A Dessert-Inspired Cold Brew Made with Functional Ingredients

A Functional Cold Brew Inspired by the Classic Italian Dessert

This Tiramisu-inspired cold brew brings the rich flavor of coffeehouse desserts into a more health-conscious functional drink. Smooth cold brew coffee is blended with creamy milk, collagen peptides, and a touch of cacao to recreate the layered taste of tiramisu in a lighter, nourishing form.

 

The result is a refreshing coffee drink with dessert-like flavor while still fitting into a wellness-focused daily routine.

  • Ingredients

  • How to Make

  • Wellness Note

  • Customizations

  • Functional Add-Ins (Optional)

Core Ingredients

1 cup cold brew coffee

1 scoop unflavored collagen peptides

1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or milk of choice

1 teaspoon cacao powder

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey (optional)

ice cubes

optional garnish:

light dusting of cacao powder

shaved dark chocolate

Simple Shake Method

  1. Fill a glass with ice.
  2. Add cold brew coffee and milk of choice.
  3. Add collagen peptides, cacao powder, vanilla extract, and optional sweetener.
  4. Stir or shake in a jar until smooth.
  5. Top with a light dusting of cacao powder for the tiramisu-inspired finish.

Creamy Blender Method

  1. Add cold brew, milk, collagen, cacao, vanilla, and sweetener to a blender.
  2. Blend briefly until smooth and slightly frothy.
  3. Pour over ice and finish with cacao powder garnish.

Ingredient

Wellness Role

Cold Brew Coffee

Naturally energizing and often lower in acidity than traditional brewed coffee.

Collagen Peptides

Provides protein commonly used to support connective tissue and daily nutrition.

Cacao Powder

Rich in polyphenols and contributes deep chocolate flavor with minimal sweetness.

Vanilla Extract

Enhances flavor naturally and rounds out the coffee’s bitterness.

Milk of Choice

Adds creaminess and can provide nutrients depending on the type selected.

Goal

Adjustment

Higher Protein

Add vanilla protein powder along with collagen

Dessert-Like Flavor

Increase vanilla and cacao slightly

Lower Sugar

Skip maple syrup or honey

Creamier Texture

Use oat milk or coconut milk

Extra Coffee Strength

Use cold brew concentrate

These additions can be included depending on personal preference and wellness goals.

MCT oil

contributes richness and creamy mouthfeel

protein powder (vanilla)

increases protein content and adds dessert-like flavor

mushroom coffee blend

adds earthy notes and functional depth

cinnamon

provides warming spice and flavor balance

prebiotic fiber (inulin)

adds subtle sweetness and gut-friendly fiber

This tiramisu-inspired drink keeps the indulgent flavor profile of a dessert coffee while maintaining a balanced ingredient list often used in functional beverages. By combining coffee with protein-rich collagen and antioxidant-rich cacao, the drink becomes more than just a flavored coffee.

 

It can work well as a midday coffee ritual, afternoon pick-me-up, or a refreshing alternative to traditional sweetened iced coffees.