Chestnut Praline Latte Recipe

Treat yourself this holiday to a chestnut praline latte recipe with easy steps, tips, variations, and FAQs.

By Matt Simmons

If you have been craving a cozy Starbucks-inspired holiday drink, this chestnut praline latte recipe will bring all that festive goodness right to your kitchen. Instead of waiting for it to appear on the café menu, you can make your own with a homemade chestnut praline syrup, creamy milk, and a thick layer of whipped topping (or dairy-free alternative). Whether you enjoy the sweet, nutty flavor of chestnuts or appreciate a hint of warm spice, this latte is sure to put you in a cheerful holiday mood.

Ingredients

2 shots of freshly brewed espresso (or strong coffee if espresso is not available)
1–2 tablespoons of homemade chestnut praline syrup (adjust to taste)
1 cup of 2% milk, almond milk, or preferred dairy-free alternative
Whipped cream or dairy-free whipped topping (optional)
Pinch of spiced sugar topping (combination of sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and clove)
Pinch of toffee sugar topping (optional for extra crunch)

Homemade chestnut praline syrup basics

Peeled chestnuts (some people buy a 3 oz bag online if local stores are out)
Brown sugar for a subtle caramel undertone
Chopped pecans to balance the rich nuttiness
A dash of vanilla extract
Spices like cinnamon or ground cloves (optional)

Directions

Brew the espresso

Prepare 2 shots of espresso using your espresso machine, stovetop moka pot, or any method you prefer. If you do not have an espresso maker, strong coffee can work as a stand-in.

Make or warm the syrup

Either prepare your chestnut praline syrup from scratch in about 15 minutes or use a store-bought alternative. Warm the syrup on the stove or in the microwave so it blends smoothly with the milk.

Steam or heat the milk

Using a milk frother or stovetop saucepan, heat your milk of choice until it reaches your desired temperature. For a fluffy latte, froth the milk to introduce a bit of foam.

Combine and stir

Pour the hot espresso into a mug. Stir in the warmed chestnut praline syrup. Next, gently add the steamed or frothed milk. If you like a sweeter latte, adjust the syrup amount or sweeteners to your taste.

Top it off

Finish with whipped cream or a dairy-free whipped topping for extra indulgence. Sprinkle the spiced sugar and toffee topping on top to capture the signature Starbucks flair.

Tips & Variations

Dairy-free tips
If you are making a vegan latte, opt for soy milk or another dairy-free milk such as almond or oat. Check that your chosen brand of syrup and toppings are free of animal products.
Lower sugar options
Swap in sugar-free syrups or reduce the amount of sweetener if you are watching sugar content. Toppings can also be made with reduced-sugar substitutes.
Sourcing chestnuts
If your supermarket does not carry peeled chestnuts year-round, check seasonal aisles at Target or Sprouts. Online retailers also offer peeled chestnuts that are ready to use.
Leftover sweetened nuts
If you strain out chopped pecans or chestnuts when making the syrup, save them for topping cereal, yogurt, or even ice cream for a tasty bonus.

Nutrition facts

Nutrient	Amount (Estimated)
Calories	220–260 kcal
Total Fat	7–10 g
Saturated Fat	4–6 g
Cholesterol	20–25 mg
Sodium	90–140 mg
Total Carbohydrates	32–38 g
Dietary Fiber	0–1 g
Total Sugars	28–34 g
Added Sugars	20–28 g
Protein	6–9 g
Calcium	15–20% DV
Iron	2–4% DV
Potassium	6–10% DV
Caffeine	~120–150 mg (from 2 shots espresso)

Final thoughts

A homemade chestnut praline latte is a wonderful way to bring the holiday spirit into your daily routine. You get to relish the sweet nuttiness of chestnuts, the cozy aroma of warm spices, and the silky texture of steamed milk — all without leaving your kitchen. Whip up a batch of chestnut praline syrup in advance, try different milk variations, and store those leftover sweetened nuts as a fun topping for other desserts. Before you know it, your homemade latte might just outshine its coffee shop counterpart.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Can I make the syrup ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare a larger batch of chestnut praline syrup and keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Warm it before using to help it blend easily into your latte.
What if I can’t find peeled chestnuts?
You can look for peeled options online or check specialty grocery stores. Seasonal stock at stores like Target or Sprouts is also worth a look.
Can I make this sugar-free?
Yes. Consider a sugar-free flavor syrup version, then sweeten with your favorite zero-calorie sweetener if you want to reduce sugar content further.
What’s the best milk option?
Starbucks typically uses 2% milk, but you can use any dairy or plant-based milk. Thicker options like oat milk give a creamy finish, while soy or almond milk can make the latte lighter.
Is there a substitute if I don’t have espresso?
Brew a very strong coffee using your preferred method and use that in place of espresso. Increase the coffee-to-water ratio to approximate the strength of espresso.

Enjoy your holidays with a cozy, homemade chestnut praline latte in hand. It is a delicious way to savor the season’s aroma and flavor all in one comforting cup.