamed milk adds a creamy, smooth texture that softens and blends all the flavors.

Topped with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce, it’s an indulgent treat with a velvety, dessert-like quality that’s hard to resist!

It’s commonly found in coffee shops, but you can also make a delicious version at home with just a few ingredients:

What ingredients are needed for this recipe?

To make a salted caramel latte at home, you only need four simple ingredients:

• Espresso coffee (or strong-brewed coffee)
• Whole milk (or substitute with oat milk or almond milk for a dairy-free version)
• Salted caramel sauce for that perfect sweet and salty flavor (plus extra for drizzling on top)
• Whipped cream is used as the topping

Once you’ve collected these simple ingredients, you can start brewing this latte at home.

Read along to learn more about the best coffee to use in this latte recipe:

What coffee tastes the best in this latte?

For a salted caramel latte, the best coffee to use is espresso due to its rich and bold flavor, which stands up well to the sweetness of the caramel.

Here are some options that work particularly well:

• Espresso: A classic choice, providing a strong coffee flavor that balances the sweetness of the caramel.
• Dark roast coffee: A strong dark roast brewed coffee can be an excellent alternative if you don’t have an espresso machine. Look for beans labeled as French roast or Italian roast for a deep flavor. (Learn about their differences here)
• Medium roast coffee: A medium roast can also work if you prefer a smoother taste. It will still offer a nice balance of flavor without being too overpowering.

Here are some key tips you can use when brewing coffee at home:

• For the best flavor, use freshly ground coffee beans.
• If brewing coffee, use a higher coffee-to-water ratio to achieve a stronger flavor that can compete with the caramel sweetness. (Learn more about double-brewing coffee here)

Experimenting with different roasts can also lead you to your favorite combination, but a bold coffee will always enhance the overall taste of your salted caramel latte!

How to make a salted caramel latte at home

Below is a simple guide to making a salted caramel latte at home. You can scroll down for the full recipe:

1. Brew the espresso using an espresso machine or make a strong coffee if espresso isn’t available.
2. Heat and froth the milk—either steam it with an espresso machine or warm it in a saucepan, then froth with a handheld frother until creamy. (Learn more here)
3. Combine the espresso and caramel: Pour the espresso into your mug and stir in the salted caramel sauce until it dissolves.
4. Add the milk by pouring it gently over the espresso mixture.
5. Top with whipped cream and an extra drizzle of caramel sauce. Add a small pinch of sea salt on top if desired.

This makes one cozy, delicious salted caramel latte—perfect for a homemade treat!

Check out the complete recipe for this delicious latte below:

Conclusion

In the world of coffee beverages, the salted caramel latte stands out as a delightful blend of flavors that perfectly marries sweetness with a hint of savory.

Its rich espresso base, creamy milk, and luscious salted caramel sauce create an indulgent treat that’s hard to resist.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can customize it to your taste, making it enjoyable for coffee lovers and casual drinkers alike.

So why not treat yourself to a cozy cup of salted caramel goodness? Try the recipe and see how you like this delicious coffee!

More latte recipes to try

• Starbucks Blonde Latte: How Do You Make This Latte at Home?
• Peanut Butter Latte: What Is It & How Do You Make It?
• Snickerdoodle Latte: An Easy 5-Minute Recipe to Try