Cafe Bombon Recipe | Spanish Espresso with Condensed Milk

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Cafe Bombon is a sweet espresso drink popular in Spain. It’s a shot of strong coffee and sweetened condensed milk. Cafe Bombon is stunning when served in a glass, with its perfect layers of dark espresso and creamy condensed milk creating a beautiful contrast.

Cafe Bombon served in a clear glass with a spoon on the side - layered espresso and condensed milk

Cafe Bombon is a delicious sweet coffee recipe

Do you start every morning with a cup of coffee? I absolutely do! I recently purchased an espresso machine. It’s nice to be able to make yourself a latte every morning. I guess I’m really spoiling myself. Since I’m always trying out new espresso machines, I have a coffee recipe to share today. But don’t worry. Even if you don’t have an espresso machine at home, you can still make this recipe with a few tweaks. I’ll share some espresso substitution ideas below. For another delicious warm beverage, try this Hot Chocolate Recipe.

Cafe Bombon - clear glass cup with condensed milk at bottom, espresso layer, and milk foam on topCafe Bombon - clear glass cup with condensed milk at bottom, espresso layer, and milk foam on top

What is Cafe Bombon?

Have you ever had Cafe Bombon? This is a delicious way to enjoy sweetened coffee. Cafe Bombon is an amazing drink because of the way it is made and served. This coffee is usually served in a glass cup. By doing this, it highlights the stark color difference between the light condensed milk and dark coffee.

Mix it with a spoon before drinking. But until then, some stores even offer condensed milk on the side for you to pour in yourself. It is very popular in Spain, but lately I’ve seen it on a few different coffee shop menus. But it’s still not easy to spot. So here is the recipe you can try at home. For another quick breakfast idea, check out these Healthy Breakfast Muffins.

How to Make Cafe Bombon

This drink is easy to put together and drink. The big question is how to maintain the contrast between condensed milk and espresso? This is the method I’ve found works best.

First, pour in the espresso. Second, slowly pour in the condensed milk. Because condensed milk is heavier, it will naturally sink. Or you can try doing it the other way around. However, in my experience, I always drizzle the condensed milk on the side of the glass. Also, the hot espresso tends to leave an indentation in the condensed milk when I pour it.

Espresso and condensed milk drink in a glass showing distinct layersEspresso and condensed milk drink in a glass showing distinct layers

With foamy milk on top

In the photo you can see that I added an extra layer of milk foam. This is optional, but I like the look of the third layer. Also, I think the foam makes the drink a little lighter.

To create this foam, use a milk steamer wand but add extra air. Then, use a spoon to scoop out the foam onto the Cafe Bombon. And try scooping the foam out of the top of the milk jug. Do not pour foamed milk over it. It will mix with the espresso and you will lose that distinct look.

Don’t have a steamer wand? Don’t worry. I have been using this milk frothing wand for many years and it works great. For another creamy coffee drink, try this Cinnamon Keto Bulletproof Coffee.

Cafe Bombon recipe instructions - learn how to make this layered espresso drink at homeCafe Bombon recipe instructions - learn how to make this layered espresso drink at home

Can I make Cafe Bombon without an espresso machine?

Certainly! Yes, you can make Cafe Bombon at home even if you don’t have an espresso machine. What alternatives should you use? I tend to use two different options as substitutes for espresso.

First, you can make cold brew coffee concentrate at home. My step-by-step guide will help you make cold brew that can be used as espresso in a variety of coffee recipes. Second, you can easily buy cold brew concentrate at the store. Your local coffee shop may sell some products that you can purchase.

If you’re using cold brew concentrate, simply heat it in the microwave before making this recipe. Since Cafe Bombon is usually served hot, do not use the concentrate directly from the refrigerator.

For more coffee inspiration, check out these 8 Creative Instant Coffee Recipes for Baking & Cooking.

Layer espresso with condensed milk and serve with foam in a clear glass cupLayer espresso with condensed milk and serve with foam in a clear glass cup
Cafe Bombon - clear cup with condensed milk, espresso and foam layersCafe Bombon - clear cup with condensed milk, espresso and foam layers

Cafe Bombon

Serves: 1 cup

Prep Time: 0 minutes

Cook Time: 2 minutes

Learn how to make this delicious Cafe Bombon drink! This coffee is made by layering espresso with condensed milk. When it’s served in a glass, it’s an amazing drink.

Ingredients

  • 2 shots espresso
  • 4 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
  • milk foam (optional)

Instructions

  • Pour the espresso into a clear glass.

  • Slowly pour the condensed milk down the side of the glass. It will naturally sink to the bottom, creating distinct layers.

  • Spoon milk foam on top if desired.

  • Serve immediately with a spoon. Stir before drinking to combine the layers.

★★★★★ (4.8 average from 156 reviews)

Isabella R. — ★★★★★
“This Cafe Bombon recipe is perfect! The layers looked beautiful and it tasted just like the ones I had in Madrid. So easy to make at home.”

James C. — ★★★★☆
“Used cold brew concentrate instead of espresso and it worked great. The condensed milk makes it wonderfully sweet. A new favorite morning treat.”

Sophia L. — ★★★★★
“I love how simple this is. Only two main ingredients and it looks so impressive. The milk foam on top really makes it special.”


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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Cafe Bombon dairy-free?

Yes! Use sweetened condensed coconut milk instead of traditional condensed milk. It has a similar sweetness and thickness and works beautifully in this recipe.

Is Cafe Bombon very sweet?

Yes, it is a sweet coffee drink. The sweetened condensed milk adds significant sweetness. If you prefer less sweet, start with 2 tablespoons of condensed milk instead of 4 and adjust to taste.

What’s the difference between Cafe Bombon and a latte?

Cafe Bombon uses sweetened condensed milk instead of steamed milk, making it much sweeter and richer. A latte has a higher ratio of steamed milk to espresso with no added sweeteners.

Can I serve Cafe Bombon iced?

Absolutely! Make the espresso, let it cool slightly, then pour over ice before adding the condensed milk. The layers will still form beautifully. For another iced coffee option, try this Cinnamon Keto Bulletproof Coffee chilled.

For more trusted coffee and beverage recipes, check out Simply Recipes for their wonderful collection of hot drinks and breakfast ideas.

How to make Cafe Bombon - recipe text overlay with layered coffee drinkHow to make Cafe Bombon - recipe text overlay with layered coffee drink

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