Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew (Starbucks Copycat)

There’s no better way to celebrate sweater season than with DIY Starbucks holiday drinks, like this easy Salted Pecan Cold Brew recipe! Excite your taste buds with this blast of refreshing, comforting fall flavors–vanilla-infused cold brew is topped with homemade salted pecan cold foam and crunchy maple sugar chunks.

If your fall drink lineup needs some pizzazz this season, this rich, decadent, two-minute butter pecan cold brew will knock your socks off. Socks or not, this iced treat will keep you cozy with its autumnal flavors and irresistible charm. Smooth cold brew is mixed with fragrant vanilla syrup and topped with a homemade, frothed salted pecan cream cold foam, made with DIY pecan syrup, a rich combination of heavy cream and whole milk, and a hint of sea salt.

As if that ethereal combination wasn’t out-of-this-world enough, this indulgent drink is topped with crushed maple sugar chunks, adding a sweet and satisfying crunch that makes every sip feel like a trip to your favorite fall festival. And it gets even better–you can whip up this crunch cold brew anytime you want, right in the comfort of your own kitchen, in less than 5 minutes! 

This recipe was inspired by the salted pecan cold brew on the Starbucks 2024 holiday menu. And while we love a good drink from the queen establishment of seasonal drinks, why wait in line at Starbees when you can be a self-appointed barista at home?! Just proceed with caution–your friends and neighbors may start lining up at your door! 

Jump to:

• What is Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew?
• What does it taste like?
• Why You'll Love This Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew
• Ingredients
• Substitutions
• How to Make a Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew At Home
• Optional Variations & Dietary Adjustments
• Serving Suggestions
• Recipe Success Tips
• FAQs
• Nutritional Info
• Other Pecan Coffee Recipes
• Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew (Starbucks Copycat)

What is Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew?

This Starbucks salted pecan crunch cold brew copycat recipe is a rich, flavor-packed iced coffee drink served over ice. It combines vanilla syrup-infused cold brew with creamy homemade pecan cream cold foam. The cold foam, made with heavy cream, whole milk, pecan syrup, and a touch of sea salt, adds a luscious, velvety texture to the drink. 

To elevate the fall experience, the drink is garnished with a sprinkle of crushed maple sugar chunks for a fun texture contrast and picturesque sweetness. This is the perfect seasonal beverage for coffee lovers craving a refreshing pick-me-up with a cozy blend of nutty, sweet, creamy, and slightly salty flavors. 

What does it taste like?

A DIY Starbucks pecan cold brew is as brisk and refreshing as a cool autumn breeze, delivering a balanced symphony of fall flavors in each sip. At first, you immediately encounter the bold richness of smooth cold brew that awakens your senses. Then, the warming sweetness of vanilla syrup adds a comforting fragrance that lingers on your tongue. The energizing and soothing experience is reminiscent of a brisk walk through falling leaves on a sunny, crisp day. 

Then, the frothed salted pecan cold brew swirls in with a light, airy, yet decadently creamy mouthfeel and nutty pecan flavor. A hint of sea salt lingers, enhancing the sweetness in each sip. The finishing touch is a satisfying crunch of sweet maple sugar chunks, an explosion of autumnal goodness. It’s the kind of drink that makes you feel extra, and perfectly caffeinated, in the best way. 

Why You'll Love This Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew

Here is why you won’t be able to shake this cold brew with pecan cold foam from your memory:

• Easy Peasy: This recipe takes just 2 minutes to make–far quicker than standing in line at Starbucks! 
• Fall Twist: While we love a classic fall drink lineup, this pecan cold brew is a fun twist on some of your favorite seasonal flavors–nutty pecan, warming vanilla, wholesome maple, and creamy milk.  
• Homemade Flavor: You can’t beat the taste of homemade ingredients, especially when it comes to coffee syrups. Easily prepare your own pecan and vanilla syrups for unmatched flavor! 
• Icy Treat: Switch up your piping hot mug for an iced coffee drink, perfect for a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up or to enhance the chill in the fall air.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make your world-altering pecan cold brew:

• Heavy Cream - Adds a rich, creamy texture and flavor to the pecan cold foam. 
• Whole Milk - Gives the cold foam a velvety smooth consistency and balances the richness of the heavy cream. 
• Pecan Syrup - My easy homemade pecan syrup infuses the cold foam with a delicious nutty sweetness reminiscent of toasted candied pecans. 
• Sea Salt - Fine sea salt enhances the overall drink flavors and provides a satisfying contrast to the sweetness. 
• Cold Brew - Prepare homemade cold brew or use your favorite pre-made cold brew to serve as the drink’s base. 
• Vanilla Syrup - Enhances the flavor of the cold brew with a warming sweetness. Make your own vanilla syrup or use your preferred store-bought option. 
• Maple Sugar Chunks - This optional garnish adds a sweet flavor and texture crunch to the top of the drink.

