The Best Substitute For Coffee For Baking - Mashed (2024)

The Best Substitute For Coffee For Baking - Mashed (4)

Igor Normann/Shutterstock

ByHolly Riddle/

You're halfway through a baking project when you realize that your recipe calls for a small amount of brewed coffee. While this might not be a problem if you're constantly drinking cup after cup of your favorite blend, if you're not a coffee drinker, you may not have any coffee in the house. Or if you strictly cut off your coffee intake around midday, you might not want to brew up an entire pot just for a small portion to add to a chocolate cake.

While you won't want to skip the coffee that your recipe calls for altogether (after all, your recipe relies on that liquid content in order to achieve the right overall texture), there are a few things you can use in place of the coffee. The best substitute for coffee for baking is a mixture of instant coffee or espresso powder with hot water. Just use two teaspoons of either for every cup of water (and every cup of coffee that your recipe calls for). If you're a frequent baker but an infrequent coffee drinker, you can keep one of these two ingredients on hand exclusively for baking and rest assured that it will last a long time in your pantry — up to 20 years under the right conditions (airtight seal in a cool, dry place) for instant coffee and about six months for espresso powder.

Need a complete coffee substitute?

The Best Substitute For Coffee For Baking - Mashed (5)

Irina Szv/Shutterstock

If you don't have coffee of any kind — powdered, instant, etc. — on hand and you really need to finish that recipe right now, you have some other options, even if they're not exactly ideal. Remember, though, if your recipe calls for brewed coffee, you can't use a dry substitute like cocoa powder with no extra liquid. Doing so will throw off your wet-dry ratio.

Instead of a cup of coffee, consider simply usinga cup of wateror milk. Sure, they're not the best substitutes, but if you're already cooking something that's quite flavorful, like a chocolate cake, you likely won't miss the coffee flavor. Other possibilities include a cup of hot chocolate or strongly brewed tea. While not always as readily available, another great substitute is chicory coffee.Chicory coffeewas historically enjoyed as a coffee substitute in France and during the American Civil War and is quite popular in the South. It also doesn't contain any caffeine (in case you're looking for a caffeine-free substitute) but works much like coffee in baking.

Recommended

The Best Substitute For Coffee For Baking - Mashed (2024)

FAQs

What is a good substitute for coffee in baking? ›

Instead of a cup of coffee, consider simply using a cup of water or milk. Sure, they're not the best substitutes, but if you're already cooking something that's quite flavorful, like a chocolate cake, you likely won't miss the coffee flavor. Other possibilities include a cup of hot chocolate or strongly brewed tea.

What is a better alternative to coffee? ›

If you're looking for a coffee alternative, try beverages such as matcha tea, chicory coffee, or rooibos tea. Some alternative options may even contain added health benefits.

What is a substitute for coffee extract in baking? ›

For baked goods and recipes, consider adding a mixture of a small spoonful of espresso powder and half a teaspoon of vanilla extract. This combination can yield fantastic results in the taste of your dishes.

What is used as a coffee substitute? ›

Some ingredients used include almond, acorn, asparagus, malted barley, beechnut, beetroot, carrot, chicory root, corn, soybeans, cottonseed, dandelion root (see dandelion coffee), fig, roasted garbanzo beans, lupinus, boiled-down molasses, okra seed, pea, persimmon seed, potato peel, rye, sassafras pits, sweet potato, ...

What kind of coffee do you use for baking? ›

Use the style of coffee the recipe suggests. A dark roast or robust espresso will give rich, hearty treats plenty of depth, while a lighter, fruitier variety won't overpower a delicate dessert. Follow the recipe's instructions for coffee temperature, too.

How to make a cup of coffee for baking? ›

Did you brew a whole fresh pot of coffee for that recipe that calls for 1 cup? It's not neccessary: Simply mix instant espresso powder with hot water for just the amount of coffee you need.

