While it’s easy to think of instant coffee as a quick fix for a morning cup, its versatility can be overlooked. For those who rely on it, making the same old cup of joe every day can become a routine.
But what if you could use it to create a range of unique and delicious creations? Instant coffee is more than just a way to get your caffeine fix – it’s a versatile ingredient that can be used in everything from coffee-based drinks to desserts and even cocktails.
From adding it to ice cream or baked goods, to incorporating it into sauces and marinades, the possibilities are endless. And for those who want to take their instant coffee game to the next level, we’ve got 20 simple and easy recipes to get you started.
No Machine Café Mocha
To create a velvety-smooth mocha reminiscent of a high-end coffee shop, start by combining hot water with cocoa powder, sugar, and instant coffee powder in a mug. Next, add dark chocolate to the mixture, followed by more hot water. Allow the chocolate to soften before whisking it together with the other ingredients. Add an extra sprinkle of sugar and instant coffee powder for added depth. Meanwhile, heat milk in a pan until it’s steaming hot, then pour it into a jar.
Seal the jar and shake vigorously to create a rich, creamy froth. Finally, swirl the frothed milk into a pitcher and pour it over the mocha, combining the flavors in perfect harmony.
Sweet Creamy Vanilla Latte
To craft this indulgent drink, you’ll need a saucepan as your primary tool. Begin by melting chocolate morsels in a mixture of milk, vanilla extract, and coffee creamer. Once combined, whisk the concoction until it’s smooth, then bring it to a rolling boil. As the liquid reaches its boiling point, add instant coffee powder and stir to combine. The result is a rich, bold beverage that’s best savored while still hot.
Greek Frappé Coffee
To create this Greek coffee, you’ll need a frappé mixer. Begin by mixing together instant coffee powder, sugar, and approximately 2-3 tablespoons of cold water. Next, use an electric whisk to whip the mixture until it forms a creamy foam. Pour the frothy concoction into a serving glass, followed by adding ice cubes and evaporated milk. Finally, top it off with cold water.
Iced Caramel Latte
To craft a delicious Iced Caramel Latte, begin by dissolving instant coffee powder in cold water, ensuring a smooth consistency. Next, pour caramel syrup over ice in a glass, followed by the coffee mixture. Feel free to add as much milk as you desire, and finish with a dollop of whipped cream. The crowning glory? A final drizzle of caramel syrup, which can be added without hesitation since the cream is already seated comfortably within the glass.
Pumpkin Spice Whipped Coffee
Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with this Pumpkin Spice Whipped Coffee, a delightful twist on the classic Dalgona Coffee. Begin by combining two tablespoons each of instant coffee powder and white sugar with boiling water in a mason jar. Next, add a pinch of pumpkin spice, ranging from a quarter to half a teaspoon, depending on your desired level of autumnal flavor. Use an electric mixer to whip the mixture until it becomes frothy and creamy.
Spoon this delightful concoction over either iced or hot steamed milk to create a perfect blend of coffee and fall spices.
Iced Cappuccino
Take control of your caffeine fix by whipping up an iced cappuccino at home. Start by mixing one and a half tablespoons of instant coffee powder with the same amount of hot water in a blender. Next, add half a tablespoon of cocoa powder, two tablespoons of maple syrup, and a third of a cup of milk to create a rich and creamy base. Once everything is well combined, it’s time to get frothy! Add ice cubes to the blend and pulse until you reach your desired level of frothiness.
Finally, give your drink an extra boost by adding three tablespoons of either coffee cream or half-and-half. With these simple steps, you’ll be sipping on a delicious homemade iced cappuccino in no time.
Instant Coffee With Irish Cream
To fully appreciate the decadence of this recipe, it’s essential to serve it chilled. Begin by combining instant coffee powder with sugar and water in a bowl, whisking until a smooth, creamy texture forms. Next, fill a glass with Irish Cream and milk. Once prepared, carefully pour the coffee mixture over the cream base, creating a delightful and indulgent treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
Russian Black Bread
Transforming Russian Black Bread into a culinary delight is remarkably effortless when utilizing a bread maker. Simply follow the instructions provided with your appliance, carefully adding ingredients in the prescribed order. This meticulous process involves incorporating water, cider vinegar, bread flour, rye flour, salt, margarine, dark corn syrup, brown sugar, cocoa powder, and instant coffee powder into the machine’s mixing bowl.
