Aug 27 2026
RestaurantsThe Breakfast CompanyCaramel Crunch Macchiato Recipe

Caramel Crunch Macchiato Recipe

Time10m
Serves1

Make Caramel Crunch Macchiato Recipe in just 10m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Espresso & Coffee

Sweetening & Finishing

Ice (for iced option)

Method

Espresso & Coffee

  1. 1

    Pull espresso

    Brew 2 shots (about 60 ml total) of freshly ground espresso using an espresso machine. If you prefer a slightly longer drink or don't have an espresso machine, brew a strong 120 ml concentrate or use 60 ml espresso plus 60 ml hot water (americano-style).

Caramel & Sweetening

  1. 2

    Prepare cup with caramel and vanilla

    Add 1 tablespoon of vanilla syrup to your serving cup. Pour 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce into the bottom of the cup and swirl so the sauce coats the interior sides slightly; this gives flavor and the characteristic macchiato look.

  2. 3

    Sweeten (optional)

    If you want extra sweetness, stir in up to 1 teaspoon granulated sugar into the caramel and vanilla base until dissolved. This is optional if your caramel and vanilla provide enough sweetness.

Milk & Foam

  1. 4

    Steam and froth milk

    Pour 1 cup whole milk into a steaming pitcher. Steam milk to about 60–65°C (140–150°F) creating velvety microfoam. You want mostly liquid milk with roughly 2 tablespoons of dense foam reserved on top. If you don't have a steamer, heat milk on the stove until warm (not boiling) and froth with a hand frother or jar (shake vigorously) to create foam.

  2. 5

    Add milk to cup

    Slowly pour the steamed milk into the prepared cup with caramel and vanilla, holding back most foam with a spoon. Leave about 2 tablespoons of foam in the pitcher to top the drink.

Assemble & Finish

  1. 6

    Mark with espresso

    Carefully pour the 2 shots of espresso over the milk. Pouring slowly in the center will create the 'macchiato' mark — a dark espresso layer or streak through the milk. For iced version: place ice cubes in a tall glass, drizzle caramel and vanilla syrup over ice, pour cold milk, then pour cold espresso over the top so it layers.

  2. 7

    Add foam and caramel drizzle

    Spoon the reserved 2 tablespoons of milk foam onto the top of the drink. Drizzle an extra 1 tablespoon caramel sauce over the foam in a crosshatch or spiral pattern.

  3. 8

    Add crunch topping

    Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of crushed toffee or brittle evenly over the caramel drizzle so pieces sit on the foam. The crunch should be added last to preserve texture.

  4. 9

    Serve

    Serve immediately with a short spoon or straw. Stir gently if you want the caramel fully incorporated; leave un-stirred for layered presentation and crunch on top.

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