A perfect flavoring to add to desserts, this Homemade Coffee Extract is a deliciously rich addition to your pantry staples.
You might be wondering ‘what in the world would I need coffee extract for?’ Trust me when I say this should be sitting in your pantry right next to the almond and vanilla extracts. This full-bodied Coffee Extract is a perfect way to enhance almost any dessert recipe, especially if it features chocolate. Easily substitute it for the vanilla extract in a recipe like Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cupcakes. It also works as a great replacement for instant coffee or espresso powder in recipes.
Unfortunately, Coffee Extract isn’t as easy to find in local grocery stores like the typical vanilla or almond. You can find it on Amazon of course. They have everything. But why bother buying it when you can easily make it yourself at home with ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Homemade Coffee Extract
You don’t need any special ingredients to make Coffee Extract. Two simple ingredients, a jar, and some patience is all it takes.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup whole coffee beans
- 1 cup vodka
Directions:
- Start by lightly crushing or cracking the coffee beans with a rolling pin or using a mortar and pestle.
- Add the coffee beans to a jar with an airtight lid. Add the vodka to the jar and seal.
- Store in a cool, dark place at room temperature, shaking weekly, for three months.
I store my coffee extract in the same cabinet where I store my coffee. Since that is a cabinet I normally go in on a daily basis, it’s a good reminder to shake the extract jar each week.
How Long Does Coffee Extract Last?
Coffee Extract has a very long shelf life. As long as the bottle or jar you are storing it in has an airtight lid, the extract should last for at least a year. Keep it stored at room temperature.
Do I Need Special Coffee Beans?
The great thing about this recipe is that you do not need any fancy or super expensive beans. You can use your favorite coffee beans, or simply by the most frugal option you find while you’re shopping.
How Do I Use The Extract?
The best way to use your homemade extract is to flavor baked goods or drinks. It’s great to add to cakes or cookies in place of or in addition to other extracts or flavorings. It also makes a great ice cream topping; or can be added to cocktails or iced coffee drinks for a stronger flavor.
Sweet or savory, I know you will find plenty of ways to use your homemade coffee extract! You can even divide up your batch into smaller jars and share with the coffee lover in your life as a homemade gift! Experiment with it and see what you think of! Just be sure to come back and leave us a comment about how you decided to use it!
Homemade Coffee Extract
A perfect flavoring to add to desserts, this Homemade Coffee Extract is a deliciously rich addition to your pantry staples.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup of whole coffee beans
- 1 cup of vodka
Instructions
- Lightly crush or crack the coffee beans with a rolling pin or using a mortar and pestle.
- Add the beans to a jar with an airtight lid. Add the vodka to the jar and seal.
- Store in a cool, dark place at room temperature, shaking weekly, for three months.
Notes
You can make as much or as little of the extract as you want. Try to keep a 1:1 ratio to ingredients as above. Ex. If you are making 2 cups, add in ½ cup of coffee beans
The extract will get stronger the longer you leave it, but can be used after 3 months