Copycat Dunkin’ Almond Spice Coffee Recipe

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You found yourself enchanted by this seasonal delicacy, its flavors weaving a tapestry of autumnal splendor with every sip. Or maybe your curiosity has been piqued, and you stand on the brink of discovery, eager to immerse in the experience that so many of us eagerly await as the calendar pages turn. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a newcomer to this fall tradition, the allure of recreating Dunkin’ Almond Spice Coffee at home is undeniable.

How to make Dunkin’ Almond Spice Coffee

Dunkin’ Almond Spice Coffee is a seasonal or limited-time offering from Dunkin‘ that combines their coffee with flavors inspired by almonds and spices. This coffee typically features a blend of almond flavoring with hints of spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, giving it a warm and cozy profile. It’s often available during fall or winter and is a popular choice for those looking to enjoy a festive, flavorful twist on their usual coffee.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of your favorite coffee (Dunkin’ original blend if you want to keep it authentic)
• 1/4 tsp. almond extract (adjust according to taste)
• 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice (or a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice)
• 1 to 2 tbsp. sugar or sweetener of choice (adjust according to taste)
• Almond milk to taste (a splash for flavor or more for a creamier texture)
• Whipped topping (optional)
• Additional sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon for garnish (optional)
• Ice cubes (if preparing an iced version)

Instructions:

1. Brew the Coffee: Start by brewing your coffee as you typically would. Whether you use a drip coffee maker, a French press, or any other method, aim for a slightly stronger brew to withstand the added flavors.
2. Flavor the Coffee: While the coffee is hot, stir in the sugar and almond extract, dissolving the sugar completely. If you prefer a sweeter beverage, you can adjust the amount of sugar to match your preference.
3. Add Spices: Add the pumpkin pie spice to the hot coffee and stir well. This will allow the spices to meld properly with the liquid and infuse the coffee with the full spectrum of autumnal flavors.
4. Prepare Your Mug or Glass: If you’re making an iced version, fill a tall glass with ice cubes. For a hot beverage, simply use your favorite coffee mug.
5. Combine Coffee with Almond Milk: Pour the flavored coffee over the ice if you’re making an iced coffee or directly into the mug for a hot drink. Top it off with almond milk to your liking. For a creamier texture, add more almond milk; for a stronger coffee flavor, use less.
6. Garnish: (Optional) Top off your coffee with a dollop of whipped topping and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon for an extra touch of indulgence and a photo-worthy presentation.
7. Enjoy: Your homemade Dunkin’ Almond Spice Coffee is ready! Sit back, savor the taste, and let the flavors transport you to a colorful autumn landscape.

Tips for Perfecting Your Homemade Creation:

• Use freshly brewed coffee for the best flavor.
• If you have a milk frother, froth your almond milk before adding it to enhance the texture of your drink.
• If you prefer a dairy-free option, ensure your whipped topping is also dairy-free.
• Tailor the sweetness and intensity of spices to suit your taste.
• For an extra almond kick, top your coffee with a sprinkle of toasted almond slices.
• Try making coffee ice cubes in advance to keep the iced version chilled without diluting it too much.

What to serve with

Pairing the perfect complement to your homemade Dunkin’ Almond Spice Coffee transforms a simple coffee break into an indulgent taste experience.

1. Pumpkin Bread or Muffins: There’s nothing quite like pairing pumpkin with pumpkin. A slice of moist pumpkin bread or a few pumpkin muffins with their spicy undertones and soft texture make for a delightful match. This combination doubles down on the season’s favorite flavors, creating a perfect symphony of taste.

2. Cinnamon Rolls: The gooey sweetness of cinnamon rolls complements the subtle spice of the Almond Spice Coffee. The doughy texture, combined with the rich cream cheese frosting, perfectly balances the spice-laden, nuanced coffee. Opt for homemade rolls for an extra touch of love.

3. Almond Croissants: For an elegant, texturally divine pairing, serve your Almond Spice Coffee with almond croissants. The flaky, buttery layers of the croissant combined with the fragrant almond filling enhance the coffee’s almond notes, elevating the entire experience.

4. Biscotti: If you prefer a crunchier companion to your coffee, biscotti are a fantastic choice. Choose almond or pumpkin-flavored biscotti to dip into your coffee for an integrated flavor experience. The crisp texture contrasts beautifully with the smoothness of the coffee.

5. Fruit and Nut Platter: For a healthier accompaniment, a platter featuring slices of fresh apples, pears, and a selection of nuts (particularly almonds and walnuts) offers a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the coffee. The fruit’s crispness and the nuts’ richness complement the coffee’s flavors wonderfully.

6. Cheese Board: A small cheese board featuring creamy brie, aged cheddar, and soft goat cheese provides a savory contrast to the sweet and spiced notes of your Almond Spice Coffee. Add some crackers, a dollop of fig jam, and a few apple slices for a gourmet experience.

7. Dark Chocolate: The richness and slight bitterness of dark chocolate (ideally with cocoa content of 70% or higher) pair excellently with the spiced almond flavors of the coffee. The chocolate can help to highlight the coffee’s subtle bitterness and nutty notes, creating an indulgent and sophisticated pairing.

Ingredients Substitutes

If you aim to recreate the Dunkin’ Almond Spice Coffee at home but find yourself missing some ingredients, don’t fret. There are several substitutes you can use to achieve a similar flavor profile. Here are alternatives for the typical ingredients you would expect in an Almond Spice Coffee, which include coffee, almond milk, sugar, and specific spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.

Coffee

Original Ingredient: Brewed Coffee

Substitutions: If you don’t have regular coffee beans or grounds, you can use instant coffee or a shot of espresso diluted with hot water. A different type of coffee, like a mild Arabica or a richer French roast, can also work as a base for the drink.

Almond Milk

Original Ingredient: Almond Milk (for a non-dairy creamy texture with a hint of almond flavor)

Substitutions: You can substitute other non-dairy milk, such as oat milk, soy milk, or coconut milk. If dairy isn’t a concern, regular cow’s milk or half-and-half can be used for a creamier texture.

Sugar

Original Ingredient: Granulated Sugar or any sweetener used in the original recipe

Substitutions: If you’re out of regular sugar, you can use alternatives like honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, or a sugar substitute such as stevia or sucralose.

Spices

Original Ingredient: Cinnamon, Nutmeg

Substitutions:

• Cinnamon: If you don’t have ground cinnamon, you can use cinnamon sticks to infuse the coffee. Alternatively, allspice or pumpkin pie spice blend, which typically includes cinnamon, can be good substitutes.
• Nutmeg: For nutmeg, you could try mace, which is the outer covering of the nutmeg seed and has a similar flavor profile, although slightly more intense. Allspice or a pinch of ground cloves can also be substituted in a pinch.

Almond Flavor

Original Ingredient: Almond Syrup/Extract (to impart the almond flavor)

Substitutions:

• Almond Syrup: If you don’t have almond syrup, you can use a small amount of pure almond extract, being careful with the quantity, as extracts are typically more potent than syrups.
• Almond Extract: If almond extract is not available, vanilla extract can be used, though it will slightly change the flavor profile. Amaretto liqueur offers a similar taste; it is sweet with a strong almond flavor but contains alcohol, so use it accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Remember, the key to an excellent Dunkin’ Almond Spice Coffee is a balance of flavors. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the quantities of almond extract, spices, and sweeteners until it suits your ideal flavor profile.

More Dunkin’ Recipes:

• Copycat Dunkalatte Recipe