This Skinny Caramel Mocha Recipe offers a lighter twist on the coffee shop favorite. Skip the drive thru line and make this easy coffee drink at home!
You can save time, money (and even calories) with copycat Starbucks recipes. Once you try it, you’ll become addicted to homemade Mocha Lattes and Flavored Coffee Creamers too. Or give our apple crisp macchiato recipe a try next!
Why this Recipe Works
I normally drink my coffee with a small splash of heavy cream. Or homemade french vanilla coffee creamer!
Sometimes though, a mocha is what I crave! And if it has caramel? More power to it!
Today, I am sharing this easy to make, caramel mocha recipe, that’s been “lightened up.”
- No espresso machine necessary.
- Less sugar than the coffee house version .
- Customize sweetness based on your preference.
- Rich caramel and chocolate flavor.
- Decadent taste that’s low in calories and fat
Ingredient Notes
The ingredients you use will determine the total calorie content of your Caramel Mocha.
Here is a breakdown of the calorie count, using the brands of products I use for my recipe (calories may vary depending on brands):
- 20 calories: Kroger Caramel ice cream topping
- 30 calories: Rodelle gourmet cocoa powder
- 20 calories: Domino organic light agave nectar
- 5 calories: strong brewed coffee
- 40 calories: Kroger Fat Free organic milk
- OPTIONAL: 35 calories: extra caramel topping and 2 Tbsp Kroger extra creamy whipped cream
That’s a grand total of 115 calories per large mug or 150 calories per large mug with whipped cream and extra caramel sauce (YUM).
Easy Instructions
STEP 1. Combine cocoa, caramel sauce and agave nectar in a mug. Add hot water.
STEP 2. Pour hot brewed coffee over the contents of the mug and stir to combine.
STEP 3. Add hot milk to the coffee mix and stir.
Garnish with whipped cream and butterscotch sauce if desired. Sip and savor!
Tips and Tricks
- Foam the milk. If you want more of a barista touch to your skinny caramel mocha, shake the hot milk in a mason jar first. It incorporates more air into the milk adding a layer of foam to the top of your mocha.
- Use double strength coffee. I brew my coffee at twice the ratio of beans to water when I’m making my homemade lattes.
- Use a “bold” or “espresso” roast. Choose a strong, dark roast for a more pronounced coffee flavor in this caramel mocha.
- Top this sweet drink with some toasted coconut for a delicious crunch!
This mocha isn’t as sweet as a coffee house mocha, but the extra whipped cream and caramel do add a bit more sweetness! You can also add more agave nectar to sweeten if you like!!
Recipe FAQs
Yes, but it will be more difficult to dissolve all of the cocoa and caramel if you don’t use any hot ingredients. I would add hot coffee to the caramel as directed, stir to fully combine, then let it cool . Add cold milk and coffee ice cubes to serve.
For a skinny caramel mocha latte, you should use nonfat or lowfat milk. Unsweetened almond, soy or oat milk are tasty choices for a nondairy mocha. This recipe will also work with whole milk if you prefer. The calorie content will just be higher.
Any kind of caramel topping or syrup you enjoy on your ice cream will work perfectly here. You can also use the caramel syrups made specifically for flavoring coffee, like Torani brand.
More Easy Coffee Recipes
- Caramel Coffee Milkshakes: refreshing, delicious, and easy to make at home!
- Nutella Coffee Milkshakes: coffee and nutella are a perfect pair!
- Dalgona Coffee
- Almond Joy Coffee Creamer
- Apple Crisp Macchiato Cold Brew
- Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake
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Caramel Mocha Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon caramel sauce
- 1 Tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 Tablespoon hot water
- 1 teaspoon light agave nectar
- 8 ounce strong brewed coffee
- ½ cup skim milk
Optional garnish:
- 2 Tablespoon whipped cream
- 1 teaspoon caramel sauce
Instructions
- In a large mug, add caramel sauce, cocoa powder and hot water, combine with a spoon. Add agave nectar. Pour brewed coffee over mixture and stir until combined.
- In a small mug, heat skim milk in microwave for about one minute (until steamed, microwave times may vary). Pour hot milk over coffee mixture, giving a quick stir.
- Garnish with whipped cream and caramel sauce if desired (highly recommended)!
I’m in love with coffee! And it’s not just the act of drinking it, it’s the smell that lures me in. Now, if only I had one of these caramel mocha near by
I do not have a wesite but I do have a question, what is agave nectar and where do I buy it? I alsoam acoffee lover, drink off and on all day. Thanks Fynette
Seriously I adore coffee. It is a full on addiction. I just love this recipe 🙂
Oooo now this would help me with two resolutions: healthier eating and less $$ spent on coffee! IT’S A SIGN FROM THE LORDS OF CAFFEINE! All hail the skinny caramel mocha! 😉
Haha, the lords of caffeine! LOVE it.
I am seriously in need of one of these today!
I could dive right into this cup! That whipped cream and caramel is calling my name!
The perfect afternoon pick me up coffee drink! Pinned!
I’m soo needing this caramel mocha right now!
I gave up soda/diet soda as well last spring, but I can’t give up my coffee!!! This looks delicious, I’ll have to try it. You are cranking out awesome recipes today 🙂
Thanks Cindy, definitely give it a try!!
I’m all about a guilt-free coffee at home that doesn’t cost a fortune. This looks wonderful!
Thanks Jennie!! Guilt free coffee is the best, especially if you can stay in your PJ’s to enjoy it!
Whipped cream is a must! I could drink a mug of that stuff. I think my body would appreciate this more! 😉 I love it looks so decadent, but it skinny!
I love the whipped cream on it too…makes it a bit sweeter!
I really wish I were sipping one of these right now!
I wish you were too 🙂
Looks good. Even better for only 150 calories. I know what kind of coffee I will make tomorrow morning 🙂
ENJOY Tanya!
Love this!
I too am a coffee addict and love the whole experience. When I open a new container of coffee, I can’t resist getting really close so I can inhale that first whiff. Many years ago I gave up sugar in my coffee, but just can’t let go of the half and half. I love Starbucks Caramel Macchiato when I want a sweet drink, but also hate spending that much or consuming so many calories in one cup. This Skinny Caramel Mocha will be perfect to satisfy me when I want to indulge.
ENjoy Sylvia, Nice to know there are other coffee sniffers out there 🙂
Seriously wish I had a cup of this right now!!
I wish you had some too 🙂
Only 115 calories?! This ROCKS! I love caramel mochas but 1. I can’t justify the expense and 2. I can’t justify the calories!
I love that I can my mocha for free and it will keep my waistline happy!
Yes indeed!!! Enjoy Taylor!
My mouth is watering. This needs to be in my possession ASAP!
I am in love with mochas lately! Maybe I’ll go make it for breakfast right now. Yum!
Making this for my afternoon treat today!