Copycat Starbucks Toffee Nut Latte Recipe

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One of my absolute favorites during latte this time of year is the Starbucks Toffee Nut Latte. This delightful beverage combines the robust flavors of espresso and the rich sweetness of toffee nut, making every sip a wonderfully warm escape from the chill.

How to make Starbucks Toffee Nut Latte

The Starbucks Toffee Nut Latte is a seasonal espresso-based drink that combines espresso, steamed milk, and a sweet toffee nut syrup. It is typically topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of toffee nut topping for added flavor and texture.

Ingredients

• 1 shot of espresso (or 1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee if espresso is not available)
• 1 tablespoon of toffee nut syrup (store-bought or homemade)
• 3/4 cup of milk (whole milk will provide the richest flavor, but any alternative milk can be used)
• Whipped cream (optional for topping)
• Toffee bits or a light caramel drizzle (optional for garnish)
• Ground nutmeg or cinnamon (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare Espresso: Begin by brewing your espresso using an espresso machine, stovetop espresso maker, or a coffee maker that produces strong coffee. If you’re using brewed coffee, make sure it’s extra strong to mimic the intense flavor of espresso. You’ll need one standard shot (about 1 ounce).
2. Heat and Froth Milk: While your espresso is brewing, heat the milk on the stovetop or in the microwave until just warm and steaming, being careful not to let it boil. If you have a milk frother, froth the milk until it’s creamy and has some volume. Otherwise, you can use a whisk or hand mixer to create some foam.
3. Mix in Toffee Nut Syrup: Combine the warm milk with the tablespoon of toffee nut syrup. Stir well to ensure the syrup is fully incorporated into the milk.
4. Combine Espresso and Milk: Pour the brewed espresso into a large mug. If you prefer a sweeter latte, you can mix the toffee nut syrup directly with the espresso before adding milk. Then, add the milk and toffee nut mixture into the mug with the espresso. Hold back the foam with a spoon, then top off the beverage with the foam.
5. Add Toppings: If you’re feeling indulgent, add a dollop of whipped cream on top of the foam. Sprinkle some toffee bits or a caramel drizzle over the whipped cream for an extra special touch. You can also add a dash of ground nutmeg or cinnamon for a bit of spice.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve your homemade Toffee Nut Latte immediately and enjoy the comforting and rich flavors that make this drink so popular.

Tips

• Toffee Nut Syrup: If you can’t find toffee nut syrup, you can use hazelnut syrup combined with a bit of caramel syrup to get a similar flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Option: For those who are lactose intolerant or prefer a dairy-free option, almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk are excellent alternatives that froth well and offer a creamy texture.
• Espresso Strength: If the latte isn’t strong enough for your taste, consider using a double shot of espresso.
• Sweetness Adjustment: Adjust the amount of toffee nut syrup based on how sweet you like your latte. You may want to start with less and add more to taste.
• Syrup DIY: If you’re up for a little extra effort, you can make your own toffee nut syrup by gently heating sugar, water, butter, and almond extract to create a simple homemade version.

What to serve with

Pairing your homemade Starbucks Toffee Nut Latte with the right snack or meal can elevate your coffee experience to new heights. Here are some delightful options that complement the warm, nutty sweetness of the latte, making for a truly indulgent treat or a satisfying casual meal.

1. Pastries and Baked Goods

• Cinnamon Rolls: The sweet, spicy flavor of cinnamon rolls pairs wonderfully with the nutty notes of the Starbucks Toffee Nut Latte.
• Croissants: A buttery, flaky croissant can complement the richness of the toffee nut latte, offering a delightful contrast in textures.
• Banana Bread: The moist, comforting taste of banana bread with its hint of sweetness is a perfect match for the toffee nut latte. Add walnuts to the banana bread for an extra touch that echoes the nutty flavor of the latte.

