Espresso powder is a versatile ingredient that can add rich, bold coffee flavor to both sweet and savory dishes. Though it may look like finely ground espresso beans, espresso powder is actually made from brewed espresso that is then dried and ground into a fine powder.
While you won't want to use it to make your morning latte, espresso powder shines in baked goods, desserts, rubs, sauces, and more. When used in small amounts, it enhances chocolate, cocoa, and caramel notes without making things taste overly coffee-like.
What is Espresso Powder?
Espresso powder, also known as instant espresso, is made from brewed espresso coffee that has been concentrated and dried into a fine, dissolvable powder.
To make it, espresso beans are finely ground and brewed to produce a strongly flavored espresso. The liquid espresso is then dehydrated until completely dried. The now dry espresso is further ground into an ultra-fine powder that can dissolve in liquids.
A few key things that differentiate espresso powder from other types of coffee:
- Highly concentrated - Since it starts with strongly brewed espresso, espresso powder contains very concentrated coffee flavor. Just a teaspoon delivers a big hit of flavor.
- Dissolves easily - Unlike regular coffee grounds, espresso powder dissolves completely in liquids hot or cold due to the fine texture. No gritty grounds left behind.
- Adds depth, not coffee taste - In small amounts, espresso powder enhances other flavors like chocolate. It won't make your food taste like coffee unless more is used.
- Shelf-stable - Since all moisture has been removed, espresso powder has a long shelf life. It won't go bad like brewed espresso.
Espresso powder is an instant, dried form of espresso that adds layers of flavor intensity. Let's look at the common ways it's used.
How to Use Espresso Powder
Espresso powder is commonly used in baking applications like cakes, cookies, brownies, and dessert sauces. But it also shines in rubs and spice blends for meats. Here are some of the most popular uses:
Enhance chocolate flavor
One of the most common uses for espresso powder is enhancing chocolate flavor in desserts. The bitter, roasty notes of coffee bring out the best in chocolate. Add just 1/4 to 1 teaspoon per recipe, and you'll notice your chocolate tastes richer without getting an obvious coffee flavor. Try espresso powder in recipes like:
- Brownies
- Chocolate cakes and cupcakes
- Cookies
- Chocolate frostings and ganache
- Chocolate sauces
- Chocolate truffles
- Mousse
Key Takeaway: In small amounts, espresso powder enhances chocolate recipes without making them taste like coffee.
Add mocha flavor
To take the coffee flavor up a notch, use more espresso powder. Recipes with 1-2 tablespoons of espresso powder will have a distinct mocha flavor. Examples include:
- Mocha cakes, cupcakes, cookies
- Mocha buttercream frosting
- Mocha coffee drinks
- Tiramisu
- Mocha ice cream, milkshakes
- Mocha sauces
Make coffee substitutes
Rather than brewing coffee every time you want to bake with it, use espresso powder dissolved in hot water. Simply combine 1-2 teaspoons espresso powder with 1/4 cup hot water for every 1/4 cup brewed coffee called for. This produces an instant, concentrated "coffee" perfect for baking.
Boost caramel and butterscotch
The bittersweet flavor of espresso powder can enhance buttery caramel and butterscotch flavors. Add a pinch to:
- Caramel sauces
- Caramel candies or brittles
- Butterscotch pudding
- Butterscotch pie
Use in savory dishes
While less common than sweet applications, espresso powder can add richness, complexity, and bitterness to savory dishes like:
- Chili
- Beef stew
- Steak rubs
- Pork chops
- Mole sauce
Start with 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder per pound of meat or per recipe batch. You can always add more. The coffee flavor pairs especially well with chocolate, ancho chile, cumin, garlic, oregano, paprika, and pepper.
Make instant cold brew
Mix espresso powder with cold water for an instant chilled coffee beverage. Use approximately 1 tablespoon espresso powder per 8 ounces cold water. Adjust the amount to your taste preferences. Sweeten with sugar or simple syrup as desired.
How Much Espresso Powder Should You Use?
As mentioned above, the amount of espresso powder used depends largely on whether you want a subtle enhancement or distinct coffee flavor.
