Iced Caramel Latte [with Coffee Ice Cubes]
Iced Caramel Latte [with Coffee Ice Cubes]
This Iced Caramel Latte [with Coffee Ice Cubes] is the epitome of never having boring lattes that are quick and tasty to kick start your day again! Make these little coffee ice cubes to go with your favorite coffee drink (whether hot or cold) without watering it down. Ice cubes made with cold brew and caramel sauce, topped with your favorite plant-based milk, freshly-brewed coffee, and more caramel, this latte is the perfect thing to add to your mornings! Dairy-Free + Vegan options.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links via Amazon for products that I wholeheartedly love.
I recently came across the newest wave of turning your coffee into ice cubes and I must say that I'm hooked! This Iced Caramel Latte [with Coffee Ice Cubes] is super easy to make and with this large batch of 28 ice cubes within the recipe, they make for a great meal prep + make ahead option for the week. When thinking about how much a latte has been a major part of my mornings, I'm definitely sold on doing these little ice cubs more often and the great part------you can totally change the flavors to keep things interesting.
Since last year, I've been super adamant on reducing my takeout spending, especially when it comes to a cup of coffee, therefore, I've been making my own lattes at home, which has been rather fun! If you're into homemade lattes like I am, then I suggest making this Sugar Cookie Latte (Starbucks Copycat) for starters. SO good! I'll definitely be sharing more amazing latte recipes further below.
Be sure to watch all recipes come to life via IG Reels for a nice visual.
However, if you’re cutting out coffee or want a lower-caffeine drink to sip in the morning, you’ll want to try my Iced Chai Tea Latte recipe ASAP. And while you’re at it, make a big batch and keep it in the fridge to pour over ice all week long.
What is Iced Caramel Latte Made of?
Basically, Iced Caramel Lattes are made using a handful of ingredients which include espresso (or strong coffee), milk, and caramel syrup or sauce. That's it. Of course, in this recipe, I always love to switch things up with a bit of whipped cream on top, additional drizzle, and even coffee ice cubes for an added touch!
What's the Difference Between Iced Caramel Coffee and Iced Caramel Latte?
OK, so while both names almost look and sound alike, they actually are different drinks. For one, iced coffee is usually made of cooled brewed coffee and is served with just a splash of milk. However, iced lattes are usually made with strong espresso shots and contains a lot more milk than iced coffees.
Caramel Coffee Ice Cubes: The Perfect Way to Avoid Waste
Making coffee throughout the week can sometimes mean that you won't always use up your coffee, especially when making coffee from ground coffee beans. Yes---you can add leftover coffee in other ways (i.e. baking, making a mocktail, etc.), why not just freeze them and re-create a new latte each day? Haha.
Plus, it's really simple to make, so there's that.
Making Your Latte Runs Simple and Fast
As I've mentioned, making these coffee ice cubes are for sure the easiest and fastest way to keep your latte/coffee runs smooth during the week. Simply make a large batch of these, add them to a glass in the mornings, pour your milk, and add an additional sweetener (if you please), and wallah. DONE!
I see that Iced Mocha Latte or Iced Maple Cinnamon Oat Latte being a breeze!
Are Lattes Stronger Than Coffee?
Believe it or not, lattes are actually considered "weaker" than coffee in the caffeine department because lattes usually also contain milk and sugar. So, although espresso is greater in caffeine levels, the added steam milk and cream lowers it's potency, which works for those who aren't strong coffee drinkers.
How to Best Use Caramel Coffee Ice Cubes
Usually, I love using these little ice cubes in my lattes, however, there are a few other ways to utilize them, especially when you want to switch things up. Elevate your next smoothie by making it coffee-infused or perhaps a nice mocktail like this Dairy-Free Espresso Martini with No Kahluaor this Dirty Chai Espresso Martini [Mocktail].
Why You'll Love This Iced Caramel Latte [with Coffee Ice Cubes]
First and foremost, the flavors in this simple and easy Iced Caramel Latte [with Coffee Ice Cubes] is enough to convince anyone, however, here are a few more reasons why you'll love this recipe:
- It's Very Similar to Starbucks. I tried to make this Iced Caramel Latte as close to Starbuck's version as I could with the exception of adding personal preferences that you might have! i.e. whipped cream, etc.
