If your go-to order at the local cafe is a cappuccino, you might be curious about making one at home. Or, maybe you’re in the mood for a new entry in your coffee rotation and want to see how a homemade cappuccino compares to your usual brew.

Fortunately, this in-depth guide to the cappuccino will demystify the famous foamy coffee beverage, detailing its origins, composition, and, most importantly, how to make a cappuccino at home.

Introduction to the cappuccino

The cappuccino was born in Vienna in the 18th century and boomed in popularity in Italy in the 20th century, coinciding with the debut of the first espresso machines. The name “cappuccino” comes from the Capuchin friars, who wore brown hooded cowls over pale, shaved bald heads—a look that’s reminiscent of the cappuccino's signature brown and white colors. 

A cappuccino consists of espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. Generally, the amounts of each of these components are equal, putting the cappuccino in the sweet spot between a latte (more milk, more sweet) and a macchiato (more espresso, more intense). However, the balance of parts in a cappuccino may vary from region to region.

The cappuccino is known for its signature foamy milk and silky texture. However, different coffee bean types and different milks will affect the taste and texture of the drink. In Italy, during the dawn of the cappuccino’s popularity, the beverage was usually made using dark roasts with a robust and heavy espresso taste.

What you need: Ingredients and equipment

Before starting your coffee crafting experience at home, create a checklist to ensure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment, or access to suitable alternatives. Whether your at-home setup is elaborate or relies on the basics, you can make a perfectly balanced and delicious cappuccino with practice and patience.

Ingredients list

At the minimum, you only need two ingredients, espresso and milk, to make a cappuccino. However, the endless possibilities with different grinds and roasts of coffee beans, as well as different kinds of milk, add a layer of complexity to the decisions you make with your cappuccino ingredients.

Here are our ingredients for an ideal homemade cappuccino recipe: 

● Coffee – Use your favorite coffee beans or ask your local roaster what they recommend for a cappuccino. We recommend medium to dark roast, finely ground, fresh coffee beans.

● Milk – Milk might be the most essential piece of the cappuccino puzzle. With two-thirds of the cappuccino consisting of steamed milk and foam, your milk choice will strongly affect the final cup. Whole milk is one of the best options since the higher level of fats creates better bubbles and foam, but oat milk, almond milk, and soy milk are great dairy-free alternatives.

● Water – It seems like a simple ingredient. Still, the water you choose can affect the taste of the espresso you brew. Follow the recommendations of your espresso maker, or if brewing via another method, consider filtered or bottled water for optimal taste.

Required equipment

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to assemble the tools for the job. Below are the different options available to you, depending on your at-home brewing setup.

● Espresso machine, stove-top pot, or French press – An espresso machine can make the process reasonably automatic, with some models even able to grind the beans and tamp the ground coffee for you. A stove-top pot like a Moka pot or a French press are alternate at-home espresso brewing methods.

● Saucepan or milk frother – Your options for texturing your milk range from minimalistic to high-tech. Simply heating milk in a saucepan and lightly stirring it will achieve the desired result. Still, if you want to make the process even easier, you can find a milk frother that heats your milk to the desired temperature and allows you to pour foam more easily.

● The perfect cup – While not strictly required, for the best experience, you want a cup that’s ideal for the cappuccino’s unique properties and volume. A cup with a wide opening is the best to evenly distribute the foam in a thinner layer across the top. A cappuccino is typically 6 ounces, but you might want to get an 8 oz cup to allow room for the milk foam.

Step-by-step guide to making a cappuccino

Whether you want to know how to make a cappuccino with an espresso machine or without one, we’ve got you covered. Follow the simple steps below, and you’ll have your perfect at-home cappuccino in no time.

Grinding the coffee

As is the case with many coffee beverages, the first step to creating a cappuccino is grinding your coffee beans.

Grind size depends on your brewing method—choose a fine grind for a Moka pot or an espresso machine. Keep in mind that many modern espresso machines can grind the beans automatically using a cappuccino setting.

Brewing the espresso

Brew your espresso using your espresso machine, stove-top coffee maker, or French press. While there are plenty of options for brewing your coffee at home, there are a few brewing styles to avoid to ensure optimal taste.

