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espresso powder recipe

How to Make Espresso Powder (Step-by-Step)

I never thought much about espresso powder until I found myself using it all the time for brownies, spice rubs, and even my morning coffee. It quickly became a kitchen staple, but store-bought versions were pricey, and I wanted more control over the flavor. So, I made my own. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy, and once you try it, you’ll never go back!
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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.

Video

Notes

Note: One trick I use to keep the powder fresh is adding a small food-safe silica packet to the container. It absorbs excess moisture and prevents clumping, especially if you live in a humid area!