- It's super fun to make! I literally love the process of brewing my coffee and then assembling everything together.
- You save money! This by far is one of my biggest reasons for making my own coffee at home (minus the last point to come). You definitely save more money purchasing the ingredients and making your own servings at home.
- It's healthier. Most of all, this is my biggest plus! I love when I am able to know what ingredients I use whenever making drinks, cooking, or baking. Making my own lattes and coffee at home has definitely allowed me to switch to healthier, organic ingredients which is a win, win!
Ingredients for this Iced Caramel Latte
The three components in this simple homemade iced caramel latte are the homemade caramel sauce, the coffee ice cubes, and the actual latte. Here’s what you need to make the caramel sauce:
- Brown sugar. I use organic to make sure it’s vegan.
- Butter. I love using unsalted butter, however, you can use salted butter and omit the added salt. For a dairy-free + vegan option, use vegan butter. I love the brand Earth balance.
- Heavy cream. You can also use a high-quality organic heavy cream. For a dairy-free + vegan option, use coconut cream version for a creamier texture.
- Sea salt. This creates a nice balance with the sweet and helps to heighten the flavor.
To make your coffee ice cubes, you’ll use:
- Cold brew. You can also use chilled brewed coffee.
- Milk. I love using milk as the base, but water works too!
- Caramel sauce. This is the highlight of the entire ice cube and can be store-bought or homemade.
To make your latte, you’ll use:
- Milk. You can use regular milk if desired or make your own fave dairy-free milk. Using store-bought dairy-free milk will also suffice!
- Caramel sauce. Just for a drizzle. This is the highlight of the entire drink and can be store-bought or homemade. For a dairy-free + vegan option, make it vegan caramel.
- Whipped cream (optional). I love adding a bit of smooth whipped cream atop my lattes, however, it's not required. For a dairy-free + vegan option, use Cocowhip! You can also make cold foam, if desired.
What Dairy-Free Milks Work Best with Iced Caramel Latte?
Absolutely! Everything in this Iced Caramel Latte is completely delish as is, but if you'd like to switch things up with the type of plant-based milk that you use-----that's totally fine! The world of plant-based milk is constantly expanding, it's hard to keep up! From the classics like cashew milk, sesame milk, soy milk, and almond milk, we now have delicious options like oat milk and even potato and quinoa milk.
SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR COOKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS LATTE!
Here, I’ve curated a list of cooking + baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods or cooked meals, especially with this Iced Caramel Latte [with Coffee Ice Cubes]. Everything from my fave baking sheet, dutch ovens, high-powered blender, mixing bowls, and more. SEE THEM HERE!
Homemade Vegan Caramel Sauce
This creamy and sweet dairy-free caramel sauce is an all-purpose recipe to use on anything from baked desserts to smoothies to mocktails to your lattes.
Here’s what you need to make it:
- Brown sugar. Use organic sugar to make sure it’s vegan.
- Vegan butter. Any kind will work. I like Earth Balance vegan buttery sticks in particular.
- Coconut milk. Use full-fat cream or milk for the best flavor and thickest texture. For milk, refrigerate overnight until it becomes solid.
- Sea salt. Everyone knows that salted caramel is a favorite flavor.
Starbucks Vanilla Sweet Cream
If you aren't familiar with one of Starbuck's latest phenomenons, then I highly suggest trying sweet cream atop your latte.
For the sweet cream itself, it's so easy to make! Simply make the vanilla syrup, mix it together with milk (best to use 2% milk like Starbucks does, but I use plant-based milk) and cream and wallah!
Tips for Serving + Storing Starbucks Vanilla Sweet Cream
There are several options to switching things up slightly with your homemade Starbucks Vanilla Sweet Cream that include:
- Substitute heavy cream and milk with half & half, if that's your preference or what you have on hand!
- Add whipped cream to your sweet cream for an even more velvety texture and sweet taste.
- Store leftover vanilla sweet cream in a tightly sealed mason jar in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Perfect for an easy make ahead option throughout the week for your coffee!
What Ice Cube Trays Work Best
Honestly, I'm a big believer in using whichever type of ice cube tray molds you'd prefer. I chose to use these "crescent moon" shaped molds (which are standard ice trays), however, I also love using square cubes and any fun shapes for a more festive feel.
