Save Used Coffee Grounds And Make Homemade Desserts Look Bakery-Worthy

Those of us who drink coffee every day inevitably end up with lots of spent coffee grounds left over. More than likely, they wind up in the trash bin and eventually take up space in a landfill. If you are of the repurposing mindset, then you'll already know that there are lots of things you can do to bring new life into those used up coffee grounds, from improving your garden soil to eliminating nasty odors from your home. There are also tons of great, and tasty, ways to cook and bake with used coffee grounds, adding depth to meat rubs and a crunchy texture to your brownies. 

But leftover coffee grounds are also useful as a garnish to elevate your dessert presentation to make it more restaurant-worthy. Sprinkle them atop a creamy mousse or scatter some on a plate around a slice of cake — if you've dined at a high-end establishment where dishes were garnished with "edible dirt," you'll get the idea. Your leftover coffee grounds can add the same eye appeal and texture to your desserts, but they must be used judiciously. 

After all, nobody enjoys a mouthful of grit. A little goes a long way, whether you're creating a look or adding a hint of bitterness and acidity to balance a sweet dessert. It's also crucial to consider compatible flavors, as not everything will pair well with the assertiveness of coffee. But using them on coffee flavored desserts is obviously a no-brainer; next time you make a classic tiramisu, save the espresso grounds after brewing to sprinkle on top of it.

To get them ready to garnish your desserts, first, you need to dehydrate the used coffee grounds. Preheat the oven to the lowest setting and spread the grounds in a thin, even layer on a baking sheet. Place it in the oven for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway through to make sure the grounds dry evenly. Then, let them cool fully before storing in an airtight container. You can also air or sun dry them if you prefer but it does take slightly longer; the coffee grounds will be ready to use in 2 to 3 days, but they will also last for months in the pantry if stored properly. Either way, always use fresh leftover grounds to ensure no mold or bacteria has had a chance to grow on them. 

Once properly dry, you can use them to effortlessly add an elegant touch to your desserts, whether by themselves or combined with other ingredients. Mix the coffee grounds with cocoa powder, crushed chocolate cookies, or brown sugar to top anything chocolate, caramel, or vanilla flavored — especially a creamy dessert like panna cotta or even simply ice cream. Or, make some of that trendy edible soil we mentioned before by adding toasted ground nuts and scattering a spoonful under or around a slice of your favorite cake or pie. 

Coffee also pairs surprisingly well with tropical fruit, so you can balance the sweetness of desserts such as this deliciously bright and fruity mango flan with a little sprinkle of your dehydrated grounds. So, next time you brew your favorite coffee or espresso, save those grounds afterwards and give them a new purpose to create something truly special.