Maple Pecan Latte

The Maple Pecan Latte is a delightful and comforting coffee beverage, especially popular during the autumn months. It features a harmonious blend of bold espresso, creamy steamed milk, authentic maple syrup, and a distinct nutty pecan flavor. This drink offers a warm, sweet, and satisfying experience, often finished with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed pecans for a truly decadent treat.
Maple Pecan Latte

Preparation

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Maple Pecan Latte is classified as a non-alcoholic coffee drink. It falls under the specific category of a latte, which is a beverage made with espresso and steamed milk. Its defining characteristic is its seasonal, sweet, and nutty flavor profile.

Serving

Served hot in a large latte mug, this non-alcoholic coffee drink is a substantial and warming beverage. Its presentation is often enhanced with creamy and nutty toppings.
Serving size
Approximately 350 ml / 12 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Hot
Glass type
Latte Mug
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

This latte is a modern coffee shop creation, rising to fame with the trend of seasonal, flavored beverages popularized by large chains like Starbucks. It doesn't have a long, storied history but rather emerged from the consumer desire for comforting, fall-themed drinks. It quickly became a beloved classic, celebrating the harvest flavors of North America.
Origin
The Maple Pecan Latte originated in North America in the early 21st century. It is a product of modern coffee house culture, heavily influenced by the seasonal flavors prominent in the United States and Canada, where maple syrup is a culinary staple.

Maple Pecan Latte

The drink is most commonly known as the Maple Pecan Latte. Alternative names like Maple Spice Latte or Toasted Pecan Maple Latte may be used by coffee shops to highlight the addition of warm spices or the specific preparation of the nuts.
Original name
Maple Pecan Latte
Alternative names
  • Maple Spice Latte
  • Toasted Pecan Maple Latte

Characteristics overview

This latte boasts a sweet flavor profile of maple and pecan balanced by the slight bitterness of espresso, with a comforting, nutty aroma. Its texture is smooth and creamy, making it a perfect warming drink for the autumn season.
Flavor
Sweet, Nutty, Coffee, Maple, Toasty, Creamy
Aroma
Roasted Coffee, Maple Syrup, Toasted Pecans, Warm Spices
Taste balance
Sweet, Slightly Bitter
Aftertaste
Lingering Sweetness, Nutty Finish
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Light Brown, Creamy, Opaque, Frothy Top
Texture
Smooth, Creamy, Velvety
Seasonality
Warming, Autumnal

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is dominated by sweetness and creaminess, with the rich coffee providing a gentle bitter counterpoint. This is a non-alcoholic, non-carbonated beverage with a robust and comforting character.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The primary ingredients are a double shot of espresso and steamed milk, flavored with pure maple syrup and pecan extract. Optional toppings like whipped cream and crushed toasted pecans complete this indulgent beverage.
  • Espresso60 ml / 2 oz
    One double shot, freshly brewed.
  • Milk240 ml / 8 oz
    Whole milk is recommended for creaminess, but oat, almond, or soy milk can be used.
  • Maple Syrup15-30 ml / 0.5-1 oz
    Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor. Adjust quantity to your preferred sweetness.
  • Pecan Extract1.25 ml / 1/4 teaspoon
    Alternatively, use 15 ml / 0.5 oz of a pecan-flavored syrup.
  • Whipped CreamTo taste(optional)
    For garnish.
  • Crushed Toasted Pecans5 g / 1 teaspoon(optional)
    Toasting the pecans enhances their nutty flavor.

Ice type

  • None

Mixing equipments

You will need an espresso machine to brew the coffee and a milk frother or steam wand to prepare the milk. The drink is assembled and served directly in a latte mug.
  • Espresso machine for brewing espresso.
  • Milk frother or steamer wand for heating and texturing the milk.
  • Latte mug for serving.

Instructions

The process involves brewing espresso, mixing it with maple and pecan flavorings, and then topping it with steamed milk. Garnish with whipped cream and crushed pecans before serving hot.
1. Prepare the garnish by lightly toasting and crushing the pecans.
2. Brew a double shot of espresso directly into your latte mug.
3. Add the maple syrup and pecan extract to the hot espresso and stir until fully combined.
4. Steam and froth the milk until it reaches about 65°C / 150°F and has a velvety microfoam texture.
5. Gently pour the steamed milk into the espresso mixture. You can attempt latte art if you wish.
6. Top with whipped cream, sprinkle with the crushed toasted pecans, and add a dash of cinnamon, if desired.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Garnishing

Garnishing with whipped cream, crushed toasted pecans, and a hint of cinnamon adds layers of texture, flavor, and visual appeal. These toppings transform it from a simple latte into a decadent treat.
  • Whipped cream: A generous swirl on top.
  • Crushed toasted pecans: A sprinkle over the whipped cream.
  • Ground cinnamon: A light dusting for extra warmth and aroma.

Dietary Information

This drink contains caffeine and nuts (pecans) and is typically made with dairy milk. However, it can easily be adapted to be dairy-free and vegan by using plant-based milk and omitting dairy whipped cream.
✕ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✕ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✕ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a moderately high-calorie beverage, with significant amounts of carbohydrates and sugar, primarily from the milk and maple syrup. The nutritional content can vary based on the type of milk and amount of sweetener used.
Calories
Approximately 280 kcal / 1172 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 35 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 32 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This beverage is perfect as a comforting start to a crisp morning or as a sweet afternoon pick-me-up. Its warm and cozy profile makes it an ideal choice for autumn gatherings or simply for a relaxing moment by the fire.
  • Morning Coffee
  • Autumn Gathering
  • Afternoon Treat
  • Cozy Relaxing Moment

Pairing suggestions

This latte pairs wonderfully with a variety of baked goods that share its warm, spiced, and sweet character. It is an excellent accompaniment to breakfast pastries like cinnamon rolls or afternoon treats such as coffee cake and apple cider donuts.
  • Cinnamon Rolls
  • Apple Cider Donuts
  • Coffee Cake
  • Pecan Sandies

Maple Pecan Latte: A Taste of Autumn Comfort

The Maple Pecan Latte is a quintessential autumn coffee drink that offers a perfect balance of rich espresso and creamy milk with the comforting sweetness of maple and the earthy notes of pecan. It's a simple yet elegant beverage that can be easily made at home, providing a coffee shop experience without leaving the house. As a non-alcoholic treat, it's suitable for any time of day when you need a warm and cozy pick-me-up.