The Perfect Classic Flat White Recipe for Coffee Lovers

Brewing the perfect flat white coffee takes skill and a delicate touch that separates amateur baristas from true coffee artisans.

This Australian-born espresso drink blends rich, velvety espresso with silky smooth steamed milk in a harmonious balance.

Specialty coffee shops have popularized the flat white across global cafes, making it a beloved morning staple for caffeine enthusiasts.

Professional baristas carefully craft this beverage by maintaining precise milk temperature and texture, creating a luxurious drinking experience.

The magic happens when expertly pulled espresso combines with microfoam that’s smoother than traditional cappuccino milk.

Each sip delivers a robust coffee flavor with a creamy, elegant finish that energizes and delights.

Jump into this simple yet sophisticated recipe and unlock the secrets to making cafe-quality flat white right in your own kitchen.

Tips for Frothing & Pouring a Flat White

• Creative Techniques
• Experiment with different milk types like oat, almond, or whole milk to discover unique flavor profiles and creamy consistencies that complement the espresso.
• Select single-origin beans from regions like Colombia or Ethiopia to add depth and complexity to your flat white's overall taste experience.
• Practice latte art techniques by using a thin-spouted pitcher and controlling milk flow to create elegant designs like rosettas, hearts, or simple swirls on the surface.
• Let espresso cool slightly for 10-15 seconds after brewing to prevent scorching and optimize the delicate balance between coffee and milk flavors.

Best Ways to Serve a Classic Flat White

• Savor Solo Delight: Enjoy this classic flat white as a personal morning pick-me-up, perfect for a quiet moment of indulgence before starting your day.
• Pair with Pastry Pleasure: Complement the rich espresso flavor with a buttery croissant or a delicate almond biscotti for a delightful breakfast or afternoon treat.
• Create Cafe-Style Experience: Serve in a white ceramic cup to showcase the beautiful milk art and capture the authentic coffee shop ambiance right in your own kitchen.
• Customize with Sweetness: Add a light dusting of cocoa powder or cinnamon on top for an extra layer of flavor and a professional barista-style finishing touch.

Storing Milk or Coffee for Flat Whites

• Maximize Coffee Freshness: Store whole coffee beans in an opaque, airtight container away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture to maintain optimal flavor and aroma.
• Quick Milk Management: Refrigerate unused steamed milk immediately and consume within 24 hours for best taste and food safety. Transfer to a sealed container to prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
• Smart Equipment Care: Clean espresso machine steam wand and milk frother after each use with a damp cloth to prevent milk residue buildup and potential bacterial growth. Perform deep cleaning weekly using specialized cleaning solutions.
• Batch Brewing Strategy: Prepare espresso shots in advance and store in a thermos to maintain temperature and quality for up to 2 hours. Reheat gently to preserve the original rich flavor profile without compromising taste.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 80 kcal

Servings: 2

Ingredients to Make a Classic Flat White

• Espresso Beans: Choose high-quality, freshly roasted beans for rich, deep flavor with complex notes.
• Instant Coffee Concentrate: Opt for premium instant coffee with robust intensity when espresso machine is unavailable.

• Whole Milk, Barista Milk: Select fresh, cold milk with higher fat content for smoother, creamier texture and optimal microfoam.
• Oat Milk, Almond Milk: Alternative plant-based milks work well for dairy-free preferences with slightly different foam characteristics.

• Cocoa Powder: Delicate sprinkle adds subtle chocolate undertone and elegant visual finish to the drink.

Tools for Crafting a Barista-Worthy Flat White

• Espresso Machine: Essential for brewing perfect espresso and steaming milk with precision.
• Heatproof Cup (150-170ml): Ideal for serving the flat white with the right volume.
• Steam Wand: Key tool for creating smooth, velvety milk texture.
• Milk Jug: Helps control milk pouring and create latte art patterns.
• Electric Milk Frother: Convenient alternative if no steam wand is available.
• French Press: Optional backup method for frothing milk.
• Coffee Pods (Compostable): Backup espresso brewing option.
• Stovetop Coffee Maker: Alternative espresso brewing method.

How to Make a Classic Flat White at Home

• Espresso Preparation

Select a heatproof cup and brew rich, dark espresso using your preferred method like an espresso machine, coffee pods, or concentrated instant coffee.

• Milk Transformation

Heat and texture milk until silky smooth, creating a velvety microfoam using a steam wand, electric frother, or alternative frothing technique.

• Artful Combination

Carefully stream the milk into the espresso, pouring from a gentle height to blend the layers and create a harmonious coffee experience with a delicate, creamy finish.

Silky Flat White Recipe

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• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Smooth espresso meets creamy milk in this classic flat white recipe from Australia. Baristas craft this balanced drink with precise technique and high-quality ingredients, offering coffee enthusiasts a perfect midday indulgence you can easily master at home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 fl oz (60 ml) espresso
• 3.4–4.4 fl oz (100–130 ml) whole milk

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Instructions

1. Espresso Extraction: Harness the full potential of your espresso machine to brew a bold, concentrated shot into a heatproof vessel. Lacking professional equipment, explore alternative methods like coffee pods, stovetop brewing, or crafting an intensely robust instant coffee concentrate.
2. Milk Transformation: Engage the steam wand with precision, positioning it just beneath the milk’s surface to create a luxurious, micro-foam texture. Without a steam wand, leverage an electric milk frother or employ the French press technique to achieve a silky, velvety consistency.
3. Artful Assembly: Execute a deliberate, controlled pour of the steamed milk into the espresso’s core, orchestrating a graceful blend. As you near completion, subtly manipulate the milk jug to manifest an elegant swirling pattern or a delicate heart-shaped design, ensuring a seamless, uniform texture that epitomizes the classic flat white’s sophisticated character.

Notes

• Master Espresso Extraction: Choose high-quality, freshly roasted espresso beans and grind them moments before brewing to capture maximum flavor and aroma intensity.
• Perfect Milk Steaming Technique: Angle the steam wand precisely at a 45-degree position to create microfoam with a smooth, glossy texture that blends seamlessly with espresso.
• Balanced Temperature Control: Heat milk between 140-160°F to preserve its natural sweetness and prevent scorching, ensuring a rich, creamy mouthfeel.
• Pouring Precision Matters: Practice a slow, steady pour directly into the espresso’s center, allowing the milk and coffee to integrate harmoniously without disrupting the delicate microfoam structure.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Drinks
• Method: Steaming
• Cuisine: Australian/New Zealand

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 80
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg