If you're a fan of rich, sweet flavors, this caramel vanilla coffee is about to become your go-to treat when you’re looking for homemade versions of your favorite coffee shop drinks.
Whether you want hot or iced coffee, this vanilla caramel recipe will surely satisfy your taste for a smooth and flavorful drink, with enough sweetness to make the taste even more interesting. Let's get right to brewing!
Ingredients Needed for Homemade Caramel Vanilla Coffee
For this sweet, delightful coffee cup, gather these ingredients:
- Freshly ground coffee beans (medium roast works best!) - 2 tablespoons
- Water - 6 ounces (about 3/4 cup)
- Pure vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon
- Caramel sauce - 2 tablespoons
- Milk or cream (whole milk recommended) - as desired
- Optional: Whipped cream and extra caramel for garnish
How to Make the Perfect Homemade Caramel Syrup
Creating your own homemade caramel sauce is simpler than you might think. This step in the recipe calls for a bit more prep time, but easy recipes like this can truly add a personal touch to your homemade drinks. Here’s how to make homemade syrup for your caramel vanilla coffee:
- Ingredients: You'll need 1 cup of sugar, 6 tablespoons of butter, and 1/2 cup of heavy cream.
- Melting Sugar: In a saucepan, melt the sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. The sugar will form clumps but eventually melt into a thick, amber-colored liquid.
- Adding Butter: Once the sugar is fully melted, add the butter. Be careful, as the caramel will bubble rapidly. Stir the butter into the caramel until it is completely melted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Adding Cream: Very slowly, drizzle in the heavy cream while stirring. The mixture will rapidly bubble. Allow the mixture to boil for 1 minute. It will rise in the pan as it boils.
- Cooling Down: Remove from heat and allow it to cool before use. It will thicken as it cools.
With your homemade sauce ready, it's time to create your brewed coffee.
How to Brew Your Coffee and Serve
Caramel vanilla coffee can only achieve its signature taste when its brewed coffee is rich enough to balance out the sweetness. Follow these simple steps to brew your coffee to perfection:
- Use a drip coffee maker, French press, or espresso machine. For a drip coffee maker, add 2 tablespoons of medium-ground coffee to a filter. Pour 6 ounces of water heated to about 195°F to 205°F over the grounds. Allow the coffee to brew completely.
- Immediately after brewing, while the coffee is still hot, add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of your caramel sauce. Stir until the sauce is fully dissolved and the coffee has a uniform flavor.
- For a creamier texture, heat your milk or cream in a small saucepan or in the microwave until it's warm but not boiling (about 150°F). If you have a frother, froth the milk until it's creamy and has a frothy milk texture.
- Pour the flavored coffee into a large mug. For a caramel vanilla latte, add the heated and frothed milk to the coffee and stir to combine. For an iced coffee version, let the coffee cool down, then pour it over ice cubes in a glass and add cold milk. For dairy-free options, choose either almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk.
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors.
Savor Every Sip
Enjoy your homemade caramel vanilla coffee, a great flavor that brings the coffee shop experience right into your home. Whether it's a cold coffee on a warm day, a comforting caramel vanilla hot coffee for the cold season, or an iced latte for a refreshing twist, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your coffee repertoire.
For those who prefer a caffeine-free option, simply substitute the regular coffee with decaf coffee. Enhance the flavor further by adding a dash of vanilla syrup or vanilla bean for an extra vanilla essence. This versatile recipe allows you to enjoy your iced coffee just the way you like it, every time.
For an even quicker alternative with a similar flavor profile, consider trying Bones Coffee’s Jamaican Me Crazy® medium roast coffee beans. This unique coffee offers a delicious, ready-made twist of caramel and vanilla, ideal for those busy mornings when we're pressed for time, and convenience is key.
$16.99
This smooth, tropical-inspired medium roast coffee is crafted from premium Arabica beans and infused with the delicious flavors of vanilla, caramel, and coffee liqueur. From the moment it brews to your very last sip, this coffee delivers a rich, indulgent… read moreJamaican Me Crazy® | 12oz
