If you've ever baked a chocolate cake, you might have noticed espresso powder or instant espresso on the ingredient list. Coffee powder can enhance chocolate flavors in baked goods, create rich rubs for meats, or even add depth of flavor to bread.
Read on to find out what espresso powder is, how to use it, and what to use if you can't get hold of it.
What is espresso powder?
Espresso powder is actually derived from espresso. Unlike ground coffee, it's brewed espresso that has been dehydrated to make an instant espresso powder ideal for baking or for meat rubs. You'll get the coffee kick with espresso powder, but when added to food, the flavor is more subtle.
It's much more concentrated than instant coffee, so it's not usually used for making coffee, and we don't recommend it!
How to make espresso powder
You can save money by using the espresso beans you have at home to make your own espresso powder.
Take espresso beans (whichever roast you prefer) and place them onto a baking sheet. Around 1 cup of beans will produce a cup of espresso powder. Bake the beans at the lowest temperature in your oven for a few hours so that they dry out completely. You'll know they're ready when they feel crunchy.
After the beans are cool, it's time to grind. A burr grinder is the best choice here, as you can get a very fine grind using it. Alternatively, you can use a food processor, but there's always the danger of flavor transfering from previously blitzed food. Put your burr grinder on the lowest grind size, and place your beans in the hopper. Grind until all the beans have been ground into a powder.
Uses for espresso instant powder
Espresso powder for baking
Espresso powder is most commonly used for baking. It can be added in powder form to cake mix or dissolved in water first. Instant espresso powder is a convenient way to add coffee flavor to your baked goods without brewing an entire pot of coffee. It has the advantage of dissolving in only a little hot water, so you can add it to cake batter without affecting the recipe.
Coffee has a unique way of making chocolate taste even more chocolatey and can be added to give a chocolate cake or brownies more punch. It's easy to overdo it, just adding a little espresso powder will amp up the chocolatey flavor.
Espresso powder for savory dishes
Instant espresso powder can be added to spice rubs and marinades to add a subtle flavor to meat. If you roast your meat, you could also be left with a coffee-infused gravy (yum!).
Benefits of using espresso powder
Compared with brewing an entire pot of coffee, instant espresso powder is a quick and easy alternative to add to recipes that require coffee. Espresso powder has an intense flavor, so just a tiny amount can significantly impact the other flavors in your baked goods, especially those containing cocoa, like chocolate cake or brownies.
Substitutes for espresso powder
If you're in a pinch, you can easily substitute espresso powder with instant coffee. Use the same amount of instant coffee as you would espresso powder in your recipe, but be aware that espresso powder is more concentrated, so you might not get the same punch. Be wary of trying to add more instant coffee than the recipe calls for, as it can leave a bitter flavor.
You can also add strong-brewed coffee to your recipe. STARESSO's Portable Espresso Machine can make a shot of robust espresso in a matter of minutes! Leave it to cool before adding it to your recipe, but keep in mind that adding too much liquid to your cake or brownie batter will affect its chemistry.
Caffeine in espresso powder
Espresso powder does contain caffeine, but since you're working with small amounts, it's not much. If you're concerned about adding caffeine to your recipe, decaf alternatives are also available. The amount of caffeine in espresso powder depends on the brand, but a typical teaspoon has between 30 mg and 80 mg. Since this one teaspoon is spread across an entire chocolate cake or batch of brownies, the effect of caffeine should be minimal.
Espresso instant powder frequently asked questions
What is the difference between espresso powder and instant coffee?
Espresso powder is a finely ground, concentrated form of brewed espresso that is then dehydrated, whereas instant coffee is brewed coffee that has been freeze-dried or spray-dried. Espresso powder has a stronger, more robust flavor compared to the more diluted taste of instant coffee.
Is espresso powder suitable for making beverages?
Yes, espresso powder can be used to make quick and easy espresso-like beverages. It dissolves easily in water, making it convenient for a fast caffeine fix or to add coffee flavor to smoothies and other drinks.
How long does espresso powder last once opened?
Once opened, espresso powder can last up to a year if stored properly. However, for the best flavor, use it within six months.
What is the best way to store espresso powder?
Espresso powder should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from light, heat, and moisture. This helps keep its flavor and extend its shelf life.
