Ground Coffee Delights: Top 5 Dessert Recipes

Ground Coffee Delights: Top 5 Dessert Recipes

If you're a coffee enthusiast, why not bring that passion into your baking? Here are five delightful dessert recipes where ground coffee is the star ingredient, adding a unique twist to traditional desserts. From cakes to cookies, each recipe highlights the rich flavor of coffee, turning an everyday treat into something extraordinary.

1. Mocha Chiffon Cake

Mocha Chiffon Cake combines the light, fluffy texture of a chiffon cake with the deep, complex flavors of coffee and chocolate. Here's how you can make it:

• 1 3/4 cups of cake flour
• 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar, divided
• 1 tablespoon of ground coffee
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 6 large egg whites
• 1/4 cup of vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup of water
• 1/4 cup of strong brewed coffee, cooled
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 6 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Sift together the cake flour, 1 cup of sugar, ground coffee, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form, gradually add 1/2 cup sugar, and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
4. In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks, oil, water, cooled coffee, and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, ensuring not to overmix.
6. Fold in the cocoa powder gently, then fold in the egg whites in three parts to maintain the fluffiness.
7. Pour the batter into an ungreased 10-inch tube pan and bake for about 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Once done, invert the cake pan to cool for at least 1 hour before removing from the pan. Dust with powdered sugar for a finish.

☕ Note: For an enhanced coffee flavor, you can increase the amount of ground coffee or use espresso powder.

2. Coffee Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies bring the comforting taste of coffee into a familiar favorite. Here's what you need:

• 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup of granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup of brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons of ground coffee
• 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and both sugars until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and ground coffee.
3. In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt; gradually blend this into the butter mixture.
4. Fold in the chocolate chips.
5. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased cookie sheets.
6. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly toasted. Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

☕ Note: For a more intense coffee flavor, consider using espresso powder or even ground dark roast coffee.

3. Coffee Tiramisu

Tiramisu is a classic dessert, but this version adds an extra layer of coffee through ground coffee. Here's the recipe:

• 6 egg yolks
• 3/4 cup of white sugar
• 2/3 cup of milk
• 1 1/4 cups of heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 pound of mascarpone cheese
• 1/4 cup of strong brewed coffee, cooled
• 2 tablespoons of ground coffee
• 1 cup of strong espresso or coffee, cooled
• 1/4 cup of coffee liqueur (optional)
• 24 ladyfingers
• Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting

Steps:

1. Whisk the egg yolks and sugar in a metal bowl over simmering water until the mixture reaches ribbon stage. Let it cool slightly.
2. Add the milk and whisk over low heat until thickened. Allow to cool completely.
3. Whip the cream with vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
4. Mix the mascarpone into the egg yolk mixture until smooth, then fold in the whipped cream.
5. Combine brewed coffee with coffee liqueur and ground coffee, then dip the ladyfingers in this mixture, ensuring they are not too soggy.
6. Layer in a dish, starting with soaked ladyfingers, followed by the mascarpone mixture, and repeat. Finish with a layer of mascarpone cream.
7. Dust with cocoa powder and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight.

☕ Note: Make sure to use fresh, strong coffee for soaking the ladyfingers to avoid a diluted flavor.

4. Espresso Cheesecake

Espresso Cheesecake is not just a dessert; it's an experience. Here’s what you need:

• 1 1/2 cups of finely ground graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup of sugar
• 1/3 cup of melted butter
• 4 packs (8 oz. each) of cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/4 cups of sugar
• 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons of ground coffee or espresso powder
• 4 large eggs

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. For the crust, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter; press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
3. Beat cream cheese until smooth, then add sugar, vanilla, and coffee, mixing well.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating just until combined after each addition.
5. Pour the filling over the crust, smooth the top, and bake for 1 hour or until the center is almost set.
6. Cool in the oven with the door ajar for an hour, then refrigerate overnight.
7. Before serving, run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the cheesecake, then remove the springform sides.

☕ Note: Keep an eye on the cheesecake during the last phase of baking; the center should still have a slight jiggle when it's ready.

5. Coffee Shortbread

These buttery, crumbly cookies are infused with coffee flavor, making them irresistible. Here's how:

• 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 teaspoons of ground coffee
• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1/8 teaspoon of salt

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Cream together the butter, powdered sugar, and ground coffee until light and fluffy.
3. Gradually mix in the flour and salt to form a dough. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
4. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness and cut into desired shapes.
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
6. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

☕ Note: These cookies are excellent with a cup of coffee or tea, enhancing the drink's flavor profile.

In this exploration of coffee in desserts, we've delved into some truly innovative recipes that showcase the unique flavor profile of coffee. These desserts are not just about adding coffee to the mix; they're about integrating it into the heart of the recipe, creating something that’s more than the sum of its parts. From the airy Mocha Chiffon Cake to the robust Espresso Cheesecake, each treat provides a distinct coffee experience, proving that coffee can truly enhance the flavors of baking. These recipes are a testament to how versatile and delightful ground coffee can be in the world of sweets, inviting you to experiment further with your baking.

Can ground coffee replace cocoa powder in baking?

+

While ground coffee can’t directly replace cocoa powder due to its flavor profile, it can be used in similar quantities to add a coffee flavor to recipes that also use chocolate or other rich flavors. However, you would still need cocoa for the color and depth.

What is the best way to store ground coffee for baking?

+

Store ground coffee in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place to maintain freshness. Consider using vacuum-sealed bags or keeping it in the freezer if not using within a month.

Does using espresso powder instead of ground coffee enhance flavors?

+

Yes, espresso powder provides a more concentrated and robust coffee flavor due to its fine grind and higher coffee-to-water ratio during the brewing process.

How can I incorporate coffee into other desserts not listed?

+

Coffee can be added to frostings, ganaches, ice creams, and even in puddings. Experiment by replacing some of the liquid in your recipe with strong brewed coffee or using coffee extract for an intense flavor.