Café Au Lait Recipe

Time15m

Serves2

Make Café Au Lait Recipe in just 15m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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1
Measure and heat
If brewing fresh coffee, bring 2 cups of water to just below boiling (about 200°F / 93°C). Use 4 tablespoons coarsely ground coffee for a strong brew suitable for café au lait.
2
Brew
Brew the coffee using your chosen method: French press (steep 4 minutes then plunge) or drip. Aim to produce 2 cups of strong coffee. If using pre-brewed coffee, reheat gently to serving temperature (hot but not boiling).

3
Heat milk
Pour 2 cups whole milk into a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low, whisking occasionally, until the milk reaches about 150–155°F (65–68°C) and small steam wisps appear. Do not let it boil.
4
Froth (optional)
If you want a light foam, froth about 1/4 cup of the heated milk using a handheld frother, a French press (pump 10–15 times), or steam wand until you achieve a thin, velvety microfoam. Reserve foam for topping.

5
Preheat two large mugs by rinsing with hot water and discarding. Divide the brewed coffee evenly between the two mugs (about 1 cup coffee per mug).
6
Pour heated milk into each mug in a 1:1 ratio with the coffee (about 1 cup milk per mug). Hold back foam with a spoon and then spoon a thin layer of foam onto each drink if frothed.
7
Taste and sweeten if desired: stir in up to 1 teaspoon sugar (or simple syrup) per cup to taste.
8
Lightly dust each café au lait with a pinch of ground cinnamon or cocoa powder if desired.