Caramel has been around since 1,000 A.D. and we are still finding new ways to use it. This caramel milk tea recipe is sweet and indulgent and only requires three ingredients. If you’re looking for a way to spruce up your afternoon tea, this simple recipe will soon become your favorite.
This recipe is sweet and creamy. The combination of traditional milk tea and caramel makes a lovely drink perfect for any time of the day. You can make this tea flavor in under twenty minutes with ingredients you already have in your pantry.
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Caramel Milk Tea
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
Description
Homemade caramelized sugar milk makes this drink unique. However, if you’re pressed for time, you’ll find a time-saving alternative in the recipe notes.
Ingredients
- 1 black tea bag (or 1 tsp of loose-leaf black tea)
- 1 tbsp white sugar
- 1 cup room-temperature milk
Instructions
- Heat the sugar in a saucepan over low-medium heat until it begins to bubble and darken.
- When you notice it becomes darker in color, stir in the room-temperature milk (adding in cold milk can harden the sugar).
- Steep the tea bag or loose-leaf tea in the sugar-milk mixture for 3-5 minutes. If using loose-leaf tea, use a colander to sift out the leaves.
- Let it cool for a moment, and enjoy.
Notes
If you want an even quicker recipe, you can use pre-made caramel syrup and stir it into the milk as you heat it.
You can substitute brown sugar for white sugar in your homemade caramel. You can also throw in a few chunks of course sea salt to make a salted caramel milk tea.
Any type of milk is delicious in this recipe, including skim, half and half, oat milk, or even non-dairy creamer. Adding a bit of milk froth on top of the tea will make the tea light and foamy.
This recipe is for milk tea, but if you want to make boba tea, add boba pearls as a topping. If desired, pour the cooled mixture over ice cubes for a cold boba drink.
- Prep Time: 1 minute
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
What Does Caramel Milk Tea Taste Like?
Caramel milk tea has only three ingredients, each of which shares the spotlight. It has a slight bitterness from the tea, creaminess from the milk, and sweetness from the caramelized sugar.
This is a delicious drink that is rich in flavor and satisfyingly sweet. It makes for a perfect dessert drink or a nice pick-me-up during the day.
Caramel Milk Tea vs. Regular Milk Tea
Regular or traditional milk tea is made with a black tea base, sugar or simple syrup, and whole milk or creamer. While the recipe is similar to a caramel milk tea, there for a few key differences.
| Caramel Milk Tea | Regular Milk Tea |
| Brewed in caramel-flavored milk | Brewed in water, then milk is added |
| Is its own flavor | Base for many different flavors |
| Sweetened with caramelized sugar | Sweetened with many types of sugar |
What Is the Best Way to Make Caramel Milk Tea?
Undoubtedly, using homemade caramel is the best way to make caramel milk tea. Making it at home also allows you to customize the sweetness to your taste.
However, if you want to save time or are worried about burning the sugar, I suggest using pre-made caramel syrup.
How Many Calories Are in Caramel Bubble Tea?
A typical homemade caramel milk tea contains approximately 250 calories and 25 grams of sugar per serving. Most of the calories come from the milk and the rest from the sugar. Black tea has only two calories.
You could choose a store-bought sugar-free caramel syrup or a low-calorie milk option such as skim or almond milk to make it healthier.
Is Caramel Milk Tea Better Hot or Cold?
It depends on your personal preference. Hot milk tea warms your insides and feels like a big hug on a cold day. Iced caramel milk tea is similar to an iced caramel latte. As the ice melts, the flavor will be slightly muted.
As long as the milk tea is thoroughly cooled before you pour it over the ice, there is no significant change in flavor.
Which Toppings Are Best in Caramel Boba Tea?
If you are looking for a bubble tea recipe, adding brown sugar tapioca pearls to your drink is classic. However, creme brulee, custard, and coffee jelly are also delicious options. Additionally, whipped cream will add even more sweetness and a bit of fun to your drink.
Popping boba is not recommended because the fruit flavors don’t mix well with the sweet caramel.