20 Top Must-Try Coffee-Flavored Desserts for Every Occasion
Coffee takes dessert from everyday to extraordinary. The complex flavor acts like a seasoning, bringing out the best in chocolate, caramel, vanilla and more. Coffee also adds a touch of refinement, transforming simple sweets into elegant masterpieces.
This list contains must-try recipes spanning cakes, cookies, ice cream and beyond. While coffee shines as the star, supporting ingredients like spices, nuts and alcohol make some desserts truly special. With step-by-step instructions these foolproof recipes allow anyone to become an at-home barista-baker.
Whip up one of these for your next celebration, potluck or even as an after-dinner treat. Read on to discover your new favorite coffee-infused dessert.
1. Dark Chocolate-Caramel Macchiato Pie
Indulge your sweet tooth with this show stopping pie pairing coffee, caramel and chocolate. The filling features a smooth, sweet caramel swirled with freshly brewed coffee for a sophisticated flavor. Dark chocolate curls crown the top, adding crunch and bittersweet balance.
Each slice unveils ribbons of caramel and pockets of chocolate among the creamy filling. The buttery crust adds flakiness while the whipped cream rounds it out with a touch of fresh dairy richness. This pie celebrates beloved flavors in an elegant yet approachable way. It steals the show at gatherings but works for casual family nights too.
Ingredients:
- Pie dough
- Brewed coffee
- Caramel sauce
- Semisweet chocolate
- Whipped cream
Instructions:
1. Use a pre-made crust or your favorite pie dough recipe. Partially pre-bake empty crust at 375°F for 10 minutes to prevent a soggy bottom later.
2. Heat 1 cup freshly brewed coffee until hot but not boiling. Stir in 1 (14 oz) jar of caramel sauce until uniform. Slowly pour into the pre-baked pie crust.
3. Refrigerate pie for at least 3 hours or up to overnight to allow filling to firm up. This helps it slice cleanly.
4. Melt 1 cup dark chocolate chips with 1 Tbsp shortening. Let cool slightly. Drizzle decoratively over top of pie with a fork or spoon.
5. Slice pie while cold. Top servings with sweetened whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired.
Perfect For: Birthdays, celebrations, impressing dinner guests.
2. Coffee Cheesecake
Understated yet memorable, this coffee cheesecake features a subtle aromatic coffee note. Each tender, creamy bite contains an intriguing background flavor that adds depth without overpowering the tangy cream cheese.
A crunchy graham cracker crust provides contrasting texture and natural sweetness. Smooth vanilla and toasted nuttiness from coffee beans balance out the filling. This cheesecake refreshes the palate after a heavy meal. Its simplicity also makes it great for dinner parties or bridal and baby showers when you want an elegant cake that doesn’t require fuss.
Ingredients:
- Graham cracker crust
- Cream cheese
- Sugar
- Coffee
- Eggs
- Vanilla
Instructions:
1. Soften cream cheese to room temperature to mix smoothly. Beat with 1 cup sugar using an electric mixer until completely smooth, about 2 minutes.
2. Prepare 1/2 cup freshly brewed hot coffee. Whisk in 2 Tbsp instant coffee powder until dissolved. Let cool. Stir coffee mixture, 3 eggs and 1 tsp vanilla into cream cheese until uniform.
3. Pour filling into a graham cracker crust. Bake at 325°F for 55-60 minutes until just set in center but still jiggly. Resist overbaking.
4. Cool cheesecake completely at room temperature then cover and refrigerate at least 8 hours or overnight before slicing.
Perfect For: Dinner parties or anytime you crave an elegant dessert.
3. Coffee Ice Cream
Homemade ice cream reaches its full potential with the addition of fresh coffee. This recipe starts by infusing a custard base with high-quality brewed coffee to bloom the most flavor. Churning while still soft creates an ultra-smooth texture. Swirling in bittersweet chocolate ganache adds indulgence.
The coffee remains the pronounced star, with its slight bitterness cutting the richness. A touch of vanilla tempers with subtle sweetness and floral aroma. The results freeze into a supremely creamy scoop with contrasting ripples of chocolate. It’s the ultimate upgrade to your ice cream repertoire.
Ingredients:
- Heavy cream
- Whole milk
- Sugar
- Brewed coffee
- Vanilla
- Chocolate
Instructions:
1. Heat 2 cups heavy cream, 1 cup whole milk and 1/2 cup sugar in a saucepan until sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes. Stir in 1/2 cup freshly brewed hot coffee.
