Cappuccino Mix is a convenient powdered blend made with instant coffee, sugar, and creamer, often flavored with cocoa, cinnamon, or vanilla, that creates a creamy, frothy coffee drink when mixed with hot milk or water.
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It delivers a consistent café-style cappuccino without the need to steam milk, making it easy to enjoy at home or work.
This Brazilian-inspired Cappuccino Mix recipe uses simple pantry ingredients to recreate that smooth, foamy texture with better flavor control and a lower cost than store-bought versions.
By mixing the ingredients well and using baking soda for foam, this version makes a rich, creamy cappuccino that's quick to prepare and easy to enjoy anytime.
Ingredients You'll Need
Note: See the recipe card for quantities.
- Powdered milk: Creates a creamy base and gives the cappuccino its smooth, milky flavor without fresh milk.I use Nido dry milk, but any powdered milk will work.
- Instant coffee: Provides the coffee flavor and allows the cappuccino to dissolve quickly when mixed with hot milk or water.I recommend using NESCAFÉ Clásico Instant Coffee, Dark Roast.
- Chocolate powder (50% cocoa): Adds depth and a light chocolate note that balances the coffee's bitterness without overpowering it.You can replace it with 100% unsweetened cocoa powder. Since unsweetened cocoa is more intense and bitter, reduce the amount by half and adjust sugar to taste if needed.
- Ground cinnamon: Enhances the aroma and adds warmth, giving the cappuccino a classic, comforting flavor.
- Baking soda: Helps create foam when mixed with hot liquid, giving the cappuccino a lighter, creamier texture.
- Sugar or sweetener (optional): Allows you to adjust the sweetness to taste or keep the mix unsweetened and sweeten each cup individually.
How to Make Cappuccino Mix
Note: Full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
- In a medium bowl, add the powdered milk, instant coffee, chocolate powder, ground cinnamon, and baking soda. Mix everything well. If small lumps of baking soda appear, press them with a spoon or your fingers so the mixture is evenly blended. Alternatively, you can briefly pulse all the ingredients in a food processor until evenly combined.
- Transfer the cappuccino powder to a clean, dry, airtight container and store it in a cabinet.
- To prepare the cappuccino, add about 2 tablespoons of the powder to a cup. Pour in very hot water or milk and stir well until dissolved. Sweeten with sugar or sweetener, if desired, and serve immediately.
Hint: Mix the baking soda very well into the powder. If any small lumps remain, press them with a spoon or your fingers so the cappuccino foams evenly when hot water or milk is added.
Storage, Make Ahead, & Freezing
Store the Cappuccino Mix in a clean, dry, airtight container at room temperature. Keep it away from heat and moisture to prevent clumping.
When stored properly, it keeps well for up to 2 months. Always use a dry spoon when scooping to maintain freshness and texture.
Camila's Tips & Variations
- Use quality instant coffee: A bold instant coffee gives the best flavor. I recommend NESCAFÉ Clásico Instant Coffee, Dark Roast, because it dissolves well and stands up to the milk and chocolate.
- Don't skip mixing well: Make sure the baking soda is fully blended so the cappuccino foams evenly when hot liquid is added.
- With or without foam: Baking soda creates the foam but does not affect flavor. If you leave it out, the cappuccino will still taste great, just without the foam.
- Sweeten your way: Keep the mix unsweetened and add sugar or sweetener to each cup, or mix sweetener into the powder if you prefer.
- How to serve: Use hot water for a lighter drink or hot milk for a creamier cappuccino.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the cappuccino mix without baking soda?
Yes. Baking soda is used to create foam. If you leave it out, the cappuccino will still taste good but won't be foamy.
Can I use hot water instead of milk?
Yes. Hot water works well and creates foam, but hot milk will give you a creamier cappuccino.
Does baking soda change the flavor?
No. When mixed properly, baking soda helps with foam and does not affect the taste.
How sweet is this cappuccino mix?
This recipe is not sweetened. You can add sugar or a sweetener to each cup to adjust the sweetness to your taste.
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Recipe
Cappuccino Mix
Equipment
- Spoon or spatula
- Optional: Food processor
Ingredients
- 100 g (about 1 cup) Nido Dry Milk
- 9 g (2 tablespoons) instant coffee
- 30 g (4 tablespoons) chocolate powder (50% cocoa)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda , optional
- Sugar or sweetener , to taste (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, add the powdered milk, instant coffee, chocolate powder, ground cinnamon, and baking soda.
- Mix everything well. If small lumps of baking soda appear, press them with a spoon or your fingers so the mixture is evenly blended.
- Alternatively, you can briefly pulse all the ingredients in a food processor until evenly combined.
- Transfer the cappuccino powder to a clean, dry, airtight container and store it in a cabinet.
- To prepare the cappuccino, add about 2 tablespoons of the powder to a cup. Pour in very hot water or milk and stir well until dissolved.
- Sweeten with sugar or sweetener, if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate, calculated using standard data sources. Actual values may vary based on ingredient brands, preparation methods, and portion sizes. This information is for general reference only and should not be considered a substitute for professional dietary advice.
