Cappuccino Recipe
Make Cappuccino Recipe in just 10m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Espresso
Milk
Garnish (optional)
Method
Espresso
- 1
Prepare machine
Preheat your espresso machine and portafilter by running a blank shot (no coffee) for 5–10 seconds to stabilize temperature.
- 2
Dose and tamp
Weigh 18 g of finely ground espresso into a clean portafilter basket. Distribute grounds evenly and tamp with consistent pressure so the puck is level and compact.
- 3
Extract
Lock portafilter into the group head and start extraction. Aim for approximately 25–30 seconds of extraction time to yield about 60 ml of espresso (a double shot). Adjust grind size if extraction time is significantly outside this range.
- 4
Set aside
Place the extracted espresso into a preheated 150–180 ml cup. If you brewed into a separate container, pour into the cup now and wipe any drips from the cup rim.
Milk
- 5
- 6
Purge steam wand
Purge the steam wand briefly to expel water condensate, then submerge the tip just below the milk surface.
- 7
Stretch milk (create microfoam)
Turn on steam and lower the pitcher slightly so the wand tip is near the surface to introduce a small amount of air for 3–5 seconds (you should hear a faint hissing). Then raise the pitcher so the wand is fully submerged and angle it to create a whirlpool. Continue steaming until pitcher exterior is just too hot to hold comfortably (about 60–65°C / 140–150°F). The goal is glossy, velvety microfoam with small, fine bubbles.
- 8
Tap and polish
Turn off steam, wipe the wand, and purge briefly. Tap the pitcher on the counter to remove large bubbles and swirl the milk to integrate foam and liquid for a smooth texture.
- 9
Pour and finish
Hold the cup with espresso at a slight angle. Start pouring milk from about 5–7 cm above the surface to integrate milk and crema; as the cup fills, bring the pitcher spout close and pour gently to allow foam to sit on top. Aim for roughly 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, 1/3 foam in volume. If desired, finish a simple latte-art heart or free pour.
Garnish (optional)
- 10
Sprinkle a light dusting of cocoa powder or ground cinnamon over the foam. Add sugar or sweetener to taste and stir before drinking if you prefer it sweeter.