2. Cover mixture and refrigerate 4 hours until completely chilled.
3. Pour cold mixture into ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s directions, about 20-25 minutes. Soft serve consistency is ideal.
4. Layer soft ice cream and 1 cup room temperature chocolate ganache in a loaf pan. Insert a knife through layers to create a rippled effect.
5. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze solid overnight before scooping.
Perfect For: Hot summer days.
4. White Chocolate-Cappuccino Cookies
These cookies disguise a rich mocha flavor within adorable cookie cups “filled” with white chocolate chips. One bite reveals sweet molasses notes from brown sugar followed by a nutty, bittersweet finish reminiscent of a foamy cappuccino.
The dough strikes a balance between crispy edges and a chewy center. Melted white chocolate chips throughout provide extra creaminess and sweetness. Visually they resemble an elegant dessert while satisfying snack cravings. Enjoy them with actual coffee or let kids devour their “sweetened coffee” guilt-free.
Ingredients:
- Flour
- Butter
- White chocolate chips
- Brown sugar
- Instant coffee powder
Instructions:
1. With an electric mixer, cream together 1 cup room temperature butter and 3/4 cup light brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
2. Dissolve 2 Tbsp instant coffee powder into 2 Tbsp hot water. Add creamed butter along with 2 cups of flour. Beat until combined.
3. Fold in 1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips just until distributed throughout the dough.
4. Scoop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough and shape into balls and cups with hands. Place 1 inch apart on parchment-lined baking sheets.
5. Bake at 350°F for 9-11 minutes until set but not browned. Cool for 5 minutes on a pan before transferring to the wire rack.
Perfect For: Brunch or enjoying afternoon coffee.
5. Mocha Cake
This impressive cake pairs two elite flavors—coffee and chocolate. Brewed espresso dissolved in the chocolate cake batter helps intensify and enrich its bold flavor. Each tender moist layer gets brushed with more coffee syrup to infuse deep roasty notes.
Mocha buttercream brings it all together, blending milk chocolate liqueur with coffee extract. Frosted simply to showcase the stunning stripes inside, this bakery-quality cake elicits oohs and aahs before giving way to pure chocolate ecstasy. With an air of sophistication, it suits birthdays and celebrations.
Ingredients:
- Bittersweet chocolate
- Cake flour
- Butter
- Sugar
- Eggs
- Coffee
- Vanilla
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 cup brewed coffee until hot. Add 12 oz chopped bittersweet chocolate and whisk until completely melted and smooth. Let cool slightly.
2. Whisk together 2 1/4 cups cake flour, 2 cups sugar, 1 Tbsp baking powder and 1/2 tsp salt. Slowly mix into cooled chocolate mixture until uniform.
3. Add 4 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 2 tsp vanilla. Divide evenly between 2 greased 9-inch cake pans.
4. Bake at 350°F for 28-32 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes before inverting onto racks to finish cooling.
5. Once cakes are completely cool, stack layers with mocha buttercream filling and chocolate ganache coating. Refrigerate finished cake until ready to serve.
Perfect For: Birthdays or times you crave an indulgent chocolate dessert.
6. Affogato
Affogato celebrates the simplicity and perfection of two ingredients: gelato and espresso. This elegant Italian after-dinner treat features a scoop of premium vanilla ice cream. A fresh shot of hot espresso gets poured over top, allowing the heat to melt the ice cream’s edges. This creates an irresistible contrast of temperatures and textures.
As the ultimate adornment, a cloud of lightly sweetened whipped cream caps the dessert while a dusting of shaved chocolate provides refined bitterness. The components meld into a sublime balanced scoop ideal for rounding out an elegant meal.
Ingredients:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Espresso
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings
Instructions:
1. Place a small scoop of premium vanilla ice cream into a heat-safe glass or bowl. Pack it tightly into a mound shape.
2. Pull a fresh double shot of espresso, roughly 60 mL. Pour slowly over the ice cream. The heat will cause the ice cream to melt slightly around the edges.
3. Top immediately with a heaping dollop of freshly whipped cream. For ultimate decadence, use an ice cream scoop to create a perfectly round top.
4. Shave a couple squares of high-quality dark chocolate over the top using a vegetable peeler. Avoid pre-shaved chocolate as the texture won't be as fine.
