Wrestling with whether to label yourself a coffee connoisseur or a foodie? Who says you have to choose? If chefs around the world have made use of ground coffee in their signature dishes for years, why can’t you do it, too?
All you need is the right recipe — fortunately, we’ve given you plenty to choose from — and you’ll see just how well the culinary and coffee worlds collide.
Coffee Rubbed Instant Pot Pulled Pork
If you’re a coffee lover who's as obsessed with your Instant Pot as we are with ours, we can pretty much guarantee you’ll go nuts for this coffee-rubbed pulled pork recipe from My Sequined Life. You’ll be surprised at how well your finely ground espresso blend meshes with the brown sugar and other ground seasonings, but don’t take our word for it; try the recipe and see for yourself!
Coffee Granola
Sprinkling a few bits of granola on top of your yogurt or into your fruit bowl is a delicious way to add something extra to your breakfast. Use coffee-flavored granola, though, and take the already-satisfying crunchy goodies to the next level. Veggie Inspired’s coffee granola recipe is perfect for those who want some extra coffee goodness with their morning meal...and who wouldn’t? The recipe can be found here; try it, and let us know what you think!
Milk Bar’s Compost Cookies
Chances are if you’ve ever heard of New York-born sweet shop, Milk Bar, you’ve heard of their famous Compost Cookies, too. Luckily for all of us non-New Yorkers, the company ships their goodies all over, but let’s be honest: sometimes, the standard five to seven business day delivery window can be downright unbearable if your cookie craving is intense (and it often is!).
Kahlua Coffee Cheesecake
By now, you should know the Roasty team loves to combine the flavors of chocolate and coffee, so it shouldn’t surprise you that we’re recommending this Kahlua coffee cheesecake recipe. The dessert is a delicious way to celebrate any special occasion, from a birthday to a holiday to a random Tuesday when you were craving something sweet.
Spicy Cocoa Espresso Roasted Chickpeas
Three Olives Branch’s espresso roasted chickpea recipe is perfect for all of our vegan Roasty readers, but anyone who’s in search of a new healthy snack will enjoy munching on these spicy, savory, and crunchy garbanzo beans.
Java Rubbed Strip Steaks
It’s steak night, and your favorite ground coffee beans are invited! We know, we know...coffee seems like an odd companion to your strip steak, but trust us: the rich flavor your grounds infuse pairs well with the other spices used with this rub.
Coconut Hazelnut Espresso Chocolate Keto Bark
Coarse coffee grounds aren’t just good for your French press — they’re great for whipping up a batch of coconut hazelnut espresso chocolate bark, too! Your joe makes all of this recipe’s dark chocolate flavors pop. You’ll love it — just try not to eat it all in one sitting.
Coffee-Spiked Slow Cooker Beef Carnitas
We don’t know about you, but as soon as the cooler months roll around, we’re constantly relying on our slow cookers to get dinner on the table. If you’re like us and always on the lookout for warm, comforting meals to make in your CrockPot, give this recipe a try!
Cowboy Coffee Rubbed Sirloin Steak
Dress your classic sirloin steak up a bit with a good old coffee rub, just like the cowboys did! The finely ground beans load your meat with tons of flavor — it’s good ‘til the last bite! Use the recipe we’ve linked here to guide you as you prep your meat, and thank us for the recommendation later.
Chocolate Chip Mocha Cookies
Your instant coffee isn’t just good for getting a quick java fix on a camping trip. You can use the granules in a variety of recipes, too, including this chocolate chip mocha cookie one from Marsha’s Baking Addiction. What are you waiting for? Pull that jar of instant joe down from your cabinet and preheat your oven; you’ve got cookies to bake!
White Chocolate Dipped Coffee Shortbread Cookies
The next time you feel an urge to bake coming on, give these white chocolate-dipped shortbread cookies a go. They’ve got all sorts of delicious ingredients, like classic vanilla, sweet white chocolate, and fine ground coffee! And while you’re fine-grinding your beans, you might as well take out the espresso machine and steaming wand and whip up a latte to enjoy with your cookies.
Cafe Mocha Cookies
We at Roasty think there’s nothing better than the taste of good coffee. If we could have coffee-flavored everything, we probably would — no questions asked. But since we can’t have everything taste like coffee, we’ll take what we can get, starting with cafe mocha cookies! The addition of coffee grounds doesn’t give the cookies an overwhelming taste, but they do give them a smell that’s to die for.
Best BBQ Coffee Dry Rub
Intentional Hospitality’s dry rub recipe invites us to take all of our savory barbecue dishes to the next level by using an ingredient all of us are likely to keep on hand at all times. You guessed it — the secret ingredient is ground coffee! Joe not only has the power to bring even the groggiest of us to life on an early morning; it can also bring new and unique flavors to your ribs, steak, or brisket.
