Say goodbye to the days of tossing out half a pot of coffee. These recipes, including sweets like tiramisu as well as savory bites like roast beef, will make you wonder why you didn't start cooking with coffee sooner.
43 Delicious Ways to Use Up Brewed Coffee
Updated on Aug. 22, 2024
Chocolate Comfort Cake
This moist and delicious chocolate cake is usually the first dessert to go. People even eat the crumbs. It’s always my top choice for holiday dinners. —Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
1/43
2/43
Tangy Baked Beans
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Different, delicious and sized exactly right for two people, this easy, breezy home-style side dish is sure to please!—Dean Copeland, Ochlocknee, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 213 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 741mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 7g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 lean meat.
3/43
Chilean Monkey Tail Punch
Total Time
15 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Stories vary surrounding the origins of this punch's unique name. Some say it was initially served in a bottle depicting a monkey with a long tail, but others suggest it was named after a funny incident with a Chilean president in the early 1900s. Whatever the origin, coffee and spirits will make this sweet chilled drink warm you right up this Christmas. It also goes by "cola de mono." —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 129 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 29mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
4/43
Mom’s Roast Beef
Total Time
2 hours 50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone loves slices of this fork-tender roast beef with its savory gravy. The well-seasoned roast is Mom's specialty. People always ask about the secret ingredients. Now you have the delicious recipe for our favorite meat dish! —Linda Gaido, New Brighton, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked beef with gravy: 210 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 435mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
5/43
Jumbo Chocolate Cutouts
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
The recipe for these light cookies has been passed down from generation to generation. Have a little extra fun with frosting if you like. They freeze well, too!—Helen Brown, East Dover, Vermont
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 232 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 166mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
6/43
Beefy Sweet Potato Soup
Total Time
1 hour 50 min
Servings
4 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
I hate being cold, but one of the best remedies for that is warm soup. I took my mother’s water-based vegetable soup recipe and worked with it to make the flavors richer. The meat and veggies in this dish are the perfect cure for a cold night and a hungry family. —Lisa Cooper, Leander, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 260 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 792mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
7/43
Special Mocha Cupcakes
Total Time
45 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Topped with a fluffy frosting and chocolate sprinkles, these extra-rich, extra-delicious cupcakes smell wonderful while baking and taste even better! —Mary Bilyeu, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cupcake: 412 calories, 19g fat (5g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 255mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (42g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
8/43
Hazelnut Mocha Coffee
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For special occasions, this chocolaty brew will be the talk of the town. You can make the chocolate mixture a couple of days in advance. When you're ready to serve it, simple brew the coffee and whip the chocolate. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Columbia, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup chocolate mixture with 3/4 cup coffee (calculated without whipped cream): 295 calories, 21g fat (13g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 19mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
9/43
Coconut Fudge Cake
Total Time
1 hour 40 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
“A big piece of this moist cake is a chocolate and coconut devotee's dream," notes Johnnie. "You should see my husband, children and grandkids smile when I serve it.”
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 540 calories, 29g fat (8g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 508mg sodium, 68g carbohydrate (44g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
10/43
Sausage-Herb Dressing
Total Time
2 hours 20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
To make time for last-minute Thanksgiving essentials, I prep the sausage part of this recipe a day or two ahead of time, then finish the dressing in my slow cooker on the big day. It has stood the test two years running! —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 254 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 919mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
11/43
Frothy Cafe Bombon
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I discovered this layered java beverage during my honeymoon in Spain. —Keri Hesemann, St. Charles, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 222 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 100mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
12/43
Nutella Banana Cream Pie
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s a banana cream pie with a little Italian flair. The chocolate and hazelnut
go well with the banana, and the rolled chocolate pie crust makes it extra-special.
If you don’t have time to melt and pipe the chocolate stars, just sprinkle the top
of the pie with grated chocolate or cocoa powder instead.
—Crystal Schlueter, Babbitt, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 578 calories, 46g fat (24g saturated fat), 107mg cholesterol, 147mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
13/43
Chocolate Ganache Cake
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This decadent triple-layer beauty is pure chocolate indulgence. The cake layers can be frozen prior to final assembly; in fact, they're easier to work with when frozen. —Kathleen Smith, Overland, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 970 calories, 65g fat (30g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 607mg sodium, 81g carbohydrate (53g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
14/43
Irish Coffee
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This Irish coffee lives up to its reputation as a relaxing after-dinner drink. Creme de menthe adds a colorful touch to the cream. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 203 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 21mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
15/43
Slow-Cooker Baked Beans
Total Time
2 hours 10 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This flavorful bean dish adds nice variety to any buffet because it’s a bit different from traditional baked beans. It’s a snap to prepare, too, since it uses convenient canned beans, barbecue sauce and salsa. —Joy Beck, Cincinnati, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 134 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 657mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 5g fiber), 4g protein.
