Hazelnut Cloud Dunkalatte Recipe

2

For many, the Hazelnut Cloud Dunkalatte is more than just a beverage—it’s a heavenly blend of rich espresso, creamy sweetness, and nutty hazelnut goodness wrapped up in a cloud-like layer of frothy perfection. If you’ve fallen in love with this Dunkin’ favorite (just like I have!) and want to enjoy it anytime, anywhere, you’re in for a treat.

How to make Hazelnut Cloud Dunkalatte

The Hazelnut Cloud Dunkalatte (often seen as a variation like the Nutty Banana Cloud Dunkalatte) is a customized version of the Dunkin’ Dunkalatte, which is already a rich, dessert-style coffee drink.

Ingredients

For the Latte Base:

• 1 cup fresh-brewed espresso or strong coffee (use your favorite coffee beans or pods)
• 1/2 cup milk (whole milk works best for creaminess, but almond or oat milk are great alternatives for a dairy-free option)
• 1–2 tbsp hazelnut syrup (available at most grocery stores or online; Torani or Monin are great brands)

For the Cloud Foam:

• 1/4 cup heavy cream (or cold whipping cream)
• 1 tbsp sweetener (sugar, honey, or simple syrup)
• Optional: ½ tsp vanilla extract for extra flavor depth

Optional Toppings:

• Ground cinnamon or cocoa powder
• A drizzle of caramel sauce
• Chopped hazelnuts for garnish

Instructions

1. Start by brewing your espresso or strong coffee. You’ll need about 1 cup for this recipe. If you don’t have an espresso machine, a Moka pot, Aeropress, or French press will work just fine.
2. While the espresso is brewing, warm up 1/2 cup of milk in a saucepan until steaming (don’t let it boil).
3. Stir in 1–2 tbsp of hazelnut syrup, depending on your sweetness preference. Mix well so the hazelnut flavor evenly blends with the milk.
4. In a chilled bowl, add 1/4 cup heavy cream and 1 tbsp of sweetener. Optional: toss in a tiny splash of vanilla extract.
5. Use a handheld frother, whisk, or blender to whip the cream for 1–2 minutes until soft peaks form. The foam should have a velvety, dense consistency that’s not too stiff.
6. Pour the freshly brewed espresso into your favorite mug or glass. Add the hazelnut-infused milk to the espresso, stirring gently to combine.
7. Carefully spoon or pour the cloud foam over the latte for that signature “cloud-layer” look.
8. For a café-worthy presentation, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or cocoa powder on the foam. Drizzle caramel syrup over the top or garnish with chopped hazelnuts for extra flair.

Tips to Perfect Your Hazelnut Cloud Dunkalatte

• Quality Ingredients Make All the Difference: Use good quality espresso beans and hazelnut syrup for the best flavor. If possible, opt for freshly ground coffee beans.
• Work With Chilled Cream for Better Foam: For optimal cloud foam, make sure your heavy cream is very cold before whipping. This helps create a denser, more stable foam.
• Adjust Sweetness and Flavor: The amount of hazelnut syrup and sweetener can be tailored to your personal taste. Start small and gradually add more until it’s just right for you.
• Experiment With Plant-Based Ingredients: Use coconut cream or almond milk if you prefer a dairy-free alternative. Coconut cream also whips well, creating a similar foam texture.
• Presentation Is Key: Serve your Hazelnut Cloud Dunkalatte in a clear glass to show off the layered effect of milk, coffee, and foam—it’s Instagram-worthy!

What to serve with

The rich, nutty, and creamy flavors of a Hazelnut Cloud Dunkalatte make it a versatile drink that pairs beautifully with a variety of foods.

1. Pastries & Croissants: Serve the Dunkalatte with a warm, buttery croissant. A hazelnut-filled croissant or almond croissant would be an especially fitting match, as the nutty flavors will echo the latte’s hazelnut notes.

2. Muffins: Pair the latte with moist, fluffy muffins, such as chocolate chip, banana nut, or hazelnut. The earthy and sweet flavors of these treats complement the coffee’s depth perfectly.

3. Cookies: A soft-baked hazelnut cookie or biscotti is an easy match for this coffee drink. Try classic chocolate chip cookies, shortbread, or snickerdoodles for a cozy vibe.

4. Waffles & Pancakes: A stack of waffles or pancakes topped with a drizzle of chocolate sauce, hazelnut spread, or caramel pairs wonderfully with a Dunkalatte. The creamy foam and nutty flavor will elevate the breakfast experience.

