Go Back

Vanilla Chestnut Cappuccino - Cozy Flavor in a Cup

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Espresso: 1–2 shots (about 30–60 ml). Strong brewed coffee works in a pinch.
  • Milk: 6–8 oz (180–240 ml) of whole milk for the creamiest foam. Oat, almond, or lactose-free milk also work.
  • Chestnut puree or chestnut spread: 1–2 tablespoons. Unsweetened puree lets you control sweetness; chestnut spread (like crème de marrons) is sweetened.
  • Vanilla extract: 1/2 teaspoon. Use a good-quality pure vanilla for the best flavor.
  • Sweetener: 1–2 teaspoons sugar, maple syrup, or honey (adjust to taste). Skip if using sweetened chestnut spread.
  • Cinnamon or nutmeg (optional): A pinch, for dusting.
  • Hot water (optional): 1–2 teaspoons to loosen thick chestnut puree.

Method
 

  1. Warm your cup: Fill your mug with hot water while you prepare the coffee. This helps your cappuccino stay hot and keeps the foam stable.
  2. Brew the espresso: Pull 1–2 shots of espresso. If you don’t have an espresso machine, brew 1/3 cup of very strong coffee using an Aeropress, Moka pot, or a concentrated pour-over.
  3. Mix the flavor base: In a small bowl, combine the chestnut puree, vanilla extract, and sweetener. If the puree is very thick, add a teaspoon or two of hot water to make it glossy and spoonable.
  4. Heat the milk: Warm milk to about 150–155°F (65–68°C). It should be hot but not boiling. On the stove, heat gently and keep an eye on it; in the microwave, short bursts work best.
  5. Froth the milk: Use a steam wand, handheld frother, French press, or whisk. Aim for a fine, velvety microfoam. A French press makes this easy—pump 15–20 times until the milk doubles in volume.
  6. Combine espresso and chestnut base: Pour the espresso into your warmed mug (discard the hot water first). Stir in the chestnut-vanilla mixture until smooth.
  7. Add the milk: Pour in the hot milk, holding back the foam with a spoon. Then spoon the foam on top. A classic cappuccino has about equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam.
  8. Finish and serve: Dust with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg if you like. Taste and adjust sweetness while it’s still hot.