Perk up your day with a double shot of protein and probiotic goodness! Two of our favorite things combine in this Pumpkin Spice Affogato recipe: coffee and frozen kefir made with Lifeway Pumpkin Spice Kefir.
We took affogato, Italy’s sweetest espresso ritual, and gave it a fall-inspired Lifeway upgrade in this energizing, protein-rich recipe made with our seasonal pumpkin spice kefir. Now, you can get all the fun of pumpkin spice without the digestive discomfort of a sugary coffeehouse drink — and enjoy a dessert that makes it easier to hit your protein target without another protein bar.
Traditionally, an affogato drowns a scoop of vanilla gelato in hot, bold espresso. Here, we froze our creamy, probiotic-rich kefir and served it in scoops inside a chilled glass, then poured freshly brewed espresso right over the top, showering it with an inviting, uplifting coffee flavor.
As the hot coffee melts into the chilled frozen kefir, it creates an alluring taste and textural contrast that makes this recipe a decadent, dreamy dessert. And while it tastes like a coffeehouse indulgence, this recipe support your body with functional fuel from Lifeway Kefir’s complete protein and important micronutrients including calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12. Additionally, the billions of live probiotics and lactose-free attribute of our pumpkin spice kefir make this recipe gut-friendly and an easy way to enjoy a seasonal treat without sacrifice or discomfort. Check out more benefits of Lifeway Kefir here!
So while pumpkin spice lattes will always have a place in our seasonal recipe roster, we have to say pumpkin spice has never looked as it does in this recipe thanks to a little lift from Lifeway.
Want more recipes with our probiotic foods? Check out our cultured creations here.
Looking for Lifeway near you? Head to our store locator here or shop online to have them delivered.
The Benefits of Cultured Dairy for Better Health:
Research continues to show the importance of eating healthy foods, including cultured dairy such as kefir, for better gut health, a strong immune system, and to support the microbiome. Fermented foods like kefir hold important value in this line of research due to the link between the gut-brain axis and overall health.
Specifically, kefir has been shown to help diversify the microbiome, support the digestive system, reduce inflammation, support healthier blood sugar levels, and improve satiety since the bioavailable protein it contains triggers the release of GLP-1. Lifeway Kefir also contains a variety of nutrients that are vital for healthy bones and overall health, including vitamins D3, K, and B12 along with calcium and potassium. Along with our kefir, we also offer our creamy, cultured Lifeway Farmer Cheese, a high protein cheese made with live and active cultures to support a healthy microbiome that’s easy to spread and contains no added salt or sugar.
Prep Time: Varies - See Directions Servings: 2Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups Lowfat Pumpkin Spice Kefir
- *or you can use our Lowfat or Whole Milk Vanilla Kefir and add more pumpkin spice mix
- 1/2 a frozen banana
- 4-5 Medjool dates, pitted
- 1/2 tsp. pumpkin spice mix
- pinch kosher salt
- 2 shots (4 oz.) espresso or 4 oz. cup strong, freshly brewed hot coffee
- Garnish: thin dark chocolate shavings or dark chocolate chips/chunks
Directions
- Prep: Place 2 small glass coffee mugs inside the freezer while you prep the recipe so the glasses are chilled for serving.
Make It With a Ninja Creami:
- To a blender, add the Lifeway Pumpkin Spice Kefir (or Lifeway Vanilla Kefir), banana, dates, pumpkin spice, vanilla extract, kosher salt, pumpkin spice mix, and blend on high until smooth.
- Transfer the mixture to a Ninja® CREAM® container, seal with a lid, and freeze overnight.
- Remove the lid from the container and process it as ice cream. Respin if needed to achieve a thicker, creamier texture. Set aside, and remove the chilled glass mugs from the freezer.
- Place 2 scoops of frozen kefir in the two chilled glass mugs, then top each with a fresh shot of espresso or 2 oz. of strong, freshly brewed hot coffee. Garnish with shaved dark chocolate or chocolate chips, then serve with spoons and enjoy.
Make It Without a Ninja Creami:
- To a blender, add the Lifeway Pumpkin Spice Kefir (or Lifeway Vanilla Kefir), banana, dates, pumpkin spice, vanilla extract, kosher salt, pumpkin spice mix, and blend on high until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a sealable glass or silicone container that's shallow in length. Put the lid on and freeze for 4 hours. Scrape down the sides, then put the lid back on, and freeze again until completely frozen.
- Once frozen, remove from the freezer, and remove the 2 chilled glass mugs from the freezer.
- Scoop the frozen kefir into the 2 chilled glass mugs, dividing it in half between the two, and pour a shot of espresso (or 2 oz. strong, freshly brewed coffee) over each one. Garnish with shaved dark chocolate or chocolate chips, then serve with spoons, and enjoy!
