The Best Einspanner Coffee Recipe with Whipped Cream

There’s nothing better than a hot strong coffee to go with cold cream to start your day. The next time you’re in a mood for a pick-me-up, give this delicious beverage a try!

Since you are here and love specialty coffees, check out this easy Coffee Soda Recipe, this Tiramisu Latte Recipe, or this Cold Brew Mocha Recipe.

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.

The word Einspanner is a German word that is used to describe the single-horse carriage that coachmen used to travel by. It later became synonymous with the distinct type of coffee they would enjoy while on their journeys. It was an ideal drink for these travelers, as the cream would keep the coffee warm and prevent the liquid from spilling over.

Ingredients for this Einspanner Coffee Recipe

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 could substitute the strong espresso with whatever form of stronger coffee that you have.
• Powdered Sugar: is optional and is used to sweeten the espresso. It’s useful in this recipe because it can dissolve easily into 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.

How to Make this Einspanner Coffee Recipe

Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post for the full step-by-step instructions! 

1. Brew your double espresso and then add it into your serving cup or handled glass. Add in the powdered sugar if you want it sweetened and stir to dissolve.
2. In a small bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks with an electric mixer. You can use a hand whisk if you don’t have an electric whisk, but it will take some time and extra effort. Add a little powdered sugar to the whipped cream if you would like for it to be sweet.
3. Add the whipped cream to a piping bag with a star tip at the bottom and pipe a thick layer of swirls onto the top of the coffee. You want a 1:1 ratio of whipped cream to espresso. Add more or less depending on what you like.
4. Dust your layer of cream with cocoa powder or shaved chocolate if you want and enjoy!

Why You Need to Make this Einspanner Recipe!

• This is a classic of the 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.
• Skip the lines at the coffee shops and make this delicious drink at home!

Frequently asked questions – FAQ

What is the Ideal Espresso-to-Whipped Cream Ratio for Authentic Einspänner Coffee?

The perfect ratio of cream to espresso is one to one. There should be equal parts of each in terms of volume and size. Exact measurements are not required though. Just use a clear glass so that you can see through the sides of it to know how much to put.

What If I Don’t Have an Espresso Machine?

The easiest way to make espresso without an espresso maker is by using instant coffee. Instant coffee can be used as a substitute for espresso by increasing the ratio of instant coffee to hot water.

Another method to substitute for espresso is by making cold brew concentrate. Concentrate is made by adding coffee grounds to cold water in a jar and let it steep in the fridge for 12-24 hours. A normal cold brew ratio is 1 part ground coffee to anywhere between 8-16 parts water. For concentrate, use a ratio of 1:1, 1:2, or 1:4.

Are There Dairy-Free or Vegan Alternatives for Whipped Cream in Einspanner Coffee Recipe?

As a matter of fact, there are! There are multiple products available out there such as this plant-based whipped topping from Amazon or this dairy-free whipped topping made with coconut milk.

Can I Make an Iced Coffee Version?

Of course! To make this an iced Einspanner coffee recipe, simply allow your espresso to cool to room temperature and fill your cup with ice. Then follow the rest of the original recipe to make your whipped cream and assemble your drink.

What are the Best Coffee Beans for the Einspanner Coffee Recipe, and Where Can They Be Sourced?

According to experts, it is best to choose beans that have been roasted in the medium range for making espresso. Avoid roasts in the very light and very dark categories.

As far as where it should come from, it is believed that Central America produces the best coffee beans due to its optimal climate. However, many of the small-batch, artisanal coffee sourced from other countries could have an equally high quality.

How to Store Leftover Einspanner Coffee

It is not recommended to store this leftover coffee drink. Mainly because the whipped cream will lose its body and will slowly liquify and combine with the espresso. If you aren’t sure if you’ll finish because you don’t normally have too much caffeine, reduce the espresso used from a double shot to a single shot.

The Best Einspanner Coffee Recipe with Whipped Cream

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