5. Serve while ice cream is still partially melted for an affogato with the perfect balance of hot and cold.
Perfect For: Impressing dinner party guests with this elegant yet easy dessert finale. It also makes a nice nightcap.
7. No-Bake Cappuccino Dessert
This light and luscious dessert features layers of flavor building on a foundation of strong chilled coffee. Sweet chocolate and vanilla pudding mixes provide silky texture and richness. Billowy whipped cream lends a cooling contrast along with a fresh dairy flavor.
The glass presentation displays stripes studded with chocolate shavings, allowing you to admire the composition. The coffee remains pronounced, uniting the ingredients into a cohesive treat. It comes together quickly with no baking required, making it a crowd-pleasing potluck or summer party contribution.
Ingredients:
- Cold strong coffee
- Sweetened whipped cream
- Instant chocolate pudding
- Instant vanilla pudding
- Chocolate shavings
Instructions:
1. Brew coffee double strength then chill completely. Make instant puddings separately according to package instructions, substituting the cold coffee for milk.
2. Take 2 small glasses or jars. Add 2 heaping tablespoons of chocolate pudding to the bottom of each. Top with a layer of whipped cream.
3. Add another couple tablespoons of vanilla pudding, followed by more whipped cream.
4. Repeat layers once more, ending with whipped cream.
5. Dust the tops liberally with chocolate shavings. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.
Perfect For: Easy summer entertaining, potlucks, backyard barbecues. Make ahead and transport for stress-free contributions.
8. Chocolate Cake With Coffee Frosting
Celebrate beloved flavors with this decadent chocolate cake topped with mocha-infused buttercream. Each tender crumb of chocolate cake provides pure cocoa flavor. Smooth coffee frosting supplies gentle bitterness along with rich sweetness to satisfy your cravings.
By preparing the fluffy buttercream with instant coffee powder, you infuse intense aroma and nutty notes without thinning the texture. Generous application between moist cake layers and over the top and sides allows for coffee-kissed bites in every forkful. The beautiful classic pairing makes this cake a new go-to for all celebrations.
Ingredients:
Cake:
- Granulated sugar
- Salted butter, softened
- Large eggs
- Natural cocoa powder
- All-purpose flour
Frosting:
- Salted butter, softened
- Confectioners’ sugar
- Instant coffee powder
- Heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Prepare your favorite chocolate cake recipe according to instructions. Bake two 9-inch round cake layers.
2. Allow cakes to cool completely so frosting won't melt.
3. For the buttercream, beat butter and sugar on high speed until fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4. Dissolve coffee powder in cream. With the mixer running, slowly add coffee cream and beat until combined and smooth.
5. Place one cake layer on a serving plate, bottom-side up. Spread with 1/3 of the frosting. Top with second layer, bottom-side down. Spread remaining frosting evenly over top and sides.
6. Refrigerate 30 minutes to set frosting before slicing. Garnish with chocolate shavings if desired. Enjoy!
Perfect For: Birthdays, celebrations, anytime you want an impressive chocolate dessert.
9. Coffee Bean Bark
The union of coffee and chocolate drives this sophisticated candy. High-quality bittersweet chocolate provides intense cocoa depth as the base. Whole coffee beans get scattered throughout, toasting to bring out nuttiness during baking. More melted chocolate pours over top, sealing the beans in place.
When broken into irregular shards the coffee beans create lovely contrast and crunch. Their subtle bitterness balances the semisweet chocolate for the ideal flavor equilibrium. Keep some pieces in a bowl to impress guests. Or gift it during the holidays for a present that looks and tastes like a gourmet treat.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz high-quality dark chocolate
- 1/2 cup whole coffee beans
Instructions:
1. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides for easy lifting.
2. Chop chocolate into small pieces and melt either in the microwave or a double boiler, taking care not to burn. Let cool slightly.
3. Pour two-thirds of melted chocolate onto the prepared pan and spread into an even layer. Sprinkle evenly with coffee beans.
4. Pour over remaining chocolate to cover beans. Tap the pan firmly on the counter to create a smooth top and release air bubbles.
5. Refrigerate 30-60 minutes, until completely set. Lift out using parchment overhang and break bark into irregular pieces.
Perfect For: Holiday gift giving, hostess gifts or a fancy candy dish when guests come over.
