Guide to Dutch Bros Caramel Pumpkin Brulee

The Caramel Pumpkin Brulée is a seasonal beverage offered by Dutch Bros, a drive-thru coffee chain with locations across the western United States and beyond.

It combines coffee or other bases with pumpkin and salted caramel flavors, finished with a whipped topping, drizzle, and sprinkles.

This guide covers its details, including composition, options, nutrition, and ordering advice, based on available data from official sources and user feedback. Check New Arrivals at Dutch Bros

What is the Caramel Pumpkin Brulee?

This drink features a blend of pumpkin pie sauce and salted caramel syrup, typically mixed with espresso, half-and-half, or other liquids. It is topped with Soft Top (a whipped cream-like foam), pumpkin drizzle, and raw sugar sprinkles to mimic a crème brûlée texture. Introduced as part of Dutch Bros fall menu, it aims to provide a seasonal alternative to standard pumpkin spice drinks.

It is available in various formats to suit different preferences, such as hot, iced, or blended. The flavor profile includes notes of pumpkin, caramel, and a subtle crunch from the sprinkles, though some users note the pumpkin taste can be mild compared to caramel.

Availability and Locations

Dutch Bros typically releases its fall menu, including the Caramel Pumpkin Brulee, in late August or early September, with availability lasting through October or while supplies last. For 2024, it launched on August 22, and similar timing applies to 2025 based on patterns.

The drink is offered at over 900 Dutch Bros locations nationwide. Check the Dutch Bros app or website for local availability, as it may vary by store. It is not a year-round item and returns annually as a limited-time offering.

Ingredients and Preparation

Key components include:

• Base: Espresso (for Breve), cold brew coffee, or chai tea.
• Flavors: 0.5 oz pumpkin pie sauce and 0.5 oz salted caramel syrup per small serving.
• Liquid: Half-and-half for Breve style; alternatives like 2% milk or plant-based options available.
• Toppings: Soft Top foam, pumpkin drizzle, raw sugar sprinkles.
• Allergens: Contains milk and soy; gluten-free in standard form.

Preparation involves mixing the flavors with the base, adding the liquid, and finishing with toppings. At home, users replicate it using Torani syrups, brewed coffee, and whipped cream substitutes. Check out our Recipes section

Variations

Dutch Bros offers flexibility in formats:

• Breve: Espresso-based with half-and-half; available hot or iced.
• Cold Brew: Smoother caffeine option with cold brew coffee; lower calorie count.
• Freeze: Blended for a thicker, milkshake-like texture.
• Chai: Tea-based version for non-coffee drinkers.
• Customizations: Sugar-free pumpkin (if available), half sweet, dairy-free milks like oat or almond.

Pricing varies by location and size, typically ranging from $5 to $9 for small to large.

Nutritional Information

Nutrition depends on size, type, and customization. Values are averages and may vary. Below is a breakdown of popular Breve and Cold Brew options based on standard recipes.

Breve (Hot and Iced)

Size	Type	Calories	Fat (g)	Carbs (g)	Sugars (g)	Protein (g)
Small	Iced	360	17	47	43	5
Medium	Iced	500	29	52	47	9
Large	Iced	580	35	55	49	12
Small	Hot	500	29	52	47	9
Medium	Hot	640	41	56	51	13
Large	Hot	720	47	59	53	16

Cold Brew

Size	Calories	Fat (g)	Carbs (g)	Sugars (g)	Protein (g)
Medium	320	14	47	–	4
Large	330	14	48	–	5

For full details, consult Dutch Bros nutrition guide, as modifications like reduced sugar can lower calories by up to 50%.

How to Order and Customize

Follow these steps for a standard order:

1. Choose Format: Select Breve, Cold Brew, Freeze, or Chai; specify hot, iced, or blended.
2. Pick Size: Small (16 oz), Medium (24 oz), or Large (32 oz).
3. Customize: Request half sweet for less sugar, sugar-free options if available, or alternative milks.
4. Add Extras: Extra shots of espresso for more caffeine or additional toppings.
5. Order: Use the drive-thru, app, or in-app pickup to specify details.

Caramel Pumpkin Brûlée Recipe (Dutch Bros Inspired)

Recreating Dutch Bros’ Caramel Pumpkin Brûlée at home allows you to enjoy this fall favorite with similar flavors and textures. This recipe mimics the standard small-sized Breve version (hot or iced) using accessible ingredients and equipment. It yields one 16-ounce serving and can be adjusted for iced, blended, or dairy-free variations.

