By Becky Hardin
Updated Jan 15, 2025
I promise, if you make this perfect Flat White at home once, you’ll forget those Starbucks trips forever. Using three simple and inexpensive ingredients I can make that sweet, creamy, and delightfully caffeinated beverage that is as good as the coffee shop.
Sometimes, you really need a shot of espresso to start the day! While there are some coffee purists that enjoy the taste of espresso without milk, I like to dress it up with just a little bit of frothed whole milk and a splash of sweetener. That way, I get my caffeine fix and enjoy my lightly sweetened drink that’s still strong, but doesn’t have that bitter espresso taste.
Once you master this quick and easy flat white recipe in your kitchen, you’ll never overpay at a coffee shop again! You’ll will love my copycat hot flat white just as much as I do.
And if you are a Starbuck’s FAN like me and don’t get time to go often then my Egg Bites , Pink Drink , and Pineapple Matcha will keep you occupied. Make them, Love them, and Enjoy them!!
Flat White vs Cappuccino vs Latte
I know, how confusing it is to decide which one to order/make. Let me explain this. Flat white, Cappuccino, and Latte are all espresso based drinks, they all have distinct characteristics, texture and coffee-to-milk ratio.
Hot Flat white is a latte without milk foam! It is a shot of espresso, topped with steamed milk. Unlike a cappuccino or latte, the foam in flat white is thinner, due to which bold flavors of espresso shines through yet coffee remains creamy and smooth.
Cappuccino is a lighter version of latte with good amount of foamed milk but less strong than flat white. It is more balanced coffee-to-milk ratio, creamy with thicker foam, giving it a distinct frothy top.
Latte with a higher milk-to-espresso ratio, is the creamiest of the three. Unlike flat white and cappuccino, latte has much milder coffee taste due to its higher milk-to-coffee ratio. It is less frothy when compared to cappuccino but higher than flat white.
Overall, it all depends how strong or mild you like your coffee and what milk quantity you like to have at any given time of the day.
If you don’t have an espresso maker, don’t worry! This drink can also be made with strongly brewed coffee. It’s a real treat either way! While it won’t taste as strong, you can use your favorite kind of coffee (or even cold brew) depending on what you enjoy and have on hand.
Ingredients for Homemade Flat Whites
Pour your espresso, stir in your sweetener, and froth the milk. Voila, you have a flat white! The great part is you can even make your flat white without milk, by using non-dairy milk like oat milk, and still can enjoy it.
- Espresso: I recommend using a good quality, strong espresso. My favorite Nespresso pods for flat whites are the Scuro and Chiaro. While it won’t taste as strong, you can use your favorite kind of coffee (or even cold brew) depending on what you enjoy and have on hand.
- Sweetener: While totally optional, I like to sweeten flat whites with a vanilla or caramel coffee syrup – about ½ pump. You could also use simple syrup or quick dissolve sugar or sugar-free if you prefer.
- Milk: Use your favorite kind of dairy or non-dairy milk (try this homemade oat milk !). If using a non-dairy milk, choose a “barista blend” that’s made specifically for coffee – they tend to foam better.
Tips For Success
- You can use freshly brewed coffee, I highly recommend using espresso if you can.
- Sweetener is optional but feel free to add as per taste.
- If using the microwave to heat the milk, watch it closely as it can quickly overheat and splatter.
- For even more flavor, add a caramel or chocolate syrup drizzle on top.
- This recipe can be easily doubled!
This no-frills flat white recipe is perfect for starting off your busy day. It’s slightly sweet, has just the right amount of frothed milk, and a kick of espresso to wake you up!
Serving Suggestions
Well, I prefer to have my hot flat white as-is in the morning to give me a kick start for the day. But for afternoons, some chocolate cookie works just great, with chocolaty goodness, I don’t add any sweetener. Mocha Cookies , Nutella Stuffed Cookies , Caramel Stuffed Cookies , Hershey Kiss Cookies and S’more Brownie Cookies are my favorite ones to balance the bitterness of espresso without sweetener.
