Liège coffee

Café Liège - The perfect blend of coffee and ice cream

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooling time: 5 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 2

Who doesn’t love a quick and delicious dessert, especially when it combines two of the most beloved treats: aromatic coffee and creamy ice cream? Café Liège is a recipe that spectacularly merges these flavors, offering a refreshing and comforting experience. This recipe is not only simple but also rich in history and flavor, with deep roots in coffee and ice cream culture.

Gelato or ice cream? Regardless of your preference, it’s essential to enjoy these delights without waiting for summer. Plus, it’s perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon treat when you crave a sweet break. Let’s get started!

Necessary ingredients:

- 200 ml of freshly brewed coffee
- 2 brown sugar cubes (or 2 teaspoons of white sugar)
- 25 ml of cream (ideal for adding a creamy touch)
- 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream (creamy and flavorful)
- 2 scoops of chocolate or caramel ice cream (for a delicious contrast)
- A few coffee beans for decoration (for an elegant look and intense aroma)

Step-by-step preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the coffee
Start by brewing your favorite coffee. You can choose a robust coffee, espresso, or even filter coffee. Regardless of your choice, make sure to brew it a few minutes before you start building this dessert, so it has enough time to cool. After brewing, let it cool for about 5 minutes, perhaps on the windowsill, to intensify its aroma.

Step 2: Whipping the cream
In the meantime, take a medium bowl and add the cold cream. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, whip the cream until it forms stiff peaks. It’s important not to overwhip it, as it may turn into butter. Well-whipped cream will add an airy and creamy texture to your dessert.

Step 3: Preparing the glasses
Choose two stemmed glasses, as they not only look elegant but also allow you to enjoy the delicious layers of the preparation more easily. At the bottom of each glass, add a brown sugar cube or, if you don’t have that, a teaspoon of white sugar. This will add a sweet taste and a caramelized note.

Step 4: Assembling the dessert
Carefully pour 100 ml of coffee into each glass, then add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a scoop of chocolate or caramel ice cream. The ice cream layers will gently melt into the warm coffee, creating an irresistible combination of flavors.

Step 5: Finishing touches
Top off the dessert with a generous layer of whipped cream to give it an elegant touch. For an attractive decoration, add a few coffee beans on top. This detail will not only catch the eye but also enhance the coffee aroma.

Step 6: Enjoying
Café Liège is now ready! You can serve this wonderful dessert immediately, savoring every spoonful of the perfect blend of coffee and ice cream. It’s an ideal choice to kick-start your day with energy or to end a meal with a sweet treat.

Practical tips:
- Make sure to use freshly ground coffee for an intense flavor.
- You can experiment with different types of ice cream, such as salted caramel or dark chocolate, to enrich the dessert's flavor.
- Replace brown sugar with maple syrup for a more natural option and a distinctive note.

Nutritional information:
Café Liège is an indulgent dessert, but not very caloric, having about 300-350 calories per serving, depending on the type of ice cream chosen. It provides a quick source of energy due to the combination of coffee and sugar, but make sure not to overindulge in portions!

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use lactose-free ice cream?
Yes, you can replace regular ice cream with lactose-free or vegan options.
2. How can I make the dessert less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar by adding less or opting for a type of ice cream with less sugar.
3. What other coffee options can I use?
Instead of regular coffee, you can use flavored coffee, such as vanilla or caramel, to enhance the tasting experience.

Café Liège pairs wonderfully with a hot drink, like a cappuccino or a flavored tea, and can be enjoyed on cool days as well as warm ones. Perhaps after trying this recipe, you’ll want to include it in your weekend menu. So, give it a chance and enjoy every bite!