Caramel Apple Pie Latte (Cozy Fall Coffee Recipe)
What if you could turn your favorite fall dessert into a coffee?
One of my favorite desserts has always been hot apple pie with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
My mom used to make it when I was younger, and I can still remember that smell of warm apples, cinnamon, and buttery crust filling the whole kitchen. If I could, I’d probably have eaten half the pie myself (and still gone back for the melted ice cream).
That same flavor inspired this Caramel Apple Pie Latte. It’s creamy, spiced, and sweet enough to feel like a treat without being too heavy. Every sip tastes like a spoonful of pie, but with the bold kick of coffee underneath.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make it both iced and hot, plus how to whip up a homemade apple syrup if you’d rather skip the store-bought stuff with who-knows-what inside.
Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Pie Latte
This Caramel Apple Pie Latte brings all the best fall flavors together in one sip: apple, cinnamon, and caramel. It’s smooth and creamy, with that warm baked-apple aroma that makes your kitchen smell like something just came out of the oven.
Each sip tastes a little like the gooey filling of an apple pie, finished with a buttery caramel note that lingers enough to make you smile.
It’s surprisingly easy to make too. All you need is a shot of espresso (or strong brewed coffee) and a few simple ingredients. In about ten minutes, you’ll have a drink that feels straight out of a café (minus the long line or price tag).
Also, you can make it exactly how you like it. Go hot for chilly mornings or iced when the sun decides to show off. Use oat milk for that creamy, dessert-like texture, or swap in almond milk for something lighter.
If you prefer it sugar-free, simply use your favorite syrup. It still tastes incredible.
Personally, I love mine with oat milk and a generous drizzle of real caramel. There’s just something about that mix of apple, spice, and coffee that feels like my favorite dessert turned into a drink.
Caramel Apple Pie Latte (Step-by-Step Recipe)
Equipment
- Espresso machine, moka pot, or French press
- Small Saucepan:
- Spoon or whisk:
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mug (preferably a cozy one)
Ingredients
- For the Latte:
- 1–2 shots espresso (or ½ cup strong brewed coffee)
- ¾ cup milk (dairy, oat, or almond)
- 2 tablespoons apple syrup (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon caramel sauce
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon or apple pie spice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- For the Topping (Optional but Recommended):
- Whipped cream
- Caramel drizzle
- Crushed graham crackers or cinnamon sugar dust
Instructions
- Step 1) Brew the Coffee or Espresso: Start by brewing your espresso or strong coffee. Freshly brewed always tastes better.I usually use my Moka pot because it gives that deep, slightly nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with caramel. If you prefer something milder, French press coffee works great too.
- Step 2) Heat and Flavor the Milk: In a small saucepan, combine the milk, apple syrup, caramel, and cinnamon (or apple pie spice). Place it over medium heat and stir gently as it warms.Don’t let it boil. Just heat until it’s steaming and lightly frothy around the edges. Once it’s ready, stir in the vanilla extract. It adds that smooth, round flavor that ties everything together.
- Step 3) Assemble the Latte: Pour your espresso into a mug first, then slowly add the warm flavored milk. I like to pour it down the side of the mug so the layers swirl together gently. It gives the drink that marbled look and keeps the flavor balanced. Give it a soft stir to blend everything.
- Step 4) Add the Finishing Touches: Top your latte with a swirl of whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel, and a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers or cinnamon sugar.If you’re feeling extra, dust a bit of apple pie spice on top. It makes the first sip smell similar to a warm pie fresh out of the oven.
Notes
My go-to tip:
Before pouring the milk in, I like to drizzle a tiny bit of caramel sauce inside the mug. It melts into the coffee and gives you that rich, buttery sweetness in every sip.Iced Caramel Apple Pie Latte Version
If you live somewhere like I do (here in Portugal), autumn doesn’t always mean cold weather. Some years, it’s still warm enough in October to wear short sleeves.
That’s when I switch to this iced version. But you could even save it for the summer months when you want something fall-flavored but can’t stand a hot drink.
Step 1) Brew the Espresso and Let It Cool
Start with your espresso or strong brewed coffee. Once it’s ready, let it sit for a few minutes until it cools slightly. You don’t want to pour it straight over ice or it’ll melt too fast and water down the flavor. I usually pop it in the fridge for five minutes while I prep everything else.
Step 2) Combine Everything in a Shaker
Grab a shaker or a large jar with a tight lid (anything that can handle a good shake). Next, add the caramel sauce, apple syrup, and milk of your choice, then toss in a handful of ice cubes.
Step 3) Shake It Up and Pour Over Ice
Shake everything for about 10 to 15 seconds until it’s frothy and well mixed. You’ll feel the shaker get cold in your hands. That’s when you know it’s ready. Fill a tall glass with ice and pour your mixture over it.
Step 4) Add the Finishing Touches
Top your drink with whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, and maybe a little sprinkle of cinnamon or apple pie spice.
Sometimes I’ll crumble a bit of graham cracker on top simply for texture. It’s optional, but it gives that perfect “apple pie crust” touch. And there you go, your Iced Caramel Apple Pie Latte!
How to Make Homemade Apple Syrup (Optional Section)
You can always buy apple syrup if you’re short on time. I like Monin Crisp Apple Syrup because it has that true, fresh-apple flavor.
But honestly, making it at home is quick and simple. Plus, you can control the sweetness and spice exactly how you like it. So here are the steps:
Step 1) Combine Your Ingredients
Grab a small saucepan and pour in 1 cup of apple cider, ½ cup of brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. I usually go for dark brown sugar because it adds that rich, almost caramel-like depth. If you prefer a little extra warmth, you can sneak in a pinch of nutmeg or clove too.
Step 2) Simmer Until Slightly Thickened
Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir occasionally as it starts to bubble. Let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes.
You’ll see it begin to thicken slightly. If you prefer a thicker syrup, let it go for an extra minute or two. Just don’t overdo it. Once it cools, it’ll thicken more than you expect.
Step 3) Cool and Store
Now remove from heat and let it cool for a bit before transferring to a glass jar or small bottle. It’ll look glossy and smell amazing. You want to keep it sealed in the fridge, and it should last up to two weeks.
Notes: I normally make a small batch every other weekend and use it for everything from lattes, pancakes, oatmeal, and even drizzled over vanilla ice cream to make it extra delicious.
Last Thoughts
If you try it or come up with your own twist, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave your questions or versions in the comments below. I always enjoy seeing how others make these drinks their own. And with that… voilà.