What food has the same effect as coffee? ›

Foods That Energize You as Much as Coffee
  • 1/13. Bananas. Bananas contain complex carbohydrates for a steady blood sugar rise, as well as a range of B-vitamins for increased energy. ...
  • 2/13. Spinach. ...
  • 3/13. Beans and Legumes. ...
  • 4/13. Dark Chocolate. ...
  • 5/13. Cherries. ...
  • Getty Images. 6/13. ...
  • 7/13. Salmon. ...
  • 8/13. Whole Grains.
Feb 10, 2022

What is a non acidic alternative to coffee? ›

Tea is a popular replacement for coffee, and many teas have less acidity than coffee. Some of the best tea options for acid reflux include green tea, chamomile tea, and ginger tea. If you're looking for a coffee flavor without the acidity, try coffee-flavored herbal teas.

What happens if you put vanilla extract in coffee? ›

Well, vanilla extract is a great way to sweeten your coffee with little to no sugar. You can add it to your drip coffee, americano, latte, cold brew, or any other coffee drink you want. Not only will it sweeten your coffee, but it will also give it that delicious vanilla flavor. It's a win-win.

What is a good root substitute for coffee? ›

Roasted Dandelion Root

If you're looking for a coffee substitute that's both healthy and delicious, look no further than roasted dandelion root. This well-known root has a rich, nutty flavor that's like coffee, but without the caffeine. Plus, dandelion root is packed with nutrients like vitamins A, C, as well as iron.

Can I use coffee instead of vanilla extract in cookies? ›

Instant Coffee or Espresso Powder

You won't miss the flavor of vanilla in rich, chocolaty treats if you add coffee or espresso powder instead. You won't need to add much; a pinch of espresso powder goes a long way.

What is the best substitute for coffee? ›

The Best Coffee Alternatives, According To Experts
  • Matcha Tea. Matcha is made from powdered green tea leaves. ...
  • Green Tea. A cup of green tea has roughly 70% less caffeine than a cup of coffee, says Sollid. ...
  • Black Tea. ...
  • Kombucha. ...
  • Caffeine Gum or Pills. ...
  • Chicory Root. ...
  • Ashwagandha. ...
  • Golden Root (Rhodiola Rosea)
Jan 9, 2024

What is a substitute for coffee in baking? ›

Coffee Substitute 1 cup hot water and 2 teaspoons instant coffee granules or espresso powder for 1 cup strong brewed coffee. Cooking Sprays, No-stick Substitute for shortening to prepare baking sheets and baking pans. Corn Syrup, Dark Substitute 1 cup light corn syrup for 1 cup dark corn syrup.

Can you use coffee grounds in baking? ›

Ground coffee is great for recipes like cookies where you don't want to add too much moisture to the dough. This method is versatile: Cookies, scones, muffins, cakes, and more are all great vehicles for a spoonful of your favorite ground coffee.

Why do you use coffee in baking? ›

According to Wanders, coffee contributed to a better rise, crumb structure, and even toasty and well-browned crust with delicious bitter notes. Brewed coffee can also be added to high-moisture baked goods like brownies and cakes where the sweetness of the desert helps carry coffee's flavor and aromas.

What can I use instead of espresso coffee in baking? ›

The Best Espresso Powder Substitutes
  • Instant coffee powder: Using an equal amount of instant coffee powder or granules will work fine in your recipes. ...
  • Brewed coffee: Use strong brewed coffee—ideally, a super-dark roast—that's been chilled to replace a small portion of liquid in the recipe.
Nov 19, 2023

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Rueben Jacobs

Last Updated:

Views: 5568

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (57 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Rueben Jacobs

Birthday: 1999-03-14

Address: 951 Caterina Walk, Schambergerside, CA 67667-0896

Phone: +6881806848632

Job: Internal Education Planner

Hobby: Candle making, Cabaret, Poi, Gambling, Rock climbing, Wood carving, Computer programming

Introduction: My name is Rueben Jacobs, I am a cooperative, beautiful, kind, comfortable, glamorous, open, magnificent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.