Ingredients Substitutes

One of the great things about the Hazelnut Cloud Dunkalatte recipe is its versatility.

1. Espresso or Coffee Substitutes

The base of the Dunkalatte is strong, bold coffee, but you can adjust it to fit your taste preferences or equipment availability.

Substitutes:

• Instant Coffee: If you don’t have brewed espresso, dissolve 1–2 teaspoons of instant coffee in hot water to mimic its richness. Adjust the strength to your liking.
• Cold Brew Concentrate: For a smoother, less acidic option, use cold-brew concentrate. Dilute slightly if it’s too strong.
• Decaf Coffee: Prefer to skip the caffeine? Brew decaf espresso or coffee. You’ll still get the robust taste without the caffeine kick.
• Tea Options: If you’d like to experiment, strong black teas (like Assam or Earl Grey) or even chai tea can be swapped as the base liquid for a tea-latte twist.

2. Milk Substitutes

Milk is key for building the latte’s creaminess, but several plant-based and low-fat alternatives work beautifully to suit your dietary needs.

Substitutes:

Almond Milk: Offers a light nutty flavor that complements the hazelnut syrup beautifully. Use unsweetened almond milk to avoid overly sweet results.

• Oat Milk: A great option for creaminess without dairy, oat milk froths well and lends a slightly sweet flavor.
• Cashew Milk: Creamy and subtle, cashew milk pairs seamlessly with the hazelnut flavor for an extra nutty drink.
• Coconut Milk: Coconut milk lends tropical richness, though it may slightly overpower the hazelnut flavor. Pair with a lighter hazelnut syrup if needed.
• Low-Fat Dairy Milk: For a lighter option, opt for skim milk or 1% milk instead of whole milk. Note that it might lack some richness, but it will still taste great.

3. Hazelnut Syrup Substitutes

Hazelnut syrup is the highlight of this recipe, but if you can’t find it, some alternatives capture similar flavors or offer a unique twist.

Substitutes:

• Hazelnut Extract: A few drops of hazelnut extract can create a similar flavor profile. Combine it with sugar or honey to add sweetness.
• Nutella or Hazelnut Spread: Dissolve a small spoonful of hazelnut spread into warm milk for a creamy, chocolate-hazelnut substitute.
• Caramel Syrup: Caramel syrup adds sweetness and a nutty undertone that pairs well if hazelnut isn’t available.
• Vanilla Syrup: While it lacks the nutty flavor, vanilla syrup offers complementary sweetness and aroma that blend well with espresso.
• Amaretto Syrup: Amaretto syrup provides an almond-like flavor that’s similar to hazelnut, adding a unique twist.

4. Heavy Cream Substitutes (For the Cloud Foam)

Heavy cream is essential for the cloud foam layer, but you can make it lighter, richer, or dairy-free.

Substitutes:

• Whipping Cream: Whipping cream is the most similar alternative to heavy cream. It whips easily and creates a similar airy texture.
• Milk Froth: If you prefer something lighter and less indulgent, froth regular milk or your favorite plant-based milk using a frother.
• Coconut Cream: Coconut cream is a great dairy-free alternative; it whips well and offers a slightly tropical flair.
• Cashew Cream: Blend cashews with water until smooth to create a creamy foam-like texture for a nutty alternative.

5. Sweetener Substitutes

The original recipe calls for sugar, honey, or simple syrup to sweeten the foam layer, but there are healthier and more diverse options you can consider.

Substitutes:

• Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: For a sugar-free option, use stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Start with a small amount since these are sweeter than sugar.
• Maple Syrup: Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness and a subtle earthy flavor that pairs well with hazelnut undertones.
• Agave Syrup: Agave is a low-glycemic sweetener that dissolves effortlessly into cream and milk.
• Date Syrup: For a more nutrient-rich alternative, try date syrup, which adds a caramel-like sweetness.

Final Thoughts

With this easy recipe, you can bring Dunkin’ Hazelnut Cloud Dunkalatte right into your kitchen. Give it a shot (or should I say espresso?), and enjoy a delicious homemade treat that rivals your favorite coffee shop creation!

More Dunkin Recipes:

• Homemade Dunkin’ Creme Brulee Donut Recipe
• Homemade Dunkin’ Berry Acai Refresher Recipe
• Copycat Dunkin’ Banana Latte Recipe