Starbucks’ Caramel Cloud Macchiato is one of the most inventive drinks on their menu, and that is saying something, given the multitude of creative beverages they routinely churn out. The magic comes from the foam, something macchiatos usually don’t feature in favor of putting the focus on the espresso. In the Caramel Cloud Macchiato, egg white powder helps create a rich, airy foam that gives the drink a light, fluffy quality. It works well and puts a new twist on an old classic.
In this article, we’re going to teach you how to make your own Caramel Cloud Macchiato in the comfort of your kitchen. We’ll cover the basic recipe first before giving you some helpful tips for tweaking and tuning your coffee to get it just right. Let’s get started!
How to Make a Caramel Cloud Macchiato:
The only ingredient you probably do not have on hand is the egg white powder. Unfortunately, it is difficult to find a suitable replacement for egg white powder since this is the main player responsible for creating the characteristic foamy head.
Another important preliminary note is choosing which milk to use. Normally we would leave it up to you, but for this recipe, choosing low-fat or skim milk will help you get a thicker, frothier foam. Whole milk doesn’t froth as readily as skim milk, but if you don’t mind a flatter, less fluffy head, feel free to use it.
- Medium-sized mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Double shot of espresso
- ¼ cup skim milk
- ½ teaspoon egg white powder
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Caramel syrup (for the drizzle)
Guided Steps
- Combine the milk and egg white powder in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
- Beat the mixture with an electric mixer on high speed until you get a thick, foamy texture.
- Add the sugar and vanilla extract and continue to beat on a high speed until the mixture begins to resemble a thick meringue.
- Brew a double shot of espresso.
- Pour the espresso into a glass and top with the foam mixture.
- Drizzle caramel syrup on top of the foam.
- Serve and enjoy!
Alternative Options
Coffee vs. Espresso
If you have an espresso machine, you can get closer to the Starbucks version since they use espresso in their Caramel Cloud Macchiato. Not everyone has an espresso machine at home, so substituting strong coffee for espresso is often necessary.
In general, replacing a double shot of espresso with 2 ounces of strong coffee does a reasonably good job of replicating the flavor. If you have a Moka pot, you should use it over other brewing methods since it’s the easiest way to make concentrated coffee.
If you don’t have a Moka pot, the next best brewing method to use is the French press. We recommend upping the strength slightly from your standard cup, so if you usually brew with a 1:15 or 1:16 coffee-to-water ratio, try 1:13 or 1:14 instead.
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Choosing Your Milk
We already mentioned that whole milk isn’t the best choice because its high-fat content makes it difficult to froth, but it is serviceable if it’s the only variety you have. If you’re going to buy milk specifically to make a Caramel Cloud Macchiato, choose low-fat or non-fat milk instead.
Dairy milk alternatives like almond milk, coconut milk, and oat milk are commonly used in place of regular milk in coffee drinks but can make it difficult to produce a frothy head. Some companies make barista versions of non-dairy milk that are specifically designed to be easier to froth. You should look for this variety if you want to use non-dairy milk in your homemade Caramel Cloud Macchiato.
Caramel Cloud Macchiato Recipe
Equipment
- Medium-sized mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Espresso machine
Ingredients
- Double shot of espresso
- ¼ cup Skim milk
- ½ tsp Egg white powder
- ½ tsp Sugar
- ⅛ tsp Vanilla Extract
- Caramel syrup (for the drizzle)
Instructions
- Combine the milk and egg white powder in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
- Beat the mixture with an electric mixer on high speed until you get a thick, foamy texture.
- Add the sugar and vanilla extract and continue to beat on a high speed until the mixture begins to resemble a thick meringue.
- Brew a double shot of espresso.
- Pour the espresso into a glass and top with the foam mixture.
- Drizzle caramel syrup on top of the foam.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
Final Thoughts
Making a Caramel Cloud Macchiato at home is easier than many people think. The secret is whipping together low-fat milk and egg white powder to make the delicious foam topping and pouring it over espresso or strong coffee. Choosing low-fat or non-fat milk is essential to achieve the desired texture. Opting for barista-quality almond milk or other non-dairy milk—can help if you’re struggling to make a vegan Caramel Cloud Macchiato with a full foamy head.
SEE ALSO:
- Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew Recipe (Rich & Tasty)
- Creamy Iced Caramel Latte Recipe (Easy and So Delicious!)
Featured Image Credit: joloei, Shutterstock
