Starbucks-Style Caramel Macchiato

A healthier, whole-food version of Starbucks' Caramel Macchiato using organic ingredients.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup organic whole milk (or almond, oat, or coconut milk)
  • 1/4 cup organic honey
  • 1/4 cup coconut cream
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for garnish)
  • 1 shot of espresso

Clean swaps

How we upgrade the restaurant version with better ingredients.

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Shop the clean pantry

Reorder the shelf-stable staples for this recipe.

What you'll need

  • High-powered blender — Smoothies, nut milks, and blended drinks without chunks.
  • Nut milk bag — Strain almond or oat milk to a clean, creamy finish.
  • Cold brew pitcher — Steep coarsely ground coffee in cold water overnight — no machine needed.

Instructions

  1. Make the clean caramel: in a small saucepan, combine the honey, coconut cream, and a pinch of sea salt over medium heat. Simmer gently for 4–5 minutes, stirring often, until thickened and deep golden. Remove from heat and let cool — it will thicken further.
  2. Meanwhile, prepare an espresso shot in a coffee maker or espresso machine.
  3. Heat the milk in a small saucepan until steaming but not boiling, then froth with a whisk, frother, or steam wand. Stir the vanilla extract into the hot milk — the vanilla-sweetened milk is the base of a caramel macchiato.
  4. Pour the vanilla milk into a mug, then pour the espresso shot through the milk ('macchiato' means the espresso marks the milk last).
  5. Drizzle the cooled caramel sauce over the top.
  6. Garnish with a light dash of cinnamon, if desired.

FAQ

Is this Starbucks-Style Caramel Macchiato gluten-free?

Yes, if you use almond, oat, or coconut milk instead of dairy milk and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I use a different type of sweetener besides honey?

Certainly! You can substitute maple syrup or date syrup for honey in this recipe.

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