How To Make Coffee Bonbon (Easy & Quick Recipe)

Last updated on February 22nd, 2025 at 01:52 pm

I love coffee. I mean, it’s basically my lifeblood in the mornings. But baking? That’s a whole other story. As much as I respect the art of pastry-making, I’ve never had the patience for it.

So, when a few friends dropped by unexpectedly one weekend, I knew I needed to whip up something impressive and fast. Let’s be real, just handing them cups of coffee felt… lazy.

That’s when I remembered this ridiculously simple coffee-inspired dessert I stumbled across. It’s one of those recipes that doesn’t require fancy skills or hours in the kitchen but still gets people raving like you’re a pro.

With just a few basic ingredients, I pulled off a treat that paired perfectly with our coffee and had everyone asking for the recipe by the end of the visit.

In this guide, I’m going to show you how to create a quick, coffee-infused dessert that’s delicious and foolproof. So let’s start brewing!

What is a Coffee Bonbon?

A Coffee Bonbon, or Café Bombón, is a simple yet rich coffee treat that layers bold espresso over sweetened condensed milk.

Usually, it is served in a clear glass, which lets you see the visual contrasts. In terms of flavor, you get the espresso’s rich bitterness and the milk’s creamy sweetness.

While traditionally served hot, Coffee Bonbon can also be enjoyed iced. You can use garnishes like cocoa powder or cinnamon. The key to nailing this drink is using freshly brewed espresso and high-quality condensed milk for a silky and flavorful finish.

Origins of Coffee Bonbon

The Coffee Bonbon has its roots in Spain, specifically in the Costa del Azahar region, also known as the Orange Blossom Coast, in the province of Castellón.

It began as a clever way to enjoy dark-roasted, slightly bitter Spanish coffee. Baristas had the bright idea of pairing bold espresso with a local favorite—sweetened condensed milk—and the Café Bombón was born.

The drink quickly gained popularity in Valencia, a city known for its vibrant food and drink culture, before spreading across the southern regions of Spain.

As Spain’s influence extended, so did Café Bombón. It found a home in Southeast Asia, where similar coffee-and-condensed-milk drinks like Vietnam’s cà phê sữa đá became staples.

The hot climates and the preference for long-life dairy alternatives made sweetened condensed milk a logical choice. Countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines also embraced their versions of Coffee Bonbon under names like kopi bombon and gafeh rorn.

Though it hasn’t become as popular in the U.S., you’ll often find this sweet coffee treat in places with rich Latin and Asian communities, such as Florida, California, and Texas.

Tips for the Perfect Coffee Bonbon

Here are some tips I’ve learned along the way to help you out:

1 – Use Fresh Espresso

The heart of any good Coffee Bonbon is a fresh, aromatic espresso shot. If you’re working with stale coffee or subpar beans, it just won’t hit the same way.

I personally recommend Death Wish Coffee for its bold flavor or Kicking Horse Coffee if you prefer something slightly smoother. Both are rich, full-bodied, and stand up beautifully to the sweetness of condensed milk.

2 – Perfect Layering

This part can feel tricky, but don’t let it intimidate you! To achieve those gorgeous, distinct layers, pour the espresso slowly over the back of a spoon.

I’ll admit, the first time I tried this, I rushed and ended up with a swirly mess instead of elegant layers. Now, I take my time, and the payoff is worth it—especially when friends’ faces light up as I hand them this perfectly layered drink.

Pro tip: Use a clear glass, so your hard work shows off!

3 – Adjust Sweetness

Everyone has a different sweetness threshold, and condensed milk is naturally pretty intense. Start with one tablespoon and work your way up if you have a sweet tooth.

I like to keep mine balanced. Just enough to cut through the espresso’s bitterness without overpowering it. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a drizzle of caramel or a pinch of sea salt to add a new dimension to the sweetness.

Other Enjoyable Coffee Bonbon Variations

Here are a few variations I’ve tried (and loved!) that bring new twists to this sweet and creamy coffee treat.

Iced Coffee Bonbon

If you’re looking for something refreshing, especially on a warm day, the Iced Coffee Bonbon is the way to go. Simply prepare the traditional Coffee Bonbon as usual, but pour it over a glass filled with ice cubes.

The condensed milk gives the drink a creamy sweetness that still shines through, even when chilled. Or, if you’d like you can try a more exotic version called “Vietnamese Coffee.” Read here for more details.

Pro tip: Use coffee ice cubes (made by freezing leftover espresso) to avoid diluting the flavor.

Coconut Milk Bonbon

For a tropical twist, swap out the regular condensed milk with coconut condensed milk. The coconut flavor adds a subtle nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the bold espresso.

This variation is perfect if you’re dairy-free or just love the idea of something a little exotic. If you’re feeling extra fancy, garnish with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for a nice crunch.

Café Bombón Mocha

This one’s my absolute favorite because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love chocolate? To make a Café Bombón Mocha, stir in a drizzle of chocolate syrup after adding the condensed milk, then proceed with the espresso.

The combination of bitter coffee, sweet milk, and rich chocolate is downright heavenly. Sometimes, I top it off with a dollop of whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa powder. It’s like dessert and coffee rolled into one.

Café bombón vs Vietnamese Coffee: What’s The Difference?

While they share some similarities, Vietnamese preparation methods, flavor profiles, and cultural origins make them quite distinct. So here’s a quick comparison to clear up the confusion:

Feature	Café Bombón	Vietnamese Coffee
Origin	Spain	Vietnam
Coffee Base	Espresso	Strong drip coffee (often robusta beans)
Milk Used	Sweetened condensed milk	Sweetened condensed milk
Preparation Method	Espresso layered over condensed milk	Drip coffee made using a phin filter over milk
Flavor Profile	Rich, sweet, creamy with a smooth finish	Bold, strong, and slightly bitter balanced by sweetness
Serving Style	Hot, with distinct layers visible	Often served iced, but can be hot too
Cultural Significance	A sweet treat enjoyed in cafes	A staple drink popular in both daily life and social settings

Last Thoughts

And there you have it—whether you stick to the classic recipe or get adventurous with variations like the mocha or iced version, this drink is guaranteed to impress both your taste buds and your guests. There’s something so enjoyable about creating a coffee that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, right?

Have you tried making a Coffee Bonbon before? Maybe you’ve come up with your own creative idea? I’d love to hear your tips, questions, or stories about this sweet little treat in the comments below. And with that voilà!