Butter pecan ice cream has always been one of my comfort flavors. There’s just something about that rich, buttery sweetness with a hint of toasted pecan that’s so good. So naturally, I wondered what a butter pecan matcha latte would taste like. Spoiler: it’s amazing.

I didn’t want to take any shortcuts with butter pecan flavoring or extract, so I made a homemade butter pecan syrup from real toasted pecans and butter. It’s such a cool flavor combination in a drink!

Here’s how to make this butter pecan matcha latte at home!

What is Butter Pecan?

Butter pecan is a classic American flavor that tastes like rich, buttery, sugary cream with nutty toasted pecans. Most people have it in ice cream, but it also appears in cookies, cakes, and other desserts.

If you’ve never tried it before, imagine the taste of a toasted pecan covered in a sugar and butter coating with vanilla ice cream—that’s basically butter pecan. It’s a cozy, comforting flavor that’s not too sweet, and a non-offensive flavor that everyone enjoys.

What is a Butter Pecan Matcha Latte?

This butter pecan matcha latte is a matcha latte with homemade butter pecan syrup with a butter pecan-flavored cream top. I feel like you can’t have butter pecan without some sort of dairy or vanilla-milk situation, which works perfectly with matcha!

It’s definitely a dessert-forward beverage with a rich mouthfeel and deep, authentic pecan flavor that’s unique yet approachable! It kind of tastes like a matcha affogato if the ice cream were butter pecan flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s decadent and delicious! It’s basically a dessert plus matcha in drinkable form.
• Homemade and natural. No extracts or artificial flavoring, just real toasted pecans and a buttery homemade syrup.
• Let your inner creative out. If this ice cream flavor works with matcha, imagine all the other ice cream flavors that would taste amazing in a matcha latte!

Butter Pecan Matcha Latte Recipe: Ingredients You’ll Need

• Butter Pecan Syrup
• ½ cup toasted pecans
• ½ cup water
• ½ cup sugar
• 4 tbsp butter
• Butter Pecan Matcha Latte
• 1½ tsp matcha powder
• ¼ cup water
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup ice
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp milk
• ¼ tsp vanilla paste or extract
• 1-2 tbsp butter pecan syrup

How to Make the Butter Pecan Syrup

1. Toast the pecans: Spread pecans in a single layer in a small pan over medium heat. Stir constantly until they turn golden brown and release a nutty aroma. (You can also toast them in a toaster oven.)
2. Make the syrup: Add sugar and water to the pan. Stir to dissolve, then bring to a boil. Let the mixture simmer until slightly thickened.
3. Incorporate butter: Add butter one tablespoon at a time, stirring thoroughly after each addition. Let the syrup cook for another minute to fully combine flavors.
4. Cool & strain: Remove from heat and let the syrup cool slightly, then strain out the pecans.
5. Store: Transfer the syrup to an airtight jar or container. Keep in the fridge for 1–2 weeks.

Safety Tip: Adding water to hot butter is dangerous, as it can splatter and burn you. Make sure you add butter to the syrup and not the other way around!

How to Make the Butter Pecan Cream Matcha Latte

1. Make the Butter Pecan Cream: Use your homemade butter pecan syrup (instructions above) or a premade version. In a cup, combine butter pecan syrup, heavy cream, and milk.
2. Whip with a handheld frother until soft and fluffy, but aim for a pourable cream, not stiff like whipped cream. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Matcha: Soak your bamboo whisk in warm water for 2 minutes. Sift matcha powder into a tea bowl and add water.
4. Whisk in a zigzag motion for 10–20 seconds until a light layer of microfoam forms on top.
5. Assemble the Latte: Fill a glass with ice, then pour in milk and butter pecan syrup. Stir to combine.
6. Top with Cream and Matcha: Gently layer the whipped butter pecan cream on top of the milk, then pour the whisked matcha over the cream or vice versa.
7. Garnish and Serve: Top with a toasted pecan for a finishing touch.
8. Mix and enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Toast Pecans Carefully: Spread pecans in a single layer and toast over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The aroma is a great indicator that they’re ready. If you burn them, you can peel off the skin to use them still.
• Make Syrup Ahead of Time: Save yourself some time and make the syrup ahead so you can focus on making the latte instead! The syrup keeps well in the fridge.
• Add Vanilla to the Cream: For a dessert vibe, add a little vanilla to make it taste more like the ice cream! I love using vanilla bean paste compared to the extract.

Substitutions and Variations

Butter Pecan Syrup: If you don’t want to make homemade syrup, you can use a store-bought butter pecan flavoring or syrup. Maple or caramel syrup can also work in a pinch, though the nutty flavor will be missing.

Dairy-Free Options: Swap dairy milk for oat, almond, or soy milk for a dairy-free version. Pecan milk works especially well with this drink for extra pecan flavor! You can also omit the cream top for a less heavy version.

Nut Variations: Toasted walnuts, hazelnuts, or almonds can replace pecans for a different nutty flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to strain the pecans out of the syrup?
You don’t have to, but it’s recommended. Straining gives the syrup a smooth consistency. However, if you like a bit of texture, you can leave some finely chopped pecans in for a nutty crunch. I like to eat the candied pecans with yogurt!

Can I make the butter pecan syrup ahead of time?
Yes! The syrup lasts about 1–2 weeks in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. Just let it come to room temperature slightly before using, so it’s easy to pour.

Can I make this drink without a frother or bamboo whisk?
Yes, there are many ways you can make matcha without a whisk. You can shake the matcha and water in a sealed jar or bottle until frothy.

Is there caffeine in this drink?
Yes, since matcha naturally contains caffeine. For every tsp, there’s about 50 mg of caffeine, which is equivalent to roughly one espresso shot. Matcha generally has less caffeine than a typical coffee latte and gives a smoother, longer-lasting energy boost.

Other Creamy Matcha Drinks You’ll Love

This butter pecan matcha latte is not the only creamy and delicious matcha drink out there! Here are some other creamy matcha recipes you need to try next:

• Banana Cream Matcha Latte
• Date Cream Matcha Latte
• Tiramisu Matcha Latte
• Mango Sticky Rice Matcha Latte
• Sea Salt Cream Matcha Latte
• Pistachio Cream Matcha Latte