Substitutions

Below are optional substitutions to suit dietary needs and preferences: 

• Heavy Cream - For a dairy-free option, swap with full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream. 
• Whole Milk - Use full-fat oat milk to maintain a creamy texture without the dairy. 
• Pecan Syrup - Simply sweeten with maple syrup or swap with hazelnut syrup for an alternative seasonal flavor. 
• Sea Salt - Fine Himalayan pink salt or Kosher salt both work as alternatives; avoid table salt for the best flavor. 
• Cold Brew - In a pinch, use regularly brewed and cooled coffee. Make a strong brew for the most robust taste, and bring it to room temperature before adding. 
• Vanilla Syrup - Substitute with a few drops of pure vanilla extract and agave syrup or maple syrup to taste. You can also swap pecan syrup to enhance the nutty flavor. 
• Maple Sugar Chunks - Brown sugar crystals work for a similar sweetness and flavor or, use crushed candied pecans to enhance the pecan flavor.

How to Make a Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew At Home

Follow the simple steps below to make your own salted pecan cold brew at home: 

Step One: Prepare cold foam. Add the heavy cream, whole milk, pecan syrup, and sea salt to a small container or drinking glass. 

Step Two: Froth cold foam. Use a milk frother to mix the ingredients for 10-15 seconds or until foamy. Set aside.

Step Three: Prepare cold brew. Fill a tall glass with ice, then add the vanilla syrup and cold brew. Stir to combine. 

Step Four: Add cold foam. Pour the cold foam over the cold brew mixture, then top with crushed maple sugar if desired. Drink up!

Optional Variations & Dietary Adjustments

Alter this recipe as desired with these optional variations:

• Vegan: Easily make this a dairy-free option by using coconut milk or cream instead of heavy cream and full-fat oat milk instead of whole milk. 
• Decaf: For a lighter buzz, use a decaffeinated cold brew. 
• Extra Caffeinated: Prepare an extra strong cold brew by allowing it to steep longer, or add a shot of (cooled) espresso.  
• Extra Creamy: Dress up your drink with a dollop of whipped cream for a just-because indulgence. 
• Sugar-Free: Prepare a sugar-free version of the pecan and vanilla syrups or use zero-sugar store-bought varieties for a lower glycemic option. Also, omit the maple sugar chunks. 
• Protein: Make this cold brew a sneaky source of tasty protein by including a scoop of unflavored collagen peptides or your favorite plain or vanilla-flavored protein powder.  
• Warm: Transform this iced coffee drink into a warm one by swapping the cold brew for regular hot coffee or espresso. Keep the cold foam chilled or make it warm, depending on what you prefer.

Serving Suggestions

• Morning Delight: No better way to start your day than with a caffeinated sipper that doubles as an indulgent feel-good treat! 
• Fall Festivities Companion: This icy cold brew drink is the perfect refresher while wrangling kiddos during a pumpkin patch outing or sustaining your energy throughout holiday festivities. 
• Afternoon Pick-Me-Up: Re-charge a mid-day slump with the zing of energizing cold brew and decadent flavor sure to spark joy.

Recipe Success Tips

• Use quality ingredients. For the richest texture and flavor, I highly recommend making your own pecan and vanilla syrups and choosing a high-quality cold brew, heavy cream, and milk. 
• Prepare the syrups in advance. To save time, prepare the vanilla and pecan syrups ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for easy grab-and-go use. 
• Don’t overfroth the cold foam. When preparing the cold foam, whip the ingredients until the heavy cream and milk just begin to thicken, no longer than 15 seconds. This will ensure the texture is light and airy and does not become stiff. 
• Adjust sweetness to taste. Feel free to adjust the amount of syrup in the cold brew and cold foam, reducing the amount for less sweetness or increasing for extra sweetness. 
• Enjoy immediately. This recipe is best enjoyed immediately after preparation to maintain the creamy cold foam texture and undiluted cold brew flavors.  

FAQs

Nutritional Info

This pecan cold brew is an indulgent treat for fall sipping, with 231 calories per serving. It has 32 grams of carbohydrates for a sweet boost of energy. Most of the carbohydrates come from the 29 grams of sugar added by the vanilla and pecan sugars. If you want a lower carb and sugar content, consider making sugar-free syrups. 

The 11 grams of fat per serving are from the combination of heavy cream and whole milk that contribute to the iconic rich, creamy texture. For a lighter texture option, feel free to substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or half-and-half, and the whole milk with oat milk or almond milk. These options will reduce the fat content but help maintain a smooth, creamy texture. 

While this coffee drink is decadent, the flavors are perfectly balanced with a tasty saltiness, about 318 milligrams of sodium per serving. Most of this moderate sodium content comes from the fine sea salt. Reduce the amount of sea salt if desired. There is just 1 gram of protein per serving in this creamy cold brew, but you can easily increase this by adding in collagen peptides or your favorite plain or vanilla-flavored protein powder if desired.

Total nutritional content per serving is:

• Calories: 231 calories
• Total Fat: 11 grams
• Protein: 1 gram
• Sodium: 318 mg
• Carbohydrates: 32 grams
• Sugar: 29 grams

*This nutritional information is an estimate and calculated based on the ingredients used to create the recipe. The nutritional value of your ingredients may differ slightly. Furthermore, this food is not intended to prevent, diagnose, cure, or treat any disease.

Other Pecan Coffee Recipes

xoxo Megan