11 Toppings That Make Coffee Ice Cream Cafe-Worthy

Who doesn't appreciate a classic scoop of coffee ice cream with a sweet drizzle of chocolate syrup? Nothing wrong with that. But we got to thinking: Can't we give our favorite coffee ice cream a glow up? Specifically, how about something a bit more gourmet?

Coffee ice cream has a unique flavor profile. It's not cloyingly sweet like many flavors, which lends itself to vast possibilities for exquisite pairings. Or toppings, to be exact. Coffee ice cream is creamy with a depth of richness characterized by a distinctly roasted, near-bitter-burnt quality (but in the very best way). With that quality comes an invitation to marriage, but not just any match will do.

For real gourmet quality combination inspiration, we approached coffee ice cream scoops like our favorite cafe sip. It's pretty amazing what coffee shops have done to elevate the standard cup of Joe, adding foam, spice, elements of cream, and even crunch. Each addition retains the basic foundation of unique coffee flavor, and is specifically chosen to match it note for note. So, we thought to take that matchmaking mentality and bring it to our bowls (or parfait glasses). From nutty crunches and caramelized add-ons to unexpected savory sprinklings alongside bakery-inspired flourishes, we present the best ice cream toppings that turn coffee ice cream into a cafe-level creation.

People have whipped up homemade coffee ice cream recipes with espresso for some time (when you know a pairing works, you run with it). But what about upping the ante with chocolate-covered espresso beans as a topping? Not only does this choice of chocolate-laced goodness look gourmet when placed in a gorgeous parfait glass or a sparkling, crystal-esque sundae dish, but it also brings layers of texture and taste to the dessert.

Let's talk about texture first. Specifically, the mouth-feel magic that happens when that creamy, smooth ice cream scoop meets the exquisite crunch of bittersweet bean. The fact that said bean is espresso, and entirely encased in chocolate, only serves to make that flavor profile pop even more. Speaking of popping, thanks to the chocolate-covered espresso beans being on the small side, you are able to enjoy the advantages of adding this pair of intense flavors (cocoa and espresso) in controlled, tiny bursts. Any more, and you might risk overwhelming the coffee ice cream itself, which is never an acceptable option.

The name of the game here is complementing the taste of the frozen coffee dream, not drowning it out. Think of this cafe-worthy topping idea like taking your most preferred morning mocha fix and reimagining it into a sensational gourmet sundae. Actually, let's consider this your official new best way to build an ice cream sundae.

You likely already know that biscotti is often considered one of the best Italian snacks. It's also no secret that biscotti and coffee are excellent companions. Particularly in Europe, you will see the pairing commonly presented in bakery display cases, corner coffee shops, and even on home kitchen counters.

It only makes perfect sense, then, to take that coffee shop inspiration and spin it into our own cafe-worthy coffee ice cream creation. Imagine that dynamic duo, only creamier and way cooler. We think we'd smash that. Speaking of smashing things, that is exactly what this masterpiece would entail — crushing the biscotti into delectable crumbles, then sprinkling them over a scoop of really cool (okay, frozen) creamy coffee ice cream.

We've already established that the taste of these two together knocks it out of the park, but the texture? When tossed over a generous scoop of coffee ice cream, these Italian cookie crumbs carry a subtle crunch that gradually softens as the dessert melts. It's lowkey alchemy really, with the biscotti initially packing a mini-punch of crunch, only to begin soaking up the sweetness and liquidity off the ice cream, resulting in a satisfying cafe-worthy chew that any cafe would be chuffed to add to the menu.

The combination of toasted nuts and coffee ice cream channels rich, roasted notes that never cease to impress. But not just any nuts will do. For true cafe-worthy status, reach for hazelnuts or almonds. These two are particularly stellar sidekicks (or, in this case, toppings) that really tip the scale to special occasion territory when sprinkled atop a coffee-flavored scoop. 

Another thing that makes a huge difference? The toasting process. While you may be tempted to reach for raw nuts for convenience and immediacy, taking those few extra moments to toast them totally transforms the taste, resulting in an end reward that's more than worth the effort. There's supposedly a scientific angle to explain this phenomenon (something to do with nut oils activating when heated, thus deepening the entire profile). Sounds good, makes sense, but all we really care about is that wow taste.

