Enhancing the Chocolate Flavour

Q: Does coffee really bring out the chocolate flavour in your baking?

A: It sure does. Chocolate and coffee share a similar flavour profile, so when you add just a little coffee – preferably a strong espresso or a freshly-brewed shot (but instant coffee will also work) – it deepens and enriches the chocolate notes in your cakes, puddings, biscuits… really anything chocolatey.

Depending on the recipe and the amount and strength of coffee used you often won’t even be able to identify the coffee in the recipe, just a richer chocolate flavour.

Interestingly, vanilla works in a similar way. It softens any sharp bitterness of cocoa, enhancing the chocolate notes.

So next time you’re baking with chocolate, try adding a touch of coffee or a hint of vanilla. It’s a simple step that will give your chocolate bakes an extra layer of richness and depth.