International Coffee Day: Best

Coffee Desserts

To Kickstart October

Quick Summary

While the world may not agree on a lot of things, every October 1st, people come together to collectively concur that coffee is one of the best drinks known to man. With over 400 billion cups consumed a year around the world as per the Coffee Board Of India, it’s no wonder that on International Coffee Day, people want to celebrate it in all its forms, including delicious desserts. Whether it’s through classics like tiramisu, innovative reimaginings like a cafe mocha pannacotta or a creamy affogato, here are 7 interesting options to try.

Deep Dive

The world of coffee and desserts have always gone hand in hand. While coffee on its own can skew more towards the bitter end of the spectrum, a touch of sweetness elevates its rich and complex notes and translates to desserts worth dying for. For International Coffee Day, while most people are sipping on their favourite brews and decoding the science behind different blends, why not celebrate the sugary side of te coffee world through some divine desserts. 

1. Tiramisu

Naturally, when you think about coffee desserts, the only logical place to start is the iconic tiramisu. The undisputed champion of coffee desserts, tiramisu remains a timeless Italian masterpiece with many restaurants serving it up by the literal drawerful these days. Layers of coffee-soaked lady finger biscuits alternate with puffs of mascarpone cream, creating a balance between bitter and sweet. The name itself means "pick me up" in Italian (a fitting description for this espresso-drenched delight). The key to a ‘good tiramisu is using strong coffee or espresso, allowing the biscuits to absorb just enough liquid without becoming soggy, whilst the mascarpone mixture provides a luxuriously smooth counterpoint. Dust generously with cocoa powder for the perfect finish and dig in.

2. Cafe Mocha Panna Cotta

Chocolate and coffee - the star-studded couple of the dessert table. Pannacotta, another classic Italian dessert, receives a caffeinated upgrade with the marriage of coffee and chocolate. Made by simmering cream and sugar to a thick, luscious texture, the silky texture becomes even more irresistible when infused with espresso and enriched with dark chocolate. The result is a cafe mocha-inspired wobble of pure indulgence that melts on the tongue. Serve chilled in individual glasses or ramekins, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream and chocolate shavings, for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

3. Affogato

It doesn’t all have to be heritage recipes or complex creations, usually the most memorable desserts are the simplest. The affogato captures this philosophy perfectly: a scoop of vanilla gelato or ice cream drowning in a shot of hot espresso. The bitter coffee mingles with the sweet ice cream, the hot coffee and cold dessert converge in a mix of flavours, textures and temperatures that evolves with each spoonful. It takes only moments to assemble but delivers maximum impact, ideal for impromptu dessert cravings or when you fancy something special without the fuss.

4. Coffee and Walnut Cake

A British teatime staple, coffee and walnut cake offers comforting nostalgia with every slice. The sponge, infused with coffee essence or strong instant coffee, pairs beautifully with crunchy walnuts throughout. Traditional versions feature a coffee buttercream filling and topping, often decorated with walnut halves. The earthy notes of the walnuts complement the coffee's depth, creating a cake that's neither too sweet nor too bitter, just wonderfully balanced. Mandatory to pair it with an afternoon cuppa, naturally.

5. Espresso Creme Brulee

This French classic receives a caffeinated makeover that coffee lovers will adore. The smooth, vanilla-scented custard base welcomes a generous hit of espresso, adding complexity and a gentle bitterness that cuts through the richness. The signature caramelised sugar top provides that satisfying crack under your spoon, revealing the silky coffee custard beneath. It's an elegant dessert that feels special enough for celebrations yet can be prepared ahead - simply flame the tops just before serving.

6. Vietnamese Coffee Ice Cream

Trendy coffees are everywhere these days and this dessertified version draws inspiration from Vietnam's famous ca phe sua da (iced coffee with condensed milk). This ice cream captures the drink's distinctive character in frozen form. Strong, dark-roasted Vietnamese coffee combines with sweetened condensed milk to create an intensely flavoured, ultra-creamy frozen treat. The condensed milk provides both sweetness and a luscious texture, whilst the robust coffee prevents it from becoming too sickly sweet.

7. Mocha Tart

For chocolate and coffee enthusiasts, the mocha tart can bring you the best of both worlds. A crisp pastry shell cradles a glossy ganache filling that blends dark chocolate with espresso, creating a dessert that's rich without being overwhelming. The coffee enhances the chocolate's complexity rather than competing with it, bringing out deeper, more nuanced flavours. Serve in thin slices with a small mountain of whipped cream, or just go all out on it, who are we to judge.

The Brotherhood Of A Culinary Legacy

Since 2015, the world has marked October 1st as the day to honour one of its most consumed drinks and its infinite uses. These seven coffee desserts offer something for every palate and skill level, from the dead-simple affogato to the more evolved tiramisu. As evenings grow longer, there's something deeply satisfying about ending a meal with a dessert that celebrates coffee in all its glory. Whether you're marking International Coffee Day specifically or simply embracing the season's cosy atmosphere, these recipes prove that coffee deserves a place in your dessert repertoire year-round.