To amplify the flavor profile, caraway seeds, fennel seeds, and a crucial packet of active dry yeast are also essential components. Once the baking cycle has been completed, carefully remove the freshly baked bread from the machine and permit it to cool before indulging in its rich aroma and tender crumb.
Dark Mocha Crinkles
Indulge in the simplicity of creating mini treats with instant coffee powder! One such delightful creation is the Dark Mocha Crinkle. Start by combining the instant coffee powder with brown sugar, white sugar, and butter until you achieve a creamy consistency. Next, blend in vanilla extract and eggs for added moisture and richness. Then, incorporate flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder to form a dough.
Shape this dough into balls and coat them in sugar before baking until the edges are set. As soon as they come out of the oven, press a dark chocolate wafer into each crinkle to create a decadent treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Irish Coffee Shots
To create a miniaturized version of the iconic Irish Coffee, begin by bringing water to a boil. Once hot, whisk in instant coffee powder and a spoonful of brown sugar until well combined. Pour this mixture into shot glasses, leaving about 1/4 inch at the top. Next, add a small amount of Irish whiskey, followed by a dollop of whipped cream. Voila! Your miniature Irish Coffee is ready to be enjoyed.
Tiramisu Layer Cake
When crafting Tiramisu, coffee plays a crucial role in bringing out its distinct flavor profile. Begin by preparing the sponge, combining a package of moist white cake mix with water, oil, and egg whites. Divide two-thirds of the batter between two greased baking pans. In the remaining third, incorporate instant coffee and pour it into another greased pan. Bake the sponges until they are thoroughly cooked, then allow them to cool completely while you prepare the syrup.
To create this crucial component, simply mix brewed coffee with coffee liqueur. Next, focus on the filling by blending confectioners’ sugar, mascarpone, and coffee liqueur until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency. Cover the filling and refrigerate it while you prepare the frosting. For this step, combine confectioners’ sugar, cream, and more coffee liqueur, then beat the ingredients together until they are fully incorporated.
Fold half a cup of the frosting into the filling, then store both mixtures in the refrigerator to chill. Once the components are prepared, it’s time to assemble the cake. Start by poking holes into one of the sponges and pouring the syrup over it, followed by a layer of filling. Repeat this process with another sponge, finishing off the top and sides of the layer cake with the remaining frosting.
Finally, garnish the masterpiece with cocoa powder and chocolate curls for a visually appealing treat.
Chocolate Cappuccino Cheesecake
To create a decadent cheesecake, start by combining softened butter with crushed chocolate wafers, granulated sugar, and cinnamon as the base layer in a springform pan. For the filling, beat softened cream cheese until it reaches a smooth consistency, then gradually add eggs to ensure complete incorporation. In a separate bowl, melt semi-sweet chocolate with whipping cream, stirring until the mixture is silky.
Combine this chocolate mixture with the cream cheese mixture and stir in salt, sour cream, coffee liqueur, instant coffee powder, and vanilla extract. Pour the mix into the prepared pan and bake until the center remains slightly soft. Allow it to firm up with the oven door ajar before refrigerating for at least 12 hours. Finish by garnishing with chocolate leaves and flavored whipped cream.
1-Minute Instant Iced Coffee
To whip up a refreshing and speedy cold brew, start by combining one cup of ice cubes, one cup of milk, and half a cup of water in a blender. Add two to three teaspoons of instant coffee powder and an equal amount of brown sugar. Blend the mixture until it’s smooth, then pour the concoction over some fresh ice in a glass.