10. Coffee Maple Spritz
These sweet spritz cookies combine butter, sugar and eggs with fragrant coffee and maple extracts. The dough gets piped through a press to form festive holiday shapes perfect for decorating. Subtle coffee aroma offsets the pronounced maple flavor for balanced cookies ideal with either morning or evening coffee.
Enjoy the contrast of their crispy edges and chewy centers. The effortless dough takes any shape so feel free to get creative. Exchange decorated tins with friends or surprise family by adding these spiced coffee cookies to a holiday cookie assortment.
Ingredients:
- Salted butter, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Large eggs
- Maple flavoring
- Instant coffee powder
- All-purpose flour
Instructions:
1. Using a stand mixer, beat butter and sugar until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Mix in eggs, maple flavor and coffee powder.
2. Gradually add flour 1 cup at a time until a stiff dough forms that pulls away from the bowl sides.
3. Pack dough tightly into a cookie press. Twist handle to extrude dough through disk, making shapes onto parchment-lined baking sheets.
4. If dough is too sticky, refrigerate 30 minutes until firmer. Bake shapes at 375°F until lightly golden at the edges, about 8 minutes.
5. Let cookies cool on a baking sheet 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Perfect For: Holiday cookie exchanges, home decor or as handmade food gifts for teachers and neighbors.
11. Easy Tiramisu
This simplified tiramisu still delivers the classic flavors of coffee and mascarpone but in a fraction of the time. Ladyfingers get just a quick dip in strong coffee before layering with sweetened cream cheese. A dusting of cocoa powder adds sophistication, making this speedy dessert taste like you fussed.
Ingredients:
- Store-bought ladyfingers for convenience
- High-quality instant espresso dissolved in hot water for intense flavor
- Full-fat mascarpone cheese to avoid a grainy texture
- Unsweetened natural cocoa powder for color contrast
Instructions:
1. Mix 2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder into 1/4 cup hot water until dissolved. Quickly dip ladyfingers into mixture until saturated but not falling apart.
2. In a separate bowl, beat mascarpone cheese with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
3. Layer-soaked ladyfingers and sweetened mascarpone in glasses or a pan. Repeat layers once.
4. Chill at least 2 hours before serving so flavors meld. Dust with cocoa powder just before eating.
Perfect For: Dinner parties, date nights or anytime you want an elegant dessert with little effort.
12. Mocha-Pecan Ice Cream Bonbons
These frozen bite-sized treats feature a mocha ice cream center enrobed in dark chocolate. The addition of pecans provides textural contrast and deeper roasted notes to complement the coffee and chocolate.
Ingredients:
- 1 pint coffee ice cream, slightly softened for scooping
- Roughly chopped pecans
- 12 oz semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions:
1. Scoop ice cream into 1-inch balls. Insert a pecan piece into the center of each. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid, at least 2 hours.
2. Meanwhile, melt chocolate chips with butter. Let cool slightly so it thickens.
3. Spear ice cream balls with a fork and dip into chocolate, tapping off any excess. Return to sheet and repeat for remaining balls.
4. Freeze dipped bonbons until serving. Let sit for 5 minutes before enjoying it.
Perfect For: Parties, baby/bridal showers, birthdays, holidays. The single bite size makes them perfect finger food.
13. Creamy Tiramisu Cheesecake
This clever dessert combines all the flavors of classic tiramisu in cheesecake form. Coffee-dipped ladyfingers line the crust before filling with an ultra-creamy mascarpone and cream cheese mixture.
Ingredients:
- Ladyfingers
- Brewed espresso
- Granulated sugar
- Cream cheese softened
- Mascarpone
- Large eggs
- Pure vanilla extract
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
Instructions:
1. Mix hot espresso with 2 Tbsp sugar until dissolved. Briefly dip ladyfingers into mixture to moisten. Arrange soaked cookies in the bottom of a springform pan.
2. Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and mascarpone until smooth. Beat in 1/2 cup sugar then eggs and vanilla.
3. Pour half the filling over the ladyfingers and smooth top. Layer more soaked cookies in a single layer. Top with remaining filling.
4. Bake at 325°F for 50 minutes. Cool completely then refrigerate overnight before removing pan sides. Dust with cocoa powder before slicing.
Perfect For: Birthdays, graduations, baby showers, holidays. Impress guests with this fusion of two iconic Italian desserts.
