This Vegan Apple Crisp Macchiato (Starbucks Copycat) is the drink of the season! My morning coffee hasn’t been the same since making this. The other day I tried Starbucks new FALL drink the Apple Crisp Macchiato. I simply substituted the milk with soy milk which made is vegan. It was insanely good but also pretty pricey so I immediately thought to myself “I need to make this at home!” It’s a simple brown sugar syrup made with apple sauce and apple juice and a caramel apple drizzle for the top. Yum! This syrup was used very quickly in my house and I know you’re going to enjoy this sweet fall coffee treat.
Starbucks describes the Apple Crisp Macchiato “Layered flavors of apple and brown sugar meld like the filling of a gooey apple pie in harmony with espresso, steamed milk and a caramelized-spiced apple drizzle—a nostalgic autumn pick-me-up.” That honestly describes this drink perfectly. It truly is like having a delicious warm apple pie and a hot cup of coffee together. A match made in heaven! With this recipe you can have a delicious fall drink with minimal effort, cheaper, and dare I say… tastier??!! AND you never had to leave your house or open up an app. Next time you have that Starbucks craving try this recipe!
What You Will Need For This Vegan Apple Crisp Macchiato
Kitchen Essentials:
You’ll definitely want access to espresso for this recipe. You could technically use strong coffee as well but freshly brewed espresso is preferred. I have a Nespresso machine that brews beautiful espresso shots but any espresso maker will do the trick!
Main Ingredients:
- Double Espresso
- Applesauce
- Apple Juice
- Brown Sugar
- Oat Milk
- Cinnamon
Substitutions:
- Espresso: Again, technically you could use strong brewed coffee. It won’t be a macchiato but it will still taste delicious.
- Applesauce: You can make your own apple sauce by simply cooking apple until soft and then by mashing. Using applesauce is just easier.
- Apple Juice: Simply use water. The macchiato won’t be strong in apple flavor though.
- Brown Sugar: Light or Dark Brown Sugar will work. Can also be replaced with coconut sugar.
- Oat Milk: Any plant milk that froths well will work! Oat and soy are my personal favorites but almond, cashew, etc will also work.
- Cinnamon: Simply, no! Cinnamon is life and makes this Apple Crisp Macchiato taste amazing!
How To Make The Best Vegan Apple Crisp Macchiato
The caramel apple drizzle should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon before taking it off the heat. Once cooled, it will thicken!
Be sure not to add hot syrup or hot caramel to an Iced Apple Crisp Macchiato. The sugar will harden immediately and it won’t be a pleasant experience. Make sure they are room temperature.
Find a milk that will froth well! Oat milk and soy tend to become the most frothy. But some almond milks work for me as well. Oat is a safe bet though! Oatly barista blend and Planet Oat are great.
More Drink Recipes You Might Like:
If You Make This Recipe:
Tag me on Instagram! I’d love to see your delicious re-creations and feature them! As always, I would greatly appreciate if you share your review in the comments below. Don’t forget to add if you made any fun substitutions. Thank you!
Vegan Apple Crisp Macchiato (Starbucks Copycat)
Ingredients
Apple Brown Sugar Syrup:
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
- 3/4 cup Apple Juice
- 3 tablespoon Applesauce
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
Caramel Apple Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
- 1/4 cup Apple Juice
- 1/4 cup Canned Coconut Milk
- 1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg
Apple Crisp Macchiato (1 Serving):
- Double Espresso Shot
- 1/2 cup Oat Milk
- 1-3 teaspoons Apple Brown Sugar Syrup
- Drizzle of Caramel Apple Drizzle
- Ice optional
Instructions
Apple Brown Sugar Syrup:
- Whisk together the brown sugar, apple juice, apple sauce, and cinnamon in a small pot. Bring to a boil and then reduce to simmer for about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and pour in to a jar to cool.
Caramel Apple Drizzle:
- Whisk together the brown sugar and apple juice in a small pot. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer until thickened and reduced, about 6-8 minutes. Whisk in the coconut milk, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Transfer to jar and let cool completely. The caramel will thicken as it cools.
Apple Crisp Macchiato:
- Add a spoonful of apple brown sugar syrup to the bottom of the glass. The amount depends on how sweet you enjoy your coffee. Pour in steamed frothy oat milk or cold frothy oat milk if drinking it iced. Pour over a double shot of espresso on top of the milk and drizzle with caramel apple drizzle. Serve and enjoy!
The ingredients seem correct, but this is much more spicy than the Starbucks version