Brandini’s Toffogato

A Palm Springs Dessert Worth Recommending

Recently someone asked me for a dessert recommendation in Palm Springs, and my answer came instantly: the Toffogato at Brandini. I’d tried it just the day before, and it was one of those small, perfect moments of indulgence. I’d been on the verge of walking into Ben & Jerry’s when I remembered Brandini was right next door — and once I saw their signature twist on the affogato, the decision was made.

A Coachella Valley Original

Brandini Toffee is an indigenous Coachella Valley story. The company began when a couple of local high school students created almond toffee for a fundraiser, a recipe that quickly took on a life of its own. They opened their production facility and store in Rancho Mirage in 2006, expanded into multiple locations (including Downtown Palm Springs), and grew into independent retail partnerships and major accounts like Costco. It’s one of those rare local brands that scaled without losing its roots.

The Coffee Program

Their newest evolution is a coffee and espresso program designed to complement the toffee lineup. Brandini selected a locally roasted espresso with a bold, chocolate‑leaning profile and low acidity — a roast chosen because it pairs beautifully with sweet, dairy‑based drinks. It’s the kind of espresso that doesn’t compete with dessert; it deepens it.

That’s where the Toffogato comes in.

What the Toffogato Is

It starts with a scoop of premium vanilla ice cream — intentionally neutral and clean, the perfect canvas for what comes next. Then come the signature toffee elements pulled directly from the product line that made Brandini famous: almond toffee crumbles scattered generously over the top, and a chocolate‑dipped almond toffee bar standing upright like a little flag. These aren’t decorative touches; they’re the heart of the dessert.

How It Tastes

Then comes the pour. A double shot of espresso cascades over the ice cream, melting it just enough to create a warm, silky ribbon that wraps around the toffee. The tasting experience is a rich, indulgent contrast that blends together seamlessly — bold, silky espresso; smooth, creamy ice cream; and almond toffee that adds both richness and crunch. Affogato is already a simple joy. This takes it to another dimension.

A Palm Springs Moment

Brandini’s Toffogato is intrinsically Palm Springs. It’s an idea born here, built from ingredients created here, and best enjoyed here. As the sun hits Palm Canyon and you look out at the palms and mountains, this ice‑cream‑and‑espresso moment fits right into the landscape. Palm Canyon has several coffee shops and several ice cream shops for a reason — it’s the perfect place for both. But the Toffogato combines the best of each, anchored by award‑winning local toffee, all in one cup.