Homemade Dutch Bros Caramel Pumpkin Brulée Chai Recipe

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If you’re on the hunt for a treat that perfectly captures autumn’s cozy vibes, look no further than the Dutch Bros Caramel Pumpkin Brulée Chai. This popular seasonal sip blends creamy caramel, warm pumpkin spice, and the bold kick of chai for a deliciously indulgent experience.

What Is Dutch Bros Caramel Pumpkin Brulée Chai?

The Caramel Pumpkin Brulée Chai from Dutch Bros is a cozy, seasonal twist on the classic chai latte, perfect for fall lovers.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chai tea concentrate: (e.g., Oregon Chai, Tazo, or homemade)
• 2 cups milk: (dairy or your choice of plant-based milk)
• 3 tablespoons pumpkin puree
• 2 tablespoons caramel sauce: (plus extra for drizzling)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar: (optional, for extra sweetness)
• ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• Whipped cream: (for topping)
• Brulée topping: A sprinkle of turbinado sugar or brown sugar for the “brulée” effect.

Instructions:

1. Brew the Chai Base: If using a concentrate, heat 2 cups of chai in a saucepan over medium heat. If making homemade, steep 2 strong cups of chai tea.
2. Mix in Pumpkin & Caramel: Add pumpkin puree, caramel sauce, brown sugar (if using), and pumpkin pie spice to the chai. Whisk thoroughly until everything is smooth and well combined.
3. Heat the Milk: In a separate saucepan, gently heat the milk until steaming (don’t let it boil). Use a milk frother or whisk to froth if desired.
4. Combine: Divide the pumpkin-caramel chai mixture between two large mugs. Pour the hot, frothed milk over the mixture and stir gently.
5. Top It Off: Finish each drink with a generous swirl of whipped cream. Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top, then sprinkle with a little turbinado (raw) sugar or brown sugar for that “brulée” touch.

Optional “Brulée” Effect:

1. If you want to get fancy and create a caramelized brulée topping:
2. Lightly torch the sugar, sprinkle with a culinary torch until caramelized, just as you would with crème brulée.

Tips For The Best Dutch Bros Caramel Pumpkin Brulée Chai:

• Chai Concentrate: Pre-made concentrates like Oregon Chai or Tazo replicate the Dutch Bros flavor profile best and save time.
• Pumpkin Puree: Use real, unsweetened pumpkin puree for a creamy texture. Not pumpkin pie filling!
• Caramel Sauce: Store-bought or homemade both work; choose a thick sauce for maximum flavor.
• Froth Matters: Frothing the milk helps give your drink a café-style feel, especially if you have a handheld frother.
• Spice to Taste: Pumpkin pie spice amounts can be adjusted. Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.
• Iced Version: Let your chai mixture cool, pour over ice, and top with cold frothed milk and toppings.

What To Serve With

• Pumpkin Scones or Muffins: Pumpkin scones or muffins echo the chai’s signature flavor. Their crumbly texture and mild sweetness balance the Dutch Bros Caramel Pumpkin Brulée Chai drink’s creaminess. Add a drizzle of caramel glaze on top to tie the flavors together.
• Cinnamon Coffee Cake: The buttery, cinnamon-laced cake offers a light, tender bite and highlights the spicy notes of chai. Serve warm slices alongside your Dutch Bros Caramel Pumpkin Brulée Chai for a classic café experience.
• Shortbread Cookies: Simple shortbread cookies with a hint of vanilla or brown sugar are ideal. They add a buttery crunch without competing with the bold flavors in your mug.
• Maple Pecan Bars: Sweet and nutty, maple pecan bars have a rich, caramelized flavor that complements the caramel in your drink. Their chewy texture is a wonderful contrast to the chai’s creamy smoothness.
• Spiced Brioche French Toast: If you’re serving brunch, spiced brioche French toast topped with whipped cream and pumpkin seeds makes for a festive, indulgent pairing.
• Apple Crisp or Apple Tart: Caramelized apples and warm spices in an apple crisp or tart perfectly match the seasonal feel of pumpkin brulée chai. The tartness of apples lifts the sweet and spiced flavors.
• Gingersnaps or Molasses Cookies: These cookies bring deep spice, gentle sweetness, and a slight snap. They’re a comforting classic that works well with chai’s autumnal profile.
• Breakfast Quiche: For something savory, a simple quiche (think spinach, caramelized onions, or butternut squash) brings out the earthy notes in your pumpkin chai without clashing flavors.
• Bacon or Sausage Links: Salty and savory bacon or sausage links create a nice contrast, especially for breakfast. Their umami flavors balance the sweetness of your Dutch Bros Caramel Pumpkin Brulée Chai latte.
• Roasted Nuts: A bowl of cinnamon-roasted almonds or pecans offers a crunchy, warming snack that’s both simple and satisfying.

