If there is one thing that coffee lovers love more than the aroma of freshly brewed coffee is probably being able to carry the same taste to baked goods. With International Coffee Day just around the corner on 1st October, the day gives us the best opportunity for researching and exploring how coffee can lift your favourite treats. Whether you prefer cookies, cakes, or brownies, coffee somehow has something unique, and if added to anything, from chocolate to caramel, it may make a perfect blend. You don't have to be a barista to enjoy the magic that coffee can bring to your bakes. All it needs is a little experimentation to bring out the best in baking. Not only will it infuse a rich, robust flavour but also work wonders in intensifying the flavours of other ingredients. Why not celebrate this International Coffee Day by using coffee in your kitchen in a whole new way?
Coffee-Infused Chocolate Cake
Coffee and chocolate are a great combination. Experimenting chocolate cake by infusing it with coffee not only deepens the chocolate flavour but also infuses a hint of bitterness, which balances its sweetness. Brewed coffee or instant espresso powder is added to the batter and brings out the depth of cocoa notes, making the cake richer and more complex.
Coffee-Flavoured Cookies
Whether making chocolate chip, peanut butter, or oatmeal cookies, for a simple twist, just add a hint of coffee to your cookie dough. Add just a teaspoon of instant coffee for a bold flavour against all the immense sweetness. And make an espresso glaze to drizzle on top of the cake for that extra indulgence.
Coffee Brownies
Coffee and brownies are another dynamic duo. Take the brownie and add a shot of espresso or a spoonful of instant coffee to the batter, this transforms the treat into something gourmet. Of course, the coffee elevates the chocolate flavour, making every bite you have even more decadent and indulgent. Top it off with a sprinkle of coffee grounds or dust it with cocoa powder for an added flourish.
Mocha Muffins
Coffee works excellently with muffins especially when making chocolate muffins. A mocha muffin combining the perfect world of coffee and chocolate gives rise to a good-quality breakfast time or snack treat full of flavours. Brew some strong coffee, then pour into your wet ingredients to give it that special mocha taste.
Tiramisu
Of course, no baking with coffee ever goes without mentioning tiramisu. This Italian dessert is the ultimate expression of all things coffee flavoured, from layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers to mascarpone cheese and even cocoa powder. Coffee lovers go into a flutter when they get ready to taste this. For an adventurous mood try the homemade version, you'll have your guests vying for an invite everytime.
How To Bake with Coffee
Brew it Strong
The brew needs to be strong when you're using coffee in a recipe. Either in cake batter or a cookie dough, if the coffee is weak, it will get drowned out easily. Use a strong brew or espresso for the best flavour.
Use Instant Coffee or Espresso Powder
You can use instant coffee or espresso powder with no added liquid. This will dissolve quickly and may provide very strong coffee flavours without affecting the texture of your baked products, a little goes a long way so start with a small amount and work your way up to taste
Balance sweetness
Since coffee is bitter, you should always be careful when combining coffee with the flavour of your recipe. In most cases, one may need to use less sugar or mix the coffee with chocolate because it goes well with its bitterness.
Add Coffee to Frosting
And of course, frosting! Coffee-flavoured buttercream is the icing on the cake, or maybe in this case, the frosting in your cupcakes. Mix the brewed coffee or espresso powder with your frosting for a moist top that makes the flavour richer. Best of all, use it with chocolate or vanilla cakes.
Coffee Glaze or Drizzle
If you don't feel like adding coffee into the batter or dough, you can also make a coffee glaze. You mix brewed coffee with powdered sugar to create this simple glaze and just drizzle it over cakes, cookies, or muffins. It just gives that perfect taste without overpowering the main ingredients.