15 Delicious Ways to Use Instant Coffee

Dark Mocha Crinkles
Photo: lisaperrya

Instant coffee is the small-but-mighty pantry staple you may be overlooking: Just a pinch of the powerful ingredient deepens and enhances rich flavors — particularly chocolate. Take your your decadent chocolate desserts (and even your savory dinners, like spaghetti and meatballs) to the next level with this collection of our best instant coffee recipes.

01 of 16

Caramel Macchiato Ice Cream

Caramel Macchiato Ice Cream
AnnaB

This simple ice cream tastes just like your favorite coffeehouse drink. "FANTASTIC," raves reviewer and Allrecipes Allstar Christina. "Made as written and would not change a thing."

02 of 16

Dark Mocha Crinkles

Dark Mocha Crinkles
lisaperrya

This recipe is full of "mocha goodness," according to recipe creator lisaperrya. Wrapped in festive packaging, these chewy cookies make delicious edible Christmas gifts.

03 of 16

Chocolate Cappuccino Cheesecake

Chocolate Cappuccino Cheesecake
tivrusky

Recipe creator Cigdem Buke Ugur says this decadent cheesecake has been called "sinfully rich and velvety smooth." Top with coffee-flavored homemade whipped cream.

04 of 16

Nutella Coffee Shake

Nutella Coffee Shake
Photo by Tammy Lynn.

Here's a rich and decadent milkshake that kids and adults will absolutely love. Recipe creator Laura Amanda suggests serving with whipped cream and caramel topping.

05 of 16

Tiramisu Layer Cake

Tiramisu Layer Cake

This top-rated dessert recipe (which has almost 2,000 5-star reviews) is way easier to make than it looks. In fact, it starts with a package of moist white cake mix.

06 of 16

Russian Black Bread

Russian Black Bread sliced
Photo by Allrecipes Magazine. Allrecipes Magazine

This Russian bread recipe has a uniquely robust flavor thanks to dark corn syrup, brown sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, caraway seeds, and instant coffee granules.

07 of 16

Mocha Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins

Mocha Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins
Jennifer Baker

Enjoy these sweet mocha muffins for breakfast or for dessert. "Everyone who has tasted them will agree that they are the best muffins ever," says recipe creator Shelley Ross.

08 of 16

Original Irish Cream

Original Irish Cream
Original Irish Cream | Photo by Allrecipe. AllRecipes Magazine

Make DIY Irish cream in your own kitchen with this boozy recipe. Use it to make one of our favorite Irish Cream Drinks or sip it over ice.

09 of 16

Ultimate Chocolate Dessert

Ultimate Chocolate Dessert
Ultimate Chocolate Dessert | Photo by Chef John.

Chef John's Ultimate Chocolate Dessert (a.k.a. chocolate mocha pot de creme), subtly flavored with instant coffee, is as rich and decadent as it gets.

10 of 16

Honey Cake

Honey Cake I cupcakes with frosting and honey drizzle
Candice

This traditional German cake improves over time, according to recipe creator Suzanne Stull, so it's best to bake it a few days ahead.

11 of 16

Black Bean Brownies

Black Bean Brownies
Heather

Black beans serve as a healthy, protein-packed flour substitute in this chocolatey recipe. A teaspoon of instant coffee granules adds a delicious depth of flavor.

  • Desserts That Start With a Can of Black Beans
12 of 16

Dale's Swedish Meatballs

Dale's Swedish Meatballs
Rae

Instant coffee is the unexpected secret ingredient in these beefy meatballs. A sour cream-based sauce goes perfectly with egg noodles.

13 of 16

Dalgona Coffee

whipped coffee in a tall glass
Carol Miller

This trendy whipped drink is easy to make with boiling water, instant coffee, and sugar. Just whisk all the ingredients and pour over milk.

14 of 16

Mocha Truffles

Mocha Truffles
Mocha Truffles. Rainbow Jewels

A velvety filling (made with chocolate chips, cream cheese, instant coffee, and water) is topped with a 2-ingredient chocolate coating.

15 of 16

Dad's Spaghetti Sauce With Coffee

Dad's Spaghetti Sauce with Coffee
duboo

A tablespoon of instant coffee gives this spaghetti sauce its unique flavor. You should make plenty ahead of time, says recipe creator Busitj, as it "gets richer after a day or two."

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More Inspiration

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