Espresso Powder

Spices

Concentrated instant coffee powder used to deepen chocolate flavor in cakes, brownies, frostings, and cookies.

Also Called

instant espressocoffee powder
Reviewed by the CupOrGram Editorial TeamSources: King Arthur Baking, USDA FoodData Central, in-house testingMethodology

Properties

Density Index
0.47 g/cm3
1 Cup Weight
112g
Texture
Powder
Category
Spice
Top Substitute

Instant Coffee Granules

Use 1:1 by volume, crushed fine

Similar flavor direction, but coarser granules may need dissolving first.

Most-used links for Espresso Powder

Conversions

cupsgrams
1/4 cups28.0 grams
1/3 cups37.0 grams
1/2 cups56.0 grams
1 cups112 grams
1.50 cups168 grams
2 cups224 grams
3 cups336 grams
4 cups448 grams
Figures use the US cup (236.6 ml).
Density: 0.47 g/ml
Quick Convert

Ingredient-specific, density-based conversions for baking

1 cups of Espresso Powder equals 111 grams
Ingredient-specific · density-based
Cup size

Recommended Tools & Pantry Picks for Espresso Powder

Optional shopping references for bakers who want to compare tools and pantry options related to espresso powder.

Digital Kitchen Scale

Essential for cup-to-gram accuracy and repeatable bakes.

Shop scales

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Substitutions for Espresso Powder

Storage Tips

Store airtight in a cool, dry place. Keep away from steam and humidity.

Baking Science

A small amount of espresso powder amplifies roasted and bitter notes in chocolate without necessarily making a dessert taste like coffee.

Recipe Context

For spice cakes: over-measuring can create bitterness quickly.

For cookies: spice potency changes by brand and age.

For blends: weight helps maintain repeatable flavor profile.

Common Pitfalls

  • Switching brands without re-checking weight can change texture and bake time.
  • Using volume-only measurements for dense ingredients can overshoot recipe targets.

Brand Variance & Measuring Method

Baseline reference: 1 cup espresso powder = 112g. In real kitchens, a practical range is usually 101g-123g per cup (10% band).

Why this happens: particle size and settling vary across brands and freshness windows.

Figures use the US cup (236.6 ml).

Common Questions

How many grams is 1 cup of espresso powder?

1 cup of espresso powder weighs 112 grams.

What can I substitute for espresso powder?

Instant Coffee Granules (1:1 by volume, crushed fine), Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon vanilla per 1 teaspoon espresso powder)

Explore Espresso Powder Further

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