11.03.2022
Espresso Powder: Five Ways
Boost chocolate, spice up chili, make quick mochas, dalgona, and bolder frostings with simple tips for using espresso powder.
- A small amount of espresso powder brightens and deepens chocolate without adding an obvious coffee taste.
- Use espresso powder to add savory depth to chili or to make quick mochas and dalgona-style drinks.
- Dissolve it for even frostings or mix with cocoa for dusting; store airtight to keep potency.
Espresso is the ultimate coffee pick-me-up. Espresso powder has the same uplifting effect when included in your cooking. It’s made by spray drying real espresso, offering a concentrated kick of flavor that enhances the other flavors in a dish. We’ve been using it in our test kitchen lately and are excited to share our notes with you. If you have a favorite way to use espresso powder, let us know in the comments below.
Chocolate, But More Chocolatey
Espresso powder is a springboard for anything chocolate–elevating chocolate’s sweet, roasted, and fruity flavors to new heights. One key tip is to use just enough espresso powder, as you’re not always trying to notice the coffee flavor so much as enhance the chocolate. (Unless you’re looking for a more coffee-forward flavor, then make it a double espresso!)
Take your favorite chocolate-flavored recipes and introduce a teaspoon of espresso powder. You’ll be amazed at how rich and deep the cocoa flavors become. Brownies are the perfect place to start. Try it on your favorite brownie recipe, or follow our recipe below.
Wake Up Your Chili
Chili is a rich, spicy, and hearty recipe. Coffee gives it an even richer depth of flavor. Many cooks like adding a cup of brewed coffee to their chili instead of beef broth. Espresso powder gives you a little more control over the coffee flavor when you’re experimenting. Try adding 2-3 teaspoons to the chili recipe below for an intensely flavorful bowl of chili.
Mocha in a Minute
Not everyone has a cool $10,000 to spend on an authentic Italian espresso machine. Luckily, you can get your cafe fix with a spoonful of espresso powder when added to any of our premium hot cocoa mixes. Our Classic Hot Cocoa Mix makes for an excellent cafe mocha at home, and our Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa is an extra special treat with some espresso powder.
Decadent Dalgona Coffee
Refresh your coffee routine with a dessert-like coffee drink. This recipe asks you to whisk espresso powder into a deliciously fluffy whipped topping. It’s an easygoing drink with an electric edge, thanks to the espresso powder.
Frostings and Dustings
The intense, bitter flavor of espresso powder is a perfect pairing for sweets. Whip it into your favorite buttercream frosting recipe to add another layer of flavor to your cakes. You can also mix it with cocoa powder to dust it over the top of your homemade tiramisu. You can make a quick and tasty dessert with store-bought angel food cake, homemade whipped cream, and espresso powder. Make the whipped cream on the sweeter side and balance it with a few dashes of espresso powder on top.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is espresso powder and how is it different from instant coffee?
Espresso powder is made by spray-drying brewed espresso so it yields a concentrated coffee flavor. Instant coffee can be used as a substitute, but espresso powder is usually darker, more concentrated, and formulated to enhance flavors rather than stand alone as a beverage.
How much espresso powder should I add to recipes?
Start small. For most chocolate recipes use about 1 teaspoon. For chili add 2 to 3 teaspoons. For a single cafe-style mocha, stir 1/2 to 1 teaspoon into your cocoa or milk. For frostings begin with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon per batch and taste as you go.
Can espresso powder replace brewed coffee in chili?
Yes. Espresso powder gives you more control over coffee intensity. Dissolve 2 to 3 teaspoons in a little hot water and add to the chili, or use brewed coffee if you want more liquid volume.
Will espresso powder make my chocolate taste like coffee?
Not if you use it sparingly. Small amounts deepen and brighten chocolate flavors without making the dessert taste like coffee. Increase the dose only if you want a coffee-forward result.
How do I incorporate espresso powder into frostings and dustings?
For smooth frosting, dissolve the powder in a tablespoon of hot water or milk first, then mix into the buttercream. For dusting, blend espresso powder with cocoa powder for an even sprinkle over tiramisu or cakes.
Is espresso powder caffeinated and safe for kids?
Yes, it contains caffeine. The amount in a typical teaspoon used for flavor is small, but you should limit or avoid caffeinated desserts for young children or people sensitive to caffeine.
How should I store espresso powder and how long does it last?
Keep it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from light. It stays usable for about 1 to 2 years, though its flavor will slowly weaken over time.
Can I make espresso powder at home?
True espresso powder is produced by spray drying and is not practical to make at home. For a DIY option, use high-quality instant espresso or grind espresso beans finely and use them directly in recipes where texture is not an issue.
What is espresso powder and how is it different from instant coffee?
Espresso powder is made by spray-drying brewed espresso so it yields a concentrated coffee flavor. Instant coffee can be used as a substitute, but espresso powder is usually darker, more concentrated, and formulated to enhance flavors rather than stand alone as a beverage.
How much espresso powder should I add to recipes?
Start small. For most chocolate recipes use about 1 teaspoon. For chili add 2 to 3 teaspoons. For a single cafe-style mocha, stir 1/2 to 1 teaspoon into your cocoa or milk. For frostings begin with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon per batch and taste as you go.
Can espresso powder replace brewed coffee in chili?
Yes. Espresso powder gives you more control over coffee intensity. Dissolve 2 to 3 teaspoons in a little hot water and add to the chili, or use brewed coffee if you want more liquid volume.
Will espresso powder make my chocolate taste like coffee?
Not if you use it sparingly. Small amounts deepen and brighten chocolate flavors without making the dessert taste like coffee. Increase the dose only if you want a coffee-forward result.
How do I incorporate espresso powder into frostings and dustings?
For smooth frosting, dissolve the powder in a tablespoon of hot water or milk first, then mix into the buttercream. For dusting, blend espresso powder with cocoa powder for an even sprinkle over tiramisu or cakes.
Is espresso powder caffeinated and safe for kids?
Yes, it contains caffeine. The amount in a typical teaspoon used for flavor is small, but you should limit or avoid caffeinated desserts for young children or people sensitive to caffeine.
How should I store espresso powder and how long does it last?
Keep it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from light. It stays usable for about 1 to 2 years, though its flavor will slowly weaken over time.
Can I make espresso powder at home?
True espresso powder is produced by spray drying and is not practical to make at home. For a DIY option, use high-quality instant espresso or grind espresso beans finely and use them directly in recipes where texture is not an issue.
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