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This Starbucks caramel brulee sauce tastes just like the one they use in stores r actually even better. It is made with a few simple ingredients and some milk powder just like the syrup ingredients list suggests. It is pretty much a doctored-up caramel sauce that will allow you to make the best at-home Starbucks caramel brulee latte ever!
Since you are here, I know you will also love so many of my Starbucks copycat recipes like this Starbucks sugar cookie syrup as well as the Starbucks sugar cookie almond milk latte, this gingerbread syrup for coffee, and these pumpkin spice cream cheese muffins!
If the Starbucks caramel brulée latte is your coffee drink of choice whenever Starbucks releases its yearly holiday drinks menu then you have come to the right place. After trying it in stores yesterday, I immediately researched the syrup online and tried to figure out how to make it at home because a large coffee was upwards of $7, and with the price of everything at the moment I figured it might be better to just make it at home.
This is the best Starbucks caramel brulee sauce recipe
After the drink launched this year I saw a ton of people getting it too, plus the requests rolled in which was a tale tale sign that this is truly a fan favorite so now here we are.
mixing sugar and skim milk powder to create something magical that would taste somewhat close to the real deal!
Why you need to make this recipe!
- It will save you a ton of money in the long run. By making this drink at home it will cost you a fraction of the price that you would pay in stores!
- This recipe only uses a handful of ingredients and tastes out of this world.
- It will take your regular caramel latte to the next level!
- No need to wait so long in the drive-through of your local Starbucks
Table of Contents
- This is the best Starbucks caramel brulee sauce recipe
- Why you need to make this recipe!
- Ingredients for this rich caramel brulée sauce
- How to make this caramel Brulee syrup at home?
- Frequently asked questions – FAQ
- How to store caramel brulee sauce?
- Can I make an iced caramel brulee latte with this?
- What else can I use this syrup for?
- Can I use this syrup in my hot coffee?
- How is this different from regular caramel syrup?
- Caramel brulee syrup
- Starbucks caramel brulee sauce Recipe
- Shop this recipe
- If you enjoyed this Starbucks caramel brulee sauce recipe make sure to pin it for later!
Ingredients for this rich caramel brulée sauce
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this coffee syrup. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full detailed ingredient measurements.
- Sugar– We use white sugar that we caramelize in a pot to create a deeper caramel flavor just like your favorite coffee shop drink!
- Water
- Milk powder– In the ingredients on this sauce, it mentioned skim milk powder so I added it to the sauce to help deepen the flavor and thicken it a bit more while keeping it creamy
- Caramel extract– Starbucks says they use natural flavors in this syrup but I really think they use some sort of a mixture to get the caramel flavoring to shine even more.
How to make this caramel Brulee syrup at home?
This is how you can make one of your favorite Starbucks syrups at home! Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full detailed instructions!
- Caramelize the granulated sugar in a pot.
- Add in the water and stir over medium heat until the mixture is melted. Don’t worry if the sugar seizes, the heat will dissolve it again.
- Add in the milk powder and simmer for 8-10 minutes.
- Let the mixture cool down so it thickens.
- Using your new favorite syrup make the caramel brûlée latte and enjoy it this holiday season!
Frequently asked questions – FAQ
How to store caramel brulee sauce?
You can store this sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
How to make the caramel brulee latte at home?
To make this drink at home, all you have to do is steam the milk, pour it in a cup with the caramel brulee sauce then top it off with an espresso shot. Use your favorite espresso shot but if you want to use Starbucks’ signature espresso go for it. It will make the drink taste even closer to the real deal.
Top the drink with whipped cream and the caramel brulée bits
.
Can I make an iced caramel brulee latte with this?
Of course! Follow the same directions as the steps I shared above if you want to use this sauce in an iced latte , just don’t use steamed milk and instead go for cold milk. This way you will have a simple recipe that you can switch around depending on what you are feeling that day!
What else can I use this syrup for?
This sauce is so tasty that you can pretty much use it with anything! Some of my favorite ways to use it would be
- drizzled on top of ice cream
- With pancakes, French toast, or even Waffles
- To flavor your whipped cream
- In milkshakes
Can I use this syrup in my hot coffee?
Absolutely! This syrup can be used in regular hot coffee as well. Starbucks uses it in their latte recipe but feel free to get creative with it as well. As a rule of thumb, this syrup will work in any coffee or espresso-based beverage.
How is this different from regular caramel syrup?
This is more of a sauce than syrup. Usually, At Starbucks, they use the liquid clear brownish syrup that you can find in stores but this one is a thicker almost like a thinner caramel sauce kind of syrup and I’m showing you exactly how to make it at home!
Caramel brulee syrup
Starbucks caramel brulee sauce
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water warm if possible, this will only speed up the process. If you don't want to wait for you water to warm up you can use room temperature or cold water.
