A cafe latte is a delightful and comforting beverage that combines the rich, bold flavor of espresso with the creamy, smooth texture of frothed milk. Perfect for a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon treat, this classic drink is easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients.
If you don't have an espresso machine at home, you might need to visit a specialty store or order one online. Additionally, a milk frother is essential for achieving the creamy texture and foam that defines a cafe latte. These tools are key to replicating the coffee shop experience in your own kitchen.

Ingredients for Cafe Latte Recipe
Espresso: A concentrated form of coffee brewed by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans. Milk: Can be whole milk or any milk of choice, used to create the creamy texture and foam.
Technique Tip for Making a Latte
To achieve the perfect froth for your cafe latte, make sure your milk is cold before you start frothing. Cold milk creates finer, more stable bubbles, resulting in a creamier texture. Additionally, angle the milk frother slightly and keep it just below the surface of the milk to incorporate air efficiently. This technique ensures a rich, velvety foam that complements the bold flavor of the espresso.
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 as a substitute. It won't be as concentrated, but it will still provide a robust coffee flavor.
whole milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a great dairy-free alternative that froths well and adds a slightly nutty flavor to your latte.
whole milk - Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk is another excellent dairy-free option that has a creamy texture and froths nicely, making it a popular choice for lattes.
whole milk - Substitute with soy milk: Soy milk is a versatile dairy-free option that froths well and has a neutral flavor, making it a good substitute for whole milk in lattes.
whole milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk adds a rich, creamy texture and a hint of coconut flavor, which can add an interesting twist to your latte.
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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.
- Store the container in the refrigerator. Your cafe latte can be kept fresh for up to 2 days.
- For freezing, pour the cafe latte into ice cube trays. This allows you to thaw only what you need.
- Once frozen, transfer the cafe latte cubes into a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date for easy tracking.
- To enjoy, thaw the desired amount of cafe latte cubes in the refrigerator overnight or reheat gently on the stove.
- When reheating, avoid boiling to maintain the creamy texture of the milk.
- Stir well before serving to reincorporate any separated layers.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Place your cafe latte in a microwave-safe mug. Heat it in the microwave on medium power for about 30 seconds. Stir and check the temperature. If needed, continue heating in 15-second intervals until it reaches your desired warmth.
Pour your cafe latte into a small saucepan. Heat it on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. Remove from heat once it reaches the desired temperature.
Use a milk frother to reheat your cafe latte. Pour the latte into the frother and use the heating function to warm it up. This method also helps to re-froth the milk, giving it a fresh, creamy texture.
If you have an espresso machine with a steam wand, pour your cafe latte into a metal pitcher. Use the steam wand to heat and froth the latte simultaneously. This method closely mimics the original preparation, ensuring a rich and creamy texture.
Best 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: This tool is used to froth the milk until it is creamy and has a good amount of foam.
Coffee cup: You'll need a cup to pour your espresso and frothed milk into.
Milk pitcher: This is useful for frothing the milk and then pouring it over the espresso.
Thermometer: Optional but helpful to ensure your milk is at the right temperature for frothing, ideally between 150°F and 155°F (65°C to 68°C).
Spoon: Useful for holding back the foam while pouring the milk, if you prefer to control the amount of foam in your latte.
How to Save Time on Making a Latte
Use pre-ground coffee: Save time by using pre-ground coffee instead of grinding your own beans.
Microwave milk: Heat your milk in the microwave for a quick and easy alternative to using a stovetop.
Electric frother: Invest in an electric milk frother to speed up the frothing process.
Batch brew: Brew multiple espresso shots at once and store them in the fridge for quick assembly later.
Pre-measure ingredients: Have your espresso and milk pre-measured and ready to go.
Cafe Latte Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 shot Espresso
- 1 cup Milk whole or any milk of choice
Instructions
- Brew a shot of espresso using your espresso machine.
- Froth the milk using a milk frother until it is creamy and has a good amount of foam.
- Pour the frothed milk over the espresso shot in a cup.
- Enjoy your homemade cafe latte!
Nutritional Value
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