I promise, if you make this perfect Flat White at home once, you’ll forget those Starbucks trips forever. Using three simple and inexpensive ingredients I can make that sweet, creamy, and delightfully caffeinated beverage that is as good as the coffee shop.
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Sometimes, you really need a shot of espresso to start the day! While there are some coffee purists that enjoy the taste of espresso without milk, I like to dress it up with just a little bit of frothed whole milk and a splash of sweetener. That way, I get my caffeine fix and enjoy my lightly sweetened drink that’s still strong, but doesn’t have that bitter espresso taste.
Once you master this quick and easy flat white recipe in your kitchen, you’ll never overpay at a coffee shop again! You’ll will love my copycat hot flat white just as much as I do.
And if you are a Starbuck’s FAN like me and don’t get time to go often then my Egg Bites, Pink Drink, and Pineapple Matcha will keep you occupied. Make them, Love them, and Enjoy them!!
Flat White vs Cappuccino vs Latte
I know, how confusing it is to decide which one to order/make. Let me explain this. Flat white, Cappuccino, and Latte are all espresso based drinks, they all have distinct characteristics, texture and coffee-to-milk ratio.
Hot Flat white is a latte without milk foam! It is a shot of espresso, topped with steamed milk. Unlike a cappuccino or latte, the foam in flat white is thinner, due to which bold flavors of espresso shines through yet coffee remains creamy and smooth.
Cappuccino is a lighter version of latte with good amount of foamed milk but less strong than flat white. It is more balanced coffee-to-milk ratio, creamy with thicker foam, giving it a distinct frothy top.
Latte with a higher milk-to-espresso ratio, is the creamiest of the three. Unlike flat white and cappuccino, latte has much milder coffee taste due to its higher milk-to-coffee ratio. It is less frothy when compared to cappuccino but higher than flat white.
Overall, it all depends how strong or mild you like your coffee and what milk quantity you like to have at any given time of the day.
If you don’t have an espresso maker, don’t worry! This drink can also be made with strongly brewed coffee. It’s a real treat either way! While it won’t taste as strong, you can use your favorite kind of coffee (or even cold brew) depending on what you enjoy and have on hand.
Ingredients for Homemade Flat Whites
Pour your espresso, stir in your sweetener, and froth the milk. Voila, you have a flat white! The great part is you can even make your flat white without milk, by using non-dairy milk like oat milk, and still can enjoy it.
- Espresso: I recommend using a good quality, strong espresso. My favorite Nespresso pods for flat whites are the Scuro and Chiaro. While it won’t taste as strong, you can use your favorite kind of coffee (or even cold brew) depending on what you enjoy and have on hand.
- Sweetener: While totally optional, I like to sweeten flat whites with a vanilla or caramel coffee syrup – about ½ pump. You could also use simple syrup or quick dissolve sugar or sugar-free if you prefer.
- Milk: Use your favorite kind of dairy or non-dairy milk (try this homemade oat milk!). If using a non-dairy milk, choose a “barista blend” that’s made specifically for coffee – they tend to foam better.
Tips For Success
- You can use freshly brewed coffee, I highly recommend using espresso if you can.
- Sweetener is optional but feel free to add as per taste.
- If using the microwave to heat the milk, watch it closely as it can quickly overheat and splatter.
- For even more flavor, add a caramel or chocolate syrup drizzle on top.
- This recipe can be easily doubled!
This no-frills flat white recipe is perfect for starting off your busy day. It’s slightly sweet, has just the right amount of frothed milk, and a kick of espresso to wake you up!
Serving Suggestions
Well, I prefer to have my hot flat white as-is in the morning to give me a kick start for the day. But for afternoons, some chocolate cookie works just great, with chocolaty goodness, I don’t add any sweetener. Mocha Cookies, Nutella Stuffed Cookies, Caramel Stuffed Cookies, Hershey Kiss Cookies and S’more Brownie Cookies are my favorite ones to balance the bitterness of espresso without sweetener.
5-Star Review
“I made this last night and it was the moistest chicken we’ve ever had. A bit of crispy and the flavor was wonderful. I didn’t have buttermilk and did add lemon juice to 1% milk. I am making it again today. Thank you for this recipe.” – Dawn
Homemade Flat White
Ingredients
- 1 shot espresso or strongly brewed coffee
- Sweetener optional
- ¼ cup whole milk
Instructions
- In a small coffee mug, combine the espresso and sweetener, if using.1 shot espresso, Sweetener
- Froth the milk. See recipe notes for various frothing methods. Pour frothed milk over the espresso and serve immediately.¼ cup whole milk
Video
Becky’s Tips
- How to Froth Milk: If using a milk frother, add the milk to the frother and heat according to the manufacturer’s instructions. To froth the milk using the microwave or stovetop, heat the milk for 1 minute in the microwave or just until it starts to steam on the stovetop. Carefully transfer the milk to a mason jar and shake for 45 seconds, or until the milk has formed a thick froth. Be careful – the milk will be hot! Make sure to fully secure the lid and wrap the mason jar in a towel, if needed.
- For even more flavor, add a caramel or chocolate syrup drizzle on top.
- This recipe can be easily doubled!
- Sweetener is optional but feel free to add as per taste.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment!
How to Make Flat White Step by Step
Combine Espresso and Sweetener: In a glass coffee mug combine 1 shot espresso of and your favorite sweetener as per taste.
Add frothed milk: Take 1/4 cup oh whole milk in a mason jar and froth. See recipe notes for various frothing methods. Pour frothed milk over the espresso and serve immediately.
Serve and Enjoy: It’s easy to ignore your needs in the morning, especially if you have a busy day ahead of you. Make the best out of your mornings by treating yourself to the coffee you deserve!
