Easy Homemade Cafe Latte: Barista-Style Coffee in Your Kitchen

How to Make a Cafe Latte at Home

latte lovers, this cozy American-style latte recipe will teach you how to craft a silky-smooth coffee beverage with rich espresso and velvety steamed milk right in your kitchen.

Ingredients for a Perfect Cafe Latte

• 4 shots (about 4 oz) freshly brewed espresso
• 2 cups whole milk (or your preferred dairy/non-dairy milk)
• Optional: sweetener of choice (sugar, honey, flavored syrup)
• Optional: a pinch of cinnamon or cocoa powder for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions to Create Your Latte

1. Prepare your espresso machine or moka pot. Brew four shots of espresso and pour them equally into four warmed latte cups or mugs.
2. Pour 2 cups of cold milk into a steaming pitcher. If you don’t have a milk frother, a small saucepan will work—just whisk vigorously until frothy.
3. Steam or heat the milk until it reaches about 150°F, creating a creamy microfoam texture. Tip: Aim for velvety bubbles, not large air pockets.
4. Slowly pour the steamed milk into each cup over the espresso, holding back the foam with a spoon. Then scoop the foam on top to finish.
5. Sprinkle with cinnamon or cocoa powder if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade latte.

Barista Tips & Tricks

• Choose Fresh Beans: Use medium-roast coffee beans that are freshly ground for the best flavor.
• Milk Matters: Whole milk froths better, but oat milk and almond milk are great dairy-free alternatives.
• Tamping Technique: Even pressure when tamping espresso grounds ensures balanced extraction.
• Latte Art Starter: Practice pouring steadily from 3–4 inches above the cup, then lower the pitcher to draw patterns in the foam.

Nutrition Facts per Serving

• Calories: 63 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Fat: 3 g (Saturated Fat: 2 g)
• Cholesterol: 10 mg
• Sodium: 61 mg
• Sugar: 6 g

With these simple steps and a few friendly tips, you’ll be sipping a café-quality latte in no time. latte

Original recipe credit