2025 Irresistible Starbucks Chestnut Praline Latte Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, nutty treat this holiday season, the Starbucks Chestnut Praline Latte recipe is your ticket to a café-level experience in your own kitchen. With the warm sweetness of chestnut praline syrup, creamy steamed or frothy chilled milk, and rich espresso, this festive drink brings together flavors reminiscent of a winter market. Whether you’re recreating this copycat Starbucks holiday classic starbucks chestnut praline latte recipe or simply looking to impress friends with a homemade version, you’ll find it surprisingly simple—and utterly indulgent. Best of all, you can adapt it to iced, hot, dairy-free or vegan options while staying true to its sweet, slightly spiced, nutty profile.

How to Make Starbucks Chestnut Praline Latte?

The fundamental process is straightforward: brew a strong espresso (or strong coffee), add chestnut-praline flavored syrup (homemade or store-bought), then mix in steamed or frothed milk. Finish with whipped cream and a praline or nut-crumb topping for that classic appetizer-dessert-drink starbucks chestnut praline latte recipe feel. The key lies in balancing the nutty sweetness of the syrup with the strength of the coffee and the creaminess of the milk. You can also make an iced variation by pouring everything over ice instead of steaming the milk.

Key Ingredients

• 2 shots of espresso (or about 60 ml strong brewed coffee)
• 8 oz (≈240 ml) milk of your choice (whole, 2%, oat, almond, etc)
• 2 tablespoons chestnut praline syrup (or approx. 30 ml)
• Whipped cream (for topping)
• Praline crumble or chopped nuts + a pinch of cinnamon/cloves (for garnish)
• Ice (if making iced version)
• Optional: ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (if making syrup at home)
• Optional: pinch of sea salt (to enhance flavor)
  

Instructions

1. Prepare the Espresso or Strong Coffee

Begin by brewing two shots of espresso using an espresso machine. If you don’t have one, you can make about 60 ml of very strong coffee using a French press, Moka pot, or pour-over method with double the usual amount of coffee grounds.
This strong coffee base is essential because it balances starbucks chestnut praline latte recipestarbucks chestnut praline latte recipe the sweetness of the chestnut praline syrup. The rich, bold espresso flavor contrasts beautifully with the nutty caramel tones, ensuring the drink doesn’t become overly sugary. Using freshly ground coffee beans will enhance the aroma and give you that authentic Starbucks flavor at home.

2. Add the Chestnut Praline Syrup

Once your espresso is ready, pour 2 tablespoons of chestnut praline syrup into a warmed mug or glass. Immediately add the hot espresso to it and stir until the syrup dissolves completely.
Warming the cup beforehand keeps the drink hotter for longer and helps the syrup integrate smoothly into the coffee. This mixing step ensures the nutty sweetness starbucks chestnut praline latte recipe spreads evenly throughout the latte instead of sinking to the bottom. For an extra flavor boost, you can add a dash of vanilla extract or a pinch of sea salt to intensify the caramelized notes.

3. Heat and Froth the Milk

Next, pour 8 oz (240 ml) of your preferred milk whole, oat, almond, or soy into a small saucepan or milk frother. If making a hot latte, gently heat the milk until it’s warm and slightly frothy, around 60–65°C (140–150°F). For an iced version, skip the heating step and simply froth cold starbucks chestnut praline latte recipe milk for a smooth, airy texture.
The milk’s texture defines the latte’s mouthfeel: whole milk gives a creamy and velvety consistency, while oat milk adds a naturally sweet, rich flavor that pairs perfectly with chestnut syrup. Avoid overheating, as it can alter the milk’s taste and foam stability.

4. Add the Milk to the Coffee Mixture

Once the milk is ready, slowly pour it into your espresso and syrup blend. Use a spoon to hold back the foam, then spoon it over the top after pouring if you want a barista-style finish.
This step builds the body of your starbucks chestnut praline latte recipe latte, blending the espresso’s deep flavors with the syrup’s nutty sweetness and the milk’s creaminess. Stir lightly to mix while keeping the top layer foamy for a luxurious presentation.

5. Top with Whipped Cream

After combining the milk and coffee, add a generous swirl of whipped cream over the latte. Use store-bought whipped cream or make your own by whipping heavy cream until soft peaks form.
The whipped cream adds starbucks chestnut praline latte recipe a creamy, dessert-like richness and creates a beautiful, cloud-like topping. As it slowly melts into the drink, it infuses each sip with extra sweetness and smoothness just like Starbucks’ signature touch.

6. Garnish with Praline Crumble or Chopped Nuts

For that authentic holiday flavor, sprinkle your drink with toasted praline crumble or finely chopped pecans. Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy, spiced aroma.
This garnish not only makes your drink starbucks chestnut praline latte recipe visually appealing but also provides a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy latte. The combination of texture and aroma recreates the comforting, nutty warmth Starbucks fans love.

7. Serve Hot or Iced Accordingly

If you’re serving the hot version, enjoy immediately while the foam and whipped cream are fresh and the milk is still warm.
For an iced chestnut praline latte, fill a tall glass with ice, pour in the espresso-syrup mixture, then add cold milk and top with whipped cream and garnish. Serve starbucks chestnut praline latte recipe immediately to preserve the flavor before the ice begins to dilute the drink.
Both versions deliver the signature blend of coffee richness and nutty sweetness—perfect for cozy mornings or refreshing afternoons.

8. Optional Customization

One of the best parts about making this drink at home is the ability to customize it. You can:

• Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less syrup.
• Use non-dairy milk such as starbucks chestnut praline latte recipe oat, almond, or soy for a vegan version.
• Experiment with coffee strength by reducing espresso for a lighter flavor or using decaf beans for a caffeine-free option.
• Add a hint of flavor with caramel drizzle, cocoa powder, or nutmeg on top.