Ingredient Substitutes:

Chai Tea Concentrate Substitutes:

• Homemade Chai: Brew strong black tea and steep with whole spices (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, clove, black pepper) and sweeten to taste.
• Chai Tea Bags: Use several strong chai tea bags brewed in less water for a concentrate effect.

Milk Substitutes:

• Plant-Based Milks: Oat, almond, soy, or coconut milk all work well. Oat milk froths beautifully and has a creamy texture similar to dairy.
• Evaporated Milk: For added richness.
• Half & Half or Heavy Cream: For an extra decadent drink (use half milk, half cream).

Pumpkin Puree Substitutes:

• Sweet Potato Puree: Offers a similar texture and mild sweetness.
• Butternut Squash Puree: Velvet smoothness and an earthier sweetness.
• Pumpkin Yogurt: If you’re after milkier richness and a tangy twist.
• Omit: If you don’t have any of the above, rely on pumpkin spice for flavor alone.

Caramel Sauce Substitutes:

• Butterscotch Sauce: Sweeter and has a similar texture.
• Dulce de Leche: A robust, deep caramel flavor.
• Maple Syrup: Brings a fall-inspired sweetness and complements the spice.
• Brown Sugar Syrup: Combine brown sugar and water, and simmer to make a quick syrup.

Brown Sugar Substitutes:

• Coconut Sugar: Lower glycemic, similar caramel notes.
• Maple Sugar: Adds a maple flavor, perfect for fall.
• White Sugar: Works if other options aren’t available.
• Honey or Agave: For a liquid sweetener alternative.

Pumpkin Pie Spice Substitutes:

• DIY Pumpkin Pie Spice: Mix ground cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, ginger, and allspice.
• Just Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Will still evoke a cozy, spicy flavor.
• Apple Pie Spice: Slightly different blend, but it works in a pinch.

Whipped Cream Substitutes:

• Coconut Whipped Cream: Use chilled coconut cream whipped with a little sweetener, great for dairy-free needs.
• Non-Dairy Whipped Topping: Available in stores.
• Foamed Milk: Skip the cream and froth extra milk for topping.

Brulée Topping Substitutes:

• Raw Sugar: Similar crunch and caramelization.
• Granulated Sugar: Works for torching or just sprinkling on top.
• Crushed Toffee Bits: For an extra sweet and crunchy finish.

Health Benefits

Chai Spices:

• Cinnamon: Contains antioxidants that help fight inflammation. May promote healthy blood sugar levels.
• Ginger: Well-known for its digestive benefits, ginger can help soothe nausea and support gastrointestinal health. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Cardamom: Often used to aid digestion and may help with detoxification. Known for its antibacterial effects.
• Clove: High in antioxidants, clove is thought to support immune function and may relieve minor pain.

Pumpkin Puree:

• Rich in Vitamin A (Beta-Carotene): Supports eye health, immune system, and skin integrity.
• Good Fiber Content: May aid digestion and help you feel full longer.
• Low in Calories: Offers a lot of nutrients without many calories.

Milk (or Non-Dairy Alternatives):

• Dairy Milk: Provides calcium, protein, and vitamin D, important for bone health and muscle function.
• Non-Dairy Milks: Oat, almond, and soy milk often have added vitamins and minerals. They can be lower in saturated fat and calories.

Caramel Sauce And Sugar:

• Energy Boost: Sugar can provide a quick source of energy, but it’s important to keep portion sizes in check to avoid excessive intake.

• Whipped Cream and Brulée Topping: These toppings add flavor and celebration, but also extra sugars and fats. Choosing smaller amounts or lighter versions can keep the treat balanced.

Final Thoughts

As the leaves change and cozy cravings beckon, the Dutch Bros Caramel Pumpkin Brulée Chai stands out as the ultimate seasonal treat, a celebration in a cup.

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