Description
A rich, nutty, and comforting homemade latte featuring browned butter, pecan-infused milk, and a vanilla cold foam topping. This cozy autumn drink is easy to make and customizable for various dietary needs.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) heavy cream (for brown butter base)
- 2 shots espresso (about 2 ounces / 60ml)
- 1 cup (240ml) milk (whole, oat, or almond)
- 2 tablespoons (15g) pecans, roughly chopped
- 1–2 tablespoons (15-30ml) pure maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon
- ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream (for cold foam)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup (for cold foam)
- Toasted pecans for garnish (optional)
- Whipped cream for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until it foams, cracks, and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma (3-5 minutes). Immediately pour into a heat-proof bowl to stop cooking.
- In the same saucepan, combine the milk, chopped pecans, maple syrup, and spices. Heat over medium-low until hot but not boiling. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to infuse flavor.
- Strain the milk through a fine-mesh sieve into a mug to remove pecan chunks, or plunge with a French press.
- Pour the brown butter mixture into the hot milk and stir vigorously to combine. Froth briefly if desired.
- Brew espresso shots directly over the milk or pour strong coffee into the mug.
- In a separate bowl or jar, combine cold heavy cream, vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon maple syrup. Whip with a handheld frother until thick and holding soft peaks.
- Pour or spoon the vanilla cold foam over the warm latte. Garnish with crushed toasted pecans and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Serve immediately.
Notes
Do not walk away while browning butter as it can burn quickly. For a dairy-free version, use oat milk and dairy-free cream alternatives. Brown butter can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Ensure heavy cream is ice-cold for best foam results.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 latte
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 9
- Sodium: 10
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Protein: 4
Keywords: fall latte, brown butter coffee, pecan latte, cold foam, autumn recipe, cozy morning drink, homemade latte