Crema Di Caffe - Italian Coffee Cream

Recipe: Crema Di Caffe Italian Coffee Cream Recipe »

Crema di caffe is a deliciously dreamy Italian coffee cream that is smooth, sweet and lightly frozen like a cross between a coffee mousse or slushie. Made with just espresso, cream and sugar this easy dessert is perfect for summer or an afternoon pick-me-up or dessert!

About This Crema Di Caffe Italian Coffee Cream

Crema di Caffè or Caffe Crema (Italian Coffee Cream) is a delicious frozen coffee drink or dessert that is hugely popular in Italy. It tastes like sweet, creamy coffee and is enjoyed as a pick me up during the day or as a dessert. Crema di Caffè is eggless and is made with espresso coffee, whipped cream and sugar. It is especially popular during summer months. And if you have a slushie maker at home, you can make it easily (or you can make a non frozen version too!).

I first tried Creme di Caffe a few years ago and it was so good that whenever I see it, I have to order it! It was actually first served in the 1970s but has enjoyed a revival in popularity as there is now a "just add water" pre-mix available and it is added to a slushie machine. But I'm going to show you how to make it at home with just 3 ingredients!

Video How To Make Crema Di Caffe Italian Coffee Cream

Video: How to Make Crema Di Caffe Italian Coffee Cream (two versions!)

Ingredients For Crema Di Caffe Italian Coffee Cream

Cream - I use thickened cream as it is best for whipping. Pure, single or double cream also works.

Coffee - You want to make yourself 2 espresso coffees, around 70ml/2.3fl oz each.

Sugar - Use sifted icing or powdered sugar so that it dissolves easily in the hot coffee.

Tips For Making Crema Di Caffe Italian Coffee Cream

1 - The texture of Crema di Caffè is semi frozen so it is perfect for a slushie maker. But don't worry, if you don't have a slushie maker you can serve it just chilled in a cup like a mousse!

2 - Add the icing or powdered sugar to the hot coffee straight away so that it melts completely.

3 - Make sure that the coffee is cold by the time you add it to the mixture.

4 - Use cream that is very cold, straight from the fridge. Again, this thickens up better.

5 - I've given two recipes: one made with a slushie machine and one without. The slushie version is my favourite and is an unbeatable pick me up on hot days. I think it also tastes better too because the flavour is more concentrated. The non slushie version uses a whisk and mixer and it will be cold but not semi frozen.

6 - A third option if you don't have a mixer: you can also whip cream in a jar. Add 180ml/6fl oz of cream to a 400ml/14oz jar and screw then lid on tight. Shake vigorously for 2-4 minutes or until the cream has a thick, whipped textured. Add the cold, sweetened espresso and shake again until completely combined.

7 - With your slushie machine, set it to the coldest setting. For my Beko machine that is the Mix Slush setting and I set the cold setting to the coldest (the largest snowflake).

Other delicious coffee drinks to try next: Tiramisu Latte at home, Espresso Martini or Dalgona Coffee.

Crema Di Caffe Italian Coffee Cream Recipe

An Original Recipe by Lorraine Elliott

Recipe Overview

Preparation time: 10 minutes plus chilling and churning time

Cooking time: 0 minutes

Serves: 2-3 people

Ingredients Needed

• 2x double espresso coffees (140ml/5oz total)
• 90g/3ozs icing or powdered sugar, sifted
• 360ml/12.6 fl oz. thickened cream

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1 COFFEE - Whisk the icing sugar into the hot coffee and allow to cool completely (place in the fridge to hasten).

Step 2a WHISK - Chill a mixer and whisk in the fridge. Whip the cream until you get soft peaks (do not overwhisk or it will turn into butter). Add the cold sweet coffee and whisk until combined. Serve in cups with cocoa powder dusted on top for dessert.

Step 2b SLUSHIE - Place cream and chilled coffee mixture in the slushie machine and set to Mix Slush and the highest Ice setting. Mix until creamy, thick and semi frozen. Serve in cups with cocoa powder dusted on top for dessert.

Personal Note

We recently tried Crema di Caffè when we were in Newcastle. After Mr NQN, Laura and I arrived after our drive and checked into our hotel, we went to one of my favourite delis, Arno Deli for a panini and drinks. I saw that they had Crema di Caffè and asked Laura if she had ever tried it. She hadn't so we ordered one and she and Mr NQN loved it.

Mr NQN left Newcastle on Sunday morning while Laura and I stayed on for lunch and dinner. She dropped me off at my house and stayed to watch Married at First Sight. "I may need a coffee," she said and opened her hand. She was carrying a coffee pod as she knows I usually only have decaf coffee pods. "I actually took this from the hotel," she said conspiratorially adding, "I take them all and then they replace them so I end up with lots of them."

I laughed and showed her that we had also done the same and on the kitchen bench were 2 days worth of coffee pods from our weekend away! Because in this economy, where 12 coffee pods is around $10, you can believe we also took them!

So tell me Dear Reader, do you take the coffee pods or tea from hotels? How about toiletries? Have you ever tried Crema di Caffè?