Copycat Dutch Bros Pumpkin Brulee Breve Recipe

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The arrival of fall signifies the return of festive flavors at popular coffee spots, including the beloved Dutch Bros. One of their seasonal offerings is the Pumpkin Brulee Breve – a creamy, dreamy concoction that beautifully marries pumpkin and salted caramel with a delightful, bruleed finish. While Dutch Bros makes this beverage effortlessly delicious, what if you could recreate this autumnal magic in your kitchen? Whether you’re miles from the nearest Dutch Bros, looking to save a bit of money, or want to enjoy this treat in the comfort of your home, I’ve got you covered. I’ll share a DIY version of the Dutch Bros Pumpkin Brulee Breve that you can whip up with simple ingredients.

How to make Dutch Bros Pumpkin Brulee Breve

The Dutch Bros Pumpkin Brûlée Breve is a seasonal drink offered by Dutch Bros Coffee. It combines the rich flavors of pumpkin and caramelized sugar with a breve base.

Ingredients

For the Coffee:

• 2 shots of espresso (Alternatively, you can use 1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee if an espresso machine is not available.)
• 1 cup of half-and-half (This is for the “Breve” part. For a lighter version, milk or any plant-based milk can be a good substitute.)

For the Pumpkin Brulee Mix:

• 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree (Ensure it’s 100% pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.)
• 1-2 tablespoons of caramel sauce (Adjust according to your sweetness preference.)
• 1/4 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice
• A pinch of salt (This enhances the caramel and pumpkin flavors.)

For the Topping:

• Whipped cream (Homemade or store-bought, both work well.)
• A sprinkle of raw sugar (Turbinado sugar gives the best brulee effect.)
• A drizzle of caramel sauce
• Optional: A light dusting of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon for that extra autumn touch

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pumpkin Brulee Mix:

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the pumpkin puree, caramel sauce, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt.
2. Cook while stirring for about 2 minutes or until the mixture is heated through and smooth. Remove from heat.

2. Brew the Espresso:

1. While the pumpkin mixture is heating, brew your espresso shots or strong coffee.

3. Combine:

1. In your serving cup, pour the hot pumpkin brulee mixture.
2. Immediately add the brewed espresso or coffee, mixing well to fully incorporate the flavors.

4. Steam and Froth the Half-and-Half:

1. If you have an espresso machine, use the steamer to steam and froth the half-and-half. If not, gently heat the half-and-half in a small saucepan and use a whisk or a milk frother to froth it.
2. Pour the steamed/frothed half-and-half into your cup, mixing gently.

5. Top with Whipped Cream: Generously top your beverage with whipped cream.

6. The Brulee Finish:

1. Sprinkle raw sugar evenly over the whipped cream. If you have a kitchen torch, lightly brulee the sugar until golden (be careful not to burn the whipped cream). If you don’t have one, the raw sugar will still add a nice crunch.
2. Drizzle with caramel sauce and, if desired, sprinkle a bit of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon on top.

Tips for Perfection

• Espresso Quality: Using high-quality coffee or espresso makes a significant difference. Choose a blend you love for the best flavor base.
• Pumpkin Brulee Mix: Feel free to adjust the caramel and pumpkin pie spice according to your taste. Some might prefer a stronger pumpkin flavor, while others might lean towards more caramel.
• Serving: Serve this drink in a clear mug for an aesthetically pleasing look, letting you and your guests admire the layers before stirring.
• Vegan/Dairy-Free Version: This drink can easily be made vegan by using plant-based half-and-half and whipped cream. Excellent dairy-free caramel sauces are also available.

What to serve with

Pairing your lovingly crafted Dutch Bros Pumpkin Brulee Breve with the right snack or treat can elevate your autumn taste experience to new heights.

1. Pumpkin Scones: With their warm spices and buttery texture, Pumpkin scones are the perfect companion to your brulee breve. The soft, moist crumb of the scone contrasts beautifully with the creamy drink, and the complementary pumpkin flavors enhance each other. For an extra treat, top your scones with a simple glaze or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.

2. Cinnamon Rolls: Imagine a soft, gooey cinnamon roll with its sweet, spicy filling and rich cream cheese frosting alongside your pumpkin brulee breve. This combination is the epitome of autumnal comfort and indulgence. The warm spices in both the cinnamon roll and the coffee make for a harmonious pair.

