By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
Apparently, there is a percentage of the adult population who don’t love sipping icy cold lattes or the buzz that comes from a frothy flat white. Crazy right?
While we may never understand what goes on in the (probably much less jittery minds) of the non-caffeine connoisseur, coffee truly does have more to offer than just a morning pick-me-up. In fact, it might be one of the most underrated ingredients in your pantry.
Rich, roasty, bitter, bold - a spoonful of coffee (whether brewed, ground or instant) can add surprising depth and delicious complexity to both sweet and savoury dishes - no sipping required.
Here are six brilliant, brew-free ways to cook, bake and create with coffee.
If you’ve ever wondered how professional brownie bakers get that next-level chocolate flavour, the answer is usually coffee. A teaspoon of instant espresso powder or a shot of brewed coffee enhances chocolate’s natural bitterness, making brownies taste more intense and fudgy - without tasting like a mocha. It’s like turning up the volume on chocolate without changing the station.
Bonus tip: this works just as well in chocolate cakes, cookies and ganache.
Spice rubs are the secret to flavour-packed meats - and adding coffee takes it to the next level. Mix ground coffee (espresso or filter-style works well) with smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt and chilli flakes and rub it generously onto a lamb, steak or even a spatchcock.
As it cooks, the coffee caramelises, forming a rich crust that’s slightly bitter, deeply smoky and incredibly moreish. It’s basically barbeque gold.
Use it in a marinade
Think beyond balsamic. Brewed coffee (especially strong black coffee or cold brew) makes an excellent base for marinades. It brings out umami in meat, tenderises proteins and pairs beautifully with ingredients like soy sauce, maple syrup, mustard and Worcestershire sauce.
Try it with lamb chops, pork ribs or mushrooms. Let it marinate overnight and you’ll be rewarded with a bold, punchy flavour that doesn’t scream ‘coffee’ - just tastes delicious.
Bake a coffee crumble
Crumble toppings are all about texture and contrast, so why not shake things up with a touch of coffee? Add a teaspoon or two of instant coffee granules to your brown sugar and oat topping for an apple or pear crumble. The coffee adds a roasted edge that cuts through the sweetness and pairs especially well with fruit, caramel or even a cheeky splash of whisky. It's the perfect warm Winter dessert. No mug required.
Coffee butter, anyone?
It sounds odd…until you try it. Mix softened unsalted butter with brown sugar, a touch of cinnamon and just a pinch of finely ground coffee (go easy - a little goes a long way). The result?
A deliciously indulgent spread that’s perfect on toast, crumpets, pancakes or even slathered on warm banana bread. It also works wonders on sweet potatoes or roasted carrots if you're into that sweet-meets-savoury vibe.
Sure, affogato is the classic coffee-meets-dessert moment. However if you’re not drinking it, why not churn it? Coffee ice cream is cool, creamy and oh-so-sophisticated - and homemade versions are surprisingly easy if you’ve got an ice cream maker (or a bit of freezer patience).
Use instant espresso powder or reduce brewed coffee down to a syrup and stir it into your custard base. Want an easier option? Fold espresso into whipped cream and condensed milk for a no-churn version that’s dangerously addictive.
