Dunkin Donuts Caramel Latte Recipe [+Tips]

Ingredients For Dunkin’ Donuts Caramel Latte Recipe

Alright, coffee lovers, time to gather your gear. Here’s everything you’ll need to recreate that signature caramel latte from Dunkin’-minus the long lines and the corporate markup.

Essential Ingredients

• Espresso Or Strong Coffee

  • 2 shots of espresso OR ½ cup of strong brewed coffee (Dunkin’ uses a rich espresso base).
  • Pro tip: If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use instant espresso powder or a moka pot!

• Milk Of Your Choice

  • ¾ cup of whole milk (for creaminess) or any milk alternative like oat, almond, or soy.
  • Frothing tip: Whole milk froths the best, but oat milk is a close second!

• Caramel Sauce Or Syrup

  • 2-3 tablespoons (adjust to taste).
  • Use store-bought caramel syrup (like Torani or Ghirardelli) or make your own (I’ll tell you how!).

• Whipped Cream (Optional, But Highly Recommended)

  • For that luscious coffee shop finish.

• Extra Caramel Drizzle

  • Because more caramel is always a good thing.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Espresso machine, moka pot, or a regular coffee maker
• Milk frother, handheld whisk, or even a mason jar with a lid
• Microwave or saucepan (to heat the milk)
• Your favorite oversized mug

‍ How To Make Dunkin’ Donuts Caramel Latte At Home

Okay, now that we’ve assembled our A-team of ingredients, let’s dive into the fun part-putting it all together! Making this latte is honestly a therapeutic process. The smells alone will transport you straight into a cozy café.

‍ Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brew Your Espresso Or Coffee

   • Make 2 shots of espresso or brew about ½ cup of strong coffee.
   • Pour into your favorite mug. (That’s your base of flavor!)

2. Heat And Froth Your Milk

   • Warm the milk in a small saucepan or microwave until it’s steaming-but not boiling.
   • Froth the milk using a milk frother, whisk, or shake it vigorously in a mason jar with a lid.
   • You want it to be light and airy with a good amount of foam.

3. Add Caramel Goodness

   • Stir the caramel sauce or syrup into your hot coffee or espresso.
   • Mix well until it’s fully dissolved and luscious.

4. Pour And Combine

   • Gently pour the frothed milk into your caramel-coffee mixture.
   • Spoon the foam on top for that classic latte texture.

5. Top It Off

   • Add whipped cream if you’re feeling extra indulgent.
   • Drizzle with caramel sauce for that chef’s kiss finish.

6. Sip And Savor

   • Stir if you like, or drink it layered. Either way-it’s dreamy.

Expert Tips

Want to take your caramel latte game to the next level? Here are some pro tips to really elevate your at-home brew:

• Use Freshly Brewed Espresso

  Nothing beats the aroma and intensity of freshly pulled espresso shots. If you’ve got an espresso machine, USE IT.

• Warm Your Mug First

  Pour a little hot water into your mug and let it sit for a minute. This keeps your latte warmer for longer!

• Don’t Skip The Froth

  Even if you’re using non-dairy milk, don’t skip the frothing step-it adds that signature café feel.

• Homemade Caramel Sauce = Flavor Explosion

  Want to go the extra mile? Make a simple caramel sauce with sugar, butter, and heavy cream. Trust me-it’s next-level.

• Add A Pinch Of Salt

  Sounds weird? It’s not. A tiny pinch of salt brings out the depth of the caramel flavor and cuts down on excess sweetness.

Recipe Variations

Want to switch it up? Of course you do! The caramel latte is super versatile, so here are some fun ways to tweak it to your liking:

Iced Caramel Latte

• Chill your espresso and milk before mixing.
• Serve over ice.
• Skip the foam, but keep the whipped cream and drizzle!

Vegan Caramel Latte

• Use almond, oat, or soy milk.
• Opt for a dairy-free caramel syrup and coconut-based whipped cream.

