Name: Starbucks Skinny Caramel Macchiato (Copy-Cat)
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 cup strong brewed regular coffee or decaf; ½ cup fat-free milk; 2 packages Splenda, Equal, Truvia or your favorite sugar substitute; 2 teaspoons caramel sundae topping, such as Hershey’s or Smuckers; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon caramel sauce drizzled on top

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If you love this fabulous Starbucks drink and boy do I, you can save money by making my home version. It’s dreamy delicious! Each skinny remake has just 97 calories, 0 fat Enjoy every sip!

Why You'll Love Starbucks Skinny Caramel Macchiato (Copy-Cat)

My Copy-Cat Skinny Caramel Macchiato recipe allows you to indulge in the familiar flavors of rich espresso, smooth vanilla, and decadent caramel drizzle, all while significantly reducing your calorie and sugar intake. This do-it-yourself approach grants you complete control over the ingredients, empowering you to customize sweetness levels, use sugar substitutes, and choose low-fat milk alternatives, perfectly catering to your specific dietary needs and personal preferences. It's an ideal solution for budget-conscious coffee enthusiasts, individuals carefully monitoring their calorie intake, or anyone who simply appreciates the convenience and satisfaction of crafting a delicious treat within the comfort of their own kitchen. Bid farewell to long drive-thru lines and enjoy a guilt-free, barista-style caramel macchiato whenever the craving arises, all while saving money and maintaining your wellness goals.

Ingredients For Skinny Caramel Macchiato (Copy-Cat)

Strong brewed regular coffee or decaf:

Flavor Foundation: The coffee provides the essential bitter, robust base of the macchiato, mimicking the espresso component of the original drink.
Caffeine Control: Regular coffee delivers a caffeine boost, while decaf allows for enjoyment without the stimulant effect.
Brewing Strength: A strong brew ensures a bold flavor that stands up to the sweetness of the caramel and vanilla.
Aroma: The aroma of freshly brewed coffee enhances the overall sensory experience.
Customization: The type of coffee (light, medium, dark roast) can be adjusted to personal preference.

Fat-free milk:

Creamy Texture: Fat-free milk provides a smooth, creamy texture that dilutes the strong coffee and creates the signature layered look.
Calorie Reduction: Using fat-free milk significantly reduces the fat and calorie content compared to whole or 2% milk.
Foaming Ability: While not as rich as higher-fat milk, fat-free milk can still be frothed to create a light foam.
Lactose Considerations: For those with lactose intolerance, unsweetened almond or oat milk can be used as a low-calorie alternative, though they may slightly alter the flavor and texture.
Layering Effect: The color difference between the coffee and milk creates the visually appealing layered effect.

Splenda, Equal, Truvia, or your favorite sugar substitute:

Sweetness without Calories: These sweeteners provide the desired sweetness without the added calories of sugar, making the drink "skinny."
Blood Sugar Management: Sugar substitutes are beneficial for individuals managing blood sugar levels.
Variety of Options: Different sugar substitutes have varying sweetness levels and aftertastes, allowing for personal preference.
Dissolving Properties: Sugar substitutes dissolve easily in hot liquids, ensuring even sweetness throughout the drink.
Concentration: Sugar substitutes are very concentrated, so use small amounts.

Caramel sundae topping:

Concentrated Caramel Flavor: Caramel sundae topping provides a rich, concentrated caramel flavor that is essential for the macchiato.
Thick Consistency: Its thick consistency allows it to blend well with the coffee and milk, creating a smooth, caramel-infused base.
Sweetness and Depth: It adds sweetness and depth of flavor, contributing to the overall indulgent taste.
Accessibility: Sundae topping is readily available in most grocery stores.
Flavor Layering: This ingredient provides a base layer of caramel flavor.

Vanilla extract:

Aromatic Enhancement: Vanilla extract adds a sweet, aromatic flavor that complements the caramel and coffee.
Flavor Complexity: It adds a subtle complexity to the drink, enhancing its overall taste profile.
Natural Flavor: Vanilla extract is a natural flavoring that adds a warm, comforting note.
Small Amount Impact: Even a small amount of vanilla extract adds a significant amount of flavor.
Flavor Balancing: The vanilla balances the bitter coffee and very sweet caramel.

