How To Make The Classic Café Con Leche (Easy & Quick Recipe)
When I first visited Valencia, the Spanish Latte was my introduction to the city’s coffee culture. I still remember the first sip: creamy, sweet, and sweet. It was like dessert in a cup. I loved it instantly, but it left me curious.
The next morning, I decided to try Café con Leche, the simpler, more traditional option. No fancy sweetness, just strong coffee and perfectly steamed milk. And you know what? I loved it even more.
I mean, it didn’t need bells and whistles to make an impression. It felt warm, familiar, and just right for starting the day.
In this guide, I’ll show you everything you need to know about this timeless Spanish classic, from its ingredients to tips for making your own at home. So let’s start brewing!
What Is Café con Leche?
Café con Leche, which translates to “coffee with milk,” is a classic Spanish coffee drink. It’s made with equal parts strong coffee, typically espresso or a robustly brewed coffee and steamed milk.
This combo gives you a smooth, creamy texture that softens the boldness of the coffee without overwhelming its rich flavor.
![Café con leche recipe](https://coffeevoila.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Cafe-con-Leche-Portions.jpg)
Unlike a latte, which often uses more milk than coffee, Café con Leche keeps the two elements in perfect harmony.
I like the fact you can enjoy it hot in the morning or adapt it into an iced version for those warmer days. Often people prefer to sweeten it with sugar or honey. However, some prefer it unsweetened to fully appreciate the natural flavors of the coffee and milk.
Origins of Café con Leche
This coffee has its roots in Spain, where coffee culture has been deeply ingrained for centuries. This drink likely originated in the 1800s when locals began adding warm milk to their coffee to better its flavor and make it more enjoyable.
Over time, it became a breakfast staple. Usually served alongside toasted bread or churros. Its popularity spread to Latin America, where it evolved to match regional tastes, commonly paired with sweet pastries or pan dulce.
Today, Café con Leche is a global favorite and remains a symbol of Spanish hospitality and tradition.
![café con leche recipe](https://coffeevoila.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/cafe-con-leche-recipe.jpg)
How To Make The Classic Café Con Leche (Easy & Quick Recipe)
Equipment
- Espresso Machine or French Press: For brewing strong coffee.
- Milk frother or saucepan: To heat and froth the milk.
- Heatproof Cup or Mug: Preferably one that holds about 8–10 oz.
- Spoon: For mixing in sweetener.
Ingredients
- Coffee Base: You’ll need espresso or strong coffee as the foundation. If you don’t have an espresso machine, a French press or stovetop Moka pot works just as well. Just ensure your coffee is rich and bold, ideally using a dark roast.
- Milk: Whole milk is traditional for its creamy texture, but you can swap it for almond, oat, or soy milk if you’re going for a dairy-free version. Just be sure to use unsweetened varieties to avoid overpowering the coffee.
- Sweetener (Optional): Traditional Café con Leche is often unsweetened, but you can add sugar, honey, or even sweetened condensed milk for a touch of extra flavor.
Instructions
- Brew the Coffee: Start by brewing your espresso or strong coffee. If using a French press, add 1–2 tablespoons of finely ground coffee per cup, pour in hot water, and let it steep for about 4 minutes before pressing. For the most authentic taste, choose a dark roast blend like a Spanish or Latin American coffee.
- Heat and Froth the Milk: Gently heat your milk on the stove until warm, but not boiling (around 150°F works well). Use a frother or whisk to create a slight froth—not too much foam, just enough for a silky texture. If you’re using a plant-based milk, keep an eye on it, as some can scorch quickly.
- Combine Coffee and Milk: Pour equal parts of brewed coffee and steamed milk into your favorite mug. This balance is what makes Café con Leche so enjoyable. Neither the coffee nor the milk overpowers the other.
- Sweeten to Taste: If you like a sweeter drink, stir in a teaspoon of sugar or honey. You can also try adding a splash of sweetened condensed milk. Stir gently to blend everything together.
Video
Notes
Tip:
For the richest flavor, opt for a high-quality dark roast coffee like Lavazza Crema e Gusto or Bustelo Espresso Ground Coffee. These brands deliver a bold, smooth flavor that complements the creamy milk perfectly.Other Variations of Café con Leche
If you love Café con Leche as much as I do, you’ll be thrilled to know there are so many ways to enjoy this classic. So here are other fun options:
Iced Café con Leche
On hot days, an iced version of Café con Leche is amazing! All you need to do is chill your coffee and milk before joining them or pour your freshly brewed coffee over a glass full of ice. The result?