For example, pour-over or drip coffee isn’t ideal for the cappuccino, since coffee filters can weaken the body of the coffee flavor profile. The cappuccino requires a highly concentrated coffee base, usually using an espresso machine to filter water at a particular pressure through a tamped-down cake of finely ground coffee beans or a“puck.” A high-quality espresso machine can complete this entire process with minimal input from the user, including grinding and tamping.

Frothing the milk

Heat your milk until it reaches between 55°C (139°F) and 65°C (149°F). If your milk is too cold when you attempt to froth it, you might get thin foam with uneven bubbles. On the other hand, overheat your milk and it will scorch, developing an unpleasant aroma and a taste that overpowers the coffee.

Stirring the heated milk with a whisk or similar utensil or using a milk frothing machine will create the silky, cloudy foam the cappuccino is known for.

Combining the espresso and frothed milk

The last step to making a cappuccino might be the most satisfying: pouring in the steamed milk and layering on the foam that gives the drink its signature look and texture.

You can carefully pour the steamed milk into the espresso directly from the container you heated it in, taking care to pour evenly to avoid bubbles forming. Or, you can pour the steamed milk into a separate container to separate the foam from the steamed milk. You can layer on the foam with a spoon to help even it or achieve the desired balance of foam, milk, and coffee.

Tips for perfecting your cappuccino

To impress others with your home-brewed cappuccino, consider garnishes like a hint of cinnamon or chocolate shavings to sprinkle on top of the foam. For an added edge, consider getting creative with latte art atop your cappuccino’s foam. 

To heighten your cappuccino’s visual presentation, remember that sometimes more straightforward is better. Choosing a plain, simple cup lets your cappuccino’s foamy top stand out and steal the show. An insulated cappuccino cup will also help the drink stay warmer longer—perfect for those who like to admire their cappuccino for as long as possible.

Finally, consider adjusting your coffee-making strategy for a wet vs. dry cappuccino for an even more elevated experience.

Common mistakes to avoid

The cappuccino-making process may require some trial and error before you find the right balance of espresso flavor, milk consistency, and foam distribution. However, you can confidently concoct your cappuccino by keeping the following tips in mind: 

● Avoid narrow, thin cups – Your favorite coffee mug at home might not be the ideal vehicle for a cappuccino. Your cup should have a wide rim to accommodate an even level of foam. It should also be well-insulated to avoid losing heat too quickly.

● Watch water ratios – Especially if you’re using an alternative to an espresso machine like a French press, your ratio of coffee to water will need to be adjusted. To find the optimal espresso consistency, reduce the amount of water you use until the coffee concentration is perfect.

● Remember that not all milk is equal – A lower-fat milk will not froth as consistently as whole-fat milk. Similarly, cashew and coconut milk are thinner and more watery than almond, soy, and oat milk, so they might not produce a satisfactory cappuccino foam. Keep this in mind when selecting your milk for your at-home cappuccino.

Master the art of the cappuccino with Breville

Want a home espresso machine that brews a delicious, creamy cappuccino without any guesswork, mess, or wasted ingredients? Breville engineers high-quality, user-friendly, completely customizable espresso machines that produce barista-grade coffee with a fraction of the effort.

The Barista Touch Impress can intelligently grind your beans, tamp your espresso puck, and steam your milk of choice with easy-to-use, adjustable settings. The Oracle® Touch super-automatic espresso machine takes it a step further, offering the convenience and efficiency of any preset coffee drink you desire: espresso, flat white, long black, or the lovely cappuccino.

Browse Breville’s coffee and espresso products to find your ideal coffee-making companion today.

Sources: 

1. Britannica. cappuccino. https://www.britannica.com/topic/cappuccino

2. Perfect Daily Grind. Cappuccino variations around the world. https://perfectdailygrind.com/2021/09/cappuccino-variations-around-the-world/

3. Perfect Daily Grind. Recreating A Coffee Shop Cappuccino At Home. https://perfectdailygrind.com/2020/07/recreating-a-coffee-shop-cappuccino-at-home/

4. Perfect Daily Grind. What Should Your Cappuccino Milk Temperature Be? https://perfectdailygrind.com/2019/02/what-temperature-should-your-cappuccino-milk-be/