Coffee desserts to end your day the right way
For us, coffee is our perfect start to the day. Everything feels manageable once that first cup is in our hands, the smell and taste filling our senses. So how can we end the day the same way we start?
With coffee desserts of course.
Coffee flavoured desserts are by no means a new concept. The idea of enhancing coffee with cream and sweeteners came into fashion in Europe around 1529, and one of the most famous coffee desserts, Tiramisu, came about in the 1800s.
If you look at recipes today, it’s clear the trend spread around the world as many nations have come up with their own ideas. Now that quality coffee is available in almost every household, we have every reason to be turning our brews into delectable desserts. Even if you’re not a whizz in the kitchen you have options.
So here are some coffee desserts from around the world. Some require no skill and minimal time. Others take a little more effort. Either way, it’s time to create the perfect ending to your day.
Affogato - Italy
It doesn’t get any easier than this. Simply pour a shot of espresso over a scoop of vanilla ice cream and serve. Quick, easy, heavenly.
Coffee Jelly - Japan
This dessert requires just three ingredients and a little time. Mix hot coffee, sweetener and gelatine together until dissolved and allow the mix to set. It is then ready to eat. Or, to make it a little fancier, dice the jelly into cubes and serve it in ice cold milk or cream. Want a little more? Place a scoop of ice cream on top.
Coffee meringues - France
These are a light, sweet dessert that can be made in advance and stored. It takes just five ingredients and they are gluten and dairy free. They do take a little skill and patience to make but are well worth the effort and once made, they can be a grab-and-go treat.
Cuban Coffee
For coffee so sweet that there's no need for dessert, try this. The crema on top of these espresso shots is made by whipping sugar and concentrated coffee from a stovetop espresso maker. There's a learning curve, but that first sip is worth it. This one is ideally made with a bitter flavoured coffee, to balance the sweet crema and make it more authentic (as Cuban coffee is known for its bitterness).
Tiramisu - Italy
You can’t beat a classic. Cream, coffee, chocolate, liqueur and biscuits layered together in a perfect balance to create a dessert that has been around for hundreds of years and is still a modern favourite.
Espresso brownies – USA
We all know traditional brownies to be made of gooey chocolate and there have been many variations. For an espresso version, boil down coffee into a syrupy-thick concentrate and add it to the brownie mix. It’s fudgy and dark and all things good.
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So there you have it – something for the novice cook through to the budding master chef. Feeling inspired (and hungry)? Let us know which of these you tried or send us your favourite coffee dessert so we can get cooking too.
If you’d like advice on brewing, grinds, devices or choosing the right coffee bean for you at home or your workplace, drop us a line. We love to talk all things coffee.
Happy caffeinating!