Cappuccino Recipe
Make Cappuccino Recipe in just 8m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Espresso
Milk & Foam
Finishing
Method
Espresso
- 1
Dose and Tamp
Weigh 18 g of freshly ground fine espresso coffee and distribute evenly in the portafilter. Tamp with steady pressure until the puck is level and smooth.
- 2
Brew
Lock the portafilter into a preheated espresso machine and brew a double (about 36 ml) espresso shot. Aim for a 25–30 second extraction time from the moment you start the pump. Set the shot aside in the cup you'll use for serving so it stays hot.
Milk & Foam
- 3
- 4
Purge steam wand
Purge the steam wand for 1–2 seconds to remove condensed water, then wipe it clean with a damp cloth to ensure no residues.
- 5
Stretch and texture milk
Submerge the tip of the steam wand just below the milk surface and open the steam valve to introduce air for 3–5 seconds (you should hear a gentle hissing). Then sink the wand deeper and position the pitcher to create a whirlpool to heat and microfoam the milk. Monitor temperature with your wrist; stop steaming when milk reaches 60–65°C (140–149°F). The result should be glossy microfoam with velvety texture and a total volume increase of about 25–40%.
- 6
Clean wand
Turn off the steam, immediately wipe the wand with a damp cloth and purge briefly again to remove milk residue from inside the tip.
- 7
Polish milk
Tap the pitcher gently on the countertop to break any large bubbles and swirl to integrate foam into silky, pourable microfoam.
- 8
Pour
Hold the cup with the espresso at a slight angle. Begin pouring the milk from about 3–4 cm above the cup to incorporate milk and crema. As the cup fills and the foam thickens, lower the pitcher spout closer to the surface and pour with a controlled wiggle or motion to create a small rosette or heart if desired. Aim for about one-third espresso, one-third steamed milk, one-third foam by visual volume (typical cappuccino: 150–180 ml total).
Finishing
- 9
Garnish
Lightly dust the top of the foam with a small pinch of cocoa powder or cinnamon if desired. Serve immediately.