Copycat Starbucks Chestnut Praline Latte 2025 Recipe

I’m going to walk you through a simple yet irresistible recipe for a homemade Starbucks Chestnut Praline Latte that rivals the one you love from Starbucks.

How to make a Starbucks Chestnut Praline Latte

The Starbucks Chestnut Praline Latte is a seasonal holiday coffee drink made with espresso, steamed milk, and chestnut‑praline syrup, topped with whipped cream and spiced praline crumbs.

Ingredients

For the Chestnut Praline Syrup:

½ cup brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons chestnut purée or roasted chestnuts (blended into a paste; available in most specialty grocery stores or online)

For the Latte:

1-2 shots of espresso (or strongly brewed coffee if you don’t have espresso)
1 cup whole milk (or your preferred milk substitute like oat milk or almond milk)
Whipped cream, for topping
Praline crumbles (store-bought or homemade by caramelizing nuts and sugar)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Chestnut Praline Syrup

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
Add vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Stir well to incorporate the spices.
Mix in the chestnut purée or roasted chestnut paste. Allow the mixture to simmer for 10-12 minutes until it thickens slightly into a syrup-like consistency.
Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve to ensure a smooth texture (optional but recommended). Let it cool and store it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week.

Step 2: Brew the Espresso

Brew 1-2 shots of espresso using your machine, or prepare a strong cup of coffee if using a coffee maker. Espresso will give you the concentrated flavor Starbucks is known for, but any strongly brewed coffee works as well.

Step 3: Steam the Milk

Heat 1 cup of milk in a saucepan over medium heat, whisking it continuously to prevent scorching. If you have a milk frother, use it to steam and froth the milk for an authentic latte texture.

Step 4: Assemble the Latte

In your favorite mug, pour the brewed espresso or coffee.
Add about 2-3 tablespoons of the chestnut praline syrup (adjust based on your preferred sweetness).
Carefully pour the steamed milk on top of the espresso, holding back the foam with a spoon if desired.
Add frothed milk on top, leaving room for whipped cream and garnishes.

Step 5: Add the Final Touches

Top the drink with a generous swirl of whipped cream.
Sprinkle spiced praline crumbles on top for added texture and sweetness.

Tips for the Best Homemade Chestnut Praline Latte

Chestnut Purée Substitute: If you can’t find chestnut purée, roast chestnuts at home and blend them into a paste with sugar and water. You can also use hazelnut cream for a slightly different flavor.
Make Ahead: Prepare the syrup ahead of time and keep it refrigerated. This saves time when you’re craving a quick latte.
Praline Crumbles Hack: If you don’t want to make praline crumbles from scratch, use crushed candied nuts or even lightly salted caramel pieces for that sweet-and-savory combo.
Non-Dairy Option: Oat milk works well as a substitute due to its creamy texture. Almond milk will give a nutty twist, while soy milk is a great neutral alternative.
Experiment with Spices: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the syrup for an extra festive flair.

What to serve with

The Starbucks Chestnut Praline Latte is rich, creamy, and full of warm, nutty flavors that embody the cozy spirit of the holiday season.

a) Almond Croissants: The flaky texture of an almond croissant complements the creaminess of the Starbucks Chestnut Praline Latte perfectly. The almond flavor resonates with the nutty chestnut notes in the drink for a heavenly pairing.

Ingredients Substitutes

Recreating the Starbucks Chestnut Praline Latte at home is one of the best ways to enjoy this holiday-inspired drink year-round. While the original recipe calls for specific ingredients like chestnut purée or whole milk, finding these items isn’t always convenient.

For the Chestnut Purée

Chestnut purée is a key ingredient in the praline syrup, providing the nutty, earthy flavor profile that makes this latte unique. If you can’t find store-bought chestnut purée or roasted chestnuts, try one of these alternatives:

Hazelnut Spread (like Nutella, without added sweetness): Substitute 2 tablespoons of chestnut purée with unsweetened hazelnut spread or paste for a similar nutty profile. Hazelnuts have a naturally sweet and earthy flavor that complements the Starbucks Chestnut Praline Latte beautifully.
Roasted Almond Butter: Almond butter adds a creamy and nutty flavor similar to chestnuts. Use 2 tablespoons in your syrup to replicate the nutty undertones. Opt for unsalted or lightly salted almond butter to maintain the sweetness balance.
Canned Pumpkin or Sweet Potato Purée (with nutmeg and cinnamon): While pumpkin and sweet potato don’t replicate the nutty flavor exactly, they bring a warm, earthy sensation that pairs well with the spices in the syrup. Add nutmeg and cinnamon to mimic the holiday flavors of chestnuts.
Macadamia Nut Butter: Another nut butter alternative, macadamia brings a smooth, buttery texture and mild nuttiness that works surprisingly well in place of chestnut purée.