Easy Tiramisu Recipe
Did you know the word “tiramisu” means “pick-me-up?” How fitting, since this coffee-soaked dessert is good enough to turn any frown upside down. Ladyfingers, eggs, heavy cream, mascarpone, sugar, and cacao join forces with rich, dark espresso to create this dish that’s sure to impress at any party or gathering.
Oreo Tiramisu
And speaking of tiramisu...this Little Sunny Kitchen recipe puts a chocolaty spin on the classic coffee-infused dessert. It’s perfect for anyone who likes to think outside of the box.
Easy Chicken Mole
Take a trip south of the border without even having to leave your home by whipping up a batch of traditional Mexican mole. This savory sauce, complete with coffee, cocoa powder, chicken broth, jalapeno or poblano peppers, tomato, and spices, complements chicken so well, you’ll want to eat the stuff every day.
Crockpot Chocolate Cake
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: coffee and chocolate make quite a pair. You don’t have to take our word for it, though; let this coffee-infused chocolate cake from The Six Figure Dish do all of the convincing. This moist cake, complete with cocoa powder and black coffee, cooks slowly in your Crockpot, and once complete, tastes best with a heaping scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
No-Bake Dalgona Cheesecake
Dalgona coffee stole our hearts in early 2020 when the fluffy drink made its rounds across nearly every social media platform. The whipped coffee isn’t just a fun way to get your morning caffeine boost, though; it also makes a pretty good addition to a cheesecake. This recipe gives all the details for combining the South Korean-born joe with the classic dessert. The result is a creamy, delicious crowd-pleaser — you’ll definitely want to give it a try!
Peanut Butter Espresso Banana Bread
This Strength & Sunshine recipe gives your classic banana bread a nutty, espresso-infused twist that tastes great any time of the day. Use this recipe to whip up a batch of this sweet treat, and enjoy a slice for breakfast or a mid-afternoon snack.
Chocolate Espresso Tart
We’re not sure what’s a better reason to try out Three Olives Branch’s chocolate espresso tart: the fact that it can be made so quickly or the crunch that chocolate-coated espresso beans and chocolate chips give it. This sweet little dessert is rich. Indulgent, and perfect for sharing with a crowd...but if you’re anything like us, though, you’ll want to keep it all for yourself.
Easy Vegan Tiramisu
Now, we know we’ve already included a tiramisu recipe in this roundup, but this one is different: it’s vegan! But don’t worry; though this recipe is free of dairy or any other animal products, this spin on the beloved Italian dessert is still filled with rich creaminess and sweet flavor.
Coffee Shortbread Recipe
Plain-jane shortbread is delicious as is, but the addition of instant coffee gives it a delicious twist. The soft, buttery cookie practically melts in your mouth, and coffee lovers won’t be able to get enough of this dessert’s java flavor.
Coffee Marinated Steak
When your standard steak rub is lacking, let coffee give it some new life. It won’t make your dinner taste anything like your morning brew — a plus for some but a disappointment for others — but it will add a deep, earthy flavor that’s totally delicious.
Coffee aquafaba meringues
The next time it’s your turn to bring a dessert to game night, wow the crowd with a tray of coffee aquafaba meringues. These little goodies are made with aquafaba, a.k.a., chickpea liquid, cream of tartar, instant coffee granules, and castor sugar. They’re sweet, crunchy, and vegan, too! We bet you and your friends won’t be able to eat just one.
No churn coffee ice cream
Coffee-flavored ice cream is the dream of every coffee enthusiast with a sweet tooth. Think about it — rich java flavor and the sweet creamy goodness of ice cream? That’s a combination you just can’t beat. Make a batch of this stuff at home and find out for yourself just how good coffee ice cream can be.
Coffee Cake With Hazelnut Glaze
While most coffee cake recipes don’t actually include any joe, this one from Drugstore Divas infuses the stuff into the glaze. So, this dessert not only pairs well with a piping hot mug of java, but it tastes a bit like it, too. The ingredients list calls specifically for Dunkin’ Donuts hazelnut coffee, but any brand of the flavored brew will get the job done.
Coffee Loaf Cake with Coffee Glaze
And since we’re on the subject of coffee-infused cake, let us introduce you to this one from A Baking Journey. This moist loaf makes a great breakfast or snack food, and because you’ll find joe in both the cake and the glaze, you’re guaranteed maximum coffee flavor in every single bite.
Easy Coffee Mousse Cups
Every good dinner party needs a signature dessert. Luckily, espresso mousse cups make the perfect one. The recipe is simple to follow, and with just five ingredients, you and all your party guests can enjoy a batch of creamy, coffee-filled mousse — delicious!
Chocolate on Chocolate Cupcakes
We’re firm believers that you can never have too much chocolate, which is exactly why we’ve included this Marley’s Menu recipe in this roundup. A heavenly chocolate ganache tops these chocolate cupcakes, and adding espresso powder to the batter only brings out all of that cocoa-flavored goodness even more. Don’t miss out on what could be your next sweet addiction; make yourself a dozen of these babies as soon as possible.
