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Tired of the pumpkin spice latte trend? This festive Starbucks Apple Crisp Macchiato copycat recipe is apple-y, tangy and caramel-y with a bold kick of espresso flavor that beats out it’s cliche counterpart. This macchiato is chock-full of all the fall flavors you’d hope for and tastes just like a cozy apple pie and coffee. In this recipe we will be making two different homemade ingredients; an apple brown sugar syrup and the thick caramel-y spiced apple drizzle. Let me start with an honest warning – this recipe is worth doubling because when you make homemade syrups from scratch, it’s an effort that won’t feel as rewarding if it’s only enough for two coffees. What a sad day that would be. Not an iced coffee person in the fall? I got chu! You can enjoy it hot too! I share those tips below.
What is a Starbucks Apple Crisp Macchiato?
I will not be afraid to say, this coffee drink is way, way better than the Starbucks PSL!
As Starbucks describes it, this apple crisp macchiato is layered in flavors of apple, cinnamon, and brown sugar combined in harmony with their Starbucks Blonde Espresso, creamy oatmilk and spiced apple drizzle to create a delicious apple crisp you can sip. A nostalgic autumn pick-me-up.This copycat Starbucks Apple Crisp Macchiato has only one disappointment – no buttery oat crumble on top like a true apple crisp. Other than that, this recipe gives you all the vibes of the coziest fall day. Did I mention you can also enjoy this hot? Read the next section for tips.
Love this idea but prefer hot macchiatos instead?
This drink is absolutely delicious warm and doesn’t take any major recipe modifications. Instead of layering over ice, I’d assemble the drink like this:
- Into the bottom of your coffee mug, add the brown sugar apple crisp syrup.
- Heat and froth your milk. If you don’t have one they are life changing and you can get a hand-held frother for cheap HERE (or heat it on the stove if this isn’t an option) and pour the steamed milk into your coffee mug.
- Pour your espresso shots (or strong black coffee) *through* the steamed milk foam.
- Drizzle the caramel apple spiced drizzle on top and enjoy!
How do you make this Starbucks Apple Crisp Macchiato Copycat Recipe?
I highly recommend making the syrups ahead of time. It’s not terribly time consuming but for me it would be way too much effort to make before work in the morning. I made this on a Sunday morning and packaged my syrup and drizzle into clean glass condiment jars and kept them in the fridge. Then when I get the craving for one of these specialty drinks, the hard work is already done for me 🙂
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this apple crisp macchiato:
- apple cider/apple juice
- cinnamon
- brown sugar
- two apples
- vanilla extract
- butter extract or flavoring (optional)
- milk of choice
- espresso or bold cold brew
Here are the steps to make the brown sugar apple crisp syrup:
- Into a saucepan you’ll add the thinly sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, extracts, and apple cider/juice. This step will make an intensified apple cider that will be boiled down to a concentrated form to reduce the water content, creating a thicker syrup texture.
- Let that mixture simmer for about 20 minutes until you have a nice syrup texture. Set aside and allow to cool then strain out the apple slices and discard (you can use these in oatmeal, yogurt, or warmed in a bowl with a scoop of vanilla ice cream). Pour the syrup into a tightly sealed container for storing.
Here are the steps to make the caramel spiced apple drizzle:
- Into the same saucepan, add apple cider/juice, brown sugar and cinnamon. Bring to a boil over medium heat and allow it to cook and reduce for ~30 minutes. You should be left with 1/2-2/3 cup of liquid once it’s reduced and it will be a thick caramel-like texture. Remember it will thicken up slightly as it cools.
- Allow it to cool, then store in a tightly sealed container for storing.
Then we’ll assemble the iced coffee:
Looking for The Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew Recipe?
Can I purchase the syrups instead of making from scratch?
Nothing beats homemade but if you aren’t the type to enjoy this much effort in the kitchen, I totally get it. You can purchase the Monin brown sugar cinnamon syrup, caramel apple butter syrup, and caramel drizzle instead. You can then mix a little bit of both into your drink and top with a caramel drizzle to create this seasonal Starbucks drink.
My favorite coffee cups for enjoying iced macchiatos at home
Libbey Beer Can Glasses
Glass Iridescent Mug with Bamboo Lid
Vintage Glass Designed Coffee Mugs
Glass Cups with Bamboo Lids and Metal Straws
Iced Coffee Cocktail Glasses
Check Out These Other Cozy Fall Recipes:
Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew Copycat Recipe
Honeybun Cookies Crumbl Copycat Recipe
The Best Southern Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe
I look forward to your questions and feedback. Please be sure to tag me @BadBatchBaking using hashtag #badbatchbaking if you made this recipe and I will feature you on my story! Plus, I LOVE to see your baking accomplishments!
Starbucks Apple Crisp Macchiato Copycat Recipe
Ingredients
Brown Sugar Apple Crisp Syrup
- 2 Apples, thinly sliced I used 1 honey crisp and 1 granny smith
- 1/3 cup Brown sugar
- 1 cup Apple cider 100% apple juice not from concentrate as an alternate, such as Santa Cruz or R.W. Knudsen
- 1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon good quality cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp Butter extract or flavoring
Caramel Spiced Apple Drizzle
- 2 cups Apple cider 100% apple juice not from concentrate as an alternate, such as Santa Cruz or R.W. Knudsen
- 2 tablespoon Brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon
Assemble Starbucks Apple Crisp Maccchiato
- 2 tablespoon Apple crisp syrup adjust to your liking
- 3/4 cup Oat milk
- 2 Espresso shots
- 2 tablespoon Apple Crisp drizzle adjust to your liking
Instructions
Brown Sugar Apple Crisp Syrup
- Into a saucepan add the thinly sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, extracts, and apple cider/juice.
- Let that mixture simmer for about 20 minutes or until you have a nice syrup texture, (similar to a thin maple syrup texture). Set aside and allow to cool then strain out the apple slices, discard or save for other uses. Pour the syrup into a tightly sealed container for storing.
Caramel Spiced Apple Drizzle
- Into the same saucepan, add apple cider/juice, brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat and allow it to cook and reduce for ~30 minutes. You should be left with 1/2-2/3 cup of liquid once it's reduced to a saucey caramel texture. Remember it will thicken up slightly as it cools.
- Allow it to fully cool, then store in a tightly sealed container for storing.
- Build your Starbucks Apple Crisp Macchiato
- To a tall glass with ice add in the oat milk, 2 tablespoons of the brown sugar apple crisp syrup. Add the espresso or cold brew, and top off with 2 tablespoons of the caramel apple spiced drizzle. See notes for hot preperation**
Notes
- Into the bottom of your coffee mug, add the brown sugar apple crisp syrup.
- Heat and froth your milk. If you don't have one they are life changing and you can get a hand-held frother for cheap HERE (or heat it on the stove if this isn't an option) and pour the steamed milk into your coffee mug.
- Pour your espresso shots (or strong black coffee) *through* the steamed milk foam.
- Drizzle the caramel apple spiced drizzle on top and enjoy!