- 3 tbsp milk powder
- 1 tsp caramel extract
Instructions
- Start by melting the granulated sugar over medium heat to make the caramel. Once you notice the bottom layer start to melt, give it a good stir and let the rest melt as well. Make sure to keep an eye on your caramel because we don't want it to darken too much.1/2 cup granulated sugar
- Once the sugar is mainly melted and has turned into ambercolored caramel, add in the water. The sugar will seize but keep the pot over medium heat and stir to dissolve.1 cup water
- Once the sugar is almost fully dissolved add in the milk powder and continue to stir. Once combined, bring the mixture to a boil then reduce to a brisk simmer. Let the sauce simmer for 8-10 minutes keeping an eye on it so it doesn't boil over.3 tbsp milk powder
- When the timer is almost up (30 seconds), add in the caramel extract and stir. Let the mixture cool down before transferring it to a jar and storing it in the fridge or using it in your favorite coffee or latte.1 tsp caramel extract
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This syrup will make the best caramel drink at home, It will definitely remind you of the real thing!
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If you enjoyed this Starbucks caramel brulee sauce recipe make sure to pin it for later!
I just made this as per the instructions and when I added the milk powder, there is a clear separation. I’ve whiskedbit as well and it will not blend together. any ideas?
The water may have been too hot when the milk powder was added. You want the water to be warm but not boiling when the milk powder goes in. If you try it again, let me know if this fixes it.
I had the same issue. In step 3 however the sugar took a long time to dissolve so the water got very hot – should I let it cool down a bit on low heat before adding the milk powder? My sauce also did not thicken even with adding a cornstarch slurry in an attempt to thicken it, and I am assuming this is why. Tastes delicious but I can’t get it to look like the photos!
Yes, if the water gets too hot before adding the milk powder, it can cause uneven mixing and prevent proper thickening. Try lowering the heat slightly, ensuring the sugar is fully dissolved, and then whisk in the milk powder until smooth before simmering. The sauce should thicken more as it cools, so don’t skip that resting step.
Just got my caramel extract today and I made this immediately. IT IS AMAZING!!! I love Caramel Brûlée Lattes from Starbucks! I spend way too much money at Starbucks when it’s in season. This tastes spot on to me. Thanks for sharing! definitely will be holiday gifts for a few friends and family!
Glad you liked it!
I tried to make this this evening and I don’t know if I messed something up or not? the milk powder ended up leaving the caramel grainy. I’m guessing I didn’t give it enough time to dissolve before the boil/simmer step but I have no idea. Other than texture, it turned out great for a first try!
Graininess usually means the milk powder didn’t fully dissolve before the boil. Next time, whisk it in gradually over medium-low heat until the liquid looks smooth, then proceed to simmer. You can also sift the milk powder first to avoid clumps. Glad you liked it overall!
What is milk powder? I looked on grocery website and baby formula was coming up. What brand do you like/recommend? TIA!
Great question! Milk powder is simply regular milk that’s been dried to remove the moisture, and it’s often used in baking or cooking to add a rich flavor. It’s different from baby formula, which is made specifically for infants and contains added nutrients. When you’re looking for milk powder for recipes, you should search for whole milk powder or non-fat dry milk—baby formula won’t work the same way.
I love the Bob’s Red Mill one, but you can also get the Great Value Brand, or even the Targer brand.
Have you ever made this recipe as written? Does it thicken as it cools? Perhaps 1 cup of water is way too much. Even after letting it simmer for 10+ minutes it is the consistency of water or milk, not sauce.
Yes, it thickens slightly as it cools, but if yours stays thin, simmer it a bit longer over medium heat until it coats a spoon. You can also reduce the water by 15–20% for a richer texture. Just be careful not to over-darken the caramel.
I’ve been making this for weeks now and it’s AMAZING! I was on the hunt for a recipe of the Starbucks caramel brûlée sauce and this was the only one with the actual work put into researching how to make it as opposed to other bloggers that just make regular caramel. The milk powder and caramel extract make all the difference and sets this apart! I did add a pinch of sea salt to offset a little of the sweetness but this is a kitchen staple now!
I will definitely be trying some of your other recipes!
Thank you so much, that means a lot. I really appreciate it 🙂
I tried 3 times to make that caramel brule sauce but i have always some lumps that stay at the end… everything looks find when i melt sugar and add warm water, it seems like the milk powder don’t want to fully melt and i lighly simmer it for 10 min! When i pour that sauce in my coffee i still have that unwanted texture at every sip. Could you help me with that please?
Lumps often happen when the milk powder is added too quickly or when the caramel is too hot. Sift the milk powder first, whisk it in gradually, and maintain a gentle simmer so it has time to dissolve fully. If needed, you can blend the finished sauce with an immersion blender for a smooth texture.
Hello, can this be used in iced coffee? I’m afraid it might harden the sugar.
It can definitely be used in iced coffee!
My caramel extract FINALLY comes in today & I’m so excited to make this!! Prepping the caramel brûlée topping now & waiting, patiently, eekkkk 🤗