Cuban Coffee (Café Cubano) with Crema
Cuban Coffee (Café Cubano) with Crema is a medium Cuban recipe that serves 2. 24 calories per serving. Recipe by Cocinera Lele / Lelita’s Cuban kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 4 min | Cook: 9 min | Total: 18 min
Cost: $0.35 total, $0.18 per serving
Ingredients
- 10 oz Water (room temperature)
- 20 g Cuban Coffee Grounds (medium‑fine grind, preferably Cavayari or Bello Pone)
- 3 tsp Granulated Sugar (regular white granulated sugar; do not use artificial sweeteners)
Instructions
Add Water
Fill the lower chamber of the moka pot with cold water up to the indicator line (about 10 oz for a 4‑cup pot).
Time: PT1M
Load Coffee Grounds
Place the filter basket into the water chamber and add the coffee grounds. Level them off and pat down lightly without compressing.
Time: PT1M
Assemble and Heat
Screw the top of the moka pot on securely, place it on the stove over medium heat, and keep the lid closed.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: medium heat
Watch for First Drops
Allow the coffee to brew. When the first few drops start to emerge, you’ll hear a faint gurgle.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: medium heat
Prepare Sugar
While the coffee is brewing, measure 3 tsp of granulated sugar into a small cup.
Time: PT30S
Create the Crema
When the first drops appear, pour a small spoonful (about 1‑2 tsp) of the hot coffee into the sugar and stir vigorously until a thick, peanut‑butter‑like paste forms.
Time: PT1M
Combine and Serve
Pour the remaining brewed coffee into the cup containing the crema, give it a gentle stir, and serve immediately.
Time: PT30S
Clean Up
Turn off the stove, let the pot cool, disassemble, and rinse all parts with warm water.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 24
- Protein
- 0 g
- Carbohydrates
- 6 g
- Fat
- 0 g
- Fiber
- 0 g
Dietary info: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Cuban Coffee Grounds: any dark roast espresso coffee
Equipment Needed
- Moka Pot (Cafetera)
- Stove
- Small Spoon or Whisk
- Espresso Cups (2 oz)
- Heat‑Resistant Glove or Pot Holder (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Fill water to the correct level
- Pack coffee grounds lightly and evenly
- Watch for the first drops of coffee
- Stir sugar and coffee quickly to form a thick crema
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use authentic Cuban coffee brands like Cavayari for authentic flavor.
- Granulated white sugar is essential; artificial sweeteners won’t caramelize.
- Stir the crema with a rapid, circular motion to incorporate air and achieve the frothy texture.
Troubleshooting
Coffee is too dry (bitter).
Add a little more coffee grounds next time or reduce the amount of sugar.
Coffee is too wet (overly sweet).
Reduce the sugar amount or add a splash of extra brewed coffee to balance.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store any leftover coffee in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended; flavor degrades.
Room temperature: Coffee is best enjoyed immediately; do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Pre‑measure coffee grounds and sugar so you can start brewing immediately.
- Warm the espresso cups in hot water before serving for a hotter drink.
- Keep the moka pot clean; residual oils affect flavor.
Last updated: August 21, 2026