Salted Caramel Twist

• Add a tiny pinch of sea salt to the caramel.
• Finish with a sprinkle of flaky salt on top of the whipped cream. Insane flavor!

☕ Extra Shot, Please!

• Add a third shot of espresso for an extra kick.
• Ideal for those who need their caffeine fix strong.

Mocha-Caramel Hybrid

• Add a teaspoon of cocoa powder or chocolate syrup to the mix for a Caramel Mocha Latte.

Final Words

Making a Dunkin’ Donuts-style Caramel Latte at home is one of those small wins that feels like a major victory. You’re saving time, money, and (let’s be real) gaining total bragging rights as your own personal barista.

Plus, you get to control everything-how sweet it is, how strong it is, how creamy it is. You can keep it cozy for a morning pick-me-up or dress it up as an after-dinner treat. There’s just something really special about turning simple ingredients into a café-quality experience that warms your hands and your heart.

FAQs

What Are The Main Ingredients In A Dunkin’ Donuts Caramel Latte?

The main ingredients in a Dunkin’ Donuts caramel latte are espresso, steamed milk, caramel syrup, and whipped cream. The espresso forms the base, while the steamed milk adds creaminess. Caramel syrup is added for flavor, and whipped cream is often used as a topping.

Can I Make A Dunkin’ Donuts Caramel Latte At Home?

Yes, you can easily make a Dunkin’ Donuts caramel latte at home by using espresso or strong coffee, steamed milk, caramel syrup, and optionally whipped cream. You can also use a milk frother for added texture.

How Do I Make Caramel Syrup For My Dunkin’ Donuts Caramel Latte?

To make homemade caramel syrup, combine 1 cup of sugar and 1/4 cup of water in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the syrup turns a golden brown. Slowly add 1/2 cup of heavy cream and stir until smooth.

What Type Of Coffee Is Used In A Dunkin’ Donuts Caramel Latte?

Dunkin’ Donuts caramel latte uses espresso as the coffee base. You can substitute with strong brewed coffee if you don’t have an espresso machine, but espresso provides the best flavor and intensity.

How Do I Steam Milk For A Caramel Latte At Home?

To steam milk, heat it in a saucepan until it’s hot but not boiling. Alternatively, use a milk frother or steam wand to froth the milk until it’s creamy and has a velvety texture. If you don’t have a frother, you can shake the milk in a jar and microwave it to get a similar effect.

Can I Make A Dunkin’ Donuts Caramel Latte With A Non-dairy Milk Alternative?

Yes, you can substitute dairy milk with non-dairy alternatives like almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk. These options work well for a caramel latte, though the flavor and texture may vary slightly depending on the milk used.

What Is The Difference Between A Caramel Macchiato And A Caramel Latte?

The main difference between a caramel macchiato and a caramel latte lies in how the espresso is added. In a caramel macchiato, the espresso is poured over the milk, creating a layered effect, while in a caramel latte, the espresso is mixed with the milk for a smoother texture.

How Do I Customize The Sweetness Level Of My Dunkin’ Donuts Caramel Latte?

To customize the sweetness, adjust the amount of caramel syrup you add. If you prefer a sweeter drink, add more syrup. You can also use a sugar substitute or flavored syrups to modify the sweetness without using too much caramel.

Can I Make A Dunkin’ Donuts Caramel Latte Without Whipped Cream?

Yes, you can make a caramel latte without whipped cream. It is optional and typically used for decoration. If you prefer a lighter drink, simply skip the whipped cream and top your latte with a drizzle of caramel syrup instead.

How Can I Make A Cold Caramel Latte Like Dunkin’ Donuts?

To make a cold caramel latte, brew espresso and let it cool. Pour it over a glass of ice, add cold milk, and stir in caramel syrup. You can top it with whipped cream if desired for an authentic Dunkin’ Donuts-style cold caramel latte.