Coffee Carnival
A creamy coffee dessert with tapioca pearls, topped with whipped cream, perfect for coffee lovers seeking a smooth, chilled treat with rich vanilla flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add tapioca and salt to the strong coffee in a double boiler.
- Cook for 15 minutes or until tapioca is clear, stirring frequently.
- Add sugar and chill the mixture.
- Stir in vanilla.
- Fold in whipped cream.
- Serve in sherbet glasses.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of cream. If you prefer a sweeter dessert, increase the sugar to taste. You can also substitute the whipped cream with a dairy-free alternative, like coconut whipped cream, to accommodate dietary preferences. Ensure you stir the mixture frequently during cooking to prevent the tapioca from clumping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Coffee Carnival in elegant sherbet glasses for a delightful presentation. It pairs beautifully with Merengues (Little Candy Kisses) for a sweet contrast. For a more festive touch, sprinkle chocolate shavings on top or serve alongside a light fruit salad to balance the richness of the dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the mixture in a double boiler or microwave, stirring frequently to maintain the creamy consistency. Avoid overheating, as this can cause the tapioca to become gummy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Coffee Carnival contains roughly 293 calories, with 5g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (19% of the Daily Value), calcium (11% of the Daily Value), and protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1850mg per serving (80% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use decaffeinated coffee for this recipe?
Yes, decaffeinated coffee can be used in place of strong coffee without compromising the flavor significantly. Just ensure it's a bold brew to maintain the dessert's richness.
Is it possible to make this dessert vegan?
Absolutely! You can substitute the cream with coconut whipped cream and use a plant-based alternative for the sugar, like maple syrup or agave, ensuring all ingredients are vegan-friendly.
How can I make this dessert more chocolatey?
To enhance the chocolate flavor, consider adding cocoa powder to the coffee mixture before cooking or folding in chocolate shavings with the whipped cream. This will create a delicious mocha version of the Coffee Carnival.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).