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Caramel Vanilla Iced Coffee: The Ultimate Guide to Making It at Home

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Indulge in a homemade Caramel Vanilla Iced Coffee! This refreshing drink features rich caramel sauce, fragrant vanilla syrup, strong coffee, and a touch of cream, topped with whipped cream and a caramel drizzle.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream, warmed
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped (or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract)
  • 4 cups strong brewed coffee, cooled (or cold brew concentrate)
  • Ice cubes
  • Milk or cream (optional, to taste)
  • Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
  • Additional caramel sauce (optional, for drizzling)

Instructions

  1. Combine Sugar and Water: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Stir gently to moisten the sugar.
  2. Cook the Sugar: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Do not stir the mixture after this point! Let the sugar cook undisturbed. It will bubble and eventually turn a light amber color. This process can take anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes, so be patient and keep a close eye on it. If you see sugar crystals forming on the sides of the pan, you can gently brush them down with a wet pastry brush.
  3. Watch for the Color Change: The key to perfect caramel is the color. You want a rich amber color, but be careful not to let it burn. Burnt caramel will taste bitter.
  4. Add the Warm Cream: Once the sugar has reached the desired color, carefully remove the saucepan from the heat. Immediately pour in the warmed heavy cream. Be very careful, as the mixture will bubble vigorously and steam will be released. Stir constantly with a whisk to combine the cream and caramel.
  5. Incorporate the Butter: Add the softened butter to the saucepan and continue to whisk until the butter is completely melted and incorporated into the caramel.
  6. Add Salt: Stir in the sea salt. This will enhance the sweetness of the caramel and add a lovely depth of flavor.
  7. Cool and Store: Let the caramel sauce cool slightly before transferring it to an airtight container. The sauce will thicken as it cools. You can store the caramel sauce in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. If it becomes too thick, you can gently warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop before using.
  8. Combine Water and Sugar: In a small saucepan, combine the water and granulated sugar.
  9. Add Vanilla: If using a vanilla bean, split it lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Add both the seeds and the pod to the saucepan. If using vanilla extract, wait to add it until after the syrup has cooled.
  10. Simmer: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved.
  11. Remove from Heat: Once the sugar is dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat. If you used a vanilla bean, let it steep in the syrup for about 30 minutes to infuse the syrup with vanilla flavor. Remove the vanilla bean pod after steeping.
  12. Add Extract (if using): If you are using vanilla extract, stir it into the syrup after it has cooled slightly.
  13. Cool and Store: Let the vanilla syrup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store the vanilla syrup in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
  14. Prepare Your Glass: Grab your favorite glass and drizzle some caramel sauce around the inside. This not only looks beautiful but also adds a delicious caramel flavor to every sip.
  15. Add Ice: Fill the glass with ice cubes. The amount of ice you use will depend on your preference, but I like to fill it almost to the top.
  16. Pour in Coffee: Pour the cooled strong brewed coffee (or cold brew concentrate diluted with water) over the ice. Leave some room at the top for milk or cream and whipped cream, if using.
  17. Sweeten with Vanilla Syrup: Add the vanilla syrup to the coffee. Start with 1-2 tablespoons and adjust to your liking. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
  18. Add Caramel Sauce: Add a tablespoon or two of the caramel sauce to the coffee. Again, adjust to your preference. I like a generous amount of caramel flavor, so I usually add a bit more.
  19. Add Milk or Cream (Optional): If you like your iced coffee creamy, add a splash of milk or cream. You can use any type of milk you prefer – whole milk, 2% milk, almond milk, oat milk, or even half-and-half.
  20. Stir Well: Stir the coffee, vanilla syrup, caramel sauce, and milk (if using) together until everything is well combined.
  21. Top with Whipped Cream (Optional): If you’re feeling fancy, top your iced coffee with a dollop of whipped cream.
  22. Drizzle with Caramel Sauce (Optional): For the ultimate caramel experience, drizzle some additional caramel sauce over the whipped cream.
  23. Enjoy! Grab a straw and enjoy your delicious homemade Caramel Vanilla Iced Coffee!

Notes

  • The strength of your coffee will affect the overall flavor of the iced coffee. If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, use a darker roast or more coffee grounds when brewing.
  • Using cold brew concentrate is a great way to make a super smooth and flavorful iced coffee. Just be sure to dilute it with water according to the package instructions.
  • To make a sugar-free version, use sugar-free granulated sweetener for both the caramel sauce and the vanilla syrup. You can also find sugar-free caramel syrup at most grocery stores.
  • Use your favorite dairy-free milk or cream alternative, such as almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.
  • For a spiced caramel flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the caramel sauce while it’s cooking.
  • If you love salted caramel, add a bit more sea salt to the caramel sauce.
  • If you don’t have a vanilla bean, you can use vanilla bean paste instead. Use about 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste in the vanilla syrup.
  • For a blended version, combine all the ingredients in a blender with some additional ice and blend until smooth.
  • Get creative with your caramel drizzle! Use a squeeze bottle to create intricate designs on the inside of your glass or on top of the whipped cream.
  • For an extra caffeine boost, add a shot of espresso to your iced coffee.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

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Find it online: https://recipesrefreshing.com/caramel-vanilla-iced-coffee/