Italian Coffee Cream, or crema al caffè, is a delightful summer alternative to the traditional cappuccino, offering a silky smooth sip that revitalizes any coffee lover's palate. It is an ingenious way to repurpose leftover espresso, transforming it into a chilled and creamy treat.
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When we, Italians, make espresso with a Moka machine, we usually like to drink it right away to enjoy its fresh flavor.
If there’s any espresso left over, it doesn’t go to waste.
You can use it to make either a coffee granita, which is icy and refreshing, or Italian coffee cream, which is a smooth and creamy drink that makes a great treat on a hot day.
Ingredients
For this Italian coffee cream recipe, the quality and preparation of the espresso are crucial to achieve the desired richness and depth of flavor. Here is the ingredient list:
- Espresso: It must be a strong coffee blend; regular coffee will not suffice as its milder flavor becomes too watery in this preparation. Ensure that the espresso is cooled to room temperature before use. I recommend illy coffee
- Sugar: To add sweetness and help form the creamy texture when whipped with the espresso. Feel free to add more sugar based on your taste
- Heavy Cream: Choose a cream with at least 30% fat content for a rich, luxurious texture that holds up well when whipped into the coffee.
Measurements are in the recipe card.
Step-by-step instructions with images
Here are the step-by-step instructions to prepare the Italian Coffee Cream:
- While the espresso is still warm, add the sugar to it. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Transfer the sweetened espresso to the fridge and let it chill for at least 1 hour, or overnight, to ensure it is thoroughly cold.
- In a small bowl, combine the cold espresso and heavy cream.
- Using an electric mixer, whip the cream and espresso mixture until it forms soft peaks. This will give the cream a light, airy texture.
- Spoon the whipped coffee cream into a martini glass for an elegant presentation.
- Decorate the top with a few coffee beans or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for added flair and flavor.
How to serve it
This crema di caffè is a popular choice for breakfast during the warmer months in Italy.
It is traditionally served with an Italian cornetto or a Sicilian brioche, offering a delightful combination of creamy coffee and sweet pastry.
The cream should be enjoyed immediately after preparation to prevent it from separating.
Top Tips
Type of coffee
For the best results, it's essential to use high-quality espresso made with an espresso machine or a moka machine.
The flavor and strength of the coffee play a critical role in the final taste of the cream.
Avoid using instant coffee, as it lacks the depth and robustness needed for this recipe.
For an authentically rich and smooth espresso, I recommend using Illy Caffè.
To serve it
In Italian cafés, this coffee cream is kept in a special machine that stirs it continuously, ensuring it remains smooth and homogeneous.
If you are preparing this treat for guests at home and want to keep it from separating, you can place it in an ice cream machine and set it to stir without refrigeration.
This method keeps the coffee cream perfect for serving while preventing it from freezing.
You can serve it with
For more information you can read more about traditional Italian breakfast recipes
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Iced Italian Coffee Cream Crema Di Caffè
Equipment
- Ice cream machine optional
Ingredients
- 1 cup Espresso coffee
- 6 tablespoon caster sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream +30% fat
Instructions
- While the espresso is still warm, add the sugar to it. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.1 cup Espresso coffee, 6 tablespoon caster sugar
- Transfer the sweetened espresso to the fridge and let it chill for at least 1 hour, or overnight, to ensure it is thoroughly cold.
- In a small bowl, combine the cold espresso and heavy cream.1 cup heavy cream
- Using an electric mixer, whip the cream and espresso mixture until it forms soft peaks. This will give the cream a light, airy texture.
- Spoon the whipped coffee cream into a martini glass for an elegant presentation.
- Decorate the top with a few coffee beans or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for added flair and flavor.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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