Dunkin' Caramel Iced Coffee Recipe (Easy Copycat)

Ever wondered how to recreate that perfect balance of sweet caramel, rich coffee, and creamy goodness that makes dunkin caramel iced coffee so irresistible? You're not alone! As someone who's spent far too much money on drive-thru coffee runs, I've perfected a homemade version that rivals the original – and saves you both money and time. This dunkin donuts iced coffee, caramel swirl coffee, homemade dunkin coffee copycat recipe delivers that signature sweet caramel flavor with the perfect coffee kick that Dunkin' fans crave.

Making your own dunkin caramel iced coffee at home means customizing it exactly to your taste preferences while using ingredients you can pronounce. Follow this simple recipe, and you'll never need to wait in the drive-thru line again!

Ingredients List

For the perfect homemade dunkin caramel iced coffee, you'll need:

• 1 cup (8 oz) strong brewed coffee, cooled
• 2 tablespoons caramel syrup (Torani or Monin work well)
• 2 tablespoons half-and-half (or substitute with whole milk, almond milk, or oat milk)
• 1 cup ice cubes
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar or sweetener of choice (optional, depending on desired sweetness)
• Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
• Extra caramel sauce for drizzling (optional)

Substitution options:

• For a more authentic dunkin flavor profile, use their original ground coffee
• Sugar-free caramel syrup works for a lower-calorie version
• For dairy-free options, oat milk creates the creamiest texture compared to other alternatives

Timing

Prep Time: 2 minutes
Brewing Time: 5 minutes
Chilling Time: 10-15 minutes (if brewing coffee fresh)
Total Time: 20 minutes

This homemade dunkin caramel iced coffee takes about half the time compared to driving to your local Dunkin', waiting in line, and returning home. Plus, you save approximately $4-5 per serving!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brew Your Coffee

Start by brewing your coffee stronger than you typically would for hot coffee. Aim for double strength since ice will dilute the flavor. If using a standard drip coffee maker, use 2 tablespoons of ground coffee per 6 ounces of water. Allow the brewed coffee to cool completely.

Pro tip: To cool coffee quickly without diluting it, pour hot coffee into a metal container and place it in an ice bath for 5 minutes.

Step 2: Sweeten the Coffee

Add the sugar or sweetener to your coffee while it's still warm (if you're brewing fresh). This helps it dissolve completely, preventing grittiness in your final dunkin caramel iced coffee.

Pro tip: For the most authentic dunkin experience, use liquid sugar instead of granulated for a smoother blend.

Step 3: Add the Caramel Syrup

Pour the caramel syrup into your cooled coffee and stir thoroughly. For a stronger caramel flavor reminiscent of the dunkin caramel swirl, use 3 tablespoons instead of 2.

Pro tip: Swirl the syrup around the inside of your glass before adding other ingredients for a visually appealing caramel stripe effect.

Step 4: Assemble Your Drink

Fill a tall glass with ice, then pour your caramel-sweetened coffee over the ice until the glass is about ¾ full.

Pro tip: Use coffee ice cubes instead of regular water ice cubes to prevent dilution as the ice melts.

Step 5: Add Cream and Garnish

Add your half-and-half or milk alternative, stirring gently. If desired, top with whipped cream and a drizzle of extra caramel sauce for that authentic dunkin donuts iced coffee appearance.

Pro tip: For an Instagram-worthy presentation, use a squeeze bottle to create caramel drizzle patterns on the inside of your glass before adding any ingredients.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (without whipped cream topping):

• Calories: 120-150 (depending on milk choice)
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fat: 3-5g (depending on milk choice)
• Sugar: 22g (can vary based on caramel syrup brand)
• Caffeine: 95-165mg (depending on coffee strength)

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Want to enjoy your dunkin caramel iced coffee with fewer calories? Try these modifications:

• Lower-calorie version: Use sugar-free caramel syrup and unsweetened almond milk to cut approximately 70 calories per serving
• Lower-sugar option: Use half the amount of caramel syrup and add a dash of cinnamon for flavor complexity
• Dairy-free alternative: Oat milk creates the creamiest texture, while almond milk provides the lightest option
• Extra protein boost: Add a scoop of unflavored or vanilla protein powder for a post-workout treat

Serving Suggestions

Take your homemade dunkin caramel iced coffee to the next level with these serving ideas:

• Serve in a clear glass with a colorful straw for that authentic coffee shop feel
• Pair with a freshly baked cinnamon donut for the complete Dunkin' experience
• For summer gatherings, pre-make a batch in a pitcher and let guests customize their cream and toppings
• Create a caramel coffee affogato by pouring the coffee over a scoop of vanilla ice cream

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using hot coffee over ice: This melts the ice too quickly and dilutes your drink. Always cool your coffee first.
• Adding syrup after milk: For proper integration, always add caramel syrup to the coffee before adding any dairy.
• Under-sweetening: Dunkin' drinks tend to be quite sweet, so don't be too conservative with your caramel syrup if you want an authentic taste.
• Using regular-strength coffee: When making iced coffee, always brew stronger to compensate for ice dilution.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

• Make ahead: Brew coffee and mix with caramel syrup in advance, storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Prep for the week: Create a concentrated coffee-caramel mixture and dilute with ice and cream when ready to serve.
• Avoid pre-adding dairy: If storing for later, add the cream fresh just before drinking to prevent separation.
• Frozen coffee cubes: Pour leftover coffee into ice cube trays for future iced coffee that won't get diluted.

Conclusion

This homemade dunkin caramel iced coffee recipe delivers all the flavor of the drive-thru favorite without the cost or inconvenience. By controlling the ingredients, you can customize the sweetness, creaminess, and even make healthier adaptations to suit your preferences. The best part? You'll save hundreds of dollars annually by making this simple copycat at home.

Give this recipe a try and experiment with different caramel syrups and milk alternatives to find your perfect blend. Don't forget to share your creation on social media and tag us with your results! Looking for more copycat coffee shop favorites? Check out our other Dunkin' and Starbucks-inspired recipes.

FAQs

What type of coffee works best for this dunkin caramel iced coffee recipe?
Medium to dark roast coffees work best to stand up to the sweetness of the caramel. For the most authentic taste, consider using Dunkin's original blend coffee or any medium roast with nutty, chocolatey notes.

Can I make this dunkin caramel iced coffee with cold brew instead?
Absolutely! Cold brew creates a smoother, less acidic base. Use 4 ounces of concentrated cold brew mixed with 4 ounces of water as your coffee base for this recipe.

How can I make the caramel syrup at home?
Make homemade caramel syrup by combining 1 cup sugar, ½ cup water, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Simmer until golden brown, then carefully add ½ cup more water and stir until smooth. Cool completely before using.

Why doesn't my homemade version taste exactly like Dunkin's?
Dunkin' uses proprietary caramel swirl syrup that contains dairy derivatives. For the closest match, look for caramel sauces rather than clear syrups, or add a tiny pinch of salt to your caramel syrup to enhance the flavor complexity.

Can I make a large batch of this for a gathering?
Yes! Simply multiply all ingredients proportionally and store in a pitcher. Keep refrigerated and add ice to individual glasses when serving. Add cream individually per serving for the freshest taste.