Pumpkin Caramel Macchiato

This rich and creamy coffee is the perfect way to get a dose of caffeine with pumpkin flavor.

Prep: 10

Cook: 5

Total: 15

Yield:2 macchiatos

1 tablespoon pumpkin puree see Notes
1 tablespoon water omit if using maple syrup
1-2 tablespoons sugar to taste, or maple syrup; see Notes
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice store-bought or make your own, plus more for topping

Add all ingredients to small bowl and stir until mixture is smooth.
Place bowl in microwave (see Notes for stovetop option). Microwave 30 seconds at 100% power, then stir mixture thoroughly. Microwave another 30 seconds, then stir mixture again. Sugar should be dissolved and syrup should be smooth but not thick.

If making homemade caramel sauce for this recipe, make sauce now, then continue with macchiato recipe as written. See Notes for vegan caramel sauce recipe if desired.
Add 50% of prepared pumpkin syrup to each glass or mug, then add ½ tablespoon caramel sauce on top of syrup.
Froth and heat 2 cups vanilla milk (see Notes), then pour milk evenly into glasses or mugs with syrup and caramel sauce. Add enough milk that containers are almost completely full.
Pour 2 brewed espresso shots into glass or mug through milk and foam, then repeat with remaining espresso in other glass or mug. Espresso should sit beneath milk layer.
Drizzle additional caramel sauce over top of macchiato foam, then dust top of foam with pumpkin pie spice if desired. Serve immediately.

Sugar: You can use maple syrup, honey, or your favorite sugar substitute. If you use maple syrup, leave out the water in the recipe.
Stovetop Option: To make the pumpkin spice syrup on the stovetop instead of the microwave, just add all the ingredients to a small saucepan. Heat the pan over medium-low heat and stir constantly until ingredients are fully combined. Syrup should be smooth, but not thick, and heated through completely. Sugar should be fully dissolved.
Frothing: I recommend using a high-speed blender to froth the milk and warm it, then I use my handheld milk frother to finish. You can use a milk steamer or frother, or simply heat over low heat and whisk very vigorously until milk has doubled in volume with plenty of air bubbles.

Ingredients

Instructions

Add all ingredients to small mixing bowl. Stir vigorously until ingredients are fully combined.