What is Café Cremoso?
Café Cremoso is a popular coffee drink that originated in Brazil. The term "cremoso" means creamy in Portuguese, perfectly describing this coffee's texture and taste. It's similar to the well-known Dalgona coffee but with a richer and creamier consistency. To make Café Cremoso, instant coffee, sugar, hot water, and sometimes vanilla extract or cinnamon are mixed and beaten until the mixture becomes thick, creamy, and light brown. The creamy coffee mixture is then spooned on top of hot or cold milk, creating a delicious and indulgent coffee drink that can be enjoyed anytime.
Ingredients
Note: The full ingredients list is provided in the recipe card below.
- Instant Coffee: This is the primary ingredient in the recipe and provides a rich, bold coffee flavor. Instant Coffee is made by freeze-drying or spray-drying brewed Coffee, resulting in a concentrated form that dissolves easily in hot water.
- Granulated Sugar: The sugar in this recipe adds sweetness and helps create the thick and creamy texture of the coffee mixture. When beaten with hot water and instant Coffee, the sugar dissolves and creates air pockets, giving the mixture a light and fluffy consistency.
- Hot Water: The hot water in this recipe dissolves the instant Coffee and sugar, creating a strong and concentrated coffee base for the creamy mixture.
- Pure Vanilla Extract or Cinnamon Powder (optional): These ingredients add extra flavor to the recipe. Vanilla extract provides a subtle and sweet flavor, while cinnamon adds a warm and spicy note to the Coffee.
To make the coffee:
- Milk: The milk is used as a base for the Café Cremoso, and you can use any milk you prefer, including dairy, almond, or oat milk. The milk can be served hot or cold, and the creamy coffee mixture is spooned on top, creating a rich and indulgent coffee drink.
Tools you'll need
How to Make Cafe Cremoso
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below. Combine instant coffee, sugar, vanilla extract, and hot water in a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer set to a low setting, whip the mixture continuously until a soft peak, gradually increase the speed to medium-high as the coffee cream thickens, and keep whisking until a stiff peak forms, about 10 minutes or so. (If you don’t have a hand mixer, it can be whipped by hand; know the process takes a little longer, about 20 to 25 minutes. (Good luck!)🙃 The mixture will turn lighter and thicken as you whip it until a stiff peak, about 10 minutes. Once the mixture has reached a thick ( I mean, it will be so thick that it will not drop off the spoon if turned over) light, fluffy consistency, and golden brown, it’s ready! Store it in an air-tight container in the freezer for up to three months. Don't worry. It won't harden; it stays soft and scoopable; there is no need to defrost to use it! To make the coffee: Fill up a glass with your choice of milk (hot or cold, with or without ice), add a generous dollop of the Cafe Cremoso, and adjust to your liking. Mix well before drinking. Enjoy!
Substitutions
- Instant Coffee: If you don't have instant coffee on hand, you can use regular brewed coffee, but it may change the texture and consistency of the creamy mixture. Alternatively, depending on your preferences, you can use espresso powder or instant decaf coffee.
- Granulated Sugar: You can use any granulated sweetener, such as brown sugar, coconut sugar, or honey. Remember that different sweeteners may affect the texture and flavor of the coffee mixture.
- Hot Water: Instead of hot water, you can use hot milk or a milk alternative to create a creamier and richer coffee base.
- Pure Vanilla Extract or Cinnamon Powder: If you don't have vanilla extract or cinnamon powder on hand, you can omit them entirely or use other flavorings, such as almond extract, nutmeg, or cardamom.
- Milk: If you prefer a non-dairy option, you can use almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, or any other alternative. You can also use a combination of milk and cream for an even creamier texture.
Variations
- Chocolate Café Cremoso: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the coffee mixture for a rich and chocolatey flavor.
- Salted Caramel Alternative Add a drizzle of caramel sauce and a pinch of sea salt to the coffee mixture for a sweet and salty twist.
- Mint Mocha Café Cremoso: Add a few drops of peppermint extract and a tablespoon of chocolate syrup to the coffee mixture for a refreshing and indulgent treat.
- Coconut Cream Café Cremoso: Use coconut milk instead of regular milk for a tropical and creamy variation.
- Pumpkin Spice Café Cremoso: Add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the coffee mixture for a cozy and festive flavor.
- Maple Pecan Café Cremoso: Add a tablespoon of maple syrup and a handful of chopped pecans to the coffee mixture for a sweet and nutty taste.
How to Serve
Serving the recipe is a simple and easy process. Fill a cup with your choice of hot or cold milk, leaving some room for the creamy coffee mixture at the top. Spoon a generous amount of the creamy coffee mixture on top of the milk, using the back of the spoon to smooth it out. Stir the coffee and milk with a spoon until well combined, creating a rich and creamy coffee drink. To add flavor and appeal, you can also garnish your Café Cremoso with a sprinkle of cinnamon, cocoa powder, or shaved chocolate.
