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With its roots echoing the quaint, charming vibe of Rhode Island’s beloved coffee milk, the Dunkalatte isn’t just another coffee drink; it’s a nod to the simple yet profound joy that a well-crafted beverage can bring.
Table of Contents
How to make Dunkalatte
Dunkalatte is a coffee-based beverage offered by Dunkin‘ (formerly Dunkin’ Donuts). It is essentially a latte made with Dunkin’s espresso and milk, available in different flavors like caramel and mocha. It is served either hot or iced, depending on preference.
Ingredients:
- Fresh Espresso or Strongly Brewed Coffee: To capture the essence of a true Dunkalatte, using freshly brewed espresso shots is key. If you don’t have an espresso machine, strongly brewed coffee can be a substitute, though it may lack some intensity. Aim for about 2 ounces (a standard double shot) for the espresso or ½ cup of strongly brewed coffee for robust flavor.
- Coffee-Infused Milk: Dunkin’ likely has their proprietary method for creating this, but we can approximate it at home by steeping milk with coffee grounds. You’ll need about:
- 1 cup whole milk (for richness and creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon of acceptable coffee grounds (or more to taste)
- Sweetener (optional): Some may enjoy their Dunkalatte with a touch of sweetness. Consider using:
- Sugar, to taste
- Simple syrup
- Maple syrup for a unique twist
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top is optional but adds an indulgent touch for a luxurious finish.
- Cinnamon or Cocoa Powder: A sprinkle for garnish can enhance the visual appeal and add an extra dimension of flavor.
Instructions:
Prepare the Coffee-Infused Milk:
- In a saucepan, combine the milk and coffee grounds. Heat on a medium-low setting just until small bubbles form around the edges – do not boil. This should take about 4-5 minutes.
- Once hot, remove from heat and allow the mixture to steep for about 5 minutes to intensify the flavor. The longer it steeps, the stronger the coffee flavor.
- Strain the milk through a fine sieve or cheesecloth into a container to remove the coffee grounds. If you desire a sweeter drink, add sugar or syrup at this point while the milk is warm, stirring until dissolved.
Brew the Espresso or Strong Coffee:
- While the milk is steeping, brew your espresso or strong coffee. If using an espresso machine, pull a double shot. Otherwise, prepare the strong coffee in your preferred method.
Froth the Coffee-Infused Milk (optional but recommended for a creamy texture):
- If you have a milk frother, use it to froth your strained, flavored milk until it’s creamy and has a good amount of foam. If you don’t, you can heat the milk a little more and then use a whisk or a hand blender to froth it manually.
Assemble Your Dunkalatte:
- Pour the hot espresso or strong coffee into a large mug.
- Slowly add the frothed coffee-infused milk, holding back the foam with a spoon to let the milk mix first, then topping it with the foam.
Add the Finishing Touches:
- If desired, crown your beverage with a dollop of whipped cream.
- Lightly sprinkle cinnamon or cocoa powder on top for that barista-style finish.
Tips for the Perfect Homemade Dunkalatte:
- Use high-quality coffee beans to maximize the flavor.
- Adjust the coffee intensity in the milk infusion to suit your taste—add more grounds for a stronger, more robust flavor or fewer for a milder flavor.
- If you prefer plant-based milk, almond or oat milk can be good alternatives, though they may not froth as well.
- For a cold version, chill the coffee-infused milk after straining it, and use cold brew coffee instead of espresso, following the same layering technique.
- Ensure all ingredients are fresh for the best taste experience.
What to serve with
Serving the right accompaniments with your Dunkalatte can turn it from a mere beverage into a complete and delightful experience, ideal for breakfast, a mid-morning snack, or an afternoon treat.
Sweet Accompaniments:
- Donuts: A classic pair with any coffee drink. Choose from glazed, chocolate, jelly-filled, or any variety you love.
- Pastries: Croissants, cinnamon rolls, Danishes, or scones are delicious and satisfying complements to a rich coffee drink.
- Cookies: Biscotti, chocolate chip cookies, or shortbread can be dipped into the Dunkalatte for an extra bit of sweetness and texture.
- Coffee Cake: A slice of moist coffee cake with a crumble topping is another great match for a coffee-based beverage.
- Muffins: Blueberry, chocolate, or bran muffins can be a hearty side that pairs well with the smooth taste of the Dunkalatte.
- Fruit Tart: A fresh fruit tart with a creamy filling can balance the rich, deep flavors of the Dunkalatte.
Savory Options:
- Quiche: A slice of quiche with a flaky crust complements the creamy Dunkalatte, particularly for a brunch setting.
- Bagels: A toasted bagel with cream cheese, lox, or your preferred toppings offers a substantial savory counterpart to the sweetness of the drink.