Not sure which of the two to choose? For those seeking an almost buttery, rich flavor addition to pair with their coffee ice cream, the humble hazelnut has your name all over it. Rather reach for a nut carrying a lighter crunch? Opt for almonds, and thank us later. Whichever option you land on, the toasted nuts add a texture that makes the dessert feel substantial, and a solid crunch that creates the ideal contrast to the smooth-as-silk scoop.

While bacon may not sound like your best bet for a coffee ice cream topping, you'd be amazed at how one simple tweak can make this pork ingredient a perfect accoutrement. We're talking about candied bacon, which carries that ideal sweet and salty balance that is hard to beat, especially when sat (or sprinkled) atop your favorite scoop.

Think about it. You have the rich, creamy coffee flavor of the ice cream (and of course, the sweetness), with the candied bacon flavor cutting through the richness to offer a crisp texture layer. The caramelization of it all is really what we have to thank for that epic crunch factor and marvelous mouthfeel. Candied bacon and coffee ice cream are a twin-ship that feels more modern and, dare we say, trendy. The salty-sweet angle really is all the rage these days, and this duo leans right into that hot topic.

At its core, adding candied bacon — preferably in the form of bits rather than slices — to coffee ice cream draws from the age-old practice of adding a pinch of salt to nearly every recipe to enhance the flavors at play. The same premise applies here, with the bacon's saltiness highlighting the sweet and savory goodness you've managed to squeeze into one sundae dish.

This next topping introduces a masterclass in contrasts. Caramel has always been a classic pairing for any ice cream, including coffee. It's the go-to for good reason, as it ushers in a deep, buttery, rich sweetness that makes every scoop shine. But it's that added touch of salt that really adds a jolt of flavor-enhancing flourish. The already bittersweet tones of the coffee ice cream blend perfectly with the smoother, satiny sweet caramel, kissed with that slight salty kick.

While any drizzle of salted caramel would do wonders for coffee ice cream, warm that salty-sweet syrup up, and you have a whole new dimension of sensory pleasure. And is it ever sublime, that cool ice cream meeting the luxurious ribbon of salted caramel warmth. 

And that's just the initial ice cream-and-caramel meet-cute. Wait a beat, then, as the salted caramel melts second by second, slowly winding its way through the now-liquifying scoop, tiny rivers of warm, buttery bliss beckon. All that is left is to take that spoon and savor every bite of this now gourmet, cafe-worthy coffee ice cream pairing.

Drawing inspiration from another cafe classic hailing from the good ol' U.K., this next coffee ice cream topping takes a cue from the incredible Jaffa Cake. Known for its ingenious pairing of rich chocolate notes with the refreshing citrusy tones of orange, Jaffa Cakes are a national treasure in the U.K. (and beloved far beyond) for good reason. This coupling just sizzles.

But we got to wondering, why does chocolate get to have all the fun? Why not take the incredible citrus qualities of orange, then pair it with coffee instead? Our suggested twist? Adding candied orange peel (zest works too) to coffee ice cream as a tasty topping that quite possibly blows that original British treat out of the water.

It works because the citrus brings a real brightness to the more decadent coffee-flavored scoop. That bright lightness can cut right through the richness presented by the ice cream. And that's just the flavor aspect. The fact that the orange is sprinkled on in candied peel form ensures breaks up the smooth uniformity of the scoop. Specifically, that candied peel really gets jaws wagging — not only to sing the praises of the taste, but also to chew. Variety is indeed the spice of life, and it's just that slight addition of texture that takes this orange-coffee pairing up a notch, firmly placing it in restaurant-worthy dessert territory.

This next one is for the adults. It's time to give that coffee ice cream scoop a little extra pep in its step with some spirit-ed splashes. Just a dash of dark liquor (bourbon or rum really does the trick) can turn a childhood favorite dessert into a decidedly adult dream. It's basically getting the best of both worlds. We've written a lot already about how uniquely coffee ice cream is poised to offer the ideal canvas for complementary flavors. There's a lot going on already with that scoop of frozen java cream. But perhaps no other topping suggestion on our list brings quite as much dimension to the mix with one single splash as these dark spirits.

Specifically, a mini shot (okay, maybe just a spoonful) of bourbon or rum brings in a host of tantalizing tones. We're talking oak, vanilla, molasses, and more. It awakens something instantly in your palate, like a firework going off then sparkling out in all directions.

