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Deliciously rich, homemade Coffee Extract
Who knew coffee extract could be such a handy and delicious addition to your kitchen pantry!
Coffee extract may be a bit obscure, but it should be moved to the front of the pantry right behind that big bottle of vanilla. This full-bodied extract will enhance just about any recipe but especially all things chocolate. Our extract is also a great replacement for espresso powder in all your sweet or savory recipes.
Unfortunately, this magical elixir is hard to find in the grocery stores, but you can order it on Amazon, of course! I say why bother buying it when you probably have everything you need to make it right at home.
What special ingredients are needed to make this simple extract?
You don’t need anything special to make homemade coffee extract. Two simple ingredients and a week at room temperature and you’re done. This DIY extract uses just 1/4 cup of your favorite whole coffee beans. Lightly crush the beans using a mortar and pestle or rolling pin, then place in a clean jar with a tight fitting lid.
Pour 1 cup of your favorite vodka over the crushed coffee beans and swirl to combine.
Seal the jar and place in a cool dark location for a week. Once a day or so, swirl or shake the jar to mix the beans with the vodka.
How long does it take to make coffee extract?
After a week of swirling and shaking you’ll have a beautiful, luscious black extract that can be used immediately or stored in a cool, dark location indefinitely. This extract enjoys a very long shelf life, so you’ll probably use it up before you start to wonder how old it is. Our easy method is very similar to the process used to make homemade vanilla extract.
Pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove the beans. Line the sieve with cheesecloth before straining if you think it needs it, but it’s not necessary. A little coffee bean dust is fine!
What kind of recipes are best for using coffee extract?
There’s no limit to the way you can use this magic elixir. It’s great as a one-to-one substitute for vanilla in all your baked goods. Add a teaspoon to a chocolate milkshake for a mocha rich treat or a heaping tablespoon to a steak marinade or beefy gravy. Use coffee extract in place of espresso powder in recipes. One teaspoon is about the same as 1-teaspoon espresso powder.
Mix 1 teaspoon with 1/4 cup hot water for 1/4 cup of brewed coffee. No need to turn on the coffee maker or brew a pot for a quick little pick-me-up.
Sweet or savory, I bet you’ll find plenty of ways to use your coffee extract. Divide a batch into small jars and share with the coffee lover in your life. They’ll love this thoughtful homemade gift!
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Helpful kitchen tools for making homemade Coffee Extract:
Once you have a mortar and pestle in your kitchen, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without one! It’s perfect for many small tasks like cracking coffee beans for homemade Coffee Extract, or for crushing herbs, spices or even pills. We use ours frequently and find it very effective.
Is it possible to have too many measuring cups with a spout? I think not! These inexpensive kitchen tools are very helpful in our everyday life.
Click on the photos for more information or to purchase from Amazon.
*Saving Room for Dessert is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program ~ I earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you, which I use to pay for web hosting and services for this blog. Thanks for supporting SRFD!
PRINT THE RECIPE!
Coffee Extract Recipe
Ingredients
- ¼ cup whole, fresh coffee beans
- 1 cup vodka
Instructions
- Lightly crush or crack the coffee beans using a rolling pin or mortar and pestle. Transfer the beans to a small jar with a tight fitting lid. Add the vodka and seal the jar. Place in a cool, dark location for at least a week, swirling or shaking daily to mix.
- Strain the coffee extract to remove the crushed coffee beans. Discard the beans. Seal the extract and store in a cool, dark location.
Recipe Notes
- 1 teaspoon coffee extract = about 1 teaspoon espresso powder
- Substitute coffee extract for vanilla extract in baked goods. It's great added to most chocolate recipes and enhances the chocolate flavor.
Nutrition
Finally, here are a few recipes you might also enjoy:
Luscious Irish Cream Breakfast Cake
Fun Irish Coffee Cupcakes
Elanor
Hi Kae, what is the essence like after 3 days? I need to use it in a recipe in 3 days and I might have to change recipes if the essence is not very good.
Kae Williams
Can pure raw honey be added to recipe?
Tricia Buice
Hi Kae. I’m not sure about adding honey to this extract. If you do, I would only add it when needed on a case by case basis. Extracts are typically not sweetened. I don’t think I would add honey for long term storage.
Michael Rhodes
What if you don’t drink alcohol or like the taste of vodka? Does it have an aftertaste of the alcohol?
Tricia Buice
Hi Michael. Most vanilla extracts include alcohol. If you’ve used a good vanilla in baking, you’ve probably tasted what the vodka will be like. If you drink the coffee extract alone, you will notice the vodka. If you add it to a recipe or beverage, you won’t notice it. If baking with the coffee extract, no worries. The alcohol evaporates while baking. Hope that helps!