5-Star Review
“I made this last night and it was the moistest chicken we’ve ever had. A bit of crispy and the flavor was wonderful. I didn’t have buttermilk and did add lemon juice to 1% milk. I am making it again today. Thank you for this recipe.” – Dawn
Ingredients1x2x3x
- ▢ 1 shot espresso or strongly brewed coffee
- ▢ Sweetener optional
- ▢ ¼ cup whole milk
Video
Instructions
- In a small coffee mug, combine the espresso and sweetener, if using. 1 shot espresso, Sweetener
- Froth the milk. See recipe notes for various frothing methods. Pour frothed milk over the espresso and serve immediately. ¼ cup whole milk
Becky’s Tips
- How to Froth Milk: If using a milk frother , add the milk to the frother and heat according to the manufacturer’s instructions. To froth the milk using the microwave or stovetop , heat the milk for 1 minute in the microwave or just until it starts to steam on the stovetop. Carefully transfer the milk to a mason jar and shake for 45 seconds, or until the milk has formed a thick froth. Be careful – the milk will be hot! Make sure to fully secure the lid and wrap the mason jar in a towel, if needed.
- For even more flavor, add a caramel or chocolate syrup drizzle on top.
- This recipe can be easily doubled!
- Sweetener is optional but feel free to add as per taste.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How to Make Flat White Step by Step
Combine Espresso and Sweetener: In a glass coffee mug combine 1 shot espresso of and your favorite sweetener as per taste.
Add frothed milk: Take 1/4 cup oh whole milk in a mason jar and froth. See recipe notes for various frothing methods. Pour frothed milk over the espresso and serve immediately.
Serve and Enjoy: It’s easy to ignore your needs in the morning, especially if you have a busy day ahead of you. Make the best out of your mornings by treating yourself to the coffee you deserve!
More Homemade Coffee Recipes to Try:
Bulletproof Coffee
Crockpot Gingerbread Latte
Thai Iced Coffee
French Vanilla Iced Coffee with Homemade Vanilla Syrup
Chocolate Coffee
Iced Honey Almondmilk Flat White
Iced Honey Cinnamon Latte
Iced Caramel Macchiato Recipe
Homemade Flat White
Ingredients
- 1 shot espresso or strongly brewed coffee
- Sweetener optional
- ¼ cup whole milk
Instructions
- In a small coffee mug, combine the espresso and sweetener, if using. 1 shot espresso, Sweetener
- Froth the milk. See recipe notes for various frothing methods. Pour frothed milk over the espresso and serve immediately. ¼ cup whole milk
Video
Notes
- How to Froth Milk: If using a milk frother , add the milk to the frother and heat according to the manufacturer’s instructions. To froth the milk using the microwave or stovetop , heat the milk for 1 minute in the microwave or just until it starts to steam on the stovetop. Carefully transfer the milk to a mason jar and shake for 45 seconds, or until the milk has formed a thick froth. Be careful – the milk will be hot! Make sure to fully secure the lid and wrap the mason jar in a towel, if needed.
- For even more flavor, add a caramel or chocolate syrup drizzle on top.
- This recipe can be easily doubled!
- Sweetener is optional but feel free to add as per taste.
Nutrition
By Becky Hardin
Published Jul 12, 2017
This Essential Grocery List is an absolute life saver for my family on the busy weeks. When I started this journey to learn how to cook, I quickly realized that the first step in cooking is having staple ingredients on hand. I want to avoid having to run out to the grocery store every single time I prepare a new recipe. Having a well-stocked pantry has made my life in the kitchen so much simpler, because when it’s time to cook, I have what I need.
Essential Grocery List
It’s so helpful to have a basic grocery list to help me remember which foods to buy at the store. This food shopping list is my go-to!
It’s better to stock up on things like grains, seasonings and spices, baking essentials, oils, condiments, canned and frozen foods, etc. so I can just grab them when I need them. These things have a long shelf life , so I keep them in my kitchen for convenience.
