A cafe latte is a classic coffee beverage that combines the rich, bold flavor of espresso with the creamy, smooth texture of steamed milk. It's a perfect way to start your day or enjoy a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. This simple yet satisfying drink can be easily made at home with just a few basic ingredients and tools.
The key ingredients for a cafe latte are espresso and milk. If you don't already have an espresso machine, you might need to visit a specialty store or order one online. Additionally, a milk frother is essential for achieving the perfect texture of steamed and frothed milk. These tools are crucial for creating an authentic cafe latte experience at home.

Ingredients For Cafe Latte Recipe
Espresso: A concentrated coffee brewed by forcing a small amount of nearly boiling water through finely-ground coffee beans. Milk: Can be whole milk or any preferred type such as almond, soy, or oat milk.
Technique Tip for Making a Latte
To achieve a perfectly balanced cafe latte, ensure your espresso shot is brewed within 25-30 seconds for optimal flavor extraction. When steaming the milk, aim for a temperature of around 150-155°F to create a silky microfoam that blends seamlessly with the espresso.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
espresso - Substitute with strong brewed coffee: If you don't have an espresso machine, you can use strong brewed coffee as a substitute. It won't be as concentrated, but it will still provide a rich coffee flavor.
whole milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a great dairy-free alternative that froths well and adds a slightly nutty flavor to your latte.
whole milk - Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk is another excellent dairy-free option that has a creamy texture and froths nicely, making it a popular choice for lattes.
whole milk - Substitute with soy milk: Soy milk is a versatile dairy-free alternative that froths well and has a neutral taste, making it a good substitute for whole milk in lattes.
whole milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk can add a tropical twist to your latte with its rich and creamy texture, though it will impart a distinct coconut flavor.
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How To Store / Freeze Your Latte
- Allow the cafe latte to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation and maintains the integrity of the espresso and milk mixture.
- Transfer the cooled cafe latte into an airtight container. Glass jars or BPA-free plastic containers work best to preserve the flavor.
- Label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness. Freshly made cafe latte can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- For freezing, pour the cafe latte into ice cube trays. This allows you to thaw only the amount you need without compromising the rest.
- Once frozen, transfer the cafe latte cubes into a freezer-safe bag or container. This method can keep your cafe latte fresh for up to 1 month.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw the cafe latte cubes in the refrigerator overnight or use a microwave to defrost them gently.
- Reheat the thawed cafe latte on the stovetop or in the microwave until it reaches your desired temperature. Stir well to recombine any separated milk and espresso.
- For an extra touch, re-froth the milk before serving to recreate that fresh, creamy texture.
How To Reheat Leftovers
- gently reheat the latte on the stove over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent the milk from scorching.
- use a microwave by placing the latte in a microwave-safe mug and heating it in 15-second intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
- employ a milk frother with a heating function to reheat and re-froth the latte, restoring some of the original texture.
- for a quick fix, use a steam wand on an espresso machine to reheat the latte directly, which can also help reintroduce some froth.
Essential Tools for Making a Latte
Espresso machine: Used to brew a concentrated shot of espresso, which forms the base of the latte.
Milk frother: Essential for steaming and frothing the milk to achieve the creamy texture and foam required for a latte.
Spoon: Utilized to hold back the foam while pouring the steamed milk into the espresso shot and to spoon the remaining foam on top.
Coffee cup: The vessel in which the latte is served, typically a larger cup to accommodate both the espresso and the steamed milk.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Preheat the machine: Turn on your espresso machine and milk frother in advance to save time.
Use pre-ground coffee: If you're in a hurry, use pre-ground coffee instead of grinding beans.
Batch steam milk: Steam more milk than needed and store it in the fridge for quick reheating.
Clean as you go: Clean your tools and equipment immediately after use to save time later.
Use a microwave: Heat your milk in the microwave if you don't have a milk frother.

Cafe Latte
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 shot Espresso
- 1 cup Milk whole or any preferred type
Instructions
- Brew one shot of espresso using the espresso machine.
- Steam and froth the milk using the milk frother.
- Pour the steamed milk into the espresso shot, holding back the foam with a spoon.
- Spoon the remaining foam on top of the latte.
Nutritional Value
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