The Caramel Craze Latte from Dunkin’ Donuts: What’s In It and How to Make It At Home

If you’re looking for a caramel-flavored latte this season, Dunkin’ Donuts has the perfect drink! The Caramel Craze Latte is made with caramel syrup, steamed milk, and espresso.

It’s a delicious and refreshing treat on a cold day.

And one of the best things about this caramel latte is that you can easily make it at home.

Hot, cold, or blended, the Caramel Craze Latte is a delightful addition to your home coffee-making repertoire!

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What is the Caramel Craze Latte?

The Caramel Craze Latte first hit the Dunkin’ menu in the Spring of 2019. At the time, it was part of their new signature line of drinks.

And thanks to its popularity, it has remained on the menu ever since!

The drink has a subtle sweetness that balances nicely with the bold flavors of rich espresso. Topped with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce, it’s a delicious latte for caramel lovers!

Why should you make the caramel craze signature latte at home?

If you’ve ever seen the line at Dunkin Donuts on the weekend, you’ve answered this question yourself! Making your own coffee drinks at home saves both time and money.

Depending upon the size and add-ons, a Dunkin latte can run over $5 per drink. But you can save significant money by making your own signature drinks at home.

Another great reason to make homemade versions of coffee shop favorites is the ability to customize your beverage. You can add an extra shot of espresso without an upcharge.

Or swap cold brew coffee for the espresso if you want a smoother taste. You can even add less caramel if you crave a strong coffee flavor.

The customization options for this latte recipe are endless!

Easy Recipe for the Copycat Caramel Craze Latte from Dunkin’ Donuts

The first step is to decide whether you want a hot or iced version. Both are equally tasty and include simple ingredients.

Caramel Sauce vs. Caramel Syrup

Before we get into how to make this delicious caramel latte, let’s talk about caramel flavors. Two different forms of caramel are used to flavor lattes and other drinks.

The main difference is the caramel’s consistency. Caramel sauce is thicker and is the best option for hot beverages.

If you mix it with iced coffee or other cold drinks, the sauce will sink to the bottom and form a sludge.

Caramel sauce tends to have a richer flavor than caramel syrup, partly because it is made with cream.

If you want that richer flavor, consider mixing the caramel sauce with the hot espresso, so it dissolves the sugar crystals.

After the sugar has dissolved, you can mix in the other cold ingredients.

Caramel syrup is thinner and is meant to flavor the iced caramel latte and other cold beverages.

You don’t have to mix it with hot ingredients to prevent it from forming a sludge at the bottom of your drink.

How to Make the Hot Version

Pull a couple of shots of espresso. Steam and froth 16 ounces of milk. If you don’t have a machine that does both, try heating the milk in a pan and then use a hand mixer to add some foam.

Dairy milk with some fat added generally froths better than other types of milk. Whole milk and half-and-half froth the best.

Combine the milk, caramel sauce, or syrup with the espresso, top with whipped cream, and a caramel drizzle, and enjoy!

How to Make the Iced Version

Start by pulling a couple of shots of espresso. You can mix it into the espresso if you’re using caramel syrup.

If you’re using caramel sauce, mix it with the espresso while it’s hot.

My favorite way to add caramel flavor to cold beverages is to add 1 teaspoon caramel extract to 1 tablespoon of simple syrup.

Click here for my simple syrup recipe.

If you want a bit of texture in your latte, froth the milk. Pour in the milk and mix with the espresso over a tall glass filled 3/4 of the way with ice.

Stir to combine and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make a Caramel Craze Latte without an espresso machine?

Yes! You can brew a more robust cup of coffee with a French press. Or, if you want an iced version, cold brew coffee is a great way to add coffee flavor to your drink.

Can you buy Dunkin Donuts brand coffee beans and ground coffee?

You can get that fresh Dunkin taste from your home coffee machine in a few different places. Amazon does offer several Dunkin brands of beans and ground coffee for your home brewing pleasure.

You can also find this brand at your local grocery store.

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Can you use any kind of milk to make the Caramel Craze Latte?

Absolutely. For a slightly nutty flavor, try almond milk. Coconut milk may also add a unique flavor twist to the latte.

Final Thoughts

The caramel craze latte from Dunkin’ Donuts is a delicious way to enjoy caramel flavor in your coffee. You can make it at home with just a few simple ingredients and some essential kitchen equipment.

I hope you enjoyed this blog post. If you’re looking for more coffee inspiration, check out a few of our other binge-worthy posts!

• McDonald’s Iced Caramel Mocha: The Best Way to Beat the Heat!
• How to Make Your Own Coffee Base for Copycat Starbucks Frappes and More!
• Dutch Bros Annihilator: The Best Drink Ever?
• How to Mke the Caramelizer from Dutch Bros
• The Easy Way to Make Liquid Cane Sugar at Home
• The Best Ways to Make Decaf Cold Brew