Oat milk is quickly becoming a favorite dairy alternative, especially for coffee lovers.
Its creamy texture and natural sweetness make it perfect for cappuccinos.
Unlike other plant-based milks, oat milk creates a smooth, velvety foam that pairs beautifully with the bold flavors of espresso.
Plus, it’s vegan, lactose-free, and better for the environment.
Whether you’re avoiding dairy or just looking for a new twist on your cappuccino, oat milk offers the ideal solution.
Here’s how to make a simple but delicious cappuccino using oat milk!
How To Make An Oat Milk Cappuccino: At A Glance
- Brew 1 shot of espresso using your preferred method (e.g., espresso machine, AeroPress, or Moka pot).
- Steam 6-8 oz of barista-style oat milk to 135°F–150°F.
- Froth the steamed oat milk using a steam wand, handheld frother, or French press.
- Pour the espresso into a cup and top with the frothed oat milk.
- Optionally, garnish with cinnamon, cocoa powder, or a flavored syrup.
Brief Overview of Cappuccinos
A cappuccino is a classic Italian coffee drink made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and frothed milk.
The espresso provides a bold, strong base, while the steamed milk adds creaminess, and the frothed milk creates a light, airy top layer.
Traditionally, cappuccinos are made with cow’s milk, which produces a rich texture when frothed.
However, with the rise of plant-based alternatives, many people are now turning to oat milk for their cappuccinos.
Oat milk offers a similar creamy texture to cow’s milk but is naturally sweeter and dairy-free.
Whether made with dairy or oat milk, a cappuccino maintains its distinctive layers and balanced flavor, but using oat milk gives it a vegan and lactose-free twist, making it accessible to a wider range of coffee drinkers.
Ingredients for an Oat Milk Cappuccino
- Espresso: 1 shot of espresso (use dark or medium roast beans for a bold flavor)
- Barista-Style Oat Milk: 6-8 oz (180-240 ml) of barista-style oat milk (e.g., Oatly Barista Edition)
- Optional Sweeteners and Flavorings:
- 1-2 tsp maple syrup or honey (for natural sweetness)
- A pinch of cinnamon or cocoa powder (for a flavorful topping)
- 1 tsp vanilla or caramel syrup (optional for added flavor)
How to Make Oat Milk Cappuccino (Step-by-Step Guide)
Step 1: Brew an Espresso Shot
Start by brewing a shot of espresso.
You can use an espresso machine for best results, but if you don’t have one, alternatives like a Moka pot, AeroPress, or Nespresso machine work well too.
The goal is to extract a strong, concentrated coffee base.
Step 2: Steam the Oat Milk
Pour 6-8 oz of barista-style oat milk into a steaming pitcher.
Heat the milk to around 135°F–150°F.
Barista-style oat milk is perfect for frothing due to its higher fat content, which creates a creamy, smooth texture.
Avoid overheating the milk, as this can affect the taste and consistency.
Step 3: Froth the Oat Milk
Froth the steamed oat milk using one of several methods.
If you have a steam wand, use it to introduce air into the milk, moving in circular motions to create a fine foam.
If you don’t have a steam wand, you can use a handheld frother or a French press.
Both methods will still create a thick foam, ideal for topping your cappuccino.
Step 4: Pour the Espresso and Top with Frothed Oat Milk
Once your espresso is ready, pour it into a cup.
Then, slowly pour the steamed oat milk over the espresso, holding back the foam.
Finish by adding the frothed milk on top to create the classic cappuccino layers.
Step 5: Optional Garnishes
For added flavor, garnish your oat milk cappuccino with a light dusting of cocoa powder or cinnamon.
These small additions enhance the taste and appearance of your drink.
Enjoy your creamy, homemade oat milk cappuccino!
Pro Tips for Frothing Oat Milk
For the best froth, always use high-fat content, barista-grade oat milk.
This type of oat milk is specifically formulated to create a thick, creamy foam, mimicking the texture of dairy milk.
The higher fat content helps to trap air and create microfoam, which is essential for a smooth cappuccino.
As mentioned earlier, when frothing oat milk, aim for a temperature between 135°F and 150°F.
Heating the milk beyond 150°F can scorch it, affecting both the taste and texture.
One of the most common mistakes is placing the steam wand too deep or too shallow in the milk.
Too deep results in little froth, while too shallow creates large, uneven bubbles.
Customizing Your Oat Milk Cappuccino
Adding Flavors
One of the best ways to personalize your oat milk cappuccino is by adding flavorful syrups or spices.
Popular choices include vanilla, hazelnut, and caramel syrups, which blend seamlessly with the creamy oat milk, enhancing its natural sweetness.
If you prefer a spicier twist, you can sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg on top for a warm, comforting flavor.
For a richer taste, consider a dash of cocoa powder or even shaved chocolate, both of which pair beautifully with the coffee’s boldness and the milk’s smooth texture.
Sweeteners
For those who like their cappuccino a bit sweeter, there are plenty of natural sweeteners you can add.
Maple syrup or honey works well, complementing the oat milk’s subtle sweetness without overpowering the espresso.
Brown sugar is another excellent option, offering a slightly caramelized flavor that deepens the drink’s complexity.
Conclusion
Making an oat milk cappuccino at home is simple, delicious, and a great alternative to dairy-based drinks.
With the right ingredients and techniques, you can enjoy a creamy, perfectly frothed cappuccino anytime.
Remember to use high-quality barista-style oat milk for the best results and take care when frothing to create that smooth texture.
Now, it’s time to try the recipe yourself and enjoy the rich, satisfying taste of an oat milk cappuccino right from your kitchen!
FAQs
Can you use other coffee brewers for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other coffee brewers if you don’t have an espresso machine.
Alternatives like a French press, AeroPress, or Moka pot can brew strong coffee similar to espresso, perfect for your oat milk cappuccino.
How does oat milk compare to almond milk for frothing?
Oat milk froths better than almond milk due to its higher fat and protein content.
Barista-style oat milk is specially formulated to create a thick, creamy foam, while almond milk tends to be thinner and less stable when frothed.
This makes oat milk a superior choice for creamy, rich cappuccinos.
Does Starbucks offer oat milk cappuccinos?
Yes, Starbucks offers oat milk cappuccinos.
You can recreate a similar version at home by using their oat milk and espresso recipes.
For a DIY Starbucks-style oat milk cappuccino, use barista-grade oat milk and your favorite espresso blend, adding flavorings like vanilla or caramel for an extra touch.
