A cafe latte is a delightful way to start your day or enjoy a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. This classic coffee drink combines the bold flavor of espresso with the creamy texture of frothed milk, creating a harmonious balance that is both comforting and invigorating.
If you don't have an espresso machine at home, you might need to visit a specialty store or a well-stocked supermarket to find one. Additionally, a milk frother is essential for achieving the perfect creamy texture and light foam. These tools are crucial for making an authentic cafe latte.
Ingredients For Cafe Latte Recipe
Espresso: A concentrated form of coffee made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans. It serves as the base for the cafe latte.
Milk: Whole or skim milk can be used, depending on your preference. It is frothed to create a creamy texture and light foam.
Technique Tip for Making a Latte
To achieve a perfectly balanced cafe latte, ensure your espresso shot is brewed at the right temperature and pressure. The milk should be frothed to a creamy consistency with a light foam, ideally at around 150°F to 155°F. This temperature allows the milk to be sweet and not scalded, enhancing the overall flavor of your latte.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
espresso - Substitute with strong brewed coffee: Strong brewed coffee can mimic the bold flavor of espresso, though it may be slightly less intense.
whole milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk provides a creamy texture and is a good option for those who are lactose intolerant or prefer a dairy-free alternative.
whole milk - Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk has a naturally sweet flavor and froths well, making it a great substitute for whole milk in a cafe latte.
whole milk - Substitute with soy milk: Soy milk is another dairy-free option that has a similar consistency to whole milk and works well in lattes.
skim milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk adds a unique flavor and is a good low-fat alternative to skim milk.
skim milk - Substitute with rice milk: Rice milk is light and has a mild flavor, making it a suitable substitute for skim milk in a cafe latte.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This Latte
How to Store or Freeze Your Latte
- Allow your cafe latte to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation, which can dilute the flavor.
- Transfer the cooled cafe latte into an airtight container. Mason jars or BPA-free plastic containers work well.
- For short-term storage, place the container in the refrigerator. Your cafe latte will stay fresh for up to 2 days.
- If you plan to store it longer, consider freezing. Pour the cafe latte into ice cube trays for easy portioning.
- Once frozen, transfer the cafe latte cubes into a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date for reference.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw the cafe latte cubes in the refrigerator overnight or blend them directly into a smoothie for a refreshing twist.
- Reheat the thawed cafe latte gently on the stove or in the microwave. Avoid boiling to preserve the creamy texture.
- If the milk separates during storage, give it a good stir or shake before serving to reincorporate the ingredients.
- For an extra touch, froth a bit of fresh milk to top off your reheated cafe latte, recreating that freshly made experience.
How to Reheat Leftovers
- Pour the cafe latte into a small saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and to prevent the milk from scorching. Once it reaches your desired temperature, pour it back into your cup.
- Use a microwave-safe mug to reheat your cafe latte. Microwave on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to distribute the heat evenly. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the milk to curdle.
- If you have a steam wand on your espresso machine, pour the cafe latte into a metal pitcher and re-steam it. This method will help reintroduce some froth and texture to the milk, making it taste freshly made.
- For a quick fix, use an electric milk frother that has a heating function. Pour the cafe latte into the frother and let it heat and froth simultaneously. This will bring back some of the creamy texture and warmth.
- If you have a sous-vide machine, place the cafe latte in a heatproof, resealable bag and submerge it in a water bath set to around 150°F (65°C). This method ensures gentle and even reheating without altering the texture of the milk.
Essential Tools for Making a Latte
Espresso machine: This is essential for brewing the perfect shot of espresso, which forms the base of your cafe latte.
Milk frother: This tool is used to froth the milk until it is creamy and has a light foam, giving your latte its signature texture.
Spoon: You'll need a spoon to hold back the foam while pouring the frothed milk into the espresso shot and to spoon the foam on top of the latte.
Coffee cup: A sturdy cup to hold your delicious cafe latte.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Preheat your equipment: Ensure your espresso machine and milk frother are preheated to save time during preparation.
Use pre-measured ingredients: Measure out your espresso shot and milk beforehand to streamline the process.
Froth milk while brewing: Start frothing your milk while the espresso is brewing to multitask efficiently.
Invest in a quality frother: A good milk frother can save time by quickly creating the perfect foam.
Clean as you go: Clean your equipment immediately after use to save time on cleanup later.

Cafe Latte Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 shot Espresso
- 1 cup Milk whole or skim
Instructions
- Brew one shot of espresso using your espresso machine.
- Froth the milk using a milk frother until it is creamy and has a light foam.
- Pour the frothed milk into the espresso shot, holding back the foam with a spoon.
- Spoon the foam on top of the latte.
Nutritional Value
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