It is safe to say that there are two distinct people in this world- those who enjoy a dessert at the end of their meals and those who simply need a delicious and rich cup of coffee to cap things off. But why not combine the best of both worlds by putting your trusty espresso machine to good use?
While coffee-based desserts appeal more to those who enjoy the drink itself, many people may be surprised to know that coffee often appears in their favorite chocolate desserts, as it is a fantastic ingredient that amplifies the chocolate flavor tenfold. From boozy tiramisu recipes to liqueur coffees and impressive coffee créme caramels, this simple ingredient can transform and elevate your baking to a new level.
Irish Cream Tiramisu
This adult-friendly take on a delicious Italian classic features a rich mix of coffee and creamy Baileys liqueur, which takes this recipe to the next level. Assembly takes less than 20 minutes, with the hardest step being the waiting period while it chills in the fridge until serving time.
The beauty of this simple yet decadent twist is that it can work with any tiramisu recipe, giving you more freedom and flexibility to stick to your favorite way of baking. Simply mix your coffee mixture with roughly 175ml of Baileys before dipping your finger biscuits and starting your assembly process.
Classic Affogato
A large part of Italian cuisine is doing the simple things right. And very few things illustrate this ideology better than classic affogato. A shot of intense, rich espresso coffee is poured over smooth and creamy ice cream, pooling together to create a deconstructed ice coffee delight.
While any ice cream, homemade or shop-bought, works for this incredibly easy dessert, vanilla works best, as its subtle and neutral flavor base perfectly complements the coffee’s most complex flavor profile.
Mini Coffee & Walnut Cakes
While a coffee cake with walnut praline and whisky buttercream may sound complicated and intimidating, this deceptively easy dessert not only gives you 16 mini cakes, which is ideal for afternoon tea or a birthday party, but it is impressive enough to make your guests believe you must have bought it from a local bakery.
The most challenging part of this recipe is making the walnut praline, as it requires a steady and well-monitored process of melting sugar over low heat until it forms a silky smooth, decadent caramel. It may take some trial and error to get right, but you will become a pro in no time.
Mocha Hazelnut Cake
While there is nothing wrong with a light and fluffy coffee cake, why not go the extra mile with an indulgent mocha hazelnut coffee layer cake that is easy to make and even easier to assemble? You don’t need the excuse of a special occasion to whip one up for the family.
Two fluffy sponge cakes flavored with a punch of coffee and delicious finely chopped toasted hazelnuts are layered together with simple chocolate butter icing, topped with roughly chopped hazelnuts, and small shavings of milk chocolate.
Chocolate Coffee Swiss Roll
For many families, the classic Swiss roll was a popular dessert treat growing up, likely finding its way onto many tables for special occasions and over the holidays. For an updated remake that will satisfy any coffee lover in your family, this impressive chocolate coffee Swiss roll will steal the show at your next dinner party.
The rich chocolate sponge is thanks to good quality cocoa powder and dark chocolate, while strongly brewed coffee and chocolate-covered coffee beans transform simple cream into something extraordinary. The combination of the two flavors perfectly complements one another and enhances the other flavor profile. It’s a winning combination that won’t disappoint.
Liqueur Coffee
A robust liqueur coffee is a simple yet rich and comforting way to end any meal. Because you can add any alcohol to the mix, its elevated versatility makes it the perfect way to cap off a dinner with friends or family.
The two most important rules when making liqueur coffee are using strong brewed coffee and finishing it off with two large dollops of frothy whipped cream. Indulge in Irish whiskey for an Irish kick, while grappa or amaretto will please any Italian. Rum will have you ready to book your next vacation to the festive Carribean, while cognac will suit any French dinner party theme.
Coffee Créme Caramel
A silky smooth coffee créme caramel with espresso and Frangelico syrup is an adult-friendly twist on an iconic dessert. Relatively easy to prepare, it can be made in advance for a romantic Valentine’s Day meal or as a welcomed treat at the end of a long and challenging week.
The most difficult step of this recipe is working with melted sugar to create a delicious caramel that acts as the base of the dessert. For beginners, the process can be somewhat tricky to perfect, with a fine line between rich caramel and a burnt bitter mess that belongs in the rubbish bin. Take extra care working with melted sugar, as the piping hot liquid can cause serious injury should it make contact with the skin.
