McCafe Caramel Cappuccino Recipe

This homemade McCafe Caramel Cappuccino Recipe features bold, freshly brewed coffee swirled with buttery caramel sauce and topped with a cloud of frothy steamed milk. The result is a luxurious, velvety beverage that balances the bitterness of the roast with the sweet, toasted notes of toffee in every sip. It is the ultimate comforting morning ritual, saving you a trip to the drive-thru while delivering barista-quality flavor right at home.

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McCafe Caramel Cappuccino Ingredients

The Base:

• 6 oz Strong Hot Coffee: Use a dark roast or a double shot of espresso. The coffee needs to be robust to stand up to the milk and sugar.
• 2 tbsp Caramel Sauce: Use a thick, buttery sauce (like Ghirardelli or homemade) rather than a thin syrup for a richer mouthfeel. Divided for mixing and drizzling.

The Froth & Finish:

• 1/2 cup Milk: Whole milk foams best, but oat milk creates a lovely creamy texture for a non-dairy option.
• 2 tbsp Whipped Cream: Essential for that coffee-shop aesthetic.
• Optional Garnishes: Sea salt flakes for a salted caramel twist, or a dusting of cinnamon.

How To Make McCafe Caramel Cappuccino

1. Brew the Coffee: Brew a strong cup of your favorite coffee or pull a shot of espresso. Pour 6 ounces into a large mug.
2. Sweeten: While the coffee is piping hot, stir in 1 tablespoon of the caramel sauce. Stir vigorously until the sauce dissolves completely, turning the black coffee into a sweet, amber elixir.
3. Heat and Froth: Pour the milk into a small saucepan or microwave-safe jar. Heat until steaming (about 150°F), but do not let it boil. Using a handheld frother, whisk, or by shaking the jar with a lid on, agitate the milk until it doubles in volume and creates a thick layer of micro-foam.
4. Pour: Gently pour the hot milk into the coffee, using a spoon to hold back the foam at first to mix the liquids, then releasing the foam to float on top.
5. Top and Serve: Dollop the whipped cream over the foam. Drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of caramel sauce and sprinkle with sea salt or cinnamon if desired. Drink immediately while hot.

Recipe Tips

• Frothing Without Tools: If you don’t have a frother, the “mason jar method” is a lifesaver. Fill a jar halfway with warm milk, screw the lid on tight, and shake it like a bartender for 30 seconds. Remove the lid and microwave for 30 seconds to stabilize the foam.
• Sauce vs. Syrup: Caramel sauce (often sold in jars near ice cream toppings) contains butter and cream, offering a richer flavor than caramel syrup (sold in tall bottles for coffee). Use sauce for a true McCafe replica.
• Cup Size: Use a wide-brimmed mug. This gives you more surface area for the foam and toppings, ensuring you get a bit of whipped cream and caramel with every sip of coffee.
• Temperature: Preheat your mug by rinsing it with hot water before brewing. A cold mug will instantly cool down your cappuccino, ruining the experience.

What To Serve With Caramel Cappuccino

• Coffee Cake: A slice of cinnamon streusel cake is the classic pairing.
• Chocolate Croissant: The butteriness of the pastry matches the caramel notes.
• Oatmeal Cookies: A chewy cookie makes for a great afternoon pick-me-up.
• Fresh Fruit: A bowl of berries provides a tart contrast to the sweet drink.

How To Store McCafe Caramel Cappuccino

• Immediate Consumption: Coffee drinks with milk foam do not store well. The foam collapses within minutes. Drink this fresh.
• Prep Ahead: You can brew the coffee ahead and keep it in a thermos, but froth the milk right before serving.

McCafe Caramel Cappuccino Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Sugar: 24g
• Protein: 4g
• Caffeine: 95mg

Nutrition information is estimated per drink.

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