14. Coffee ‘n’ Cream Brownies
These indulgent brownies consist of a fudgy chocolate base topped with a fluffy coffee-spiked cream cheese filling and slick chocolate glaze. Each component can be prepared in advance for easy assembly.
Ingredients:
Brownies:
- Semisweet chocolate chips
- Butter
- Granulated sugar
-
Eggs
-
All-purpose flour
Filling:
- Cream cheese, softened
- Confectioners' sugar
-
Instant coffee powder
-
Heavy cream
Glaze:
-
Semisweet chocolate chips
-
Heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Make brownie base first and let cool completely.
2. For filling, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth then mix in coffee powder and cream. Spread onto cooled brownies.
3. For glaze, microwave chocolate and cream, stirring until smooth. Let cool slightly before drizzling over filling.
4. Chill brownies until glaze sets, about 30 minutes. Cut into squares to serve.
Perfect For: Potlucks, bake sales, birthdays, parties. Make ahead for a stress-free treat.
15. Cappuccino Mousse Trifle
This stunning dessert features layers of fluffy coffee mousse and whipped cream studded with chocolate shavings. The glass presentation allows the beautiful stripes to show through.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup freshly brewed strong coffee, chilled
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups cold heavy cream
- 4 oz milk chocolate, grated
- Ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Dissolve sugar into cold brewed coffee. Refrigerate until completely chilled.
2. Whip cream to soft peaks. Slowly pour in coffee mixture and whip until stiff peaks form, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Layer mousse and plain whipped cream in a clear glass bowl. Repeat layers.
4. Top with grated chocolate and dust with cinnamon before serving.
Perfect For: Mother's Day, bridal and baby showers, date night at home. The elegant presentation makes this dessert feel extra special.
16. Crispy Coffee Cookies
These delightful cookies balance the bitter taste of coffee with brown sugar sweetness. Each bite yields a satisfying crunch giving way to a chewy center infused with robust coffee flavor. The simple ingredients come together easily with just a quick cream and a chill before baking.
Ingredients:
- Salted butter for rich, deep flavor
- Light brown sugar to play off coffee notes
- Large egg to add moisture and structure
- Instant coffee granules for intense, roasted flavor
- All-purpose flour to create crisp texture
- Sea salt to heighten overall flavors
Instructions:
1. Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
2. Mix in egg, coffee powder, flour and salt until a smooth dough forms.
3. Scoop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough and flatten slightly using the bottom of a glass that has been dipped in sugar to prevent sticking.
4. Bake at 350°F for 12-14 minutes until set around the edges but still soft in the center.
Perfect For: Dunking alongside morning coffee or tucking into lunchboxes for an afternoon treat.
17. Mocha Truffle Cheesecake
This show stopping cheesecake begins with a brownie crust that bakes up fudgy. Coffee and chocolate infuse the creamy center along with tangy cream cheese and sour cream. Glossy chocolate ganache piped on top mimic decadent truffles.
Ingredients:
Crust:
- Brownie mix
- Melted butter
Filling:
- Cream cheese, softened
- Sour cream
- Granulated sugar
- Large eggs
- Instant coffee powder
- Semisweet chocolate chips, melted
Topping:
- Semisweet chocolate chips
- Heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Prepare brownie batter according to package directions. Press into the bottom and slightly up sides of a springform pan. Bake for 14 minutes. Cool completely before filling.
2. Beat filling ingredients until smooth and pour over the crust. Bake at 325°F for 35-40 minutes until just set in center. Cool then refrigerate overnight.
3. Make ganache by microwaving cream and chocolate until smooth. Let cool slightly before piping onto cheesecake in small dollops. Chill until serving.
Perfect For: Birthdays, date nights, holidays. Let guests indulge in this over-the-top twist on classic cheesecake.
18. Coffee Panna Cotta
This refined Italian dessert features a light and creamy vanilla-infused custard subtly flavored with espresso. The texture is smooth as silk while the coffee provides a hint of sophistication.
Ingredients:
- Heavy cream for rich texture and flavor
- Whole milk for slight sweetness
- Granulated sugar to balance coffee bitterness
- Unflavored gelatin to set custard
- Cold leftover espresso or strong brewed coffee
Instructions:
1. Sprinkle gelatin over espresso and let soften for 5 minutes.
2. Heat cream, milk and sugar just until small bubbles appear around the edge. Remove from heat.
3. Stir the bloomed gelatin mixture into hot dairy until dissolved.
4. Divide among 4-6 ramekins or glasses. Chill 4 hours minimum until set.
5. Run a thin knife around the edges before serving.
Perfect For: An elegant dinner party finale or when you want something sweet with more sophistication.
