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
Optional garnish
Method
Espresso
Preheat and dose
Preheat your espresso machine and portafilter by running a blank shot (no coffee) for 5–10 seconds. Weigh 18 g of freshly ground coffee and distribute it evenly in a clean, dry portafilter basket.
Tamp
Using a tamper, apply firm, even pressure to tamp the coffee into a smooth, level puck. Wipe any loose grounds from the basket rim.
Brew espresso
Lock the portafilter into the group head and start the shot. Aim for about 36 ml of espresso extracted in 25–30 seconds. The result should be a 1:2 brew ratio producing a 36 ml double shot with a good crema. Transfer the espresso into a pre-warmed 150–180 ml cappuccino cup.
Milk & foam
Purge steam wand
Purge the steam wand for 1–2 seconds to remove any condensed water, then wipe it clean with a damp cloth.
Stretch and texture milk
Submerge the steam wand tip just below the milk surface and turn on the steam to introduce microfoam: lower the pitcher slightly to allow a gentle hissing (stretch) for 3–5 seconds until milk increases in volume about 10–20%. Then submerge the wand deeper and position the pitcher to create a whirlpool; continue steaming until the pitcher feels hot to the touch (about 60–65°C / 140–150°F). Aim for glossy, velvety microfoam with fine bubbles.
Settle and wipe
Tap the pitcher gently on the counter and swirl the milk to remove large bubbles and integrate foam into a smooth texture. Wipe and purge the steam wand again.
Pour and combine
Hold the cup with the espresso at a slight tilt. Begin pouring the milk from about 6–8 cm (2–3 in) above the cup to integrate milk and crema. When the cup is nearly full, lower the pitcher and pour more steadily to allow the foam to rise and create a 1–2 cm layer of thick, velvety foam on top. If desired, finish with simple latte-art motion.
Garnish (optional)
Lightly dust the top of the cappuccino with 1 tsp cocoa powder or ground cinnamon. Add sugar or simple syrup to taste if desired; stir gently before drinking.