Here are some general guidelines:
- Enhance flavor: Use just 1/8 to 1/2 teaspoon per recipe to subtly improve chocolate, caramel, and butterscotch flavors.
- Add light mocha flavor: Use 1-2 teaspoons per recipe for a hint of mocha without overpowering other flavors.
- Make it mocha-centric: Use 1-3 tablespoons per recipe when you want a strong mocha presence.
- Replace 1 cup brewed coffee: Dissolve 2-3 tablespoons espresso powder in 1/4 cup hot water.
Start on the lower end of the range for your recipe, and adjust up if you want more coffee flavor. It's easy to add more, but you can't take it out once it's in the recipe!
Where to Buy Espresso Powder
While not as common as regular ground coffee, espresso powder can be found at many grocery stores. Here are some places to look:
- Spice aisle or baking aisle
- Near other instant coffee and drink mixes
- International or gourmet foods section
- Coffee aisle (sometimes)
- Italian specialty markets
- Gourmet grocery stores like Whole Foods
Well-known brands to look for include Medaglia D’Oro, Starbucks Via, Nescafe, and King Arthur Baking. Espresso powder is also widely available online through retailers like Amazon.
Expect to pay around $4-8 for a 2-3 ounce jar. A little goes a long way, so it’s a budget-friendly staple.
Espresso Powder Substitutes
Don't have espresso powder on hand? Try one of these substitutions:
- Instant coffee granules - Use twice as much instant coffee. May be more bitter.
- Brewed espresso - Replace other liquids in the recipe with chilled brewed espresso.
- Natural cocoa powder - Adds similar richness and bitterness.
- Brewed coffee - Chill and use to replace other liquids. Use very strong dark roast coffee.
- Ground espresso beans - Won't dissolve fully but can work in some recipes. Use less than recipe calls for.
- Dutch process cocoa powder - Adds depth but not bitterness.
While not exactly the same, these substitutions can work well in a pinch!
Storing Espresso Powder
To retain freshness and prevent clumps, store espresso powder in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from light. An opaque jar or tin is ideal.
Properly stored, espresso powder will stay fresh for 1-2 years. For even longer freshness, consider storing it in the fridge or freezer.
Once opened, try to use espresso powder within a few months for maximum flavor. Smell and taste it before using - stale espresso powder will not have as intense of a flavor.
FAQs
Is espresso powder the same as instant coffee?
No, espresso powder and instant coffee are different. Instant coffee is made from brewed coffee that has been dried. Espresso powder starts with the much stronger espresso coffee and has a more intense flavor.
Can you use espresso powder to make coffee drinks?
While you can dissolve espresso powder in hot water to make an espresso-like drink, the flavor will usually be weaker than fresh brewed espresso. Espresso powder is better reserved for cooking and baking.
Is there a difference between espresso powder and instant espresso?
Espresso powder and instant espresso are the same product - two different names for the dried, powdered form of espresso.
Why does espresso powder enhance chocolate flavor?
The rich, dark, roasty notes of espresso powder complement and bring out the best in chocolate's flavor compounds. The two pair together beautifully. Using just a bit of espresso powder makes chocolate taste more chocolatey.
Can you make espresso powder at home?
Yes, it is possible to make DIY espresso powder at home with just a few ingredients:
- Finely ground espresso beans
- Strongly brewed espresso
- Oven or food dehydrator
Brew espresso, spread onto a baking sheet, and slowly dehydrate in an oven or dehydrator until completely dry. Then grind the dried espresso into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. Be sure to grind finely so it dissolves well.
What's the difference between espresso powder and ground espresso beans?
Ground espresso beans are simply espresso-roast coffee beans ground very finely. The grounds are coarse and do not dissolve in liquid.
Espresso powder is made from brewed espresso that has been dried and ground into a powder. It fully dissolves in liquid to deliver a clean coffee flavor.
Conclusion
Espresso powder is an incredibly versatile pantry staple that will take your cooking and baking up a notch.
Just a pinch enhances chocolate, caramel, and butterscotch. More makes desserts and drinks deliciously mocha. It can even lend richness to savory dishes.
Look for espresso powder with other instant coffees and drink mixes at the grocery store, or order it online.