- Breakfast Sandwiches: Egg and cheese on an English muffin or a croissant sandwich gives a protein boost alongside your caffeinated treat.
- Cheese Plate: A selection of cheeses with crackers can be delightful for those who prefer a savory snack with their coffee.
- Fruit & Nuts: For a lighter option, serve a bowl of fresh fruit or a mix of nuts to nibble on as you enjoy your drink.
Seasonal Pairings:
- Pumpkin Bread: In the autumn, a slice of pumpkin bread with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg echoes the season.
- Christmas Cookies: During the holiday season, festive-shaped sugar cookies or gingerbread men make a merry companion.
- Summer Berries: In the warmer months, fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or a mix in a fruit salad are refreshing.
Ingredients Substitutes
Creating a Dunkalatte, a rich and creamy coffee beverage loved for its deep flavors and velvety texture, might require some ingredient substitutions due to dietary restrictions, taste preferences, or availability.
Coffee
Original Requirement: Espresso or strong brewed coffee.
Substitutes:
- Instant Coffee: If an espresso machine or coffee brewer isn’t available, instant coffee can work. Opt for a high-quality instant coffee for the best taste.
- Cold Brew Concentrate: For a smoother, less acidic option, cold brew concentrate diluted with a little water can substitute for espresso.
- Decaffeinated Coffee: For those sensitive to caffeine, using decaffeinated coffee or espresso will keep the flavor without the stimulant effects.
Milk
Original Requirement: Whole milk is typically used for its richness.
Substitutes:
- Non-Dairy Milk: Almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk can be used for a vegan alternative. Barista editions froth up particularly well.
- Skim or 2% Milk: For a lower-fat version, these can lighten up your Dunkalatte without sacrificing too much creaminess.
- Half and Half or Heavy Cream: For an even creamier texture, these can be used wholly or partly in place of milk.
Sweetener
Original Requirement: Sugar or simple syrup.
Substitutes:
- Honey or Maple Syrup: Natural sweeteners that add their unique flavors while sweetening your Dunkalatte.
- Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: For a low-calorie or diabetic-friendly option, these sweeteners can replace sugar in equivalent sweetness.
- Agave Nectar: Another vegan option that blends smoothly into hot or cold beverages.
Final Thoughts
By following these steps and keeping these tips in mind, you can create a satisfying, Dunkin-inspired Dunkalatte right at home. It’s a fun way to elevate your morning caffeine ritual or to impress guests with your barista skills.
More Dunkin Recipes:
- Homemade Dunkin’ Cotton Candy Donut Recipe
- Homemade Dunkin Brownie Batter Donut Recipe
- Homemade Dunkin’ Creamer Recipe
- Homemade Dunkin’ Mochi Donut Recipe
- Copycat Dunkin’ Whoopie Pie Donut Recipe
Ingredients
- Fresh Espresso or Strongly Brewed Coffee
- Coffee-Infused Milk
- 1 cup whole milk (for richness and creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon of acceptable coffee grounds (or more to taste)
- Sweetener (optional): Some may enjoy their Dunkalatte with a touch of sweetness. Consider using:
- Sugar, to taste
- Simple syrup
- Maple syrup for a unique twist
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top is optional but adds an indulgent touch for a luxurious finish.
- Cinnamon or Cocoa Powder: A sprinkle for garnish can enhance the visual appeal and add an extra dimension of flavor.
Instructions
Prepare the Coffee-Infused Milk:
- In a saucepan, combine the milk and coffee grounds. Heat on a medium-low setting just until small bubbles form around the edges – do not boil. This should take about 4-5 minutes.
- Once hot, remove from heat and allow the mixture to steep for about 5 minutes to intensify the flavor. The longer it steeps, the stronger the coffee flavor.
- Strain the milk through a fine sieve or cheesecloth into a container to remove the coffee grounds. If you desire a sweeter drink, add sugar or syrup at this point while the milk is warm, stirring until dissolved.
Brew the Espresso or Strong Coffee:
- While the milk is steeping, brew your espresso or strong coffee. If using an espresso machine, pull a double shot. Otherwise, prepare the strong coffee in your preferred method.
Froth the Coffee-Infused Milk (optional but recommended for a creamy texture):
- If you have a milk frother, use it to froth your strained, flavored milk until it's creamy and has a good amount of foam. If you don't, you can heat the milk a little more and then use a whisk or a hand blender to froth it manually.
Assemble Your Dunkalatte:
- Pour the hot espresso or strong coffee into a large mug.
- Slowly add the frothed coffee-infused milk, holding back the foam with a spoon to let the milk mix first, then topping it with the foam.
Add the Finishing Touches:
- If desired, crown your beverage with a dollop of whipped cream.
- Lightly sprinkle cinnamon or cocoa powder on top for that barista-style finish.