3. Apple Tart: An apple tart, with its flaky pastry, tender spiced apples, and a hint of sweetness, is a light but flavorful pairing option. The freshness and slight tartness of the apples offer a delightful contrast to the rich and creamy beverage, making each sip a refreshing experience.

4. Nutty Biscotti: Dipping a piece of crunchy, nutty biscotti into the brulee breve is a simple pleasure that shouldn’t be overlooked. The biscotti’s crisp texture and the nuts’ earthy flavor work well with the smooth and creamy texture of your drink, and dipping them makes for a cozy, interactive snack.

5. Maple Glazed Pecans: For those who prefer something on the healthier side, maple-glazed pecans can be an excellent accompaniment. Their sweet, crunchy, and slightly salty profile pairs excellently with the pumpkin and caramel notes of the brulee breve. Plus, they’re easy to nibble on as you sip your drink.

6. Chai Spiced Cake: A moist chai spiced cake, with its blend of warm spices, echoes the comforting essence of your pumpkin brulee beverage. When served alongside your coffee, the cake’s spices and the drink’s rich flavor profile play off each other beautifully, each bite and sip inviting the next.

7. Cheese Board: For an unexpected but delightful pairing, consider serving your pumpkin brulee breve with a small cheese board featuring an array of cheeses, nuts, and fruits. Opt for cheeses with a creamy texture or a slight tang to contrast the sweetness of your drink, such as Brie or goat cheese, and include some dried fruits for a touch of sweetness.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a Dutch Bros Pumpkin Brulee Breve at home can be a delightful experience and allows for customization according to personal preferences or dietary restrictions. If you need to substitute certain ingredients in the recipe, here’s a guide to help you make an equally delicious beverage:

Espresso

• Decaf Espresso: If you’re avoiding caffeine, use a decaf espresso bean to make your drink.
• Strong-brewed Coffee: If an espresso machine isn’t available, you can substitute it with very strong-brewed coffee or even instant espresso powder mixed with hot water.

Pumpkin Sauce or Syrup

• Homemade Pumpkin Syrup: If you can’t find pumpkin syrup, you can make your own by simmering water, sugar, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spices together until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens. Blend it until smooth.
• Maple Syrup with Pumpkin Pie Spice: Mix some pumpkin pie spice with maple syrup for a quick and natural substitute.

Half-and-Half

• Whole Milk or Heavy Cream: If you don’t have half-and-half, mix whole milk and heavy cream together in equal parts.
• Non-Dairy Alternatives: For a dairy-free version, use almond milk, coconut cream, oat milk, or soy milk. These can be thicker and creamier options to mimic the texture of half-and-half.

Caramel Sauce

• Homemade Caramel: Melt sugar with a little bit of water until golden brown and mix with warm cream for a homemade option.
• Maple Syrup: As an alternative to the buttery taste of caramel, maple syrup offers a similar sweet stickiness.
• Dulce de Leche: This is a thicker, richer alternative that still brings the desired sweetness with a slightly different flavor profile.

Whipped Cream

• Non-Dairy Whipped Topping: Use coconut whipped cream or any vegan whipped cream substitute if you’re avoiding dairy.
• Chilled Full-Fat Coconut Milk: You can whip the solid part of full-fat coconut milk with a bit of sugar to make a dairy-free whipped topping.

Cinnamon or Pumpkin Pie Spice

• Ground Nutmeg or Allspice: If you don’t have cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice on hand, try using ground nutmeg or allspice to add a warm, autumnal flavor to your drink.

Final Thoughts

With these instructions and tips, you can enjoy the essence of fall any day with a homemade Dutch Bros Pumpkin Brulee Breve. The process is part of the fun; the result is as delightful as the crisp autumn air. 

More Dutch Bros Recipes:

• Dutch Bros Creme de Menthe Recipe
• Dutch Bros Cookie Butter Latte Homemade Recipe
• Copycat Dutch Bros Hazelnut Truffle Mocha
• Sugar Free Syrup at Dutch Bros (Recipe)
• Dutch Bros Mangonada