Hot Coffee Cafe-Style
Indulge in a café-quality coffee experience from the comfort of your own home! Simply combine one and a half teaspoons of instant coffee powder with one and a half tablespoons of sugar, stirring well to dissolve. Next, add three tablespoons of boiling water and whisk briskly for approximately three to four minutes, until the mixture lightens in color. Meanwhile, heat up a cup of milk in a saucepan to a rolling boil. Pour it into a glass jar or Thermos flask and seal it tight.
Shake vigorously to froth the milk, then pour it over the coffee mix, gradually stirring in half of the mixture. Once combined, pour the remaining milk with its frothy layer on top and serve. For an authentic barista touch, sprinkle a pinch of cocoa powder or ground cinnamon on top.
Mocha Dalgona Coffee
To create a Dalgona Coffee that’s equal parts trendy and tantalizing, combine two tablespoons each of instant coffee powder, sugar, and boiling water in a mixing bowl. Then, add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the mixture and whisk it vigorously with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form and the coffee becomes luxuriantly frothy. Once you’ve achieved the desired consistency, spoon the whipped coffee over cold milk or steamed milk for a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
Vanilla Mocha Iced Coffee
While you may be accustomed to shelling out big bucks for a Vanilla Mocha Iced Coffee at your favorite coffee shop, the good news is that you can easily recreate this refreshing drink from the comfort of your own home. Start by mixing one tablespoon of instant coffee powder with a quarter cup of sugar in a cup of boiling water, stirring until the mixture dissolves completely. Next, add a tablespoon each of vanilla extract and chocolate syrup to give your coffee a rich and creamy flavor.
Finally, stir in one and a half cups of whole milk to create a smooth and velvety texture. Pour the mixture over a few ice cubes in a glass and enjoy the fruits of your labor. With this simple recipe, you’ll be able to indulge in a delicious Vanilla Mocha Iced Coffee without breaking the bank.
Smooth Caramel Macchiato
Crafting a macchiato at home is as easy as making any other specialty coffee drink, even if you’re relying on instant coffee powder. Start by filling the bottom of a tall glass with three tablespoons of rich caramel sauce. Next, prepare your coffee or espresso using the instant powder, aiming for about half a cup’s worth. Pour the liquid gold over the caramel sauce, followed by steaming or heating whole milk to the perfect temperature.
Finish the drink off with a dollop of fluffy whipped cream and another drizzle of that sweet, sticky caramel sauce on top.
Almond Milk Mocha
To take advantage of the numerous possibilities at home, you can also make instant coffee using almond milk. Start by combining one tablespoon of sugar, one cup of almond milk, half a tablespoon of cocoa powder, and one tablespoon of instant coffee powder in a saucepan. As the mixture heats up, whisk it together to ensure all the ingredients are well combined. Once the desired temperature is reached, pour the concoction into your preferred mug.
Feel free to elevate the experience by adding a dollop of whipped cream and drizzle with chocolate sauce for an added layer of flavor.
Nutella Coffee Shake
Indulge in the ultimate coffee lover’s treat by combining the rich flavors of Nutella with a delicious coffee shake. Simply blend together milk, ice, sugar, Nutella, vanilla extract, and instant coffee powder until you reach your preferred consistency. Once prepared, serve immediately to fully appreciate its velvety texture and bold flavor.
Creamy Mocha Hot Cocoa
Indulge in a rich and decadent Creamy Mocha Hot Cocoa experience at home. Simply place milk in a microwave-safe cup, heat it up in the microwave until warm, then whisk together with cocoa powder and instant coffee powder to create a velvety smooth blend. Finish off your treat by topping it with a dollop of whipped cream and a pinch of warm cinnamon powder for an added layer of indulgence.
Final Thoughts
The unassuming tub of instant coffee powder may hold more significance than initially thought. Beyond its role in brewing a quick cup, it can also function as a versatile ingredient in various recipes.
As you experiment with different flavors and brands, you’ll likely find yourself reaching for your electric mixer to whip up a multitude of concoctions.
Barbara is an enthusiastic food-exploring person that goes through different culinary experiences. She got inspired by creating a pizza blog post after she tasted one of the best-selling pizzas in Toledo.