By now you've figured out how I work. I love experimenting in the kitchen, pushing flavor boundaries. This one came to me at breakfast the other day while I was enjoying a fruit plate and, of course, our Buff Boy coffee! I thought, why not combine them? I'm not saying dip the fruit in coffee. I'm saying add coffee to the fruit dip.
It sounds unconventional, perhaps even a bit strange -- and it is on both accounts. But trust me on this one. The robust, nuanced notes of a well-roasted coffee, particularly one with the smoothness and depth of our O.G. house blend, provide an unexpectedly perfect counterpoint to the sweetness of fruit and the creamy richness of the dip. It's a sophisticated twist that takes an ordinary snack from good to absolutely glorious.
Here's how to make my fruity Buff'ed dip:
Ingredients:
8 oz. (1 block) cream cheese, softened
½ cup powdered sugar, sifted (add more or less to taste)
¼ cup strong-brewed Buff Boy coffee, completely cooled (I recommend brewing it double-strength or using a shot of espresso for maximum flavor)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Optional: A pinch of cinnamon or cocoa powder for extra depth
Instructions:
Prepare Your Coffee: First things first, brew your Buff. Ensure it’s strong, as this is where the primary flavor of our dip will come from. Once brewed, set it aside to cool completely. This step is crucial; warm coffee will make your dip runny.
Cream the Cheese: In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until it is light, fluffy and completely smooth. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Sweeten It Up: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar to the cream cheese, beating until fully incorporated and the mixture is well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Infuse with Coffee: Slowly pour in the cooled coffee and the vanilla extract. Continue to beat on low speed until the dip is smooth and all ingredients are thoroughly combined. At this point, you can also whisk in your optional cinnamon or cocoa powder if desired.
Chill and Serve: For best results, cover the bowl and refrigerate the dip for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the dip to firm up slightly.
Serving Suggestions:
This dip is wonderfully versatile! Serve it with a colorful array of fresh fruits like sliced apples (especially green ones for that tart contrast), strawberries, bananas, grapes and melon. It also pairs surprisingly well with graham crackers, vanilla wafers or even shortbread cookies.
I'm incredibly proud of this unique creation and the way it highlights the rich, complex flavors of our coffee that's been a Southern California fave for four years!