For Brown Sugar

Brown sugar provides depth and richness to the praline syrup. If you’re out of brown sugar or prefer other sweeteners, consider these options:

Coconut Sugar: Coconut sugar has a caramel-like sweetness, making it a great substitute for brown sugar in the syrup. Use a 1:1 ratio when swapping.
Maple Syrup: Maple syrup can replace brown sugar entirely for an extra layer of warm, woodsy sweetness. Use about 3 tablespoons in place of ½ cup brown sugar.
Honey or Agave Syrup: Both honey and agave syrup work well, especially if you’re aiming for less processed sweeteners. Note that honey brings a floral undertone, so use it sparingly or mix it with granulated sugar for a balanced flavor.

For Whole Milk

Whole milk adds creaminess to the latte, but there are many substitutes if you prefer non-dairy alternatives or another type of milk:

Oat Milk: Oat milk is one of the best non-dairy substitutes for whole milk because of its naturally creamy texture. Choose unsweetened oat milk to avoid a drink that’s overly sweet.
Almond Milk: Almond milk pairs well with the nutty flavors in the drink. While it’s slightly thinner than whole milk, warming and frothing almond milk can help achieve a closer texture.
Soy Milk: Soy milk’s neutral flavor makes it an excellent option for mimicking the richness of whole milk. Be sure to use barista-grade soy milk for easier frothing.
Cashew Milk: Creamy and slightly nutty, cashew milk aligns well with the nutty praline syrup. It’s a great choice for enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Coconut Milk: Coconut milk adds a subtle tropical note to the drink. If you opt for coconut milk, reduce the other sweeteners in the syrup to balance the drink’s sweetness.

For Espresso

Espresso grounds or coffee is a mainstay in lattes, but if you don’t have access to espresso or a machine, here are your options:

Strongly Brewed Coffee (French Press or Drip Coffee): If you don’t have an espresso machine, simply brew a cup of strong coffee using a French press or drip coffee maker. Use a dark roast to replicate espresso’s bold flavor.
Cold Brew Concentrate: Cold brew concentrate provides a highly concentrated coffee flavor similar to espresso. Use a small amount (¼ cup or as desired) to mimic espresso strength.
Instant Espresso Powder: Mix 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder with a small amount of hot water for a quick DIY espresso substitute.

For Praline Crumbles

Praline crumbles are the star topping of this latte, offering texture and a touch of added sweetness. If you can’t find store-bought praline crumbles, try these substitutions:

Candied Pecans: Chop candied pecans into small pieces and sprinkle them on top of your latte. They bring a caramelized crunch similar to praline crumbles.
Toasted Hazelnuts or Almonds: Toasted nuts, such as hazelnuts or almonds, offer a nutty crunch that complements the praline flavors. Lightly glaze them with sugar for added sweetness.
Crushed Caramel Candies: For a quick hack, crush caramel candies or toffee and use them in place of praline crumbles. They replicate the sweet, crunchy texture beautifully.
Brown Sugar Streusel: Create a quick streusel topping with brown sugar, flour, butter, and a touch of cinnamon. Bake until golden and sprinkle over your latte.

For Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract adds depth and rounds out the flavors in the chestnut praline syrup. If you don’t have vanilla extract, here are alternatives:

Maple Extract: Substitute vanilla extract with maple extract for a similar warm aroma. Use sparingly, as maple can be strong.
Vanilla Bean Paste or Powder: If you have vanilla bean paste or powder, use it instead of vanilla extract for an intense vanilla flavor.
Rum or Bourbon: For an adult twist, add a dash of rum or bourbon in place of vanilla extract. These spirits complement the nutty and caramel notes in the recipe.

For Ground Cinnamon and Nutmeg

If you don’t have cinnamon or nutmeg at hand, or want to experiment with spices, here’s what you can use:

Pumpkin Spice Blend: Pumpkin spice includes cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice, making it a festive alternative.
Cardamom: Cardamom’s floral and spicy notes pair wonderfully with the latte. Add a pinch for a unique flavor twist.
Clove: Substitute nutmeg and cinnamon with a pinch of ground clove for a warmer, bolder spiced aroma.

Final Thoughts

Starbucks Chestnut Praline Latte pairs perfectly with a wide array of foods, from pastries and desserts to savory bites. When planning what to serve, lean into the season and embrace flavors that are warm, comforting, and festive.

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