Dunkin Donuts Iced Caramel Latte Recipe [+Tips]

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Okay, let’s just get this out there: Dunkin’ Donuts knows how to do coffee. And if you’ve ever had their Iced Caramel Latte, then you know – it’s smooth, creamy, rich, and kissed with that golden drizzle of buttery caramel that just screams indulgence without being too over the top.

Whether you’re rushing to work, treating yourself on a lazy Sunday, or just need a midday pick-me-up, this drink hits all the right notes. But guess what? You don’t need to keep dropping $5 every time a craving hits. Making it at home is shockingly easy, way cheaper, and you get full control over the flavor and strength. (Also, your kitchen ends up smelling like a caramel-scented cloud of dreams – bonus.)

So, let’s get into it, shall we?

Ingredients For Dunkin Donuts Iced Caramel Latte Recipe

Before we start whipping things up like a homegrown barista, let’s gather our ingredients. The good news? You probably already have most of this stuff in your kitchen!

Here’s What You’ll Need

  • Espresso (or strong brewed coffee)

    • Ideally, 2 shots of espresso – but don’t worry, I’ve got workarounds below.
  • Milk (Dunkin uses whole milk by default, but feel free to choose your fave!)

    • Whole milk = creamier.
    • Oat, almond, soy, or coconut milk = totally cool alternatives.
  • Caramel Syrup Or Sauce

    • The hero of the show. Use a quality one – like Ghirardelli or Torani – or go homemade if you’re fancy like that.
  • Ice

    • Enough to fill your glass. (Crushed ice gives it that café texture, but cubes are fine too!)
  • Optional Toppings

    • Whipped cream
    • Extra caramel drizzle (because why not?)
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How To Make Dunkin Donuts Iced Caramel Latte?

Let’s break it down, step-by-step – super easy, but super satisfying.

☕ Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Brew Your Espresso (or Strong Coffee)

    • If you’ve got an espresso machine – you’re golden.
    • If not, no worries! Just brew about 1/2 cup of very strong coffee using your drip machine, French press, or even instant espresso powder.
  2. Sweeten It Up

    • Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of caramel syrup to your espresso/coffee while it’s still hot – this helps it dissolve better.
    • Taste and adjust sweetness to your liking. (Pro tip: if you’re using caramel sauce, you might need a bit more.)
  3. Fill Your Glass With Ice

    • Grab a tall glass and fill it almost to the top. Crushed ice gives it that ’coffee shop’ mouthfeel, but cubes work just fine.
  4. Add The Milk

    • Pour in about 3/4 cup of cold milk – or as much as you like, depending on how strong or light you prefer your latte.
  5. Pour The Coffee Over The Milk And Ice

    • You can pour the coffee over the milk, or vice versa. Either way, give it a gentle stir to blend everything together.
  6. Top It Off (optional But Highly Encouraged)

    • Add whipped cream.
    • Drizzle with even more caramel. (Yes. Do it.)
  7. Serve And Sip Immediately!

    • Stick in a straw, swirl it around, and prepare for bliss.

Expert Tips

Want to make your homemade iced caramel latte next level? Here are some insider tips that’ll take you from good to ’Whoa, did you work at Dunkin?’

  • Chill Your Coffee Before Pouring It Over Ice.

    • This prevents too much ice from melting and watering it down.
    • Brew in advance and refrigerate – or use coffee ice cubes!
  • Use Coffee Ice Cubes.

    • Pour leftover brewed coffee into an ice tray and freeze.
    • No more diluted drinks. Ever.
  • Froth Your Milk!

    • Even though it’s iced, frothing your milk adds that luxurious café mouthfeel.
    • Use a handheld frother, blender, or just shake it in a mason jar!
  • Go Homemade With The Caramel Syrup.

    • Homemade caramel sauce = butter, sugar, cream, salt.
    • Takes 10 minutes and tastes heavenly.
  • Layer It For Visual Appeal.

    • Want that gorgeous gradient from coffee to milk? Pour the espresso over the ice last – slowly – and don’t stir until you’re ready to drink.

Recipe Variations

This is where the real fun begins. Customize your iced caramel latte to fit your mood, your dietary needs, or just to mix things up!

Healthier Version

  • Use unsweetened almond milk or low-fat milk.
  • Use sugar-free caramel syrup.
  • Skip the whipped cream (but only if you must).

☁️ Caramel Macchiato-style

  • Reverse the order: milk first, then espresso, then caramel drizzle.
  • Don’t stir – sip through the layers!

Mocha Caramel Latte

  • Add a teaspoon of chocolate syrup or cocoa powder along with the caramel.
  • Rich, chocolatey caramel bliss.

Salted Caramel Twist

  • Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the top.
  • Sweet, salty, and so addictive.

Dessert-style Affogato Latte

  • Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or gelato.
  • This is technically dessert. And yes, it’s totally worth it.

Final Words: Why You’ll Love Making This At Home

Once you make this Dunkin-style Iced Caramel Latte at home, it’ll become a ritual. It’s not just about saving money (though – hello, yes please), it’s about:

  • Sipping something you customized to perfection.
  • Not waiting in drive-thru lines.
  • Impressing literally everyone who comes over.
  • Feeling a little fancy, even in your pajamas.
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It’s cozy, energizing, delicious – and kind of addictive in the best way.

FAQs

What Ingredients Are Needed To Make A Dunkin Donuts Iced Caramel Latte?

To make a Dunkin Donuts iced caramel latte, you will need brewed espresso or strong coffee, ice, milk (any kind you prefer), caramel syrup, and whipped cream (optional).

How Do I Make The Espresso For A Dunkin Donuts Iced Caramel Latte?

To make espresso, you can either use an espresso machine or a stovetop espresso maker. Brew about 1-2 shots of espresso per drink, depending on how strong you want it.

Can I Use Regular Coffee Instead Of Espresso For This Iced Caramel Latte?

Yes, you can substitute regular brewed coffee for espresso. Use a strong coffee blend to achieve a similar flavor, but note that the taste will be slightly different from the traditional espresso-based version.

What Kind Of Milk Should I Use For A Dunkin Donuts Iced Caramel Latte?

You can use any milk you prefer, such as whole milk, skim milk, almond milk, or oat milk. The choice of milk will affect the creaminess and flavor of the latte.

How Much Caramel Syrup Should I Use For One Iced Caramel Latte?

For a single iced caramel latte, use about 2 tablespoons of caramel syrup. You can adjust the amount based on your preference for sweetness.

Can I Make A Dunkin Donuts Iced Caramel Latte Dairy-free?

Yes, you can make it dairy-free by using a plant-based milk, such as almond, oat, or soy milk, and by ensuring the caramel syrup you use is free from dairy ingredients.

How Do I Make The Perfect Iced Caramel Latte At Home?

Start by brewing fresh espresso or strong coffee. Fill a glass with ice, then pour the espresso over the ice. Add your choice of milk and caramel syrup, and stir well. Top with whipped cream if desired.

Can I Store Leftover Caramel Syrup?

Yes, you can store leftover caramel syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a few weeks. Just make sure it’s sealed tightly to prevent it from absorbing other odors.

Can I Adjust The Sweetness Of My Iced Caramel Latte?

Yes, you can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less caramel syrup to your iced latte. You can also use flavored syrups like vanilla or hazelnut to customize the flavor.

How Can I Make A Dunkin Donuts Iced Caramel Latte At Home Without An Espresso Machine?

If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can brew strong coffee using a drip coffee maker, French press, or pour-over method. Make sure to use a dark roast for a stronger flavor similar to espresso.