The Best Espresso Powder Substitutes to Use in Your Baking

What's one way to make chocolate desserts taste even more decadent? The answer: espresso powder! Yes, this ingredient is the secret to making chocolate taste rich and decadent. It's even one of our tricks for making boxed brownies taste better. And before you say, "but I don't like coffee desserts," you should know that espresso powder doesn't actually make your treats taste like coffee. It simply enhances the flavors of your homemade cakes, cookies, and other baked goods. In fact, espresso powder is also used as a flavor enhancer in savory recipes, too. You may find it as part of a dry spice rub for your favorite steak dinners or as an ingredient in a hearty beef stew. So, what if your recipe calls for espresso powder and you don't have any on hand? Don't worry! These espresso powder substitutes will work in a pinch.

What is espresso powder, anyway? Surprisingly, espresso powder isn't your best bet for a good cup of joe (for that, you'll want to check out this list of instant coffees). Instead, espresso powder is ground espresso beans that have been brewed, dried, and crushed into a fine powder form. It's highly concentrated so you only need a small amount when baking or cooking. That makes it pretty easy to swap with one of these espresso powder substitutes. If you haven't stocked your pantry with espresso powder yet, consider adding it to your shopping list. In the meantime, these simple substitutes will work the next time you have a craving for sweets.