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. Coffee extract is also a great replacement for espresso powder in all your sweet or savory recipes. 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 coffee 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.
After a week of swirling and shaking you’ll have a beautiful, luscious black coffee extract that can be used immediately or stored in a cool, dark location indefinitely. Coffee extract enjoys a very long shelf life, so you’ll probably use it up before you start to wonder how old it is. This easy method is very similar to the process used to make homemade vanilla extract.
Pour the coffee extract 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 coffee extract. 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 this coffee extract in place of espresso powder in recipes. One teaspoon of coffee extract is about the same as 1-teaspoon espresso powder. Mix 1 teaspoon of coffee extract 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. I use mine frequently and find it very effective.
I wonder if it’s possible to have too many measuring cups with a spout? I think not! I find this inexpensive kitchen tool very helpful in my every day life. Click on the photos for more information!
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Deliciously rich, homemade Coffee Extract is a handy and delicious addition to your kitchen pantry!
- 1/4 cup whole, fresh coffee beans
- 1 cup vodka
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.
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.
Thanks so much for stopping by! Tricia
Pinning this to try, Tricia. Thank you!
Thank you Susan!
What a wonderful idea, Tricia, and SO easy. I love it!
Thanks Chris!
What a great recipe! We keep espresso powder in our freezer, but this looks much more versatile and flavorful. Great idea! Will be trying this — thanks!
Thanks John!
So cool, I love making my own extracts and this is one I haven’t tried. What a great way to add a jolt of caffeine to a cake, or ice cream, or…the possibilities are endless! Pinning 🙂
It’s great in everything Sue. Thanks so much!
This is even better than vanilla extract! Really cool, Tricia. I wonder if it will work with espresso powder..
Thanks Angie – you must give it a try!
Such a great idea! Would be so handy to have in the pantry for all sorts of things. Can’t wait to try this 🙂
Thanks Jennifer! We have some recipes coming up that use Coffee Extract – hope you find one that is a must make 🙂