If you’re craving a cozy treat, this pumpkin caramel macchiato is just what you need. It’s warm, inviting, and filled with the comforting flavors of fall, making it a perfect addition to your afternoon.
This recipe tackles unclear espresso pouring steps, lacks nutritional facts, omits flavor alternatives, and misses guidance on milk frothing for smooth Pumpkin Caramel Macchiato results.
Sometimes, it can be tricky to get that café-style flavor at home without the fuss. I remember trying to steam my milk just right, only to end up with a bubbly mess instead. But, with this recipe, you’ll avoid those hiccups while achieving café-quality results.
This version is easy to make in under ten minutes, ensuring you’ll enjoy a delicious pumpkin caramel macchiato anytime you want. You’ll love how creamy it is and the delightful layers of espresso, milk, and caramel.
If you’re looking for something to enjoy alongside your drink, check out my recipe for Caramel Cheese Popcorn for a sweet snack!
Table of contents
Dietary Considerations
- This recipe is gluten-free as it does not include any wheat, barley, or rye ingredients in the pumpkin caramel macchiato.
- The recipe contains milk and whipped cream, so it is unsuitable for dairy-free diets in pumpkin caramel macchiato.
- This recipe does not meet vegan diets due to the presence of milk, whipped cream, and caramel sauce made with dairy products.
- This recipe is not low-carb or keto because of brown sugar, pumpkin puree, and milk contributing to carbohydrate content.
- The recipe is nut-free since none of the ingredients used in pumpkin caramel macchiato contain nuts or nut derivatives.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Seasonal Comfort This drink brings that cozy fall vibe straight into your kitchen. Its rich pumpkin flavor combined with velvety milk warms you up, making it an ideal treat for cool evenings.
- Layered Coffee Experience With freshly brewed espresso poured atop creamy milk and sweet pumpkin syrup, you’ll enjoy a stunning visual and flavor journey with every sip you take.
- Quick to Prepare You can whip up a pumpkin caramel macchiato in just about 7 minutes. Perfect for those busy mornings when you still want to enjoy that café-style beverage at home.
- Caffeine Boost with Flavor The combination of coffee’s boldness and pumpkin’s sweetness keeps your energy up and your taste buds happy, making this drink a satisfying pick-me-up any time of day.
How to Make Pumpkin Caramel Macchiato
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cool Time:
- Cook Time: N/A
- Total Time: 7 minutes
- Yield: 1 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Brewing, Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious Pumpkin Caramel Macchiato made with freshly brewed espresso, pumpkin syrup, and caramel drizzle.
Ingredients
- 2 shots (about 60 ml) espresso, freshly brewed
- 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 ml) Pumpkin Pie Syrup or sauce
- 8 ounces (240 ml) milk, any type (whole milk recommended for creaminess, but dairy-free options such as oat or almond milk can be used)
- Ice, as needed for iced version
- Torani Caramel Sauce, for drizzle
Instructions
- Step 1: Brew your espresso shots using your preferred method and set them aside to cool slightly. Freshly brewed espresso gives the rich, bold flavor desired for this Pumpkin Caramel Macchiato.
- Step 2: In a glass or cup, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of Pumpkin Pie Syrup (start with 1 tablespoon if unsure of strength), milk, and ice if preparing an iced version. Mix well to ensure the pumpkin flavor is evenly distributed throughout the milk.
- Step 3: Slowly pour the brewed espresso over the pumpkin and milk mixture. To achieve a layered look, pour the espresso gently over the back of a spoon so it floats atop the milk mixture, creating a visual and textural contrast.
- Step 4: Finish by drizzling Torani Caramel Sauce over the top of your macchiato. If the caramel sauce is too thick for drizzling, warm it slightly in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to loosen it for an even finish.
Notes
- Room Temperature: Store your prepared Pumpkin Caramel Macchiato in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 hours to maintain flavor integrity.
- Refrigeration: Pour into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days; warm gently before serving to preserve texture.
- Freezing: Use a freezer-safe container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Brew espresso right before serving to maximize freshness and flavor impact.
- When adding Pumpkin Pie Syrup, start with 1 tablespoon and adjust to taste to avoid overpowering the drink.
- If milk frothing is needed, heat milk to 150°F (65°C) before frothing to achieve a creamy texture suitable for this macchiato.
- For a layered appearance typical of a macchiato, pour espresso slowly over the back of a spoon when combining it with the milk mixture.
- If caramel drizzle is thick, warming it briefly makes pouring easier and creates a smooth finish.
