Have You Been Craving That Seasonal Dunkin’ Butter Pecan Iced Coffee?

Ever found yourself disappointed when Dunkin’ removes their seasonal Dunkin’ butter pecan iced coffee from the menu? That sweet, nutty flavor that perfectly complements the bold coffee is something many of us wish we could enjoy year-round. The good news is, you don’t have to wait for Dunkin’ to bring back this fan favorite. With this copycat recipe, you can recreate that delicious Dunkin’ Butter Pecan coffee right in your own kitchen, any time you want!

This homemade version captures all the rich, buttery goodness of the original, but gives you complete control over the sweetness and strength. Plus, making it at home means substantial savings compared to daily coffee shop visits. Let’s dive into how you can create this decadent treat yourself with simple ingredients you might already have in your pantry.

Dunkin’ Butter Pecan Iced Coffee Ingredients

For the Butter Pecan Swirl:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon butter extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped pecans, lightly toasted

For the Iced Coffee:

• 2 cups strong brewed coffee, cooled
• 1/4 cup butter pecan swirl recipe (from above)
• 1/2 cup milk of choice (dairy or non-dairy)
• Ice cubes
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Crushed toasted pecans for garnish (optional)
• Caramel drizzle (optional)

Substitutions:

• For a dairy-free version: Use coconut cream instead of butter and any plant-based milk
• For a sugar-free option: Replace sugars with monk fruit sweetener or erythritol (adjust quantities to taste)
• No butter extract? Double the vanilla and add a touch more butter
• In a hurry? Use a quality store-bought homemade butter pecan coffee syrup

Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes (for the syrup)
• Cooling Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes (only 5 minutes active time once the syrup is made)

This homemade version takes less than an hour total but saves you about $5 per serving compared to the coffee shop version. The syrup can be made in advance and stored, reducing your daily coffee prep to just 2 minutes – even faster than waiting in the Dunkin’ drive-thru!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Toast the Pecans

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spread the chopped pecans evenly on a baking sheet.
3. Toast for 5-7 minutes until fragrant and slightly darkened, stirring halfway through.
4. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.

Pro tip: Watch the pecans closely as they can burn quickly. The toasting enhances the nutty flavor dramatically, so don’t skip this step!

Step 2: Make the Butter Pecan Syrup

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and water.
2. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves.
3. Reduce heat to low and add the butter, stirring until melted.
4. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, butter extract, and salt.
6. Add the toasted pecans and let the mixture steep for 15 minutes.
7. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the pecans (save them for garnish or snacking!).
8. Allow the syrup to cool completely before using.

Pro tip: For a stronger pecan flavor, crush a few of the toasted pecans before adding them to the syrup.

Step 3: Brew and Cool Your Coffee

1. Brew coffee at double strength compared to your usual preparation.
2. Let the coffee cool to room temperature.
3. Refrigerate until cold (at least 30 minutes) or use coffee ice cubes for a less diluted drink.

Pro tip: For the richest flavor, use a medium-dark roast coffee. Cold brew also works beautifully as the base!

Step 4: Assemble Your Butter Pecan Iced Coffee

1. Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour 1 cup of cold coffee over the ice.
3. Add 2-3 tablespoons of the butter pecan syrup (adjust to taste).
4. Pour in 1/4 cup of your milk of choice.
5. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Pro tip: For an extra-cold drink without dilution, freeze some of your butter pecan syrup in an ice cube tray and use those instead of regular ice cubes.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Top with whipped cream if desired.
2. Sprinkle with some of the reserved toasted pecans.
3. Add a light drizzle of caramel sauce for extra decadence.
4. Serve immediately with a straw and long spoon.

Pro tip: For an Instagram-worthy presentation, drizzle some of the syrup around the inside of the glass before adding ice and coffee.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (with whole milk and without optional toppings):

• Calories: 285
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 16g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 160mg

Values are approximate and based on using 2 tablespoons of the butter pecan syrup per serving.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

• Lower Sugar Version: Reduce sugars by half and add a dash of cinnamon to enhance perceived sweetness
• Keto-Friendly: Use allulose or erythritol instead of sugar, heavy cream instead of milk
• Vegan Option: Use coconut oil instead of butter and almond or oat milk for creaminess
• Lighter Version: Use skim milk and reduce the butter to 2 tablespoons
• Caffeine-Free: Use decaf coffee or chicory coffee alternative
• Extra Protein: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder for a more substantial drink

Serving Suggestions

• Serve in a clear glass mug to showcase the beautiful layers
• Pair with a butter pecan scone or biscotti for a perfect coffee break
• For summer gatherings, prepare a pitcher with the coffee and syrup pre-mixed, with a “build your own” station of milks, toppings, and mix-ins
• Try it affogato-style by pouring hot coffee and syrup over a scoop of vanilla ice cream
• For a dessert version, blend with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a butter pecan coffee milkshake

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using weak coffee: The strong flavor of the syrup needs robust coffee to balance it
2. Adding too much syrup at once: Start with less and add more to taste
3. Not cooling the coffee completely: This leads to watery iced coffee as the ice melts too quickly
4. Burning the pecans: Set a timer when toasting nuts to prevent a bitter taste
5. Skipping the salt: It enhances the butter pecan flavor significantly
6. Over-steeping the pecans: If left too long, the syrup can become bitter

Storing Tips for the Recipe

• Butter Pecan Syrup: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks
• Prepared Coffee: Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week
• Make-Ahead Option: Pre-mix coffee and syrup in single-serving containers for grab-and-go convenience
• Freezing the Syrup: Pour into ice cube trays for perfect portions that can be stored for up to 3 months
• Toasted Pecans: Store extras in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks

Conclusion

This homemade butter pecan iced coffee brings the beloved Dunkin’ seasonal flavor right to your kitchen year-round. Not only does it satisfy that specific craving for the perfect balance of nutty, buttery sweetness with robust coffee, but it also allows you to customize the flavor to your exact preferences while saving money.

The versatility of this recipe means you can adjust it for any dietary needs or preferences, and the make-ahead syrup makes daily preparation incredibly simple. Why wait for Dunkin’ to bring back this seasonal favorite when you can enjoy it anytime?

Give this recipe a try and share your creation on social media with #HomemadeButterPecanCoffee – I’d love to see your versions and hear how you’ve made this recipe your own!

FAQs

How close does this recipe taste to the original Dunkin’ Butter Pecan Swirl?
This copycat recipe captures the essence of the Dunkin’ version with the same butter-forward, nutty sweetness. Some taste testers actually prefer this homemade version because you can control the sweetness and intensity of the flavors.

Can I make this recipe without butter extract?
Yes! While butter extract enhances the buttery flavor, you can omit it and increase the actual butter by 2 tablespoons. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

How long does the butter pecan syrup last?
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the syrup will last up to 3 weeks. You may notice separation – simply shake before using.

Can I use this syrup in hot coffee too?
Absolutely! This versatile syrup works beautifully in hot coffee, lattes, or even as a topping for ice cream, pancakes, or waffles.

Is there a way to make this recipe sugar-free?
Yes, you can substitute the sugars with monk fruit sweetener, erythritol, or your preferred sugar alternative. Start with about 3/4 of the amount and adjust to taste, as sugar alternatives often taste sweeter than regular sugar.