Eggless Coffee Pudding
Put this coffee pudding recipe into your personal cookbook. This creamy treat can be made with just five ingredients, and it’s the perfect pick-me-up when you need dessert quickly. Pull out a jar of instant coffee, some cornstarch, sugar, whole milk, and water, and use this recipe to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Espresso Macarons
It’s not uncommon for macarons to be enjoyed with a shot of espresso or a regular cup of coffee, but this Barley and Sage recipe takes this coupling a step further: espresso powder is added to these little French delicacies! These macarons are sure to make it into any coffee-loving pastry chef’s baking rotation.
Espresso Cupcakes with Espresso Buttercream
Even people who aren’t crazy for coffee will love these espresso-flavored cupcakes! These little cakes’ rich and strong flavor comes from a spoonful of espresso powder, and a dollop of coffee-infused buttercream frosting seals the delicious deal.
Cappuccino Cake
Sometimes it’s not enough to have coffee flavors in your cup — you want the taste of good joe to show up in your food, too! Enter the cappuccino cake. This Veggie Desserts recipe outlines the process of making this coffee-filled dessert from start to finish. Save this link for the next time you want to whip up a sweet treat quickly and easily.
Cappuccino Chocolate Chip Muffins
Fewer things pair with your morning joe better than a moist muffin. And when said muffin tastes like coffee itself? Well, that only makes breakfast time even better! This recipe produces chocolatey muffins you’ll look forward to eating in the morning — they’re healthy, too!
Vanilla Cold Brew Coffee Overnight Oats
While there are plenty of overnight oat recipes floating around out there, we at Roasty think all the best ones include a bit of coffee, like this one from Lemons + Zest. This mixture of rolled oats, cold brew, milk, vanilla extract, almond butter, and maple syrup makes a great breakfast for meal preppers; keep a few jars of the stuff in your fridge to grab on a busy morning.
Dalgona Coffee Cake
Don’t jump off of the Dalgona bandwagon just yet. This fluffy coffee treat isn’t just for drinking; it tops a spongy coffee cake beautifully, too! Emily Leary’s recipe not only teaches you how to make the chocolate cake but highlights the process of whipping up a batch of Dalgona coffee frosting as well. The next time it’s your turn to bring the dessert to family dinner, pull out this recipe. With the tastes of strong instant coffee and sweet chocolate, it’s bound to be a hit.
Mocha Momma Energy Bites
If you’re a Roasty reader who’s constantly on the go, this recipe is just for you! These bite-sized vegan goodies give you a boost of energy big enough to carry you from one to-do list item to the next. Plus, you only need five ingredients to make them: dates, oats, chocolate chips, ground coffee beans, and chia seeds.
Mocha Latte Nanaimo Bars
Nanaimo bars are already a big hit in Canada, and the addition of bold brewed coffee only adds to their appeal. The graham cracker, coconut, and almond base plays well with the creamy coffee custard filling. Top those layers with marbled white and semi-sweet chocolate, and you’ve got a treat that almost looks too good to eat! But take a bite anyway. This is one dessert you don’t want to deprive your sweet tooth of.
Irish Car Bomb Cake Balls | Bite-sized Truffles
Looking for creative ways to make sure even the pickiest eaters get a serving or two of vegetables? Bake a batch of these double chocolate zucchini muffins; everyone will be so entranced by the flavors of espresso, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and brown sugar in these babies that they won’t even mind the inclusion of zucchini!
Simple Mocha Espresso Truffle
As it turns out, ground espresso beans aren’t just good for brewing your favorite specialty coffee drinks. The stuff helps produce these mouthwatering mocha espresso truffles, too! Use chocolate chips, espresso grounds, and heavy cream to make a batch of these treats when you need to satisfy your sweet tooth and put a little caffeine-induced pep in your step.
Vegan Coffee Ice Cream
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream...as long as it’s java-flavored, of course. This Seven Roses recipe uses instant coffee powder to make exactly that. It’s rich, creamy, and completely vegan-friendly. Use your ice cream maker to churn a batch of this sweet goodness, and keep it in your freezer, ready to go as soon as you’re ready to cool down.
Easy Pumpkin Mocha Cake
Let the Carefree Mermaid’s pumpkin mocha cake become your signature fall dessert. This moist pumpkin pie spiced cake with its chocolatey filling and chocolate-coated espresso bean garnish is sure to be a hit at any autumnal gathering, from a Halloween party to Thanksgiving dinner.
Coffee Cinnamon Scones
Scones often unfairly get a bad rap in the world of baked goods. And if you’re among those who dismiss them as bland or boring, it’s probably because you aren’t adding ground coffee to the dough or topping the finished product with a coffee glaze. This recipe takes the classic scone to the next level, thanks to our favorite beverage.
Happy Caffeinating!