บัวลอยกาแฟ

บัวลอยกาแฟ — Coffee-Infused Thai Glutinous Rice Balls (Easy Recipe)

Introduction

บัวลอยกาแฟ is a delightful Thai dessert that blends soft glutinous rice dumplings with rich coffee-flavored coconut milk. This easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for beginners and home cooks who love coffee and want a comforting, slightly sweet treat. In this post you’ll learn how to make tender coffee dumplings, a smooth coconut soup, and simple tips to get the texture just right.

Ingredients for บัวลอยกาแฟ

• 250 g glutinous rice flour (about 2 cups)
• 2 tablespoons instant coffee (or 60 ml strong brewed coffee/espresso)
• 160–180 ml hot water (use some or all as brewed coffee if preferred)
• 400 ml canned coconut milk (full fat for creamier texture)
• 400 ml water (for the coconut soup)
• 80–100 g palm sugar or brown sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
• Optional for dusting: 1–2 tablespoons tapioca or rice flour (to prevent sticking)
• Optional garnish: toasted sesame seeds or coconut flakes

Instructions to Make บัวลอยกาแฟ

1. Prepare the coffee: Dissolve the instant coffee in 60 ml hot water (or prepare a strong 60 ml brewed coffee/espresso). Let it cool slightly.
2. Make the dough: In a bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour with the coffee liquid. Add the hot water gradually (160–180 ml total) and mix until a soft dough forms. If it feels too dry, add a little more warm water; if too sticky, add a touch more flour.
3. Knead and rest: Knead the dough briefly until smooth and pliable (about 2–3 minutes). Cover and let it rest for 10 minutes to hydrate evenly.
4. Shape the dumplings: Pinch off small pieces about the size of a marble (10–15 g each) and roll into smooth balls. Dust lightly with tapioca or rice flour if they stick.
5. Cook the dumplings: Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the dumplings in batches so they have room. When the dumplings float, cook for an additional 1–2 minutes to ensure they’re cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and place briefly in cold water to set the texture, then drain.
6. Make the coconut coffee soup: In a separate pot, combine coconut milk, 400 ml water, palm or brown sugar, and salt. Heat gently over medium-low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Do not boil vigorously—just warm until steaming.
7. Combine and finish: Add the cooked dumplings to the warm coconut coffee soup. Heat together for 1–2 minutes so flavors meld. Taste and adjust sweetness or coffee strength (you can stir in a teaspoon of instant coffee dissolved in a little hot water if you want a stronger coffee note).
8. Serve: Ladle บัวลอยกาแฟ into bowls and garnish with toasted sesame seeds or coconut flakes if desired. Serve warm for the classic comforting experience.

Cooking Tips for บัวลอยกาแฟ

Follow these tips to get soft, evenly cooked dumplings and a silky coconut soup.

• Use hot (not boiling) water when forming the dough so the flour hydrates easily and becomes pliable.
• Adjust the water/flour gradually: glutinous rice flour brands absorb liquid differently, so add small amounts until the dough is workable.
• Rest the dough for 10 minutes to reduce cracking and make rolling easier.
• Dust with tapioca or rice flour to prevent sticking while shaping and storing the dumplings.
• Cook dumplings in gently boiling water and wait until they float, then cook 1–2 minutes more for a chewy but cooked center.
• Heat the coconut milk gently—boiling can cause it to separate. If separation happens, whisk gently over low heat to recombine.
• For a stronger coffee flavor, use brewed espresso in place of some water or dissolve a little extra instant coffee into the coconut soup.
• To make colorful contrast, reserve some plain dough and keep part coffee-flavored for mixed-color บัวลอยกาแฟ.

Nutritional Information for บัวลอยกาแฟ (Approximate per serving)

These values are estimates for 1 of 4 servings and will vary by brands and exact measurements.

• Calories: 320–380 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 50–60 g
• Fat: 12–18 g (higher with full-fat coconut milk)
• Protein: 3–5 g
• Sugar: 12–20 g (depends on amount and type of sugar used)
• Notes: Use light coconut milk to reduce fat/calories, or adjust sugar to control sweetness.

Conclusion

บัวลอยกาแฟ is a warm, aromatic dessert that brings together the chewiness of glutinous rice balls and the comforting richness of coffee-infused coconut milk. It’s simple enough for beginners and flexible—adjust the coffee strength, sweetness, and texture to suit your taste. Try this easy บัวลอยกาแฟ recipe today, and share how it turned out in the comments or with friends and family.