- Serve alongside gluten-free pumpkin spice bread or almond biscotti for a seasonal treat.
- Complement with a simple salad or roasted butternut squash to balance a meal.
- Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for added richness.
- Drizzle extra caramel sauce for enhanced sweetness and flavor depth.
- Use bold brewed coffee instead of espresso shots as an alternative but note taste differences.
- Substitute 100% pure pumpkin puree in the pumpkin syrup for a richer pumpkin flavor (avoid pumpkin pie filling as it contains added sugars and spices).
- Use whole milk for creamy texture or any preferred milk including unsweetened oat or almond milk for lighter options.
- Use pure vanilla extract and ground cinnamon (Ceylon cinnamon for mild flavor) to enrich pumpkin flavor.
- Adding brown sugar (light or dark) contributes caramel undertones; substituting with regular sugar may not achieve the same depth.
- Use fresh whipped cream and quality store-bought caramel sauce for authentic results; avoid low-quality brands.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Not provided
- Sugar: Not provided
- Sodium: Not provided
- Fat: Not provided
- Saturated Fat: Not provided
- Unsaturated Fat: Not provided
- Trans Fat: Not provided
- Carbohydrates: Not provided
- Fiber: Not provided
- Protein: Not provided
- Cholesterol: Not provided
Ingredient Notes
- Strong brewed coffee: Use a bold blend to ensure the coffee flavor stands out. For convenience, a good quality pre-brewed coffee works well too.
- Pumpkin puree: Go for 100% pure pumpkin in a can. It adds rich flavor and gives that classic autumn vibe. Avoid pumpkin pie filling, which has extra sugars and spices.
- Milk: Whole milk gives a creamy texture, but any preferred milk works. For a lighter version, try oat or almond milk. Just make sure it’s unsweetened!
- Vanilla extract: Use pure vanilla extract for a deep flavor. It enhances the overall richness of the drink, stay away from imitation vanilla to keep it authentic.
- Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon provides warmth. Go for Ceylon cinnamon for a more delicate flavor, or stick with standard if that’s what you have on hand.
- Brown sugar: Light or dark brown sugar adds a nice caramel undertone. It’s crucial for sweetness, so don’t skimp on this, substituting with regular sugar might not achieve the same depth.
- Whipped cream: Use fresh whipped cream for a light, airy topping. It balances the richness of the drink and adds a lovely finishing touch.
- Caramel sauce: A quality store-bought caramel sauce saves time. It adds sweetness and a velvety texture, avoid low-quality brands that may lack flavor.
Recipe Tips
- If your espresso shots sit too long before adding them, brew them right before serving for maximum freshness and flavor impact.
- When adding Pumpkin Pie Syrup, start with 1 tablespoon to avoid overpowering the drink, adjusting based on your taste preferences afterward.
- If your milk isn’t frothing well, heat it to 150°F before frothing to achieve a creamy texture suitable for a Pumpkin Caramel Macchiato.
- For a layered look, pour the brewed espresso slowly over the back of a spoon when combining it with the milk mixture.
- If the caramel drizzle is too thick, warm it slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to achieve a smoother consistency for drizzling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a slice of gluten-free pumpkin spice bread or almond biscotti for a cozy treat. Pair with a simple salad or roasted butternut squash for a balanced meal.
Use to make chai pumpkin caramel macchiato or a pumpkin spice latte. Add to smoothies for a creamy fall flavor or use in baking for pumpkin-flavored muffins.
Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for added richness. Drizzle extra caramel sauce for sweetness and depth in flavor.
Recipe variations
- You can use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free pumpkin caramel macchiato that stays creamy and flavorful.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg with the pumpkin pie syrup to adjust the spice profile according to your preference.
- Either freshly brewed espresso or strong brewed coffee can be used as the coffee base depending on your available equipment.
- If making multiple drinks, multiply the pumpkin pie syrup by 1 to 2 tablespoons per serving and brew 2 espresso shots per drink for consistent flavor.
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How to Store?
To keep your pumpkin caramel macchiato fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Store your prepared pumpkin caramel macchiato in an airtight container at room temperature up to 4 hours to maintain flavor integrity.
Refrigeration: Pour into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days, then warm gently before serving to preserve texture.
Freezing: Use a freezer-safe container or freezer bag and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Toasted Coconut Marshmallows
- Puff Pastry Apple Rosettes
- Rhubarb and Strawberry Tart Recipe
- Chocolate Peanut Clusters
If you enjoyed this Pumpkin Caramel Macchiato or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I appreciate taking time to read about this recipe, thank you!
