Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Coffee Gelo: A Sicilian Dessert with the Aroma of Fresh Moka
A cool, velvety Sicilian coffee gelo with the deep aroma of moka - the perfect summer dessert.
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ Sponge cake
- ✓ 600 ml strong coffee
- ✓ 400 ml water
- ✓ 200 g caster sugar
- ✓ 50 g dessert starch (amido per dolci)
- ✓ 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- ✓ Zest of an unwaxed lemon
- ✓ Coloured sugar sprinkles
- ✓ Red and green candied cherries
📊 Nutritional Information
Coffee gelo is one of Sicily’s most captivating desserts - simple, refreshing and intensely aromatic, capturing in each spoonful the unmistakable scent of freshly brewed moka. Inspired by the island’s traditional fruit geli, this coffee version combines a silky, pudding-like texture with the bold personality of strong espresso, making it the perfect finale on a warm summer’s day.
The addition of soft sponge cake, colourful candied cherries and a delicate whisper of lemon gives the dessert that joyful touch reminiscent of old-fashioned Sicilian pastry shops. It’s remarkably easy to prepare, yet the result feels elegant and nostalgic - cool, fragrant and wonderfully satisfying. A true treat for coffee lovers seeking something light but full of character.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Prepare the sponge cake and slice it into rounds; set aside.
- 2
Brew a strong coffee and, once cooled, dissolve the starch and cocoa in it.
- 3
Pour the mixture into a saucepan, add the water, sugar and lemon zest.
- 4
Cook over a low heat, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens.
- 5
Remove the lemon zest.
- 6
Place a sponge cake round in a round tin and pour over some of the coffee gelo.
- 7
Add a second sponge layer and more gelo.
- 8
Finish with a third layer of sponge and cover with the remaining gelo.
- 9
Decorate with sprinkles and candied cherries.
- 10
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
💡 Tips and Variations
Add a pinch of cinnamon for a warm, aromatic note, or replace part of the water with almond milk for a softer, more delicate flavour.
📦 Storage
- • Store the coffee gelo in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- • Keep the dessert well covered to prevent it absorbing other aromas.
- • Do not freeze, as it would compromise its gel-like texture.
🍷 Pairing
Enjoy this dessert with a small glass of Malvasia delle Lipari - its sweet, aromatic profile complements the depth of the coffee beautifully.
Your coffee gelo is ready - fresh, fragrant and wonderfully bold. A timeless Sicilian treat that never fails to delight.
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