Flat white coffee: What is it? Plus make one at home.
Combine the strength of espresso, with creamy steamed milk and you have a flat white coffee.
Equipment
- 1 Coffee grinder
- 1 coffee maker or espresso machine
- 1 steam wand or frother/whisk/blender
- 1 food thermometer (optional)
- 1 cup or mug
- 1 spoon
Ingredients
- 1-2 shots espresso
- ½ cup milk
- 1-2 tsp sugar or honey/sweetener (optional)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- ½ tsp cocoa powder (optional)
Instructions
- Brew 1-2 shots of espresso (depending on how strong you like your coffee)
- While the espresso is brewing, pour the milk into a jug and add the vanilla extract and heat (either with a steam wand or in a microwave)
- Once the milk is at a working temperature, angle the steam wand (or blender) to foam it to a creamy texture
- Once the espresso is ready, pout it into a large cup or mug
- Gently pour the milk over the espresso, holding back some foam for the top
- For an optional finishing touch, dust with cocoa powder
Notes
Top Tips for making a flat white coffee
- The key to making a great flat white is to use fresh ingredients, including: good quality dairy or non dairy milk, high quality beans that you freshly grind, and to steam the milk until it reaches a thick creamy foam.
- You can use any coffee maker you have access to to make a short strong coffee or an espresso machine.
- If you have a steam wand you do not need to pre-heat the milk.
- Otherwise, heat the milk in a sauce pan over medium heat, or in a microwave, until it reaches 140°F (60°C). Do not let it boil.
- To foam the milk with a steam wand or blender: angle the steam wand/blender into the jug. Initially, keep the wand straight into the jug of milk. This will encourage a swirling motion.
- Then raise the wand until it is just below the surface at a 45 angle. This will cause a foam to form. You are aiming for a velvety micro-foam, giving the drink its characteristic thick, velvety texture.
- If you are feeling confident try your hand at some flat white art. It will really impress your friends and family.
- Sure, you can make a run to your favorite coffee shop, or if you are already in town, it makes sense to stop for a cup. But if you are at home and relaxing, wouldn’t it be easier (and cheaper!) to make a great flat white at home?
With an espresso machine
- Once you’ve ground the coffee, fire up your brewer of choice. If you are lucky enough to have an espresso machine, brew 1-2 shots of espresso. Otherwise use your preferred coffee maker to brew a short strong coffee.
- While the coffee is brewing it’s time to prepare the milk. With an espresso machine you will likely have a steam wand making the job of heating and foaming the milk relatively easy.
Without an espresso machine
- For a deep dive into making an espresso without a machine, check out How to make espresso without a machine.
Nutrition
Calories: 103kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 4gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 54mgPotassium: 239mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 209IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 160mgIron: 0.1mg
Nutritional Disclaimer
All nutritional information is an estimate only, based on third-party calculations derived from an online nutritional calculator, Spoonacular API. The data provided is a courtesy and should not be considered a guarantee or fact. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients and brands you use, your measuring methods and portion sizes. For accurate results, we recommend that you calculate the nutritional information yourself, using a preferred nutritional calculator or advice from a nutritionist, based on your ingredients and individual processes.
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