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This Einspanner coffee recipe is perfect for coffee fans who love a temperature contrast. Made with distinct layers of hot espresso and chilled whipped cream, this European classic will delight your senses.
Nothing beats a hot, strong coffee with cold cream to start your day. Next time you’re in the mood for a pick-me-up, try this delicious beverage! If you love that cold-cream-on-coffee moment, my tiramisu latte tops espresso with whipped mascarpone, and my salted cream cold foam cold brew is the iced cousin.
Quick Look: Einspanner Coffee with Whipped Cream
- ☕ What it is: A classic Viennese coffee of hot espresso topped with a thick layer of cold whipped cream.
- ⭐ Why it works: The cream sits on top and keeps the espresso warm, so you sip hot coffee through cool cream.
- 💛 Why you’ll love it: Coffee-shop elegance at home with just espresso, cream, and a dusting of cocoa.
- ⚠️ What to watch for: Whip the cream to stiff peaks so it floats on the coffee instead of sinking in.
- ❄️ Make ahead: The drink is best fresh, but you can whip the cream ahead and keep it chilled.
Table of Contents
What is Einspänner Coffee?
Einspänner coffee, originating from historic Viennese coffee houses, is a cherished Austrian and German tradition. This elegant concoction features a single or double shot of espresso crowned with cool whipped cream.
Its rich flavors and cultural significance make it a delightful indulgence, offering a taste of old-world charm and sophistication. If you love sweet, café-style espresso drinks, my Spanish latte with condensed milk is another one to add to your rotation.
The word Einspanner is German for a single-horse carriage that coachmen used to travel in. It later became synonymous with the distinct type of coffee they enjoyed on their journeys. It was an ideal drink for these travelers, as the cream kept the coffee warm and prevented the liquid from spilling over.
Key Ingredients
Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for the detailed ingredient measurements.
- Shots of Espresso: Brew and use as many espresso shots as you’d like. You can substitute the strong espresso with whatever stronger coffee you have. No espresso machine? Here’s how to use cold brew concentrate in its place.
- Powdered Sugar: is optional and is used to sweeten the espresso. It’s useful in this recipe because it dissolves easily in a small amount of liquid.
- Whipped Cream: Homemade would make it taste better, but you can use store-bought if you want.
- Cocoa Powder or Grated Chocolate: for putting on top of your whipped cream. Crushed candy canes make a fun holiday swap, just like on my festive peppermint latte.
How to Make Einspanner Coffee
- Brew and sweeten the espresso. Brew a double espresso into your serving glass or handled cup. Stir in powdered sugar if you like it sweet.
- Whip and pipe the cream. Whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks with an electric mixer (a whisk works with a little elbow grease), adding a touch of powdered sugar if you like. Pipe a thick layer over the coffee with a star tip, aiming for a 1:1 cream-to-espresso ratio.
- Dust and serve. Dust the cream with cocoa powder or shaved chocolate, then sip the hot espresso right through the cold cream.
Expert Tips
- Chill your bowl first. Cold cream in a chilled bowl whips up faster and holds stiff peaks much longer.
- Whip to stiff peaks. Soft, droopy cream sinks right into the espresso. Stiff peaks float on top and give you that classic hot-and-cold layer.
- Sweeten with powdered sugar. It dissolves easily in a small amount of hot espresso, so you won’t get any gritty sugar at the bottom of the glass.
- Use a clear glass. You can see the layers through the sides, which makes it so easy to hit that 1:1 cream-to-espresso ratio.
- Don’t stir it! Sip the hot espresso right through the cold cream. That contrast is the whole point of an Einspanner.
- Go strong on the coffee. A double shot of espresso stands up best to the cream. No machine? Strong brewed coffee or cold brew concentrate works too.
Why This Recipe Works
- This is a classic of European espresso drinks and a must-try if you’re an espresso fan.
- It’s very simple to make and tastes delicious.
- You can easily substitute the espresso with other types of strong coffee, like the drip-and-espresso combo in my red eye coffee.
- Skip the lines at the coffee shops and make this delicious drink at home, just like my homemade cold brew mocha!
Einspanner Coffee FAQs
The ideal ratio for Einspanner coffee is 1:1 whipped cream to espresso by volume. Exact measurements aren’t required, and a clear glass helps you see through the sides and know how much cream to add.
The easiest way to make Einspanner coffee without an espresso machine is with instant coffee, using more coffee and less hot water than usual for an espresso-strength shot. Cold brew concentrate also works: steep coffee grounds in cold water in the fridge for 12 to 24 hours at a 1:1, 1:2, or 1:4 ratio instead of the usual 1 part coffee to 8 to 16 parts water.
Yes! Top your Einspanner coffee with a store-bought plant-based whipped topping or a dairy-free whipped topping made with coconut milk.
Of course! For iced Einspanner coffee, let the espresso cool to room temperature, pour it over a glass of ice, then top it with the whipped cream as usual. Want something fizzy and cold instead? My sparkling coffee soda is a fun one to try.
I don’t recommend storing leftover Einspanner coffee, since the whipped cream loses its body and slowly melts into the espresso. If you aren’t sure you’ll finish a full glass, use a single shot instead of a double.
More Cozy Coffee Recipes
If you made this Einspanner coffee, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a ⭐ star rating and a comment below, and tell me if you kept it classic with cocoa or sweetened your cream. Cheers to your next coffee break!!
Einspanner Coffee Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup espresso shots or strong black coffee espresso or very dark brewed coffee
- 1-2 tablespoons powdered sugar adjust to taste
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or store-bought whipped cream
- cocoa powder or grated chocolate for garnish optional
Instructions
- Add the two espresso shots or strongly brewed coffee into your serving cup. Add the powdered sugar, if using, and stir to dissolve.1/4 cup espresso shots or strong black coffee, 1-2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- In a medium chilled bowl, whip the cream until it forms stiff peaks. Use an electric mixer to make it easier, but a whisk and some elbow grease work just as well. Add a little powdered sugar to this if you want it sweet.1/4 cup heavy cream
- Add the whipped cream to your piping bag with a star tip and pipe swirls on your espresso. You want a 1:1 ratio of whipped cream to coffee. Add more or less depending on what you like.
- Dust with cocoa powder or shaved chocolate if you'd like and enjoy!cocoa powder or grated chocolate for garnish
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