16/43
Cast-Iron Apple Nutmeg Coffee Cake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm not a great baker, but I do love coffee. In an effort to practice my baking, I use up the morning's last bit of coffee to make this cake—literally. It is super moist and crumbly, and tastes as if you dunked your cake right into a cup of hot joe. —Darla Andrews, Schertz, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 532 calories, 27g fat (6g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 284mg sodium, 71g carbohydrate (51g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
Don’t forget to take a look at our collection of the best coffee desserts.
17/43
Chocolate-Caramel Rum Coffee
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This decadent drink can stand alone as a final course or as a complement to dessert. Our family loves it for sipping in front of the fireplace. —Joyce Conway, Westerville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup coffee with 1/4 cup coffee whipped cream: 437 calories, 16g fat (11g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 166mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (43g sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein.
18/43
Classic Creme Brulee
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My favorite dessert is this creme brulee recipe. Recently I was at a party where the guests finished preparing their own desserts by "broiling" the sugar on their portions with a small torch. What a great idea! —Joylyn Trickel, Helendale, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 551 calories, 50g fat (29g saturated fat), 402mg cholesterol, 53mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
19/43
Hot Ginger Coffee
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to sit by the fire and sip this coffee on a cold winter day. It’s a great warm-up after shoveling snow, skiing, skating or snowmobiling. —Audrey Thibodeau, Gilbert, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 22 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 3mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
20/43
Tiramisu Cheesecake Dessert
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tiramisu didn't do it for me until I tried this recipe with its luscious layers of cheesecake. It's one of my favorite desserts to make this time of year. —Christie Nelson, Taylorville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 536 calories, 37g fat (21g saturated fat), 171mg cholesterol, 343mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
21/43
Tipsy Iced Coffee
Total Time
10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves this frozen coffee with Amaretto and whipped cream. Serve it at brunch or as an after-dinner treat.—Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup with 2 tablespoons whipped cream: 165 calories, 7g fat (5g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
22/43
Coffee-Braised Roast Beef
Total Time
6 hours 40 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe has been a family tradition since 1974. The meat is quick and flavorful, so it's a nice welcome home after a long day of work. The coffee adds an intriguing flavor to the roast, and the juices can be thickened for a delicious gravy.—Nancy Schuler, Belle Fourche, South Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked beef with 1/2 cup gravy (calculated without potatoes): 324 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 118mg cholesterol, 636mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 36g protein.
23/43
Mocha Baked Alaskas
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Make these baked Alaskas ahead of time—you can torch the completed desserts and freeze them up to 24 hours before serving. —Kerry Dingwall, Ponte Vedra, Florida
24/43
Spiced Devil's Food Cake
Total Time
55 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One of my mom's friends gave her this recipe when I was a child, and it has been a family favorite ever since. When your chocolate sweet tooth acts up, this really hits the spot! —Linda Yeamans, Ashland, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 543 calories, 23g fat (14g saturated fat), 110mg cholesterol, 389mg sodium, 82g carbohydrate (61g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
25/43
Java Muffins
Total Time
30 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
If you love your morning java like I do, get a double dose by paring this crunchy pecan-topped muffin with your favorite hot cup of Joe. They travel well and are ideal to take to work—for that mid-morning coffee break, of course. —Zainab Ahmed, Mountlake Terrace, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 220 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 209mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
26/43
Irish Cream
Total Time
10 min
Servings
3-1/3 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Add some creamy goodness to your cup of joe with a splash or two of this homemade Irish cream. —Marcia Severson, Hallock, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 165 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 53mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
27/43
Cannoli Cake
Total Time
55 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A luscious, chocolate-studded cannoli filling separates the tender vanilla layers of this rich cake, which starts with a package mix. It’s best when served well chilled.—Antoinette Owens, Ridgefield, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 591 calories, 37g fat (15g saturated fat), 116mg cholesterol, 367mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (37g sugars, 1g fiber), 12g protein.
