Looking for a quick pick-me-up with a little extra indulgence? These Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans are the perfect blend of rich, dark chocolate and the intense, robust flavor of espresso beans. Whether you’re in need of a quick energy boost or a delightful snack, these beans deliver both in one satisfying bite. Best of all, they’re incredibly easy to make at home, with just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort required.
The Perfect Balance of Chocolate and Coffee
Chocolate and coffee have long been a match made in heaven, and these espresso beans take that classic pairing to the next level. By coating the beans in rich, unsweetened chocolate, you get the perfect combination of bold espresso flavor and smooth, slightly bitter chocolate. For a touch of sweetness, a bit of powdered sweetener balances out the flavors, creating a treat that’s indulgent without being overly sweet.
Two Ways to Enjoy Them
One of the best things about this recipe is that it gives you two easy ways to prepare these chocolate-covered espresso beans. Whether you’re looking for individually coated beans or a quicker, more convenient method, both options are simple and delicious:
- Individually Coated Beans: If you want perfectly coated beans, this method is for you. Using two forks, dip each espresso bean in the melted chocolate, remove the excess, and place them one by one on a baking sheet. It takes a little more time, but the result is a beautiful, uniform coating.
- Time-Saving Method: In a hurry? No problem! Simply mix the espresso beans with the melted chocolate, spread the mixture on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and chill. Once hardened, chop the chocolate into bite-sized pieces. It’s just as delicious but takes a fraction of the time.
Customizing Your Chocolate Espresso Beans
This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to tweak it based on your preferences. Here are a few ideas to make these espresso beans your own:
- Choose Your Chocolate: While this recipe uses unsweetened chocolate, you can easily swap it out for milk or dark chocolate, depending on your taste. Keep in mind that the sweetness will vary based on the chocolate you choose.
- Spice It Up: For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle a little cinnamon, chili powder, or even a pinch of cardamom into the melted chocolate. These spices pair wonderfully with both chocolate and coffee, adding a unique twist to your snack.
- Add a Crunch: Want an extra crunch? Sprinkle chopped nuts or flaked coconut over the chocolate-covered beans before they set for added texture.
The Perfect Snack or Gift
These Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans are not only a great snack but also make for a fantastic homemade gift. Pack them into small jars or gift bags, tie them with a ribbon, and you’ve got a thoughtful, delicious treat for the coffee lovers in your life. Whether you’re enjoying them at home or giving them as a gift, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
Storing Your Espresso Beans
To keep your chocolate-covered espresso beans fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last for about a week, but we doubt they’ll stick around that long! When you’re ready for a snack, just pop a few in your mouth and enjoy the perfect combination of rich chocolate and bold espresso flavor.
Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans
Ingredients
- 3 oz unsweetened chocolate Baker’s bar or similar
- 2 tablespoons powdered sweetener
- 1/2 cup Espresso beans or coffee beans
- Pinch of flake salt
Instructions
- Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Chop the chocolate into small pieces.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, place the chocolate and microwave for 30 seconds.
- Continue to microwave in 10-15 second increments, stirring between each.
- Once the chocolate is fully melted, add 2 tablespoons of powdered sweetener.
To serve individual beans
- Use two forks to clean excess chocolate off the beans and to place individually on the parchment paper.
- Take a pinch of flake salt and crush it between your fingers as you sprinkle it across the chocolate covered coffee beans.
- Chill for an hour or until the chocolate is hardened.
Time-saving method:
- Spread the chocolate and espresso bean mixture on the parchment paper.
- Take a pinch of flake salt and crush it between your fingers and sprinkle it across the chocolate and coffee bean mixture.
- Chill for an hour or until the chocolate is hardened.
- Remove from refrigerator and chop into small bite-sized pieces.