2. Breakfast Foods

• Oatmeal: A bowl of warm oatmeal topped with brown sugar, cinnamon, and sliced bananas can enhance the cozy feel of the toffee nut latte. It’s a nourishing option that’s both comforting and satisfying.
• French Toast: Serve classic French toast dusted with powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup. The sweetness and eggy richness of the French toast make it an ideal companion to the latte.
• Yogurt Parfait: If you prefer something lighter, a yogurt parfait with layers of Greek yogurt, granola, and honey is a refreshing choice that balances the richness of the latte.

3. Desserts

• Chocolate Chip Cookies: There’s hardly a more classic coffee pairing than cookies, and the chocolate chip variety is particularly great with the toffee nut latte, echoing its sweet and comforting vibes.
• Cheesecake: A slice of creamy cheesecake, particularly with a caramel or butterscotch topping, pairs luxuriously with the latte, matching its creamy texture and rich flavors.
• Pecan Pie: For a truly decadent experience, serve your latte with a slice of pecan pie. The sticky sweetness and texture of the pecans dovetail beautifully with the latte’s nutty caramel notes.

4. Savory Snacks

• Quiche: A slice of quiche, with its savory filling and flaky pastry, offers a satisfying contrast to the sweet and creamy latte.
• Sandwiches: Choose light, gourmet sandwiches with turkey, cranberry, and brie or a classic ham and cheese. The sandwiches’ savory flavors contrast nicely with the latte’s sweetness.

5. Fruits and Nuts

• Mixed Nuts: A bowl of mixed nuts, especially those with a hint of sea salt, can enhance the nutty aspects of the latte.
• Sliced Apples with Almond Butter: For a healthier option, the crisp freshness of apples paired with the creaminess of almond butter complements the toffee nut latte without overwhelming it.

Ingredients Substitutes

With the right ingredients, creating a Starbucks Toffee Nut Latte at home is quite easy. However, if you find yourself missing some of the specific items used by Starbucks, here are some substitutes you can use to mimic the original flavor as closely as possible.

Espresso

If you don’t have an espresso machine:

• Strong Coffee: Brew a strong cup of coffee instead of espresso. A French press or aero press can yield a good concentration.
• Instant Espresso Powder: Mix instant espresso powder with hot water to create a quick alternative.

Toffee Nut Syrup

If you can’t find toffee nut syrup, there are a few options:

• Hazelnut Syrup with Caramel Drizzle: Mix hazelnut syrup into your latte and add a swirl of caramel on top. Hazelnut has a similar nutty profile, and the caramel adds the necessary sweetness.
• DIY Toffee Nut Syrup: Combine equal parts brown sugar and water, bring to a simmer, add a drop of natural hazelnut extract, a pinch of salt, and a splash of vanilla extract. Allow to cool and use in place of toffee nut syrup.
• Butterscotch Syrup: This could also be an alternative that mimics the buttery, toasty flavors of toffee nut syrup.

Milk

If you don’t have or can’t consume regular cow’s milk:

• Oat Milk: It’s creamy and has a slightly sweet flavor which complements the toffee nut profile.
• Almond Milk: Its nutty flavor echoes the toffee nut syrup, though almond milk tends to be thinner than cow’s milk.
• Soy Milk: Another good substitute offering a creamy consistency similar to cow’s milk.
• Coconut Milk: It adds a tropical hint to the latte and can work well if you enjoy the taste of coconut.

Whipped Cream

If you don’t have whipped cream or want an alternative:

• Coconut Whipped Cream: Chill a can of full-fat coconut milk and whip the solid part with a little sugar to create a dairy-free topping.
• Whipped Milk: If you’re out of cream, you can lightly whip full-fat milk with a pinch of sugar; it won’t be as firm as whipped cream but can provide a frothy top layer.
• Skip It Altogether: You can simply forgo the whipped cream for a less indulgent latte.

Final Thoughts

When choosing what to serve with your Starbucks Toffee Nut Latte, consider the time of day, the occasion, and your preference for sweet versus savory. 

More Starbucks Recipes:

• Starbucks Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte Recipe
• Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino Recipe
• Copycat Starbucks Caffè Misto Recipe