Embrace the summer season with a delightful twist by incorporating coffee into your dessert repertoire. From the creamy indulgence of Tiramisu to the refreshing simplicity of an Affogato, coffee-inspired desserts bring a unique and rich flavour to the table. Choosing the right coffee beans can elevate these treats, ensuring a perfect balance of taste and aroma.
Discover five delicious coffee-infused desserts that are perfect for summer and guaranteed to impress.
- Classic Tiramisu
Tiramisu, a classic Italian dessert, is a perfect blend of rich coffee, creamy mascarpone, and delicate ladyfingers. This indulgent treat relies heavily on the quality of coffee used, making it essential to know how to select the best coffee beans. A medium to dark roast coffee is recommended to achieve the robust flavour that Tiramisu is known for.
Brew a strong espresso, allowing the deep notes to seep into the ladyfingers, creating a harmonious balance with the sweet mascarpone mixture. For an extra touch of decadence, consider adding a splash of coffee liqueur. Tiramisu is not just a dessert; it’s an experience of layered textures and flavours, ideal for any summer gathering.
- Coffee Ice Cream
Homemade coffee ice cream is a refreshing and indulgent dessert that captures the essence of coffee in every creamy bite. This dessert is a fantastic way to enjoy coffee in a chilled form, perfect for hot summer days. To achieve the best flavour, use medium roast coffee beans, which provide a balanced and smooth taste without overpowering the sweetness of the ice cream.
Start by steeping ground coffee beans in milk and cream, allowing the rich coffee essence to infuse the mixture. Once the base is infused, it’s strained to remove the coffee grounds and then combined with sugar and egg yolks to create a custard.
After chilling the custard, it’s churned in an ice cream maker until it reaches a creamy consistency. The result is a deliciously smooth and aromatic coffee ice cream that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with other desserts like brownies or cake. You could even experiment with your ice cream and create a coffee-flavoured milkshake to enjoy during the heat.
This homemade treat is sure to be a hit, providing a refreshing coffee fix in a delightful frozen form.
- Coffee Panna Cotta
Combining the creamy texture of panna cotta with the bold, rich flavour of coffee, coffee Panna Cotta, is an elegant Italian recipe to try this summer. This dessert is simple yet sophisticated, making it a perfect choice for summer entertaining. Using high-quality dark roast coffee beans will add a deeper, more intense coffee flavour, balancing perfectly with the creamy panna cotta base.
Begin by brewing a strong batch of coffee using dark roast beans. In a saucepan, heat cream, sugar, and a hint of vanilla until the sugar dissolves. Add the brewed coffee to the mixture, then stir in softened gelatin until completely dissolved. Pour the mixture into moulds and refrigerate until set, usually for at least four hours or overnight.
The result is a silky, smooth dessert with a delightful coffee kick. Serve your Coffee Panna Cotta with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra layer of indulgence. This dessert is not only visually appealing but also offers a sophisticated taste that coffee lovers will appreciate.
- Espresso Brownies
Espresso brownies elevate the classic chocolate brownie by infusing it with rich, intense espresso flavour. The coffee enhances the chocolate, creating a deeper, more complex taste. For the best results, use espresso made from high-quality dark roast coffee beans.
Begin by brewing a strong shot of espresso and letting it cool. Prepare your favourite brownie batter, incorporating the espresso to intensify the chocolate flavour. Consider adding chocolate chips or a swirl of coffee liqueur for extra richness. Bake until set but still fudgy in the centre. Once cooled, cut into squares and enjoy on their own or with a scoop of coffee ice cream.
These espresso brownies are perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, or as a delicious treat with a cup of coffee. The combination of chocolate and coffee creates an irresistible dessert sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Coffee Mousse
Coffee mousse is a light and airy dessert that perfectly balances the robust flavour of coffee with a creamy texture. Ideal for summer, this treat provides a refreshing yet indulgent finish to any meal. Use medium-roast coffee beans for a smooth and balanced taste.
Start by brewing a strong cup of coffee and letting it cool. Whip egg yolks and sugar until fluffy, then incorporate the cooled coffee. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream to soft peaks and fold it into the coffee mixture. Chill the mousse for at least two hours to set.
Serve in individual glasses, garnished with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings. This elegant dessert is easy to make and perfect for summer entertaining.