Better Homes' Cappuccino is a simple no-machine cappuccino made by topping brewed espresso with whipped cream, orange zest, and warm spices. It requires only filtered water, ground espresso, heavy cream, and basic kitchen tools.
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*Note: amount of filtered water and coffee needed for this recipe is estimated depending on the type of coffeemaker you use.
Brew the coffee. If possible, please use filtered water to prepare the coffee.
In the meantime, in a small chilled mixing bowl, (preferably metal) whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar together until soft peaks form-the tips will curl.
Pour the brewed coffee into cups.
Spoon the whipped cream onto the coffee. You don't have to stir the whipped cream as it will "melt" into the coffee from the heat.
Garnish with orange zest, if desired sprinkle with a little bit of cardamom and add one cinnamon stick per cup (the "stirrer" aka swizzle stick).
Each serving equals about 3 ounces.
Cappuccino is best served immediately. Brew coffee ahead and store in an airtight container up to 24 hours; reheat gently before topping with freshly whipped cream.
coffeemaker (Bialetti stovetop espresso maker, drip, or pour-over) · small metal mixing bowl (chilled) · whisk or electric mixer
No. The recipe uses any coffeemaker—a Bialetti stovetop espresso maker, drip coffee maker, or pour-over work fine. Use finely ground espresso beans and filtered water.
Cold equipment helps the heavy cream whip faster and hold soft peaks longer. The chilled bowl prevents the cream from warming and losing its texture.
No. Leave the whipped cream on top—the heat of the hot coffee will gradually melt it into the drink, creating the layered cappuccino texture.
Brew the coffee ahead and reheat gently, but whip the cream and assemble the cappuccino just before serving so the cream stays fluffy.
Each serving equals about 3 ounces of brewed coffee topped with whipped cream and garnishes.
