This cold brew coffee pie features a crisp almond flour crust paired with a creamy filling infused with unsweetened cold brew coffee. The no-bake, luscious whipped topping adds a smooth finish. With a balance of rich cream cheese, gelatin for structure, and keto-friendly sweetener, it sets perfectly after chilling. Optional garnishes like coffee beans or cocoa powder elevate the flavors. Quick to prepare and ideal for those following low-carb, gluten-free diets.
My sister sent me a text at midnight last summer, demanding I come over immediately because she had discovered the most perfect ending to a long day. When I walked through her door, the whole apartment smelled like a cozy coffee shop at dawn. She pulled this pie from the fridge and I understood the emergency completely. We ate it standing up in her kitchen, talking about how it felt like a special occasion without any of the guilt.
I made this for my book club last month and watched the conversation shift from polite book discussion to enthusiastic recipe swapping within minutes. The best part was seeing everyones eyes light up at that first cold brew hit. Now they request it for every gathering, even the non keto folks who swear they can taste the difference.
Ingredients
- Almond flour: Creates a nutty, buttery foundation that holds together beautifully and adds protein without the carbs
- Powdered erythritol: Sweetens without spiking blood sugar and dissolves smoothly into both crust and filling
- Unsalted butter: Binding agent for the crust that adds richness and helps achieve that perfect golden bake
- Cold brew coffee: Less acidic than hot brewed coffee, giving you smooth, bold flavor without bitterness
- Cream cheese: The silky backbone of the filling, creating that luxurious mousse like texture we all crave
- Heavy whipping cream: Whipped into clouds to lighten the filling and make it feel indulgent
- Gelatin powder: The secret that transforms creamy filling into sliceable perfection while keeping it luscious
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the coffee notes and adds that classic dessert warmth
Instructions
- Build the Foundation:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and blend almond flour with powdered erythritol, melted butter, and salt until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press firmly into your pie dish, working the crust up the sides with steady pressure to prevent crumbling later. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until you catch that gorgeous golden shade, then let it cool completely while you make the magic.
- Prepare the Coffee Base:
- Sprinkle gelatin over cold water in a small bowl and walk away for 5 minutes while it blooms. Give it a quick 10 to 15 second spin in the microwave until it turns into clear liquid, watching it carefully so it does not overheat.
- Create the Creamy Filling:
- Beat softened cream cheese with powdered erythritol until you hit that perfectly smooth stage with zero lumps remaining. Pour in the cold brew and vanilla, mixing until everything is fully incorporated and the mixture looks like caffeinated velvet.
- Whip and Fold:
- Beat half a cup of heavy cream until you see stiff peaks form, then gently fold it into the coffee cream cheese mixture. Pour in the melted gelatin and fold until everything is married together, taking care not to deflate all that air you just whipped into the cream.
- Set and Chill:
- Pour the filling into your cooled crust and smooth the top with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, though I have learned the hard way that overnight makes it even better.
- Add the Clouds:
- Whip the remaining half cup of heavy cream with a tablespoon of powdered erythritol until you have those gorgeous stiff peaks that hold their shape. Spread or pipe this generously over the completely chilled pie, then finish with coffee beans or a light dusting of cocoa powder if you want that coffee house finish.
My neighbor called me at 9pm on a Tuesday, panicked because she forgot her anniversary was the next day and needed something impressive but quick. I walked her through this recipe over the phone, and the text I got the next morning said it saved the evening. Now she keeps almond flour in her pantry just for coffee emergencies.
Getting the Right Texture
The difference between good and great here comes down to how you fold the whipped cream into the filling. I use a silicone spatula and gently turn the mixture over itself, going all the way to the bottom of the bowl each time. It takes an extra minute or two but keeps those air bubbles intact that make the final pie feel so light.
Make Ahead Magic
This pie actually improves with a night in the fridge, which makes it the ultimate dinner party dessert. I make it the day before and let it set overnight, then whip the topping just before serving. The flavors deepen and the texture becomes even more luxurious, plus you are not stuck in the kitchen while your guests are arriving.
Serving Like a Pro
Run your knife under hot water and wipe it dry between each slice for the cleanest cuts that look like they came from a bakery. A warm knife glides through the cold filling without dragging, giving you those picture perfect wedges that make everyone think you have secret skills.
- Let the pie sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving so the flavors wake up
- Keep any leftovers covered and they will stay fresh for up to four days in the fridge
- The crust firms up even more on day two, so do not worry if it feels slightly soft initially
Every time I serve this, someone asks for the recipe before they have even finished their first slice, and that right there is the highest compliment a dessert can get.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I prepare the crust for this pie?
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Mix almond flour, powdered erythritol, melted butter, and a pinch of salt until combined. Press firmly into a pie dish and bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes until golden. Cool completely before filling.
- → Can I substitute the gelatin with a vegetarian alternative?
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Yes, agar-agar can be used as a substitute but requires different preparation. Follow package instructions for proper blooming and dissolving.
- → What enhances the coffee flavor in this dessert?
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Adding instant espresso powder to the filling intensifies the coffee taste without altering texture.
- → How long should the pie chill before serving?
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Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set firmly and the flavors to meld.
- → Is this dessert suitable for gluten-free diets?
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Yes, the crust is made from almond flour, which contains no gluten, making it safe for gluten-free lifestyles.
- → Can I make a dairy-free version of this dessert?
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Use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream to replace traditional dairy ingredients while maintaining rich texture.