Afternoon coffee is a special moment of the day, perfect for unwinding, recharging, and enjoying good conversations. This ritual, which can be accompanied by a hot coffee or aromatic tea, is also a great opportunity to try delicious homemade recipes that complement the drink with sweet and savory snacks. From soft cakes to homemade breads and easy-to-make treats, the possibilities are endless and can be adapted to suit personal taste, the season, or even the weather.
Below, you’ll find a selection of six ideal recipes for an afternoon coffee, each featuring simple ingredients and a special touch to make the moment even more enjoyable. Each recipe includes detailed information about ingredients, caloric and protein content, step-by-step instructions, and a suggested drink pairing. Choose your favorite and savor this delicious ritual!
1. Orange Cake with Glaze
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- Confectioner’s sugar (for dusting)
Caloric and Protein Value:
- Calories: approximately 210 kcal per slice
- Protein: about 3g per slice
Instructions:
- In a blender, blend the eggs, orange juice, sugar, and oil until smooth.
- In a bowl, sift the flour and baking powder, gradually adding the liquid mixture.
- Add the orange zest and gently mix.
- Pour into a greased and floured pan, and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 35 minutes.
- When done, dust with confectioner’s sugar.
Suggested Drink Pairing:
A mild, aromatic drip coffee is the best choice to pair with the orange cake. The coffee’s acidity complements the citrus flavor of the cake.
2. Homemade Cheese Bread
Ingredients:
- 2 cups tapioca starch
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
Caloric and Protein Value:
- Calories: approximately 100 kcal per piece
- Protein: about 2g per piece
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, heat the milk, oil, and salt until boiling.
- Pour the hot liquid over the tapioca starch and mix.
- Add the eggs and cheese, mixing until smooth.
- Shape into small balls and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Suggested Drink Pairing:
A creamy cappuccino enhances the cheese flavor and brings a velvety texture that pairs beautifully with cheese bread.
3. Oat and Honey Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Caloric and Protein Value:
- Calories: approximately 70 kcal per cookie
- Protein: about 1g per cookie
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix the oats, flour, sugar, cinnamon, and baking powder.
- Add the honey and melted butter, mixing until a dough forms.
- Roll small balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Suggested Drink Pairing:
Chamomile tea with honey is the perfect choice to accompany these oat cookies, offering a calm and relaxing moment.
4. Cinnamon and Sugar Doughnuts
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Cinnamon and sugar (for dusting)
- Oil (for frying)
Caloric and Protein Value:
- Calories: approximately 150 kcal per doughnut
- Protein: about 2g per doughnut
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl until smooth.
- Heat oil over medium heat and fry small portions of dough until golden brown.
- Drain the doughnuts on paper towels and then dust them with the cinnamon and sugar mixture.
Suggested Drink Pairing:
Serve with a café au lait, which softens the sweetness and balances the cinnamon flavor.
5. Banana Pie with Oat Crumble
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Ground cinnamon to taste
Caloric and Protein Value:
- Calories: approximately 180 kcal per slice
- Protein: about 2g per slice
Instructions:
- Slice the bananas and place them in a baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix the sugar, butter, oats, flour, and cinnamon until a crumble forms.
- Spread the crumble over the bananas and bake at 350°F (180°C) for about 20 minutes, until golden brown.
Suggested Drink Pairing:
A short espresso is perfect for pairing with this pie, creating an interesting contrast with the sweet banana flavor.
6. Whole Wheat Apple and Cinnamon Muffins
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 grated apple
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Caloric and Protein Value:
- Calories: approximately 150 kcal per muffin
- Protein: about 3g per muffin
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl until smooth.
- Pour the batter into muffin molds.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 20 minutes.
Suggested Drink Pairing:
Green tea pairs perfectly with this muffin, bringing lightness and balance to the afternoon coffee.
These six recipes are practical and delicious options for making afternoon coffee an even more special moment. With a variety of flavors and drink pairings, you can adapt these suggestions to your liking, making the most of the experience of a good afternoon coffee.
