Cappuccino mastery: step-by-step guide to perfecting your morning treat with the breville barista touch

Brewing a velvety cappuccino at home is now within reach with the Breville Barista Touch. This intuitive espresso machine empowers you to create café-quality beverages with ease. Follow our step-by-step guide to master the art of making a delectable cappuccino with the Breville Barista Touch.

Getting Started: Gathering the Essentials

Before embarking on your cappuccino-making journey, ensure you have the following:

• Breville Barista Touch espresso machine
• Freshly ground coffee beans (medium roast recommended)
• Tamper
• Milk pitcher
• Thermometer (optional)

Step 1: Grinding and Tamping the Coffee

• Grind 18-20 grams of coffee beans into a fine grind.
• Place the portafilter into the machine and fill it with the ground coffee.
• Use the tamper to firmly compress the coffee, creating a flat and even surface.

Step 2: Extracting the Espresso

• Insert the portafilter into the machine and lock it in place.
• Press the “Espresso” button and let the machine extract 30-35ml of espresso into a preheated cup.

Step 3: Steaming the Milk

• Pour 200ml of cold milk into the milk pitcher.
• Insert the steam wand into the milk, just below the surface.
• Turn on the steam wand and start frothing the milk.
• Keep the steam wand tip in the milk and move it around in a circular motion.
• As the milk heats up, the foam will expand.
• Aim for a milk temperature of 60-65°C (140-150°F).

Step 4: Creating the Microfoam

• Once the milk reaches the desired temperature, lower the steam wand to just below the surface of the milk.
• Continue steaming for a few seconds to create a velvety microfoam.

Step 5: Combining the Espresso and Milk

• Pour the steamed milk over the extracted espresso in a circular motion.
• The microfoam will slowly incorporate into the espresso, creating a rich and creamy cappuccino.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

• Sprinkle a dusting of cocoa powder or cinnamon on top for a touch of elegance.
• Enjoy your freshly brewed cappuccino!

Tips for the Perfect Cappuccino

• Use high-quality, freshly roasted coffee beans for optimal flavor.
• Experiment with different coffee-to-milk ratios to find your preferred balance.
• Practice makes perfect! The more cappuccinos you make, the better you’ll become at creating a consistent and delicious beverage.

Troubleshooting: Common Issues

• Espresso is too bitter: Use a coarser grind or reduce the amount of coffee used.
• Espresso is too sour: Use a finer grind or increase the amount of coffee used.
• Milk is not frothing: Ensure the steam wand is fully submerged in the milk and that the milk is cold.
• Cappuccino is too hot: Let the milk cool down slightly before pouring it over the espresso.

Questions You May Have

• What is the difference between a cappuccino and a latte? A cappuccino has a thicker layer of microfoam compared to a latte.
• Can I use skim milk to make a cappuccino? Yes, but whole milk or 2% milk will produce a richer and creamier froth.
• How can I customize my cappuccino? Add flavored syrups, sprinkles, or chocolate shavings to create unique and delicious variations.