Description
This recipe creates a sophisticated cardamom-spiced caramel latte at home. It features a rich, homemade caramel sauce infused with warm, aromatic cardamom for a unique twist.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom, plus a pinch for garnish
- 4 shots hot espresso (120ml)
- 2 cups whole milk (480ml)
Instructions
- Prepare Caramel Sauce Base: Combine sugar and water in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir until sugar dissolves (3-5 minutes). Increase heat to medium-high and cook without stirring for 8-12 minutes, or until the syrup turns a deep amber color. Immediately remove from heat.
- Finish Caramel Sauce: Slowly pour the heavy cream into the hot syrup while whisking constantly; the mixture will bubble vigorously. Whisk in the unsalted butter until fully incorporated, then stir in the vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon of ground cardamom. Pour the sauce into a heatproof jar and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Coffee and Milk: While the sauce cools, brew 2 shots of espresso for each serving. Steam the whole milk using a steam wand or heat gently in a saucepan over medium heat until hot and frothy.
- Assemble Spiced Caramel Latte: Swirl 1-2 tablespoons of the warm cardamom caramel sauce around the inside of two mugs. Pour one shot of hot espresso into each mug, ensuring it blends with the caramel. Carefully pour the steamed milk over the espresso.
- Garnish and Serve: Spoon any remaining milk foam over the top of each latte. Drizzle an additional tablespoon of caramel sauce over the foam and sprinkle lightly with a pinch of ground cardamom. Serve immediately.
Notes
The caramel sauce can be made up to two weeks in advance and stored in the refrigerator; reheat gently before using. To prevent crystallization, ensure all sugar is dissolved before increasing heat. If the sauce hardens when adding cream, return to low heat while stirring to melt smoothly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stovetop, Steaming
- Cuisine: General
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 latte
- Calories: 550 calories
- Sugar: 65g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 90mg