![Iced Café con Leche](https://coffeevoila.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Iced-Cafe-con-Leche.jpg)
A refreshing drink that’s just as creamy and bold as the original. But with that extra chill to keep you cool.
Bonus tip: Use coffee ice cubes (frozen leftover coffee) so your drink doesn’t get watered down as the ice melts.
Café con Leche with Condensed Milk
This version takes the classic and gives it a sweet and velvety twist. Instead of using sugar or honey, swap it out for a tablespoon or two of sweetened condensed milk.
![Café con Leche with Condensed Milk](https://coffeevoila.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Cafe-con-Leche-with-Condensed-Milk.jpg)
I have to tell you, once you’ve tried it this way, you’ll want to make it your go-to treat when you’re in the mood for something a little extra.
Vegan Café con Leche
If you’re looking for a plant-based version, it’s super easy to make Café con Leche vegan-friendly.
Replace the whole milk with almond, soy, or oat milk—oat milk, in particular, has a creamy texture that works beautifully in this recipe. You can also sweeten it with agave syrup or coconut sugar for an extra touch of flavor.
Café Con Leche Vs Spanish Latte Vs Cortado
Usually, people confuse cortado and Spanish latte because they look similar. But each one is unique. So, to clear up the confusion, I’ve broken down the differences in a simple table:
Feature | Café Con Leche | Spanish Latte | Cortado |
---|---|---|---|
Coffee-to-Milk Ratio | 1:1 (equal parts coffee and steamed milk) | 1:1 with added sweetness (condensed milk or sugar) | 1:1 (equal parts espresso and steamed milk) |
Sweetener | Optional (sugar or honey) | Usually sweetened with condensed milk or sugar | Rarely sweetened, typically unsweetened |
Milk Texture | Steamed milk with light froth | Steamed milk, creamy and rich | Steamed milk with minimal froth |
Espresso Base | Espresso or strong brewed coffee | Espresso | Espresso |
Serving Style | Typically served hot | Served hot or iced | Always served hot |
Origin | Spain and Latin America | Spain with Southeast Asian influence | Spain |
Flavor Profile | Bold yet balanced, creamy | Rich, creamy, and slightly sweet | Bold espresso flavor with light creaminess |
Best For | Breakfast or a light afternoon pick-me-up | When you want a sweet, indulgent coffee treat | A quick, bold espresso experience |
Tips for the Perfect Café con Leche
Well, here are some tips that will help you nail the classic Spanish experience.
1 – Great Food Pairings
This coffee truly shines when paired with the right snack. My go-to? A crispy churro dusted with cinnamon sugar or a buttery croissant. Both are perfect for dunking.
![churro with cafe con leche](https://coffeevoila.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/churro-with-cafe-con-leche.jpg)
If you’re in the mood for something sweet, cookies or a slice of sponge cake also work beautifully. Whatever you choose, keep it simple to let the coffee-milk combo take center stage.
2 – Milk Temperature
Here’s the deal: milk can make or break your Café con Leche. For this reason, you want to heat it gently until it’s warm and not boiling.
![steaming milk for cofe with leche](https://coffeevoila.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/steaming-milk-for-cofe-with-leche.jpg)
Because overheated milk loses its natural sweetness and can taste scorched. If you’ve got a thermometer, stay below 150°F (65°C). But honestly, just test it with a spoon; if it feels comfortably warm, you’re golden.
3 – Adjust Ratios
Traditionalists stick to a 1:1 coffee-to-milk ratio. However, you can tweak it based on your preference. Want a stronger kick? Then add a little more coffee or crave extra creaminess? Up the milk. I suggest you play around until you find your perfect balance.
4 – Traditional Timing
Café con Leche is a morning staple in Spain, often enjoyed with a slice of toast slathered in jam or butter. But honestly, there’s no rule saying you can’t have it in the afternoon with a sweet pastry. Whenever you choose to enjoy it, this drink has a way of making even the simplest moments feel special.
Last Thoughts
I’d love to hear from you. Have you ever tried making Café con Leche at home? Do you have a secret ingredient or special pairing you swear by? Leave your tips, questions, or experiences in the comments below. And with that voilà!
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