French Vanilla Cappuccino: Café-Quality at Home

A luxurious drink that combines rich espresso with steamed milk and a delicate touch of vanilla syrup, topped with a cloud-like foam.
A cup of hot cappuccino mixed with French vanilla

Happy Cappuccino Day! I’m celebrating with a French Vanilla Cappuccino – the perfect mix of creamy vanilla sweetness and bold espresso.

French Vanilla Cappuccino recipe

French Vanilla Cappuccino is a delightful version of the traditional Cappuccino. This drink combines rich espresso, steamed milk, and a generous layer of frothed milk enriched with French vanilla. Unlike regular vanilla, French vanilla creates a more complex and sophisticated flavor profile.

A cup of French vanilla cappuccino with cinnamon stick

This cappuccino mixed with French vanilla drink offers a sweet and creamy flavor profile, blending the rich essence of coffee with the smooth, gentle taste of vanilla. A hint of nutmeg adds a mild spice that enhances the sweetness. This combination gives you a more luxurious feeling than the usual coffee experience.

Here’s how to make the French vanilla cappuccino:

A cup of hot cappuccino mixed with French vanilla

French Vanilla Cappuccino

A luxurious drink that combines rich espresso with steamed milk and a delicate touch of vanilla syrup, topped with a cloud-like foam.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine Italian
Servings 1

Nutrition

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 oz espresso
  • 3/4 cup milk whole milk for creaminess, or substitute with almond or oat milk
  • 1-2 tsp French vanilla syrup adjust to taste
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract optional, for extra flavor
  • Ground cinnamon or cocoa powder optional, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Brew a shot of espresso using an espresso machine or stovetop espresso maker. Pour into a large mug.
  • In a milk frother, heat and froth the milk until it’s creamy and doubled in volume. If you don't have a frother, you can heat milk in a saucepan and use a handheld frother.
  • Stir the French vanilla syrup and vanilla extract (if using) into the espresso.
  • Pour the steamed milk over the espresso, holding back the foam with a spoon. Spoon the foam on top to create a beautiful, creamy layer.
  • Sprinkle with cinnamon or cocoa powder if desired. Enjoy immediately while warm.

Notes

  • Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less French vanilla syrup.
  • For an extra treat, try adding a drizzle of caramel syrup on top!
Keyword coffee recipe, French vanilla cappuccino, homemade coffee drink, homemade drink
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How to pair

1. Breakfast Pairings

  • Light Morning Snacks:
  • Sweet Breakfast Options:
    • Croissants and Danish pastries
    • French toast with maple syrup
    • Vanilla scones
    • Swedish pancakes
    • Muffins
      • Cranberry orange muffins
      • Chocolate zucchini muffins
      • Paleo apple muffins
  • Savory Breakfast Choices:
    • Quiche
    • Eggs Benedict
    • Breakfast sandwiches with eggs and cheese

2. Afternoon Pairings

  • Light Pastries:
  • Sandwiches:
    • Turkey and cranberry
    • Chicken salad
    • Grilled cheese with apple
  • Desserts:
    • Vanilla bean cheesecake: A classic pairing that adds a creamy element to your coffee experience.
    • Chocolate croissants
    • Caramel bread pudding

3. Evening Pairings

  • After-Dinner Options:
  • Light Evening Snacks:
    • Shortbread cookies
    • Vanilla wafers
    • Chocolate-covered nuts
  • Dessert Pairings:

Variations

1. Vegan Version

  • Use plant-based milk such as almond, oat, or coconut milk.
  • Frothing plant-based milk: use oat milk for better frothing.

2. Ice cappuccino

  •  Add ice cubes to the cappuccino, or
  • Chill it in the fridge

3. Flavored Additions: Incorporate flavors like hazelnut or butterscotch to enhance the vanilla taste.

4. Creamy Variation: Substitute part of the milk with half-and-half or heavy cream for a richer texture.

Tips

  • Burning the Milk: Avoid letting milk burn while heating. Stir occasionally and monitor it closely to prevent scorching, which can give a bitter taste to your cappuccino.
  • Improper Frothing: Proper frothing is key for the creamy texture and volume in a cappuccino. Use a milk frother or blender to aerate the milk thoroughly, ensuring the right amount of foam.

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