What is a cappuccino?
A cappuccino is a beautifully simple coffee drink made with just three key ingredients – espresso, steamed milk and milk foam. While you could totally be forgiven for confusing a cappuccino with its cousin, the caffe latte, there's a clear difference when they’re prepared and served the right way.
A cappuccino is equal parts espresso, steamed milk and foam so that’s 1/3 of each. It’s traditionally made with one shot of espresso, but these days no one raises an eyebrow at adding a cheeky extra shot.
A caffe latte starts with 1/3 espresso, but then it’s all steamed milk with just a fine foam layer sitting on top.
How make a cappuccino at home
Now let's get into it. Considering there are only two main ingredients, you might think making the perfect cappuccino would be a piece of cake. Unless you’re using a Fully automatic espresso machine like the KF8, which gives you a cappuccino option in your pre-set recipes, then it does take a bit of practice to do by hand. But relax, as we’ve made it as simple as possible to enjoy every step.
Step 1: Gather your cappuccino ingredients
You need (ideally) fresh coffee and milk and, if it’s something you choose to add, some cinnamon or cocoa powder too. Preheat your cup on the top of your espresso machine, or using the steam wand. A cold cup will make your coffee cool down faster, so you can’t savour that perfect taste…
Step 2: Pull the espresso shot
If you’re already a dab hand with your espresso machine, pull one or two shots of espresso into your preheated cup. If you're a newbie, don’t worry, as KitchenAid’s Semi-automatic espresso machine makes it easy to explore at your own level and create delicious espresso with tips and guidance. With the coffee grounds delivered into your basket, you tamp, lock in the portafilter and then press go!
Step 3: Steam the milk
Pour your milk into a pitcher, about ⅓ full. With the machine on Steam mode, put the steam wand into the milk at an angle, just below the surface. Turn it on and steam the milk until it doubles in volume and reaches around 150° C (when the jug feels hot). You may want to give the jug a swirl around when you’ve finished heating it. Here’s a complete guide on how to froth and steam milk.
Step 4: Layer the cappuccino
Now your milk is steamed and espresso is brewed, carefully pour the steamed milk into the espresso. The heated milk is heavier than the foam, so that will pour into your cup first. You’ll see foam forming in the jug as you pour, so you could use a spoon to hold it back. Then just layer the foam on top of the steamed milk. Remember the golden ratio of perfect thirds to get it just right.
Step 5: Sprinkle and serve
Now, if you want to zhuzh it up for that extra cafe experience, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or cocoa powder over the frothy layer of the cappuccino. You’re the customer, so you decide! It adds that little extra bit of flavour and, let's be real, a bit of a visual wow factor.
Choosing the right coffee and milk for cappuccinos
Now you know how to make a cappuccino at home, let’s take a closer look at the best ingredients for this coffee drink. A truly day-changing cappuccino starts with the right kind of coffee. Some people swear that Arabica beans are the best beans for making cappuccino, but you can choose any blend and roast you’d like to experiment with. We’ve put together a guide to choosing the right coffee beans for your home espresso maker, as well as how to grind your coffee beans.
So, let's talk milk. Freshness is key here – if your milk’s getting too close to its expiration date it may not froth as well.
Whole milk is the cream of the crop for making luxurious cappuccinos. Its rich milk fat content gives you that velvety and creamy froth that pairs perfectly with your espresso.
Semi-skimmed can still give you a pretty good froth if you're looking for something lighter, but it might not be as rich.
Oat drink is your best friend if you're going the plant-based route or just craving a vegan cappuccino. Not only does it froth like a dream, but it also adds a delicious flavour too. Even better if you get the barista version that’s made for frothing.
Fun cappuccino variations to try at home
Once you've mastered the classic cappuccino, why not mix things up and experiment with a few fun twists? Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Flavoured cappuccino
Add a splash of flavoured syrup or a sprinkle of powder to your cappuccino. Vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, and chocolate are always winners, but there are lots more to try.
Iced cappuccino
For the perfect pick-me-up on hot summer days, just mix espresso, milk, and foam and pour over ice.
Decaf cappuccino
Want the cappuccino experience without the caffeine buzz? Just use a decaffeinated espresso instead. All the taste, without the hit.
Dry cappuccino
Sounds confusing? Well actually it just means more milk foam and less steamed milk, giving it a much ‘drier’ and frothier texture.
Wet cappuccino
So this one is the opposite! Make it with more steamed milk and less foam, for a creamier, more indulgent feel than the traditional cappuccino.
The best home espresso machine makes it easy
Perfecting your homemade cappuccino game starts with having the right tools. Be hands-on with the KitchenAid Semi Automatic Espresso Machine with Burr Grinder, with its 15 grind settings and Smart Dosing Technology to take the guesswork out of making a consistently delicious espresso every time.
Or, you can go for a Fully Automatic Espresso Machine to create your espresso-based milky drinks at the press of a button, and save your preferences. There’s even the KF8 model with plant-based mode, if you’re up for non-dairy cappuccinos. Explore KitchenAid’s new range of home espresso makers and you’ll soon have your feet up, sipping a frothy treat from your favourite cappuccino mug.