19. Espresso Glazed Cinnamon Rolls
These tender cinnamon rolls get taken up a notch with a coffee-spiked glaze. The espresso powder adds a bitterness that plays perfectly off the sweet dough and gooey filling.
Ingredients:
Rolls:
- Bread flour
- Whole milk, warmed
- Active dry yeast
- Salted butter, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Ground cinnamon
Glaze:
- Confectioners’ sugar
- Instant espresso powder
- Whole milk
Instructions:
1. Make cinnamon roll dough. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
2. Roll out dough into a rectangle. Spread with softened butter then sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon.
3. Tightly roll up and cut into rounds. Arrange in a baking pan and let rise for 30 minutes until puffy.
4. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Cool for 5 minutes.
5. Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over rolls before serving warm.
Perfect For: Lazy weekend mornings or an afternoon pick-me-up.
20. Mini Mocha Cheesecakes
These petite treats feature a chocolate cookie crust holding rich mocha cheesecake filling, made boozy and decadent from a white chocolate Kahlua ganache topping. Their single-serve size makes them perfect for parties.
Ingredients:
Crust:
- Chocolate wafer cookie, crushed
- Melted butter
- Sugar
Filling:
- Cream cheese, softened
- Sour cream
- Sugar
- Instant coffee powder
- Large eggs
Ganache:
- White chocolate chips
- Heavy cream
- Kahlua
Instructions:
1. Mix cookie crumbs with melted butter and sugar. Press into mini muffin tins and freeze for 30 minutes.
2. Beat cheesecake filling ingredients until smooth. Pour into frozen shells.
3. Bake at 350°F for 13-15 minutes until just set in centers. Cool completely.
4. Make ganache by heating cream and whisking into chocolate and Kahlua until smooth. Spoon over cheesecakes. Chill 2 hours to set.
Perfect For: Grown-up get-togethers or parties. Make ahead for fuss-free entertaining.
Conclusion
Coffee takes everyday desserts over the top. These incredible yet achievable recipes utilize coffee to elevate everything from chocolate to cheesecake. With some practice, anyone can master these impressive desserts fit for holidays, date nights and hosting guests.
The variety on this list ensures a coffee-infused sweet for any occasion. Surprise your friends and family at your next celebration by serving up one of these incredible coffee-centric treats.
FAQs
What are some easy coffee desserts I can make?
Some of the simplest coffee dessert recipes that make a big impression include affogato, no-bake cappuccino dessert, easy tiramisu and mocha mousse. Most require no baking and come together quickly.
What desserts pair well with coffee?
Anything rich and chocolatey like brownies, chocolate cake or cheesecake tastes even better with a hit of coffee flavor. Cookies, ice cream, custards and trifles also pair nicely for coffee-flavored desserts.
Is real coffee used in coffee dessert recipes?
Yes, most recipes call for freshly brewed coffee or espresso. Instant coffee powder can be used too but may slightly alter the flavor. Always use high-quality coffee when baking.
Should I make coffee desserts ahead of time?
Plan ahead when possible, especially for cakes and custards. Cheesecakes, tiramisu, pie, baked Alaska and bonbons need to chill completely. Cookies, bars, muffins and mousse can be prepared just before serving.
Can kids enjoy coffee flavored sweets?
Coffee desserts packed with chocolate, caramel or sweet flavors appeal to kids’ tastes too. Avoid adding liquor and limit coffee intensity in children’s portions. Espresso truffles, mocha cake and tiramisu cups tend to be big hits.
What coffee goes best with dessert?
Espresso and cappuccino add intense flavor that balances sweetness. Sweeter, milder coffee like mocha, latte and Vienna pair nicely without overpowering. Cold brew brings creamy nutty notes. Choose a coffee that matches the dessert profile.
How do I make coffee desserts look extra fancy?
Toppings like whipped cream, chocolate shavings, crushed candy canes or edible flowers dress up coffee sweets. For cakes, create textured frosting with piping bags. Serve individual desserts in mini glasses or bowls for added elegance.