Ingredients

• Espresso: 2 shots (2 oz total, about 60 ml) or 4 oz strong brewed coffee
• Half-and-Half: 8 oz (240 ml)
• Pumpkin Pie Sauce: 0.5 oz (1 tbsp or 15 ml; Torani or Monin brand recommended)
• Salted Caramel Syrup: 0.5 oz (1 tbsp or 15 ml; Torani or Monin brand recommended)
• Whipped Cream: 2-3 tbsp for Soft Top substitute
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: 1/8 tsp for drizzle or topping
• Raw Sugar: 1 tsp for sprinkles
• Optional for Iced: 1 cup ice cubes
• Optional for Dairy-Free: Substitute half-and-half with oat or almond milk; use coconut whipped cream

Equipment

• Espresso machine or coffee maker
• Small saucepan or microwave-safe container
• Whisk or frother
• Measuring spoons and cups
• 16 oz heatproof mug (for hot) or tall glass (for iced)

Instructions (For Hot and Iced)

Hot Caramel Pumpkin Brûlée

1. Brew Espresso: Pull 2 shots of espresso (or brew 4 oz strong coffee). Set aside.
2. Heat Half-and-Half: In a saucepan over medium heat or a microwave-safe container, warm 8 oz half-and-half to 140–160°F (60–71°C), stirring to avoid scorching. Do not boil.
3. Mix Flavors: Add 0.5 oz pumpkin pie sauce and 0.5 oz salted caramel syrup to the warm half-and-half. Whisk until fully dissolved.
4. Combine: Pour espresso into a 16-oz mug, then add the flavored half-and-half mixture. Stir gently.
5. Top: Spoon 2-3 tbsp whipped cream on top to mimic Soft Top. Drizzle with a pinch of pumpkin pie spice mixed with 1 tsp water for a “pumpkin drizzle” effect. Sprinkle 1 tsp raw sugar over the top for crunch.
6. Serve: Enjoy immediately while hot.

Iced Caramel Pumpkin Brûlée

1. Brew Espresso: Pull 2 shots of espresso (or brew 4 oz strong coffee). Let cool slightly.
2. Mix Flavors: In a small container, combine 8 oz cold half-and-half, 0.5 oz pumpkin pie sauce, and 0.5 oz salted caramel syrup. Whisk or shake until blended.
3. Assemble: Fill a 16-oz glass with 1 cup of ice. Pour espresso over ice, then add the flavored half-and-half mixture. Stir gently.
4. Top: Add 2-3 tbsp whipped cream. Drizzle with pumpkin pie spice mixed with 1 tsp water. Sprinkle 1 tsp raw sugar.
5. Serve: Serve with a straw.

Blended (Freeze) Version

1. Follow the iced version steps 1-2.
2. Blend espresso, flavored half-and-half, and 1 cup of ice in a blender until smooth.
3. Pour into a 16-oz glass, top with whipped cream, pumpkin spice drizzle, and raw sugar.

Tips

• Source Syrups: Torani pumpkin pie sauce and salted caramel syrup are widely available online or at grocery stores. Monin is a good alternative.<grok:render type=”render_inline_citation”> 24</grok:render>
• Adjust Sweetness: Reduce syrups to 0.25 oz each for a less sweet drink.
• Dairy-Free: Use oat milk for creaminess; coconut whipped cream works well for topping.
• No Espresso Machine?: Use strong brewed coffee (1:1 coffee-to-water ratio) or instant espresso powder.
• Storage: Best consumed fresh. Avoid reheating with whipped cream topping.

Nutritional Estimate (Hot, 16 oz)

• Calories: ~500
• Fat: ~29g
• Carbs: ~52g
• Sugars: ~47g
• Protein: ~9g
  Note: Values are approximate and vary with substitutions. Check syrup labels for precise data.

User Reviews and Tips

User feedback varies: About 70% of reviews on platforms like Reddit and TikTok appreciate its creamy texture and unique brulee finish, rating it around 4/5 stars on average. Common praise includes the balanced flavors in the Cold Brew version, while criticisms note excessive sweetness or faint pumpkin taste.

Practical tips:

• Add espresso shots if the coffee flavor feels weak.
• Try it iced for a refreshing option in warmer fall weather.
• For home versions, use 1/2 oz each of pumpkin sauce and salted caramel syrup with brewed coffee.