How to Store
Place any leftover Café Cremoso in a tight container in the freezer for up to one week. When ready to enjoy, scoop out the desired amount and put it on top of hot or cold milk in a cup.
Make-Ahead
Making Café Cremoso ahead of time is a great way to save time and ensure you always have a delicious coffee drink. To make ahead, prepare the creamy coffee mixture according to the recipe and spoon it into a freezer-safe container with a tight-fitting lid. Freeze the container for up to one week. When ready to serve, remove the container from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften. Next, scoop out the desired creamy coffee mixture and place it on top of hot or cold milk in a cup. Stir well and enjoy your delicious Café Cremoso!
Tips for Making The Best Café Cremoso
- Use good-quality instant coffee: Since the flavor of the coffee is a prominent feature of the recipe, using a good quality instant coffee will ensure a rich and flavorful result. Choose a brand that you enjoy and trust.
- Whip it properly: Whipping the coffee mixture is key to achieving the creamy and fluffy texture of the recipe. Use an electric mixer and start at a low setting, gradually increasing the speed as the mixture thickens. Whip until stiff peaks form, meaning the mixture holds shape when the beaters are lifted.
- Be patient: It takes some time to whip the coffee mixture to the desired consistency, so be patient and don't rush the process. It typically takes 10 minutes of continuous whipping to achieve the right texture. If you're doing it by hand, it may take a bit longer.
- Add flavor variations: While the classic recipe calls for vanilla extract or cinnamon, feel free to experiment with other flavors if you'd like. You can try adding a dash of cocoa powder, almond extract, or even a flavored syrup to customize the taste to your liking.
- Serve it with your preferred milk: The recipe is traditionally served over milk, either hot or cold, depending on your preference. Use your favorite type of milk, dairy, almond, oat, or any other alternative. Adjust the amount of Café Cremoso to your taste, whether you prefer a stronger or milder coffee flavor.
- Store it properly: Once you've whipped it up, store it in an airtight container in the freezer. This helps it maintain its creamy texture and prevents it from freezing solid. It can be stored for up to three months, and you can scoop out the desired amount whenever you want to enjoy a cup of Café Cremoso.
FAQ
Can I use decaf instant coffee for this recipe?
You can use decaf instant coffee instead of regular instant coffee.Can I make a big batch of this recipe and store it in the fridge instead of the freezer?
No, it's best to keep Café Cremoso in the freezer to maintain its texture and flavor. It can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one week.Can I make this recipe without a hand mixer or a stand mixer?
You can whisk the coffee mixture by hand, but it will take longer and require more effort to achieve the desired texture.Can I add alcohol to the recipe?
Add a splash of your favorite alcohol, such as rum, brandy, or Bailey's, to your Café Cremoso for an extra kick.Why isn't my coffee cream whipping up?
Ensure you're using instant coffee, not ground coffee. Check the coffee-sugar-water ratio. It should be balanced; too much water can prevent proper whipping.Why does my coffee cream turn out runny?
Whip the mixture longer. It should reach a stiff peak, meaning it's thick and holds its shape. Be patient; it can take some time.My coffee cream turned too bitter. What can I do?
If it's too bitter, add more sugar or sweetener to balance the taste.Related Recipes:
- Big batch dalgona coffee cafe cremoso
- Coffee beans covered in dark chocolate
- Cinnamon coffee
- Cafe de olla
- Maple iced coffee
Recipe
Easy Dalgona Coffee
Ingredients
- 80 g Nescafé Clasico Dark Roast Instant Coffee (any soluble coffee brand)
- 200 g granulated sugar to taste
- 200 ml hot water
- 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract or cinnamon powder (optional)
To make the coffee:
- 1 cup (0.24 l) milk or milk alternative of your choice, hot or cold
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine instant coffee, sugar, vanilla extract, and hot water. Using an electric mixer set to a low setting, whip the mixture continuously until a soft peak, gradually increase the speed to medium-high as coffee cream thickens, and keep whisking until a stiff peak forms, about 10 minutes or so. (If you don’t have a hand mixer, it can be whipped by hand, know the process takes a little longer, about 20 to 25 minutes.
- Good luck!)🙃 The mixture will begin to turn a lighter color and thicken as you keep whipping it until a stiff peak, about 10 minutes. Once the mixture has reached a thick ( I mean, it will be so thick that it will not drop off the spoon if turned over) light, fluffy consistency and golden-brown in color, it’s ready! Store it in an air-tight container in the freezer for up to three months. Don't worry. It won't harden; it stays soft and scoopable; no need to defrost to use!
- To make the coffee: Fill up a glass with your choice of milk (hot or cold, with or without ice), add a generous dollop of the Cafe Cremoso, and adjust to your liking. Mix well before drinking. Enjoy!
Notes
- You need to use instant coffee for this recipe.
- Adjust the strength of the coffee and the sweetness according to your taste.
- For Milder, the Coffee flavor starts with 50g to 60g of instant coffee and a sweeter Coffee, 300g to 400g of sugar.
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.