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 & Foam
Garnish (optional)
Method
Espresso
Preheat and dose
Turn on the espresso machine and allow it to fully heat (group head and portafilter) for 10–15 minutes. Weigh out 18 g of finely ground espresso into a clean portafilter basket.
Tamp and brew
Distribute the grounds evenly, tamp level and firm (about 30 lb / 13 kg of pressure). Lock the portafilter into the group head and start the shot. Aim for a 36 ml extraction in 25–30 seconds for a double shot of espresso. Pour the espresso into a pre-warmed 150–180 ml cup.
Milk & Foam
Prepare milk
Pour 150 ml cold whole milk into a chilled stainless-steel steaming pitcher. The pitcher should be no more than half full to allow room for expansion while frothing.
Purge and position steam wand
Purge the steam wand briefly to remove water condensation. Wipe it dry with a clean cloth to prevent sputtering.
Stretch and texture milk
Submerge the tip of the steam wand just below the milk surface and turn on full steam to introduce air for 3–5 seconds (you should hear a gentle hissing). Then lower the pitcher so the wand tip is deeper and tilt the pitcher slightly to create a whirlpool. Continue steaming until the pitcher is hot to the touch (approx. 60–65°C / 140–149°F) and the milk surface is glossy and velvety with microfoam. Turn off steam before removing the wand.
Clean wand and settle foam
Immediately wipe the steam wand with a damp cloth and purge briefly. Tap the pitcher on the counter and swirl to remove larger bubbles and integrate the foam into a smooth, silky texture.
Pour milk into espresso
Hold the cup with the espresso at a slight angle. Start pouring the steamed milk from a higher position to sink the liquid milk under the crema, then lower the pitcher and pour more steadily to let the microfoam rise to the surface. Aim for a 1:1:1 ratio of espresso, steamed milk, and foam (about 150 ml total beverage). Finish with a small dollop of foam on top. If desired, dust with cocoa powder or cinnamon and add sugar to taste.
Garnish (optional)
Sprinkle 1 tsp cocoa powder or ground cinnamon over the finished cappuccino. Sweeten with sugar or preferred sweetener to taste. Serve immediately.