We know, we probably had you at fireworks, but how to choose between the two? Well, bourbon is often seen as more vanilla-esque, with subtle smoky notes. As for dark rum, that'd be the option to lean toward if you're searching for a deeper, spicier tone. Either way, you end up with a cafe-worthy, cocktail-inspired coffee ice cream creation.

Not long ago, Trader Joe's debuted an affogato dessert. While its version definitely got some mixed reviews (not everyone was a fan, to put it lightly), it did inspire us to think of our own iteration for this cafe-worthy topping list. For those unfamiliar, affogato is an iconic Italian dessert made by taking a shot of espresso and pouring it over ice cream. Traditionally, you will see that scoop of frozen goodness, simple vanilla, and it is delicious indeed.

But, being the absolute coffee fiends that we are, we are all for swapping that vanilla scoop for coffee-flavored frozen cream. While pouring a shot of hot espresso over coffee ice cream may sound a bit like overkill, many coffee fanatics would beg to differ. It all depends on how much you adore your java.

Topping coffee ice cream with a piping hot, fresh espresso shot essentially sends your system into sensory overload, in the most ecstatic way. It's a bit of a shock to your palate initially, the sudden influx of intense heat and incredible cool slamming into one another, yet striking such a bang-on, bittersweet taste note that it quite honestly earns a moment of pause for the mouthfeel alone.

Cacao is fascinating, particularly when you know the facts about its journey to transform into chocolate. By definition, cacao nibs are teeny, crunchy pieces of crushed-up cacao beans that have been roasted to release this incredible roasted flavor. The subtle bitter quality of their flavor profile alone poises them as a no-brainer pairing with coffee ice cream. Rather than fighting one another with contrasting flavors, the duo actually brings similar notes to the table, adding layers of the same richness and dimension.

The added texture of these nib toppings keeps the dessert from getting boring, too. Cacao nibs might also top chocolate chips, not just for those wanting a less cloyingly sweet option, but also because they do not melt so quickly as standard mocha. Instead, cacao nibs are more robust and hearty, allowing them to retain their crispness and structure spoonful after spoonful.

Finally, the aesthetics of it all. Let's just say that if cacao nibs and coffee ice cream were placed in a glass parfait dish from your home kitchen and snapped in an iPhone shot, you wouldn't need a single filter to make this dish Instagram-ready. And don't be surprised if your followers ask which gourmet cafe this incredible coffee ice cream dream came from.

We pulled a lot of inspiration for this coffee ice cream toppings list from Italy, which is undisputably a country that knows its coffee. This next entry is no exception. We say this because pistachio – a staple on the sun-dappled Italian island of Sicily – is a beloved mainstay seen in myriad recipes (looking at you, gelato al pistacchio).

In fact, it is exactly the flavors of this gelato al pistacchio (aka pistachio ice cream) that we are nodding to with our pistachio praline topping pick with a coffee twist. Be it via dust or paste, a coffee ice cream topping made with toasted pistachios ground into a decadently sweet praline is always sublime. On an aesthetic level, the dusting of green is both eye-popping and flavor-bursting. It really is a stunning savory-sweet masterpiece, which, based on appearance alone, could arguably hold its own in any gelato case in Italy.

And the taste? Think rich, nutty energy with just the right subtle, swept-to-the-side but never too far away sweetness that supports the coffee ice cream scoop versus trying to outshine it. There's a saltiness to it, too, and you already know how we feel about that salty-sweet combo (it's a killer).

Our final cafe-worthy coffee ice cream topping is caramel honey swirl. We chose this one because of our love for a certain Spanish coffee staple. Basically, we thought café con miel style, but make it ice cream. For those unfamiliar, café con miel (Spanish for "coffee with honey") is just that: made by simply mixing espresso, steamed milk, and honey. Who could argue with that? But in our ideal coffee ice cream dessert world, we'd up the cool factor — and add a caramel twist.

Specifically, we would take a caramel honey swirl and send that topping to smother the motherfudging scoop out of that coffee cream. We think perhaps the reason why this addition works so well is that the velvety smooth and distinctly sweet notes of the honey and caramel combine with the coffee ice cream's more roasted tones for a taste that toes the line between cloying and bitter-burnt. Essentially, the saucy topping is sweet but not overwhelmingly so. Just right, not overdone — like a perfect French kiss, sans slobber.

This caramel honey coffee ice cream creation is not only cafe-worthy, but we feel restaurants should clamor over this recipe for their next menu overhaul. And if all else fails, you know Pooh would approve of this small honey-laced smackerel.