My butterscotch steamer recipe is ready in 10 minutes ~ this coffee shop style drink is the perfect caffeine free winter warm up!
a butterscotch steamer fulfills that universal need for a warm drink
I have to say we’re getting pretty good at perfecting that classic butterscotch flavor (have you tried our Old Fashioned Butterscotch Pudding?) I guarantee this is better than anything you could buy at any coffee shop, it has the authentic butterscotch flavor you get from butter and brown sugar. I can’t stand all the artificial flavors in coffee shop drinks these days, this feels indulgent and wholesome at the same time.
what is a steamer?
A steamer is a hot milk based drink popularized by coffee shops. It’s usually sweetened with flavored syrups and can be made with any type of milk, non dairy included. Because there’s no coffee involved, there’s no caffeine in a steamer, which makes them great for kids, or anyone who needs or wants to avoid caffeine.
the five (yes, just five!) ingredients you’ll need for a butterscotch steamer
- butter ~ it’s one of the two essential ingredients in butterscotch, whether you’re making candy, or a warming drink.
- brown sugar ~ use light or dark. You’ll get a slightly darker, more molasses flavor with the dark, so that’s what I use. If you don’t have it, don’t run out in the cold to get some, regular golden brown sugar will work fine.
- milk ~ I used whole milk, but low or non fat will work fine. So will non-dairy milks.
- salt ~ really makes a difference in blooming that butterscotch flavor.
- vanilla extract ~ works like magic to bring out sweet flavors.
a butterscotch steamer is so simple to make
Here’s the short version, for details be sure to visit the full recipe below.
- Grab a medium sized saucepan.
- Add the brown sugar with a little water and melt it over medium to medium high heat.
- Let the sugar bubble for a few minutes until it gets nice and deep rich brown.
- Add the butter and stir to melt.
- Add the milk and stir until the caramel has melted into the milk and the pan is steaming. Do not let it boil. Thats it!
can you make a keto butterscotch steamer?
Yes, you can use Truvia brown sugar, and half and half, or cream in place of whole milk.
more coffee shop copy-cats to make at home
- Better than Starbucks Banana Walnut Bread
- The Ultimate Drinking Chocolate
- Apple Cider Doughnut Loaf Cake
- Best Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Scone Recipe
- Perfect Blueberry Muffins
Butterscotch Steamer
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
- 1/4 tsp salt
- splash of water
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine the sugar, salt, and a splash of water in a small saucepan, and set over medium/medium-high heat. Make sure the sugar is evenly moistened, the water helps it melt evenly.
- Once the mixture starts to bubble, continue to cook for about 4-5 minutes. Monitor the sugar closely so it doesn't burn, turning down the heat if necessary, but you do want it to get nice and dark brown.
- Remove from the heat, and add the butter to pan. Be careful as it will sputter. Stir it in throughly so that it's fully mixed together, the mixture should resemble a caramel sauce.
- Slowly add the milk. The caramel mixture will harden up at first, this is fine, it will re-melt together as the milk heats up.
- Set the pan over medium/low heat and slowly heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture starts steaming and all of the caramel has melted into the milk. Note: don't let the milk come to a boil.
- Remove from the heat, and stir in the vanilla extract. Serve immediately, topped with frothed milk, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
Nutrition
I would love to make this for myself but I always end up with that horrid skin on top of the drink. How do I stop that happening? Spoils a milky hot drink for me.
I didn’t have that issue with this drink Mary. It might be because of the butter, that can help prevent ‘skin’ from forming.
I have never felt so compelled to leave a review of a recipe before now. This was delicious!! I used turbinado sugar and molasses instead of brown sugar, then I added about half the milk and used it as coffee creamer and it was indistinguishable from my favorite coffee stand drink!!! Now I can make it from home for pennies and with ingredients that I’m familiar with!!!
Yay, that’s such a win, thanks Brittany!
Can the leftovers be refrigerated and reheated. I am the only one drinking it and would probably drink a cup a night
Yes, just let cool and refrigerate, it should last a couple of days, at least.
I made this low carb with Brown Swerve, a touch of liquid allulose to prevent crystallization of the Swerve and unsweetened almond milk. I cut back on the vanilla just a bit too. It was so delicious! My caramel sauce didn’t thicken but it didn’t matter. The flavor and consistency is wonderful. I love the hint of salt in it too!
Thanks Rochelle, it’s nice to know about your variations.
This recipe is AMAZING!!! A true butterscotch flavor without artificial ingredients. Can’t believe I’m saying this, but I love this more than hot cocoa. This will be a new fall/winter staple in our house and one we share with family and friends. Thanks for the recipe!
It’s such a nice change from cocoa, isn’t it? Thanks for the review Kathleen!
This recipe is my new drink recipe for rainy day! Wow Thank you!
Oh, I can use my Swerve brown sugar and almond milk I’m on it!
Hi looks yummy. Can I ask where you got those beautiful glass drink mugs?
I get those on amazon, they’re great because the glass is heat resistant and they’re insulated. Here’s a link (it’s an affiliate link)
Hi- can you share the link to the mugs? It’s not coming up in the previous message. Thank you!
I think maybe external links don’t work in comments, if you search double walled mugs you’ll find them on Amazon and elsewhere, my brand is Bodum, 15 ounce cafe latte mugs. See if this link works.