Sugar Roasted Coffee: The Torrefacto Technique (5-Step Guide)

Have you ever had one of those conversations where a casual chat turns into a goldmine of information? That’s exactly what happened when I was catching up with my friend from Spain.

We were talking about coffee and my blog, Coffee Voilà, when he casually dropped a bombshell about his family’s secret coffee roasting technique—Torrefacto roasting.

I had never heard of it, but the way he described the caramelized sugar coating the beans gave this bold and rich flavor. And it got me hooked!

Of course, I had to give it a try, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer for coffee lovers who want something different.

In this guide, I’m going to walk you through the Torrefacto roasting process, the tools you’ll need, and how to brew this unique style for the best flavor. So let’s start roasting…

What is the Torrefacto Coffee Roasting Technique?

This unique process really stands out from traditional methods. I remember the first time I heard about it—I was curious but also a bit skeptical. Unlike regular roasting, where the beans are heated until they reach the desired roast level.

Instead, Torrefacto involves adding sugar to the beans during the roasting process. The sugar caramelizes and coats the beans, making them shiny and almost glossy. This approach is particularly popular in Spain and parts of Latin America.

Torrefacto History

It originated in Spain during times of economic hardship when preserving coffee was essential. By adding sugar to the roasting process, it helped extend the shelf life of the beans.

The technique then spread to Latin America, where it became a staple for many coffee drinkers. Especially for people like me who enjoy a bold and slightly bitter coffee.

How Torrefacto Changes Your Coffee Flavor?

If you’re used to traditional roasted beans, Torrefacto coffee can taste a bit intense. The sugar caramelizes and gives the coffee a richer, darker flavor—some people describe it as almost chocolatey or smoky.

I know some people may consider the bitterness a bit too much. In that case, I suggest blending Torrefacto beans with regular roasted ones to create a smoother and more balanced cup.

The Science Behind It…

The process of caramelizing sugar on the beans adds complexity to the flavor. The sugars break down under heat, creating deeper, roasted notes and a denser mouthfeel.

It’s a love-it-or-hate-it style, but it’s definitely worth trying if you’re looking for something different from your usual coffee.

Why Choose Torrefacto? Benefits and Drawbacks

Let’s take a closer look at some pros and cons of this method:

Aspect	Benefits	Drawbacks
Unique Flavor	Dark, rich, and intense with a caramelized sweetness that can add complexity.	Can be too bitter or overpowering for those who prefer a milder coffee.
Adored or Skeptical?	Coffee lovers who enjoy bold, smoky flavors tend to love it.	Those who prefer traditional, cleaner roasts often find it too harsh.
Health Impacts	The sugar caramelization adds a unique flavor without needing extra sweeteners in the cup.	The addition of sugar during roasting may raise concerns for health-conscious drinkers.
Shelf Life and Freshness	The sugar coating helps preserve the beans longer, which can be a plus for longevity.	Some argue that the flavor diminishes over time, making the freshness less appealing.
Environmental and Ethical Considerations	Often used in regions where coffee is grown and roasted locally, reducing transportation impact.	Sugar production and the added processing step may raise sustainability and ethical concerns for some consumers.

Equipment Needed for Sugar Roasting Coffee at Home

At first, I didn’t realize how specific the equipment would be. See it’s a bit different from traditional roasting. But once you’ve got the right tools, it’s pretty straightforward. So here’s what I suggest:

1 – A Good Coffee Roaster or Pan

While a dedicated coffee roaster is perfect, a heavy-bottomed pan or cast-iron skillet works just fine.

I used a cast-iron skillet for my first attempt. It retains heat well and ensures the beans roast evenly without burning. Just be prepared to keep a close eye on it!

2 – Sugar

The type doesn’t matter as much—white or brown sugar both work. When you add it during roasting, the sugar melts and coats the beans. This creates that signature caramelization.

I recommend not to overdo it. A little sugar goes a long way. My first time, I went way too heavy on the sugar and ended with sticky and overly sweet beans.

3 – Wooden Spoon or Spatula

You’ll be stirring constantly, so grab a trusty wooden spoon or spatula. This helps the beans roast evenly and the sugar doesn’t burn in one spot.

I learned quickly that if you stop stirring, the sugar can scorch, and trust me, that smell is not what you want lingering in your kitchen.

4 – Heat-Resistant Gloves

Sugar roasting means high temperatures, and the caramelized sugar can get super sticky and hot. I suggest using heat-resistant gloves when handling the pan or stirring the beans.

5 – Cooling Tray or Rack

After roasting, you need to cool your beans quickly to stop them from cooking further. For this reason, a cooling tray or wire rack spreads them out evenly.

Note: I once tried cooling them in a bowl, and the sugar made the beans stick together, so a flat surface is definitely better.

How To Sugar Roast Coffee Beans at Home?