However, I do have to go to the supermarket sometimes, and there’s a way to make that trip easy and hassle-free: I keep a grocery list! If I go in blindly, I’ll leave with things I don’t need, and nothing that actually helps me prepare a good meal.
In the list below, I’ve compiled everything I always have on my stock-up grocery list.
I’ve got you covered! I created an easy grocery list filled with all of the essentials. Plus there’s a free printable version that you can take with you to the grocery store. It has everything you need to stock your pantry, your freezer, and your refrigerator.
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List
What to Buy at the Grocery Store
This is the perfect grocery list filled with all the basics and essentials. It should help get you going if you’re new to cooking, or if you’re just left staring helplessly at an empty pantry and don’t know how to fill it.
When I first started cooking, things could seem overwhelming. I quickly realized that they more prepared I could be, the more confident I felt. If you already have the basics in your kitchen, then you can shop stress-free.
So print out our easy grocery list, stock up your pantry and fridge, and you’ll be cooking in no time!
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Fresh Produce
- Apples
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Avocados
- Bell Peppers
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Garlic
- Lemons/Limes
- Onion
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Basil
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
GRAINS
- Breadcrumbs
- Pasta
- Quinoa
- Rice
- Sandwich Bread
- Tortillas
MEAT/PROTEIN
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Ground Beef
- Sliced Turkey
- Lunch Meat
DAIRY
- Butter
- Sliced Cheese
- Shredded Cheese
- Milk
- Sour Cream
- Greek Yogurt
BAKING GOODS
- Baking powder
- Baking Soda
- Granulated Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Flour
- Honey
- Vanilla Extract
- Dry Yeast
- Chocolate Chips
- Cocoa Powder
- Powdered Sugar
FREEZER
- Fruit and Berries
- Frozen Veggies (Corn, Peas, Broccoli, etc)
- Juice Concentrate
- Pizza or Other Convenience Meals
- Pie Crust
- Cookie Dough
CANNED/DRIED GOODS
- Chicken stock/broth
- Salsa
- Diced Tomatoes
- Jam/Jelly
- Peanut Butter
- Pasta Sauce
- Beans (Black Beans, Chickpeas, Baked Beans, etc)
- Soups
- Tuna
- Green Chiles
- Canned Veggies
- Coffee or Tea
Get more details on the best non-perishable and pantry foods
CONDIMENTS/SPICES
- Black Pepper
- Chili Powder
- Cinnamon
- Crushed Red Pepper
- Cumin
- Garlic Powder
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayo
- Nutmeg
- Paprika
- Salt (Course Sea Salt and Kosher Salt)
- Soy Sauce
- Steak Sauce
- Hot Sauce/ Buffalo Sauce
- Salad Dressings
OILS/VINEGARS
- Apple cider vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar
- Coconut Oil
- Olive Oil
- Vegetable/Canola Oil
- Red Wine Vinegar
- White Vinegar
- Cooking Wine
- White Wine Vinegar
SNACKS
- Crackers
- Nuts
- Quick Oats
- Popcorn
- Tortilla Chips
- Cereal
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Click ☝🏻 for my FREE Grocery List Printable!
I hope this essential grocery list can help you buy what you need and make your home cooking so much easier!
Stock Your Kitchen
Find more ideas for your grocery list, stock up your kitchen, and print more cooking guides and charts to keep handy!
Non-Perishable Foods to Stock Up On
Frozen Vegetables to Stock Up On (and Recipes to Make)
Ultimate List of Cooking Herbs for Your Kitchen
Ultimate List of Cooking Spices for Your Kitchen
Cooking Oil 101: Types of Cooking Oils to Use
26 Types of Pasta and When to Use Them
What Fruits and Vegetables are in Season?
Meat Temperature Chart (Free Printable)
How to Meal Prep (Guide for Beginners)
Basic Cooking Measurements & Kitchen Conversion Chart
