If you’ve perused a lot of different baking recipes in your day, you may have noticed one unusual ingredient popping up over and over, especially in chocolate cake and brownie recipes, and especially when these recipes are highly-rated or lauded as being “the best.” What is it? Coffee. (Often espresso.) If you’re not a big coffee fan, you may have found yourself scratching your head at these recipes, wondering why they’re so well-loved. Well, here’s your answer.
Using coffee in your baking is an unexpected, but fantastic way to level up your recipes. Why? Well, when you use water, it doesn’t do much for the flavor of your dessert. In fact, it does the opposite by watering it down. Coffee, on the other hand, brings out the flavor of chocolate, making it taste richer and deeper. It’s especially effective when you’re working with a baked cake or brownie mix. All you have to do is replace the water the recipe calls for with the same amount of brewed coffee.
And, no, don’t worry, it doesn’t make your cake come out tasting like coffee. It’ll just be more flavorful and delicious. Hesitant? Just give it a shot. What can you lose?
