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.
If it's iced coffee you're after, take a look at our list of Our favourite iced coffees and affogatos.
Coffee granita and vin santo sabayon
Chef Peter Gilmore’s take on coffee granita turns texture into the star, with icy espresso crystals topped with an airy sabayon enriched with vin santo. This elegant dessert brings together hints of bitterness and sweetness to create a deeply refreshing, make-ahead dessert that feels restaurant-worthy.
Coffee, cocoa and hazelnut amaretti (Amaretti con caffè, cacao e nocciole)
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.
Vietnamese coffee flan cake
Part chocolate cake, part silky flan, this striking dessert borrows flavours from Vietnamese iced coffee. The result is a magical hybrid dessert, finished with an extra drizzle with extra caramel from the moulds.
Coffee mousse (crema di caffè)
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 pappardelle with burrata, olives and anchovy
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.
Jamie Oliver's tiramisu
This lighter take on tiramisù swaps in ricotta for extra freshness, while dark chocolate ganache and sweet coffee-soaked sponge fingers keep all the richness you want from the Italian classic. Serve with a generous shaving of chocolate and a fine grating of orange zest for a bright finish.
Sfinci (Sicilian doughnuts) stuffed with coffee ricotta
Freshly made doughnuts are irresistible at the best of times, but this Italian version steps things up with a creamy coffee ricotta and a coating of cinnamon and ground coffee sugar for an extra aromatic linger.
No-churn Vietnamese coffee ice-cream
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.
Molasses glazed beef ribs
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.
Lemon myrtle and river mint chocolate coffee beans
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.
Kopi cakes with peanut honeycomb
Inspired by Malaysian kopi, these buttery little cakes combine a softly spiced coffee sponge with light condensed milk icing, balancing bitterness with creamy sweetness. Crushed peanut honeycomb scattered over the top adds an extra layer of crunch and toasted flavour.
Tiramisu lamingtons
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.
Banana and coffee fritters
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.
Salmon with coffee and sweet potato rice
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.
Soy milk jellies with coffee syrup
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.
Coffee and cumin lamb leg
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.
Coffee and almond genoise (gateau moka)
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.
Coffee, banana and almond milk chia pots
Coffee and chia make an easy partnership in these make-ahead pots, where almond milk, banana and cocoa create a smooth, lightly spiced base. Finished with prunes, yoghurt and citrus, they’re equally suited to breakfast or dessert.
Vietnamese iced coffee pavlova
Vietnamese iced coffee finds a fun new form in a crisp-edged pavlova layered with condensed milk and coffee syrup. Sweet, bitter and chewy in all the right places, it’s a clever twist on two warm-weather favourites.
Espresso caramel flan
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.
Mocha popcorn with sesame brittle
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.
Coffee granita with cream Chantilly
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.
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