How To Make A Babyccino; Recipe for Little and Big Baristas

A Babyccino is a delicious and healthy treat that will be sure to put a smile on your little one’s face! It’s also a really fun way to create a few moments to enjoy your own coffee!
I’ve delved deep into the art of creating barista-worthy milk foam and in this guide, I’ll take you step-by-step through the tips and techniques that I’ve learned to help you achieve the perfect foam for your Babyccino Recipe and for your own hot drink!

So, What is a babyccino?

Shout out to Aunty Em for this one! Up until recently, I actually thought that my sister had invented the babyccino! Turns out Babyccinos are absolutely a thing, and you can order it in most cafés and coffee shops – Or easily make one at home!

It’s quite simply steamed milk, or frothed milk if you make it without a fancy milk foamer. It’s often served with a dusting of chocolate powder or cinnamon and is a child-friendly alternative to cappuccino or a flat white. The perfect slow Sunday morning treat or everyday indulgence!

Are babyccinos just for babies?

Because of the natural sweetness of the milk homemade babyccino is a great way to give younger kids and toddlers a treat without going overboard on sugar. Of course, it’s loved by the whole family as it’s adaptable to a large age range!

The price of a babyccino often varies depending on the location of the coffee house and is even free for children in most Costa Coffee shops!

Older kids love to add a little chocolate sauce or chocolate syrup or even caramel-flavored syrup. Starbucks has an incredible selection to choose from. Though, these drinks tend to be expensive.

Mastering the art of making coffee at home can save you money and making your own babyccino is a great idea if you want to reduce the amount of caffeine you drink. If like me, you're not ready to part with caffeine you can find some great tips below for making barista-worthy coffee at home.

Save money and create cozy moments and memories at home

A trip to a coffee shop can be a great treat and there are so many kid-friendly drinks to choose from. But, as a mother of four, I know firsthand the benefits of enjoying a coffee at home rather than going out to a coffee shop. Some days getting out with kids can be stressful!

At home, I can take my time to enjoy my coffee and spend quality time with my kids without the pressure of finishing quickly to make room for other customers or spend the time trying to keep the kids quiet so as not to disturb anyone.

The convenience of not having to pack up and travel with young children and babies, coupled with reducing the risk of exposure to germs and viruses that come with being in public spaces, makes staying home a great option!

The Best Milk To Use For Making Babyccino

Nowadays, you can buy coffee cream in most supermarkets – It averages 12% percent fat- optimal for foam formation!

Many of the nutrients found in cow’s milk are contained in the fat, So adding a generous splash of whipping cream to regular milk is also a great alternative for children.

If you have allergies to consider you can easily make a dairy-free or vegan babyccino. I would go with a good-quality oat or soy milk. Preferably one designed as barista milk – higher protein and fat content helps to get the perfect consistency foam. I’ve used Oatly Barista milk for years in my own coffee and really appreciate its neutral flavor and the great foam that it produces.

Essential tools for making perfect babyccinos every time

Babyccinos are super easy to make even if, like me, you don’t have a fancy milk-foaming cappuccino machine at home!

You will need one of the tools below:

• A milk steamer– unless very immersed in coffee culture, most homes, like ours, won’t have one of these. Luckily, There are plenty of other options available!
• A manual milk foamer – The one I have has a rounded knob on top, which I find to be a crucial feature when manually foaming milk.
• A French press – Most homes have an Ikea French press stashed somewhere! I love mine as it’s made of stainless steel. Fifteen years of use has removed the outer coating, which was once copper, but it still functions as though it was new! If you’re planning to invest in a new French press, it’s really worthwhile sourcing one that is double-walled.
• A battery-driven Milk Frother – I think I am the only one in my group of friends without one. They won’t develop the microfoam that the other tools can manage, but they don’t take up much space in a kitchen drawer and is a handy little contraption to jazz up your morning coffee in little to no time.
• If you don’t have any of the tools listed above, you can use a whisk to work up a froth – it won’t foam to the same extent but does aerate enough for a babyccino or to jazz up a hot chocolate or a coffee.

Other helpful tools

• A food thermometer is also helpful – I’ll explain more below.
• A pot or jug with a spout does make pouring easier! I was gifted two beautiful ceramic saucepans that are used nearly daily in our house. Unfortunately, I haven’t managed to track down where they were purchased.
  

Tips and tricks for creating cafe-quality milk foam at home

I’m going to go against the grain and recommend that you don’t use a microwave to heat your milk! I know extra dishes are never fun, especially when you’ve got kids under your feet.. but to pack in as many nutrients as possible and avoid loss of nutrients and make the best quality foam, you need to control the temperature. 

Using a pot on the stove ensures that the temperature doesn’t go over 70°/ 160°F – the temperature at which milk begins to break down irreversibly, causing it to change in flavor and chemistry.

Aim for 65°C / 140°F – A food thermometer is helpful but not essential. It’s tricky to gauge the temperature without one. Still, if you are making this for kids, a lower temperature is acceptable and perhaps recommendable!

The texture is important for many kids – micro foam is smooth like talc, and most kids love it! So continue frothing a little longer than you expect; the results will be worth it!

For your little barista, I found this adorable handmade Babyccino Maker from Tender Leaf Toys, which has really impressive ethical and environmental policies and produced this beautiful toy in soft mellow colors using natural resources. This is not an affiliate link!

Some ideas to jazz up your homemade babyccinos

One of the best things about making your own babyccinos is that it’s easy to make them as luxurious or as simple as you like. Mini marshmallows or a chocolate flake make the perfect addition to a creamy and delicious babyccino. I’ve even heard of adding a few drops of natural food colorings for a really fun and festive touch.

As I mentioned above, you can use any flavored syrup of your choice, older kids in particular often ask for this. Or Why not try some cool latte art stencils for fun?

Or use your perfect milk foam to top off hot chocolate to make it even more like a real cappuccino.

Tips for a great homemade cappuccino

If, like me, coffee is not just a drink but a moment of pleasure, you understand the importance of having a good quality coffee. Every aspect of the coffee experience matters from the aroma to the taste. Whether it’s a bold espresso or a creamy latte, choosing the right beans and brewing method and adding the right accents can elevate your coffee moment to a new level. My best tip for barista-worthy coffee at home is to invest in an Aeropress or a Moka Pot. According to James Hoffman, both make great espresso which is the basis of most coffee drinks and will take your cappuccinos and flat whites to the next level!

If you like a little sweetness, I have a great recipe for Authentic Masala Concentrate that is divine when added to a dark chocolate mocha!

I’d love to hear from you!

I’ve shared with you my best tips for creating a magical coffee break that can be enjoyed as a family but I would love to know if you’ve experimented with other methods of foaming milk and what worked for you! Have you discovered a fun way to decorate your babyccinos?

If you like this recipe, you may also enjoy my recipe for the Best Ever Banana And Chocolate Chip Muffins or these Wholegrain Spelt Chocolate Chip Cookies and this simple and delicious Swedish Blueberry Soup