How to Make Espresso Powder at Home (Step-by-Step Guide)
Last updated on March 4th, 2025 at 02:03 pm
Ever thought of using espresso powder for more than just coffee?
Well, a few months ago, I was watching a culinary YouTube video when something caught me completely off guard. The chef casually started rubbing espresso powder onto a steak, and I just sat there, confused. Espresso… on meat?
I had always thought of espresso powder as something for baking, maybe even stirring into a latte but as a spice rub? That was new.
Of course, curiosity got the best of me, and I had to try it. And that moment sent me down a rabbit hole to discover just how versatile espresso powder really is.
From rich chocolate desserts to bold BBQ rubs and even bettering my morning brew, this stuff is pure magic in the kitchen.
In this guide, I’ll break down how to make espresso powder at home, the best ways to use it, and why it’s a must-have for anyone who enjoys experimenting in the kitchen. So let’s start!
Key Takeaways
- Espresso powder is more than just for coffee – It improves flavors in baking, cooking, and even drinks.
- Making it at home is easy – All you need are espresso beans, an oven, and a grinder.
- Storage matters – Keep it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to maintain freshness for up to six months.
- Experiment and have fun – Try it in brownies, spice rubs, or even homemade lattes to see what works best for you!
What is Espresso Powder?
If you love coffee and baking, you’ve probably come across espresso powder in recipes for brownies, cakes, or even spice rubs. But what exactly is it?
Well, espresso powder is a finely ground, highly concentrated coffee powder made from brewed espresso beans that have been dried and ground into an ultra-fine consistency.
Contrary to fresh ground coffee, which is meant for brewing, espresso powder is meant to dissolve quickly and better flavors.
Note: The reason it’s so popular for baking and cooking is because it delivers a deep, rich coffee essence without adding liquid.
How Does It Differ from Instant Coffee?
Often espresso powder gets mistaken for instant coffee. But the two are quite different.
The reason is instant coffee is made from brewed coffee that’s been freeze-dried or spray-dried into granules. It dissolves in water and is meant to be rehydrated for drinking.
On the other hand, espresso powder is much stronger in flavor and not intended for drinking on its own. Since it’s made from espresso beans, it has a richer, more intense taste than instant coffee.
If you tried making a cup of coffee with espresso powder, you’d likely end up with a bitter and overpowering drink.
How Do You Use Espresso Powder?
Espresso powder is a versatile ingredient that can better both sweet and savory recipes. For instance:
- Baking: I enjoy it for chocolate-based desserts like brownies, cakes, and cookies. A teaspoon of espresso powder intensifies the chocolate flavor without making the dessert taste like coffee.
- Cooking: It works wonders in spice rubs for meats, especially beef or pork, adding a subtle smokiness and depth of flavor. Some BBQ sauces and chili recipes even call for a dash of espresso powder to improve the richness.
- Beverages: If you love a strong coffee kick, you can mix espresso powder into hot milk, smoothies or even use it to create homemade lattes. It’s a quick way to add bold coffee flavor without brewing an actual shot of espresso.
Whether you’re a baker, home cook, or someone who loves experimenting with coffee flavors, espresso powder is a must-have pantry staple.
How to Make Espresso Powder (Step-by-Step)
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Coffee grinder or spice grinder
- Fine-mesh sieve
- Airtight container for storage
Ingredients
- ½ cup of espresso beans (or dark roast coffee beans)
- Optional: cinnamon or vanilla for added flavor
Instructions
- Choose the Right Beans: The quality of your espresso powder starts with the beans. I recommend using espresso beans or dark roast coffee to get that deep and rich flavor.Lighter roasts won’t work as well since they lack the intensity needed for espresso powder. Also, avoid oily beans because they can gunk up your grinder and make the powder clumpy.
- Roast the Coffee Beans: This step is all about drying the beans, not roasting them like you would for brewing.– Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C).– Spread the coffee beans in a single layer on a baking sheet.– Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 20 minutes so they don’t burn. – The goal is to remove moisture from the beans, making them easier to grind into a fine powder.
- Grind the Roasted Beans: Once the beans are completely cooled, it’s time to grind them down.– Use a coffee grinder or spice grinder to grind them into a fine, flour-like consistency.– If the powder feels coarse, sift it through a fine-mesh sieve and regrind any leftover chunks.– The finer the grind, the better it blends into recipes without a gritty texture.
- Store Your Homemade Espresso Powder: Now that you have your perfect espresso powder, you’ll want to store it properly.– Transfer the powder into an airtight container or spice jar.– Store it in a cool, dark place (away from moisture and light) for up to 6 months.– The fresher it stays, the more flavorful it will be when you use it in recipes.
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Notes
How to Use Espresso Powder?
I’ve found many ways to sneak it into recipes, from sweet treats to savory dishes and coffee-based drinks. So here are a few of my favorites:
1 – For Baking
Espresso powder is fantastic in baked goods, especially anything with chocolate. It betters the deep, rich flavors of brownies, cakes, and cookies without making them taste like coffee.
A little goes a long way. I suggest starting with just a teaspoon per recipe to amplify the chocolatey goodness.
2 – For Cooking
I know it may sound unusual, but espresso powder works wonders in savory dishes too. I love adding it to spice rubs for meats, BBQ sauces, and even chili. It deepens the overall flavor without making it taste like coffee, giving dishes a smoky, complex profile.
3 – For Drinks
Of course, espresso powder shines in beverages. I like stirring it into hot milk or coffee for an instant caffeine boost or using it in homemade espresso syrups. You get an easy way to add bold coffee flavor without the hassle of brewing a fresh shot.
Last Thoughts
Have you tried making or using espresso powder before? How did it go? I’d love to hear your thoughts! And if you have any questions, drop them in the comments below. I’m always happy to chat about all things coffee and with that voilà!
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