A cafe latte is a delightful way to start your day or enjoy a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. This classic coffee beverage combines a rich, bold espresso shot with creamy, steamed milk, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you're a coffee aficionado or just looking for a comforting drink, this cafe latte recipe is sure to satisfy.
If you don't already have an espresso machine at home, you may need to visit a specialty store or order one online. Additionally, a milk frother is essential for achieving the perfect texture in your steamed milk. These tools are crucial for making an authentic cafe latte.

Ingredients For Cafe Latte Recipe
Espresso: A concentrated coffee brewed by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans. It forms the base of the cafe latte.
Milk: Can be whole milk or any milk of your choice, such as almond, soy, or oat milk. It is steamed and frothed to create a creamy texture.
Pro Tip for Making a Great Latte
To achieve a velvety texture in your steamed milk, ensure you angle the milk frother just below the surface of the milk to create a whirlpool effect. This technique helps incorporate air evenly, resulting in a smooth and creamy froth.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
espresso - Substitute with strong brewed coffee: If you don't have an espresso machine, you can use strong brewed coffee to achieve a similar robust flavor.
espresso - Substitute with instant espresso powder: Dissolve instant espresso powder in hot water to mimic the intensity of a fresh espresso shot.
whole milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk provides a creamy texture and is a great dairy-free alternative.
whole milk - Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk has a naturally sweet flavor and froths well, making it a good substitute for whole milk.
whole milk - Substitute with soy milk: Soy milk is another dairy-free option that offers a similar consistency to whole milk.
whole milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk adds a unique flavor and creaminess, suitable for those who enjoy a tropical twist.
Alternative Recipes Similar to a Latte
How to Store or Freeze Your Latte
- Allow your cafe latte to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation and maintains the quality of the milk and espresso.
- Transfer the cooled cafe latte into an airtight container. Mason jars or BPA-free plastic containers work well.
- Store the container in the refrigerator. Your cafe latte will stay fresh for up to 2 days.
- For freezing, pour the cafe latte into ice cube trays. This makes it easy to reheat individual portions.
- Once frozen, transfer the cafe latte cubes into a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date for easy tracking.
- To reheat, place the frozen cafe latte cubes in a microwave-safe mug. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted and warmed.
- Alternatively, thaw the frozen cafe latte in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Avoid reheating in the microwave for too long, as it can cause the milk to scorch and alter the flavor.
- For best results, consume reheated cafe latte within 24 hours of thawing.
How to Reheat Leftover Latte
- Gently reheat the cafe latte on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Avoid boiling to maintain the milk's texture.
- Use a microwave-safe mug and reheat in the microwave on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating.
- If you have a steam wand on your espresso machine, re-steam the milk separately and then combine it with the reheated espresso shot for a fresher taste.
- For an alternative method, use a double boiler to gently warm the cafe latte, which helps in maintaining the milk's creamy consistency without overheating.
Essential Tools for Making a Latte
Espresso machine: This is essential for brewing a shot of espresso, which forms the base of your cafe latte.
Milk frother: Use this to steam and froth the milk to achieve the perfect texture and temperature for your latte.
Coffee cup: A sturdy cup to hold your delicious cafe latte.
Tamper: This tool is used to press the coffee grounds evenly into the portafilter of the espresso machine.
Thermometer: Optional but useful for ensuring your milk is steamed to the ideal temperature, usually around 150-155°F (65-68°C).
Milk pitcher: A stainless steel pitcher to steam and froth the milk in, allowing for better control and pouring.
Spoon: Handy for holding back the foam while pouring the steamed milk into the espresso, if you prefer less foam.
Time-Saving Tips for Making a Latte
Preheat your machine: Turn on your espresso machine and milk frother while you gather your ingredients to save time.
Use pre-measured coffee: Pre-measure your espresso grounds the night before to streamline your morning routine.
Invest in a good frother: A high-quality milk frother can steam and froth your milk more quickly and efficiently.
Heat milk in the microwave: If you're in a rush, heat your milk in the microwave before frothing to save a few minutes.
Clean as you go: Clean your espresso machine and milk frother immediately after use to avoid buildup and save time later.
Cafe Latte Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 shot Espresso
- 1 cup Milk whole or any milk of your choice
Instructions
- 1. Brew a shot of espresso using your espresso machine.
- 2. Steam and froth the milk using a milk frother.
- 3. Pour the steamed milk over the espresso shot in a coffee cup.
- 4. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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