Personally, Amazon has some amazing options and you can also purchase ice cube molds as large retailers such as Target, Walmart, etc. Of course, depending on the size and shape, you'll get a different amount of ice cubes per batch, so keep that in mind!
Can I Serve this Iced Caramel LatteHot & Cold?
Yes! This yummy sweet, dairy-free Iced Caramel Latte is just as tasty hot or ice cold! You can definitely switch things up by serving this latte hot or cold whenever you choose to.
To serve hot, simply warm your plant-based milk with all the latte ingredients together in a small saucepan until heated through. If you have a milk frother, all the better, but it's not totally necessary! Pour in a mug and top with whipped cream and caramel drizzle, because why not?
How Many Servings is this Iced Caramel Latte [with Coffee Ice Cubes]?
This latte is for one serving. To make additional lattes, simply double or triple ingredients, depending on need. The ice cubes makes about 28 mini sized cubes or a standard 12-16 when using regular-sized ice cube trays.
Can I Make this Latte Dairy-Free and/or Vegan?
Yes and yes! To make this Iced Caramel Latte [with Coffee Ice Cubes] entirely dairy-free and/or vegan, simply substitute the heavy cream with a high-quality dairy-free half & half like Ripple Foods if making the sweet cream as your topping. You can also use a creamer from So Delicious Dairy-free or Califia Farms. In addition, you can use full-fat canned coconut cream/milk that has been chilled for the coconut whipped cream. Lastly, ensure that you use plant-based milk as well as vegan caramel sauce.
More Homemade Latte Recipes to Try!
- Iced Vanilla Sweet Cream Latte [Starbucks Copycat]
- Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso
- Dirty Chai Maple Iced Latte
- Brown Butter Maple Cookie Latte
- Caramel Biscoff Cookie Butter Iced Latte
- Dairy-free Iced Mocha Latte
- Honey + Turmeric Iced Latte
- Salted Caramel Cashew Latte
- Easy Warm Apple Chai Latte
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Caramel Coffee Ice Cubes Latte
Ingredients
COFFEE CARAMEL ICE CUBES:
- 1 cup freshly-brewed coffee or cold brew, cooled
- 1 cup Your favorite plant-based milk (You can also use regular milk or filtered water instead)
- ¼ cup caramel sauce, store-bought or homemade
LATTE:
- 2 ounces freshly-brewed coffee/espresso, cooled
- 1 cup Your favorite plant-based milk
- ¼ cup caramel sauce (You can start with 2 Tbsps and work your way up depending on desired sweetness)
- Coffee caramel ice cubes
OPTIONAL TOPPINGS:
- Whipped cream
- Caramel sauce, drizzle
Instructions
TO MAKE THE COFFEE CARAMEL ICE CUBES:
- In a bowl, add together the coffee, milk, and caramel sauce, whisking until combined.
- Pour coffee mixture into prepared ice cube molds and freeze until solid, about 5 hours or so.
TO MAKE THE LATTE:
- To serve, add the coffee caramel ice cubes into a glass followed by the cooled freshly-brewed coffee/espresso, your fave plant-based milk and caramel sauce. Stir and top with whipped cream and a few drizzles of caramel sauce, if desired.
- Sip and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
- SWEETENER: You can adjust the amount of caramel sauce depending on how sweet or unsweet you'd like for your latte to be.
- STORAGE (CARAMEL SAUCE): Leftover caramel sauce can be stored in a tightly sealed mason jar for up to two weeks. When ready to use, simply reheat sauce in the microwave at 15 second intervals until softened and at room temp.
- SERVING: To make additional lattes, simply double or triple ingredients, depending on need.
- WHAT PLANT-BASED MILKS ARE GOOD FOR THIS RECIPE? My go-to plant-based brand for Oat milk or plant-based milk when using store-bought is Ripple Foods. However, you can always use your fave or one of the following: Almond, coconut milk, homemade oat milk (froths/foams VERY WELL), sesame milk, homemade cashew milk, flax milk, potato milk, quinoa milk, etc.
Nutrition
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Iced Caramel Latte [with Coffee Ice Cubes].
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