Whip up a homemade cappuccino in 3 minutes -- without the expensive machine. Blonde espresso and steamed milk creates a creamy base topped with a rich foam sprinkled with your choice of either cinnamon or cocoa powder. Enjoy with your next breakfast or dessert!
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Coffee is now more popular than tea (but not Guinness) in Ireland, but a good cappuccino can cost nearly as much as a pint. This homemade spin is not only easy to make, but it’s easy on your bank account as well. Start substituting a few of your own creations and you’ll have more money to spend on pints at the pub, where you can brag to your mates about how you make your own cappuccinos.
What is a Cappuccino?
Many countries had a hand in the creation of today's cappuccino. France invented the first iteration of the espresso machine back in the early 1800s (if you can believe that!), Austria named the drink after the light brown robes the Austrian Capuchin Church monks wore, and Italy set out to perfect it starting in the early 1900s. The actual beverage is made up of ⅓ espresso, ⅓ steamed milk, and ⅓ frothed milk, in that order from bottom to top, and is the most popular coffee ordered globally.
How to Make a Cappuccino
Cappuccinos are almost universally prepared with the help of the aforementioned cappuccino machine, but nowadays, a quality machine that withstands daily use will set you back several thousand dollars. And don't even start with how expensive a daily coffee run can get, especially if you need multiple refills per day. Fortunately, we've developed a handmade recipe that comes super close to its mechanically-brewed counterpart that seamlessly fits into your morning routine without the financial burden.
In lieu of a machine, you can use common kitchen tools like a scale and thermometer that achieve delicious results for a fraction of the cost! See the "Equipment" section for complete information.
Additionally, traditional cappuccinos are usually 6 ounces in size, but you can adjust to your preference. Again, cappuccinos are comprised of ⅓ espresso, ⅓ steamed milk, and ⅓ milk froth. So that means that a classic cappuccino is two ounces of espresso, two ounces of milk, and two ounces of froth.
Reasons to Make This Recipe Today
- Brew in less than 5 minutes -- with the help of common kitchen equipment, your next cup comes together as quickly as when you used your Keurig. No need to make any adjustments to your already hectic morning!
- Make numerous drinks for the cost of three store-bought coffees -- purchase an entire container of espresso instant coffee and a gallon of whole milk for ~$15. Think of how many cups you can make with all of that!
- Real coffee taste -- during our last trip to Europe, Ron vowed to ditch his Keurig cups when we got home in favor of the real, wholesome coffee he would order overseas. Cappuccinos, flat whites, and similar beverages need no fancy flavorings or added sugar to taste delicious.
Ingredients
Espresso Instant Coffee -- Ron's favorite is Nescafe Gold Espresso Blonde Coffee, but you can use your preferred espresso instant coffee.
Hot Water -- add hot (but not boiling) water to the espresso powder to make the coffee base.
Milk -- cappuccinos are traditionally made with cow's milk, but you can substitute with non-dairy options, such as almond or soy milk as well.
Toppings -- sprinkle on some ground cinnamon, unsweetened cocoa powder, or any other spice of flavoring you like.
Tips for Success
- If using cow's milk, opt for whole milk for the richest, creamiest results.
- While NOT mandatory, the ideal temperature of the milk should be between 140-158 F (60-70 C). Use a kitchen thermometer for the most accurate readings.
- You can heat the milk either on the stovetop or in the microwave. If you're like us and prefer less dishes, pour the milk in a microwave-safe measuring cup and pop it into the microwave.
Detailed Preparation Instructions
Spoon the espresso powder into a coffee mug. Place the mug on a kitchen scale and pour 4 ounces of hot water into the mug. Stir for a few seconds to combine.
Pour the milk into a microwave-safe measuring cup and microwave until the temperature reaches between 140-158 F (60-70 C). For our 1100-watt microwave, that equals 2 minutes. Pour half of the milk into the coffee mug in a slow, circular motion.
Use a handheld milk frother to froth the milk directly in the measuring cup. Froth on Low between 5-8 seconds, until the milk thickens slightly and bubbles appear. Pour the foam on top in the same circular motion.
Sprinkle on your desired topping (optional) and enjoy!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
This drink is best prepared and served fresh, so storage isn't recommended.
To reheat, place the coffee mug into the microwave and heat in 30-second intervals until heated to your desired temperature.
3-Minute Handcrafted Cappuccino
Equipment
- 1 kitchen scale
- 1 tablespoon
- 1 electric kettle optional
- 1 microwave-safe measuring cup
- 1 handheld milk frother
Ingredients
- 1.5 teaspoons espresso instant coffee powder we recommend Nescafe Gold Espresso powder
- 2 ounces hot water
- 4 ounces milk
- 1 pinch ground cinnamon, cocoa powder, or preferred topping optional
Instructions
- Spoon the espresso instant coffee powder into a coffee mug. Place the mug on a kitchen scale and add two ounces of hot water. Stir.
- Pour the milk into a microwave-safe measuring cup and heat until a thermometer reads 140-158 F (50-70 C). Pour half of the milk into the mug in a slow, circular motion.
- Froth the remaining milk in the measuring cup for 5-8 seconds and pour into the mug in a slow, circular motion.
- Sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon, cocoa powder, or other desired topping overtop the foam.
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