Tired of spending a fortune at your favorite coffee shop for a latte? Here's the perfect solution. This simple recipe lets you make a café-worthy latte at home in just 5 minutes with two ingredients.
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If you are not a fan of coffee, try my Homemade Lemon Ginger Tea. It is made with healthy ingredients and is full of natural flavor.
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Why Make Your Own Latte?
I used to love grabbing a latte at my favorite coffee shop, but those $5 cups add up fast! Now, I whip up my own coffee shop drinks at home for a fraction of the cost. My homemade lattes taste just as good, if not better, than what you'd get at a café. Plus, making them at home means you can customize every cup exactly as you like!
Homemade Latte Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the printable recipe card below.
- Espresso or Strong Coffee: I use Starbucks Espresso Beans ground in my coffee grinder. You can also use strong brewed coffee if you don't have an espresso maker.
- Milk. Any milk will do—2%, whole, almond, oat, you name it.
- Sweetener (optional): I love using pure maple syrup, but you can use your preferred sweetener or skip it altogether.
Equipment
- Espresso Maker/Nespresso: Ideal for brewing concentrated shots of coffee.
- Moka Pot: A stovetop coffee maker that produces espresso-style coffee.
- Coffee Pot: Make strong coffee by adding extra grounds.
How To Make A Homemade Latte
For more detailed instructions with measurements, jump to the recipe card.
- Step 1: Brew Your Coffee: Make your espresso or strong coffee.
- Step 2: Prepare the Milk: If you're using sweetener, mix it into the milk. Heat and froth the milk using your desired method. (See below for details).
- Step 3: Assemble the Latte: Pour the brewed espresso into a mug. Slowly add the hot, frothed milk, holding back the foam with a spoon. Spoon the remaining foam on top.
- Step 4: Garnish and Enjoy: Spoon the remaining foam on top and sprinkle with cinnamon if desired.
How to Steam Milk
- Steam Wand: Fill your pitcher with cold milk, insert the steam wand, and move in a circular motion until frothy.
- Microwave: Heat milk in 30-second intervals, stirring each time.
- Stovetop: Heat milk in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously.
How to Froth Milk
- French Press: Pump hot milk vigorously for 30 seconds to a minute.
- Mason Jar: Shake hot milk in a jar until frothy.
- Handheld Frother: Spin the frother in hot milk until foamy.
- Blender: Blend hot milk on high speed for about 30 seconds.
- Whisk: Whisk hot milk vigorously in a bowl.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your latte with an apple cinnamon oatmeal muffin, banana chocolate chip muffin, or a pumpkin cream cheese muffin.
For more homemade latte recipes, check out Starbucks Copycat Caramel Brulée Latte or Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte.
Tips for the Perfect Latte
- Use freshly ground beans for the best flavor.
- Heat milk to 150°F for optimal froth.
- Garnish with cinnamon, nutmeg, or cocoa powder for extra flavor.
- Use decaffeinated coffee or espresso for a caffeine-free treat.
- Use cold brew concentrate instead of espresso for a smoother, less acidic latte.
- Experiment with different flavored syrups like vanilla, hazelnut, or caramel for a customized latte.
Homemeade Latte FAQs
Yes, but the flavor may differ from espresso-based lattes.
It’s more than that! A latte includes steamed milk and a small layer of frothed milk.
Yes, but whole milk creates the creamiest texture.
It might be the frothing technique or the milk’s fat content. Use whole or 2% milk for more stable foam.
More Delicious Homemade Coffee Recipes
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Delicious Latte Recipe
Ingredients
- ⅞ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup or honey
- 2 ounces espresso
- a sprinkle of cinnamon optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Milk: Add maple syrup to the milk and heat using a steam wand, stove, or microwave. Froth the milk using a steam wand, French press, handheld frother, blender, mason jar, or whisk.
- Assemble: Pour the brewed espresso into a mug. Slowly add the hot, frothed milk, holding back the foam with a spoon. Spoon the remaining foam on top. Sprinkle with cinnamon if desired. Enjoy!
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Notes
- Use freshly ground beans for the best flavor.
- Heat milk to 150°F for optimal froth.
- Garnish with cinnamon, nutmeg, or cocoa powder for extra flavor.
- Use decaffeinated coffee or espresso for a caffeine-free treat.
- Use cold brew concentrate instead of espresso for a smoother, less acidic latte.
- Experiment with different flavored syrups like vanilla, hazelnut, or caramel for a customized latte.
Nutrition
The provided nutrition information is automatically calculated. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
About Jeri Walker
Jeri Walker is the founder and CEO of Winding Creek Ranch. She is a self-taught home cook who specializes in easy family-friendly recipes. Jeri is also a food writer who regularly writes articles for MSN. Read about Jeri's journey and connect with her on your favorite social media channels!
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