Coffee can be so much more than just a morning pick-me-up—it’s an ingredient that adds depth, richness, and complexity to both sweet and savoury dishes. Whether you're a coffee lover looking for new ways to enjoy your favourite flavour or simply curious about creative ways to use coffee, these recipes are guaranteed to surprise and delight.
Lightweight and crunchy, Amaretti have been a favourite biscuit for espresso dunking as well as pairing with a dessert wine or liqueur for hundreds of years in Italy. With a base of ground almonds or almond paste, the variations are endless.
Coffee, cocoa and hazelnut amaretti Credit: Jono Fleming
A beloved summer treat along Italy’s Adriatic coast, this airy coffee mousse is light, creamy, and refreshing. With just a few simple ingredients, it offers an elegant, effortless dessert perfect for warm afternoons or as a sweet finish to a dinner party.
Coffee mousse (crema di caffè) Credit: Rob Palmer
Not just for sweet dishes, the addition of coffee to pappardelle gives the pasta a rich depth and a speckled appearance – a lovely ensemble with creamy burrata and briny olives. This elegant dish combines savoury, sweet, and earthy flavours, making it an impressive option for dinner guests or an upgraded weeknight meal.
Coffee pappardelle with burrata, olives and anchovy Credit: Luca's Key Ingredient
By combining condensed milk and whipped cream, this recipe delivers a smooth, creamy ice cream without the need for an ice cream maker. Infused with bold Vietnamese coffee flavours, it’s an effortless way to enjoy a rich, frozen treat.
Us barbecue lovers are always on the hunt for a new marinade. This coffee-infused version brings a depth and richness to the tender slow-cooked meat. Perfect as a starter, or serve with roasted vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes for a main.
Credit: Taste of the Tropics
Coffee beans with a native Australian twist, these chocolate-covered coffee beans are infused with the bright, citrusy notes of lemon myrtle and the cool, refreshing taste of river mint. Enjoy these as a highly snackable afternoon pick-me-up, or package them into a surprising gift.
Credit: On Country Kitchen
This Vietnamese version of crème caramel infuses the silky custard with the deep aroma of coffee, adding a bold twist to the classic French dessert. The coffee caramel's subtle bitterness contrasts beautifully with the creamy custard, making it a memorable dessert for coffee enthusiasts.
Credit: Chris Middleton
When two icons become one! Lamington sponge is given the tiramisu treatment, dipped in espresso and mascarpone, before continuing on its lamington path of being coated in chocolate and coconut.
Light and fluffy thanks to having ricotta as an ingredient, these golden fritters get a twist with a hint of coffee. They’re perfect for brunch entertaining or a fun dessert. Drizzle with agave syrup or honey, and dust with icing sugar for a sweet finish.
Banana and coffee fritters. Credit: Luca's Key Ingredient
Coffee might not be the first thing you think of when preparing fish, but this recipe proves that its robust flavour can be a surprising match for salmon. The coffee rub on the salmon brings out the fish’s natural sweetness, while the sweet potato rice adds a creamy, earthy contrast.
Salmon is a source of omega 3 fatty acids. Credit: Chris Chen
Delicate, silky jellies are topped with a bold coffee syrup for a light and refreshing, sophisticated sweet. This is an ideal recipe for those looking for a dairy-free, low-sugar dessert option that still packs a punch of flavour.
Credit: Leanne Kitchen and Antony Suvalko
The secret to this recipe’s success is an aromatic spice rub of ground coffee, cumin, cinnamon, chilli powder, ginger and cloves. As the lamb slow cooks, the flavours impart a deep, comforting dish that’s great for entertaining. Serve with a fresh tabbouleh salad and warm flatbreads for a Mediterranean-inspired feast.
Credit: Danielle Abou Karam
A classic French dessert, the gâteau moka features a light and airy almond sponge cake layered with coffee-flavoured buttercream. The combination of almond and coffee creates a nutty, rich taste that’s both elegant and indulgent.
Credit: Alan Benson
Silky custard is combined with an espresso-infused, bitter-sweet caramel to create a well-balanced dessert that’s perfect for coffee lovers. Serve this show-stopper at your next dinner party for a rich and refined finale to the meal.
Credit: Jiwon Kim
For lovers of sweet-salty snacks, this one is for you: bittersweet chocolate is combined with coffee and crunchy sesame brittle. Tossing the popcorn while hot ensures a perfect candy-like coating. It's an ideal snack for movie nights or casual get-togethers when you want something sweet with a caffeine kick.
Credit: Amanda McLauchlan
No offence, plain oatmeal – we do love you – but this espresso syrup-infused riff is a playful, satisfying and energising start to the day. Plus, combining the two means extra minutes in a morning rush!
Morning coffee oatmeal Credit: Chris Middleton
Refreshing coffee granita topped with rich, fluffy Chantilly cream is the perfect way to cool down on a hot day. Serve it as a palate cleanser between courses or as a refreshing summer dessert that’s both simple and elegant.
Credit: Danielle Abou Karam