When I first started doing this, it was a bit of a learning curve. I mean, roasting coffee is already a delicate process.

But throwing sugar into the mix? That’s next-level stuff. After a few failed attempts—burnt beans, sticky sugar messes—I figured out a process that works well. So let me share it:

Step 1: Select the Right Coffee Beans for Torrefacto

First off, not all coffee beans are created equal, especially when it comes to Torrefacto roasting. You want beans that can hold up to the intense heat and the sugar coating.

Personally, I love using Brazilian beans for this—they have a smooth, slightly nutty profile that pairs beautifully with the caramelization from the sugar.

They’re also sturdy enough to handle the roasting process without losing too much of their original flavor.

Step 2: Preparing the Sugar and Coffee Beans Mix

You need to find the right balance between sugar and beans. For every 200g of beans, I typically use around 20g of sugar. I’ve tried more, but trust me, too much sugar will leave your beans sticky and clumped together.

I prefer white sugar because it caramelizes evenly. But I’ve also experimented with brown sugar for a richer and molasses-like flavor. Either way, mix your beans and sugar in a bowl before adding them to the pan.

Step 3: Roasting Process: Timing and Temperature Tips

I usually start with medium heat—around 400°F. The goal is to roast the beans without burning the sugar too fast.

You have to keep stirring the beans constantly to avoid hotspots where the sugar can burn. In my first attempt, I left the pan alone for just a minute, which was too long, and the sugar became sticky and burnt.

So, keep an eye on it, and don’t rush the process. The roasting should take around 10-12 minutes, depending on how dark you want your roast.

Step 4: How to Get the Perfect Caramelization Without Burning

This is the key to a great Torrefacto roast—getting that sugar to caramelize perfectly without burning. When the beans start to crack, that’s your cue to reduce the heat slightly and continue stirring.

You want the sugar to melt and coat the beans evenly, creating that glossy and caramelized layer. I’ve found that lowering the heat halfway through gives me better control. If the sugar burns, it’ll taste bitter and ruin the batch.

Step 5: Cooling and Storing Torrefacto Coffee Beans

Once you’ve achieved that perfect caramelization, immediately remove the beans from the heat and transfer them to a cooling rack.

Then spread them out to cool quickly—this prevents them from sticking together. After they’re cooled, let them sit for about 24 hours to degas.

I store mine in an airtight container to maintain the freshness. I suggest to brew them within a week or two for the best flavor.

How to Brew Torrefacto Coffee?

At first, I had no idea how different the brewing process would be compared to regular beans. You can’t just throw the coffee into your usual machine and hope for the best.

The fact is Torrefacto beans have a unique flavor because of the sugar caramelization during roasting. So tweaking your brew method can make a huge difference.

Best Brewing Methods: Espresso, French Press, or Drip?

• Espresso: Is hands down the best way to brew Torrefacto coffee. The intense pressure brings out that deep, rich flavor without making it too overpowering.
• French press: I’ve also had good results. You get a full-bodied brew, though it can intensify the bitterness if you leave it steeping too long.
• Drip Coffee Makers: I noticed the flavors didn’t come through as bold for me.

Note: Now, about grind size—this is where things get tricky. If you’re making espresso, go for a fine grind to keep the flavors balanced.

For a French press, stick with a coarse grind to avoid over-extraction and bitterness. The key is matching the grind size with your brewing method to get the perfect balance of sweetness and richness.

Torrefacto vs Traditional Coffee Roasting: Which is Better?

So why put so much effort into making Torrefacto roasting? When can you simply spend less time with regular beans? Well, here’s a quick breakdown:

Aspect	Torrefacto Coffee	Traditional Coffee
Flavor	Rich, bold, with caramelized, smoky notes due to the sugar.	Pure, clean flavor that highlights the bean’s natural profile.
Aroma	Strong, sweet, and almost burnt caramel-like.	More varied depending on the roast, from fruity to earthy.
Acidity	Lower acidity, with more emphasis on depth.	Higher acidity, especially in lighter roasts, offering brighter flavors.
The Debate: Purists vs. Innovators	Some say adding sugar is “cheating,” while others love the unique flavor it creates.	Purists argue this method lets the natural bean shine, no extras needed.
Comparison to Other Flavored Roasting Techniques	Adds flavor during roasting without the need for syrups or oils.	No added flavors unless infused later with syrups or other methods.
Personal Coffee Style	Great for those who love bold, dark flavors and aren’t afraid of a bit of sweetness.	Ideal for those who prefer a pure, unaltered coffee experience.

Last Thoughts

Whether you’re going with the bold Torrefacto style or sticking with traditional methods, roasting coffee is exciting. The fun part is that there’s no one “right” way to do it; it’s all about finding what works for your taste and experimenting along the way.

If you’ve already tried roasting or brewing Torrefacto coffee, I’d love to hear your tips and experiences! And if you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments—I’m always happy to help.