Tips for a Perfect Starbucks Chestnut Praline Latte Recipe

• Use fresh-ground espresso for the richest flavor and proper crema.
• Warm your cup or glass ahead of pouring hot milk to help maintain temperature.
• Toast nuts lightly starbucks chestnut praline latte recipe (e.g., pecans or chestnuts) for the garnish to deepen the nutty flavor.
• If making iced, use cold-frothed milk or a milk frother with cold setting to get a light foam.
• Store leftover chestnut praline syrup in a sealed jar in the fridge (up to two weeks) for easy future use.
  

What to Serve With

1. Shortbread Cookies

The buttery, crumbly texture of shortbread cookies perfectly complements the smooth sweetness of the chestnut praline latte. Their mild flavor doesn’t overpower the drink, allowing the nutty caramel notes of the latte to shine. This pairing is ideal for a cozy afternoon coffee break or as a light dessert option after dinner. The balance between creamy latte and crisp cookie offers a satisfying, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

2. Pecan Pie Bars

Pecan pie bars enhance the praline and chestnut essence in the latte, amplifying its nut-forward flavor profile. The gooey caramel filling and crunchy pecan starbucks chestnut praline latte recipetopping create a wonderful textural harmony when enjoyed alongside the warm, frothy drink. Together, they form a festive combination that captures the essence of the holiday season—sweet, rich, and comforting.

3. Croissant or Almond-Croissant

A flaky croissant, especially an almond croissant, makes an excellent companion to the latte’s creamy, nutty depth. The buttery layers of the pastry starbucks chestnut praline latte recipebalance the drink’s sweetness, while the almond filling mirrors its praline flavor beautifully. Whether you’re serving this for brunch or a mid-morning treat, the pairing adds a luxurious café-style touch to your coffee moment.

4. Chocolate Truffles

Chocolate truffles provide a rich, indulgent contrast to the chestnut praline latte’s warm, nutty sweetness. The smooth chocolate coating melts starbucks chestnut praline latte recipe slowly on the tongue, blending seamlessly with the latte’s caramel undertones. For an extra treat, opt for dark or hazelnut truffles, which bring out the latte’s roasted espresso notes without overwhelming the palate.

5. Cinnamon Zest Muffin

A cinnamon zest muffin infused with nutmeg or clove is a delightful choice to enjoy with your latte. The warm spices in the muffin echo the festive flavors found in the drink’s garnish, creating a perfect seasonal pairing. The soft, fluffy texture of the muffin complements the creamy consistency of the latte, offering a balanced and heartwarming combination for chilly mornings.

Ingredients Substitutes

1. Non-Dairy Milk Option

For a vegan or lactose-free version, replace regular milk with oat, almond, soy, or coconut milk. Among these, oat milk is the best choice because it steams beautifully and provides a smooth, creamy consistency similar to whole milk. Almond milk adds a light nutty flavor starbucks chestnut praline latte recipe that pairs perfectly with the praline notes, while soy milk gives a thicker texture ideal for frothing. This simple swap makes your latte dairy-free without compromising on richness or flavor.

2. Store-Bought Syrup

If you don’t have homemade chestnut praline syrup, create a close flavor match by mixing caramel or brown sugar syrup with a touch of hazelnut starbucks chestnut praline latte recipeor praline-flavored syrup. This combination mimics the warm, toasty sweetness of Starbucks’ original syrup. You can find these syrups in most grocery stores or online, making it a convenient substitute when you’re short on time. 

3. Decaf Coffee or Half-Caff

If you love the flavor of the latte but want to skip the caffeine buzz, go for decaf espresso or half-caff coffee. Decaffeinated beans maintain the same starbucks chestnut praline latte recipebold espresso taste without keeping you awake, making this version ideal for evening treats or late-night gatherings. It’s also great for coffee lovers who are sensitive to caffeine but still crave a rich, aromatic latte experience.

4. Low-Sugar Version

To make a healthier, low-sugar latte, use sugar-free chestnut syrup or reduce the amount of syrup by half. Pair it with unsweetened milk starbucks chestnut praline latte recipe whether dairy or plant-based to control sweetness naturally. You can also skip the whipped cream and nut garnish to cut down extra calories and fat. Despite the modifications, the drink still retains its cozy, nutty flavor with fewer sugars. 

5. Iced Variation

For a refreshing twist, try an iced chestnut praline latte. Skip the steaming step and instead use cold milk, ice cubes, and chilled espresso. Stir starbucks chestnut praline latte recipe the syrup and espresso together first, then pour in the milk and top with whipped cream and crushed praline pieces. This variation is perfect for warmer days and delivers the same nutty sweetness in a cool, energizing form. (Inspired by The How-To Home)

Nutritional Facts (Per 16 oz Serving)

Final Thoughts

Recreating the Starbucks-style Chestnut Praline Latte at home adds a festive and heartwarming touch to your kitchen while letting you customize every aspect of the drink. With only a few simple ingredients espresso, milk, chestnut praline syrup, whipped cream, and a crunchy nut garnish you can craft a café-quality beverage without leaving home. The result is a rich, aromatic latte layered with nutty sweetness, smooth caramel tones, and a creamy finish that feels both cozy and luxurious.

Beyond its irresistible taste, this homemade latte gives you complete freedom to adjust sweetness levels, experiment with non-dairy milk, or make low-sugar versions that fit your lifestyle. Whether you’re relaxing with a good book on a cold day or entertaining guests during the holidays, the chestnut praline latte delivers warmth, comfort, and elegance in every sip making it a must-try for all coffee enthusiasts.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)