Lotus and Coffee Cream Caramel Cups
An easy make-ahead dessert for guests.
This layered cup dessert brings together three much-loved flavours in a hurry: milky cream caramel, instant coffee and the caramelised taste of Lotus biscuits. Assembled in individual glasses, it makes an elegant treat ready for unexpected guests, with no oven and very little time.
How to Prepare
1. Crush a layer of Lotus biscuits into the base of serving cups.
2. In a saucepan, whisk the milk, sugar, creme caramel mix and instant coffee. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
3. Pour a layer of the coffee cream over the biscuits and let it cool slightly.
4. Add a layer of qishta, then top with more coffee cream.
5. Chill until set, then garnish with crushed Lotus biscuits before serving.
Made it? Rate this recipe
Use decaf or reduce the coffee for a milder flavour the whole family can enjoy.
Ingredient Swaps
Replace the Lotus biscuits with any plain or tea biscuit, crushed. | Swap the instant coffee for cocoa powder for a caffeine-free version. | Use whipped cream in place of qashta (clotted cream) if needed.
Common Questions
Should the cups be chilled before serving?
Yes, two hours in the fridge give the best set.
How do I dissolve the cream caramel well?
Mix it with the milk over low heat, stirring constantly until fully dissolved.
Can I make them a day ahead?
Yes, prepare them the day before and keep covered in the fridge.
How do I get clean layers?
Let each layer cool slightly before pouring the next.
Is it very sweet?
You can reduce the sugar to taste, since the Lotus already adds sweetness.
More from the Kitchen
No-Bake Lotus & Nutella Cream Balls
A quick no-bake treat: crushed Lotus biscuits blended with Lotus spread, butter, Nutella, and clotted cream, then shaped however you like.
Read Recipe
Layered Jelly & Cream Dessert
How to make Layered Jelly & Cream Dessert: A cool no-bake dessert of milk-soaked tea biscuits layered with whipped jelly cream and a glossy jelly top.
Read Recipe
Mango Trifle with Lady Fingers
Lady fingers soaked in mango juice under a creamy mango-and-qishta layer, finished with fresh mango cubes — a no-bake chilled dessert.
Read Recipe
No-Bake Lotus Biscoff Cheesecake
A Lotus and digestive biscuit base bound with qishta, topped with whipped cream folded through cream cheese and Biscoff spread — no oven, no gelatine.
Read Recipe
Date Ice Cream
How to make Date Ice Cream: A naturally sweet no-churn ice cream blended from dates, cream and qishta, finished with caramel or chocolate.
Read Recipe
Vermicelli Cream Caramel
How to make Vermicelli Cream Caramel: Toasted vermicelli set in silky cream caramel custard under a glossy caramel sugar top.
Read Recipe