Coffee Sauce

This Coffee Sauce is a delicious no cook sweet dessert sauce that’s made with just 3 ingredients and takes just 5 minutes to make. Serve it over ice cream, cake, swirl it in a coffee drink, or anywhere you want a great coffee flavor boost!

I originally shared this recipe in 2011, but it was time for an update. So, I’ve updated the photos and the information, as well as the recipe itself. I hope you try this easy to make creamy sauce for yourself, it’s so good on so many things!

We appreciate your support

Please let me know if you have any questions about this recipe. I read all the comments myself and I try to help as soon as I can. I have readers from all levels of comfort and experience in the kitchen on my site, and I’ve tried to answer some of your questions already in the post. But if I’ve missed anything, please feel free to leave a comment and ask.

Coffee rum sauce

The original recipe called for 2 tablespoons of dark rum in the sauce instead of the brewed coffee.

I think the most common question I get on the blog is how to leave the alcohol out of a recipe. And, besides, I don’t drink any longer, so it just made sense for me to leave the rum out.

Now, you can certainly use rum in this like in the original recipe. It’s just 2 tablespoons. Rum and coffee are a match made in heaven.

But you could also switch it up and use bourbon for a rich coffee bourbon sauce. Or try Bailey’s Irish Cream. Gran Marnier or cognac would be delicious as well. Really, any liquor or liqueur will work in this recipe.

But I decided to go with 2 tablespoons of brewed coffee for the liquid in the recipe. It makes a delicious coffee sauce that you can enjoy throughout the day.

How to make

This quick no cook recipe has a rich espresso coffee flavor, and with just 3 ingredients, it’s perfect for summer.

No heavy cream, corn syrup, or butter needed, and no need for a heavy sauce pan and standing over a hot stove. You don’t need any fancy gadgets just a bowl and a whisk or fork.

Grab your 3 ingredients

Instant espresso powder, coffee powder, or instant coffee granules: any brand will work here. I find that instant espresso powder has a richer flavor than instant coffee granules, but use your favorite. You can see my favorite brand in the photos; here’s an Amazon affiliate link to buy some instant espresso powder.

Brewed coffee or your favorite liquor. And, use your favorite brewing method of making the coffee. Drip, French press, pour over, espresso, etc… Anything will work here. And it’s fine of the coffee is hot, room temperature, or cold.

And a can of sweetened condensed milk. Be sure not to use evaporated milk. The sweetened condensed milk adds the sweetener and the thick rich flavor to this sauce.

Pour the three ingredients into a bowl and stir or whisk to combine. That’s it!

How to store

It’ll store well in a covered container, like a glass jar, in the fridge for about a week. You may need to give it a stir before serving. It’s a great sauce for making ahead too.

The sauce also freezes surprisingly well. Just store it in an airtight container and pop it in the freezer for up to two months. Place it in the fridge to defrost before serving. Or try eating it like a popsicle!

How to use

What is this coffee sauce used for?

This decadent smooth flavored sauce is perfect for drizzling over ice cream, cake, angel food cake, cheesecake, pudding, frozen yogurt, or pound cake. Try it over banana bread or zucchini bread. Or drizzle over your holiday apple pie to add a festive and fancy twist to your holidays.

Add it to your morning coffee to make an amazing beverage and the ultimate coffee experience.

And, it’s delicious served hot or cold. You can heat it gently on the stove if you want a warm sauce. Simply pour it in a small saucepan and heat over medium-low heat. Or pop it in the microwave until warm.

It makes a great hostess gift when poured into a little jar and topped with a pretty ribbon.

Want another great easy to make coffee sweet, try my Coffee Walnut Bars.

Changes to the recipe

With such a simple recipe you’ll be surprised at all the flavor variations you can do.

Change the flavor by using rum for a rum sauce. Or bourbon for bourbon coffee sauce.

Use Orange juice or Gran Marnier for a coffee orange sauce.

Add a pinch of salt if desired or a dash of vanilla extract for a flavor boost.

Stir in a little cocoa powder for a mocha sauce.

Can I make this vegan?

Yes, this sauce is easily made vegan or dairy free by simply substituting your preferred dairy-free alternative.

There are lots of plant-based versions, like {affiliate links} sweetened condensed oatmilk or Sweetened condensed coconut cream. Also, you can make a homemade vegan sweetened condensed milk.

Looking for more outstanding coffee desserts?

What is the difference between coffee sauce and coffee syrup?

One question I’ve been asked about is the difference between coffee sauce and coffee syrup.

Though both can be used in coffee drinks and on top of desserts, there are some key differences, with consistency standing out as the major difference.

Coffee Sauce

Sauces tend to be thicker and heavier, richer with more texture. Sauces are often drizzled on top of something to finish and garnish it.

Coffee syrup 

While coffee syrup tends to be thinner, more fluid, with less body and might be sweeter.

Syrups are often mixed into a drink. They tend to mix in better, and don’t require any heat to dissolve into the drink.

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