Caramel sauce (for topping):

Visual Appeal: Caramel sauce drizzled on top adds a visually appealing finishing touch, replicating the signature look of a Starbucks Caramel Macchiato.
Intense Caramel Flavor: It provides a concentrated burst of caramel sweetness that enhances the overall flavor of the drink.
Textural Contrast: It adds a slightly thicker texture that contrasts with the smooth coffee and milk.
Presentation: The drizzle enhances the presentation of the drink, making it more visually appealing.
Flavor Layering: This ingredient provides a final, potent layer of caramel flavor.

How to Make a Skinny Caramel Macchiato (Copy-Cat)

Step 1: Brew Extra Strong Coffee

Flavor Intensity: Brew your regular or decaffeinated coffee extra strong. This ensures a robust coffee flavor that will stand out against the sweet caramel and vanilla.
Brewing Method: Use your preferred brewing method, such as a drip coffee maker, French press, or pour-over. Adjust the coffee-to-water ratio to achieve a stronger brew.

Step 2: Prepare the Caramel Vanilla Milk Mixture

Saucepan Preparation: In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup fat-free milk, 2 teaspoons caramel sundae topping, 2 packets of your chosen sugar substitute (Splenda, Equal, Truvia, etc.), and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract.
Whisking and Blending: Whisk the ingredients together thoroughly over medium heat until well blended. This ensures the caramel topping and sugar substitute dissolve completely.
Heating Process: Continue to heat the mixture, stirring continuously, until it begins to steam. This should take approximately 2 minutes. Avoid boiling the milk, as it can scald and alter the taste.
Foaming with a Blender: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Transfer the hot milk mixture to a blender. Process for about 20 seconds, or until the mixture becomes foamy. This creates a light, airy foam similar to steamed milk.
Foaming Without a Blender: If you don't have a blender, don't worry! Simply whisk the milk mixture continuously with a wire whisk as it heats. This will incorporate air and create a slightly foamy texture, although it won't be as dense as blender-foamed milk.

Step 3: Assemble the Macchiato

Coffee Base: Pour 1 cup of the hot, strong brewed coffee into a large mug.
Foamy Milk Layer: Gently pour the foamy milk mixture over the hot coffee. The foam will float on top, creating the signature layered look of a caramel macchiato.
Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle 1 teaspoon of caramel sauce over the top of the foamy milk. This adds a final touch of caramel sweetness and creates a visually appealing presentation.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy Immediately

Immediate Consumption: Serve the Skinny Caramel Macchiato immediately. The foam will begin to dissipate over time, so it's best enjoyed while it's still light and airy.
Enjoyment: Savor the layers of rich coffee, sweet caramel, and creamy vanilla.

Tips for Success:

Strong Coffee: Using extra strong coffee is essential for a bold flavor that complements the sweetness of the caramel.
Whisking Technique: When whisking the milk mixture, use a consistent, vigorous motion to incorporate air and create foam.
Sugar Substitute Adjustment: Adjust the amount of sugar substitute to your personal preference.
Caramel Sauce Choice: Use a high-quality caramel sauce for the best flavor.
Milk Alternatives: For lactose intolerance or dietary preferences, use unsweetened almond or oat milk as a low-calorie alternative.
Flavor Variations: Experiment with different extracts, such as almond or hazelnut, for flavor variations.
Temperature Control: Avoid boiling the milk mixture to prevent scalding.
Presentation: Take your time with the caramel drizzle to create an aesthetically pleasing drink.

Helpful Tips About this Recipe

Food Facts
Starbucks Skinny Caramel Macchiato is made with sugar-free vanilla syrup, freshly steamed nonfat milk, and Espresso Roast, and topped with a velvety-rich foam and a buttery caramel drizzle. It has ⅓ fewer calories than their regular Caramel Macchiato.

Macchiato is espresso with a dash of frothy steamed milk.

Shopping Tips
There are several brands of caramel sundae sauce available in the supermarket. I used Hershey’s Classic Caramel Sundae Syrup.

WW Freestyle SmartPoints 5-Blue
WW SmartPoints 5-Green

SKINNY FACTS: for 1 (1½ cups) Skinny Remake
97 calories, 0g fat, 2.5mg chol, 5g protein, 20g carbs, 0g fiber, 107mg sodium, 17g sugar

SKINNY FACTS: for 1 tall (12 oz) Starbucks Skinny Caramel Macchiato
100 calories, 1g fat, 5mg chol, 8g prot., 16g carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sodium, 14g sugar