28/43
Java Roast Beef
Total Time
8 hours 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Coffee adds richness to the gravy, which is perfect for sopping up with crusty bread or draping over mashed potatoes. —Charla Sackmann, Orange City, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked beef with about 2 tablespoons gravy: 199 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 342mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
29/43
Peanut-Filled Devil’s Food Cupcakes
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe features a luscious peanut butter filling surrounded by devil's food and then iced with a rich layer of ganache. They're to die for! —Mary Lou Timpson, Colorado City, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cupcake: 294 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 282mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
30/43
Brie Appetizers with Bacon-Plum Jam
Total Time
1 hour 40 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Among my friends I'm known as the pork master, because I love to cook just about every cut there is. These appetizers combine soft, mild Brie cheese with a sweet-sour bacon jam that has a touch of Sriracha sauce. —Rick Pascocello, New York, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 91 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 205mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
31/43
Mocha Mint Coffee
Total Time
2 hours 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This doctored-up coffee benefits from hints of mint, cocoa and cinnamon. The marshmallows on top are a playful addition that brings out the youngster in anyone. —Mindie Hilton, Susanville, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 155 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 105mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
32/43
Contest-Winning Moist Chocolate Cake
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You don't have to spend a lot of time to serve an elegant and delicious dessert. Just mix up the batter in one bowl, bake and get ready for people to love this moist dark chocolate cake recipe. —Christa Hageman, Telford, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 315 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 473mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
33/43
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I've been baking cakes for years and enjoy trying new combinations of flavors and textures. For this peanut butter cupcake recipe, I blended peanut butter and chocolate. As soon as I took the first bite, I knew I had created something divine! —Ronda Schabes, Vicksburg, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cupcake: 498 calories, 33g fat (16g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 196mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (39g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
34/43
Brownie Mocha Trifle
Total Time
40 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
By using instant pudding and a convenient box of brownie mix, there's nothing to the preparation. The result is moist and chewy. And the layers look so pretty spooned into a glass trifle bowl. —Louise Fauth, Foremost, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 344 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 404mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
35/43
No-Bake Cappuccino Dessert
Total Time
20 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Summer gatherings call for cool desserts like this one. Lots of the party invites I receive come with a request for this delicious treat. You can make it even more chocolaty by adding cocoa powder to the dry pudding mixes. —Mary Beth Desens, Fredonia, Wisconsin
36/43
Spiced Pumpkin Coffee Shakes
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The winter holidays are my favorite time of year, and this spiced pumpkin drink is one reason I love the season so much. If you don't have a coffee maker, it's OK to use instant coffee—just make it stronger. —Kathie Perez, East Peoria, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 262 calories, 12g fat (8g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 107mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
37/43
Coconut Chocolate Muffins
Total Time
50 min
Servings
20 muffins
From the Recipe Creator:
With their rich dark chocolate flavor and luscious cream cheese-coconut topping, these irresistible muffins taste more like a decadent dessert than a morning treat. —Sonia Daily, Rochester, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 223 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 98mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
38/43
Coffee-Braised Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Total Time
8 hours 30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Adding coffee to meat adds such a deep flavor. And this recipe is so easy—I put it in before work, and by the time we all get home, it's ready for us to dig in. —Jacquelynn Sanders, Burnsville, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 458 calories, 23g fat (8g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 689mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein.
39/43
Mocha Morning Drink
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I'm sipping this delicious coffee, I almost feel as if I'm visiting my favorite coffeehouse. —Jill Rodriguez, Gonzales, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 116 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 29mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 milk.
40/43
Pumpkin Tiramisu
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pumpkin isn’t only for pies. Now you can take the classic fall vegetable and enjoy it in a tiramisu-style dessert. I promise that after one bite, you’ll add this recipe to your keeper files. —Pam Peters, Fernie, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 635 calories, 40g fat (25g saturated fat), 132mg cholesterol, 432mg sodium, 63g carbohydrate (40g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
41/43
Viennese Coffee
Total Time
3 hours 10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This isn't your regular cup of Joe! Dress it up with chocolate, whipped cream and more, making it a drink to savor! —Sharon Delaney-Chronis, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 173 calories, 7g fat (5g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 18mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
42/43
Ginger-Cream Bars
Total Time
40 min
Servings
5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I rediscovered this old-time recipe recently and found it's everyone's favorite. Even 4-year-olds have asked for these frosted bars as nursery treats. —Carol Nagelkirk, Holland, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 101 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 126mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
43/43
Peanut Butter Truffle Cupcakes
Total Time
55 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Everybody loves cupcakes, and these have a wonderfully tasty hidden treasure inside. They're rich and delicious! —Marlene Schollenberger, Bloomington, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 277 calories, 18g fat (8g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 249mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
