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21 Ways to Celebrate National Coffee Day (That Go Beyond Your Morning Brew)

Celebrate National Coffee Day with bold brews, buzz-worthy bakes, and rich, caffeinated recipes from sunrise to sundown.
21 Ways to Celebrate National Coffee Day (That Go Beyond Your Morning Brew)
21 Ways to Celebrate National Coffee Day (That Go Beyond Your Morning Brew)
Mandy at SideChef
I’m Mandy, a foodie from Germany and I'm all about delicious bites. My motto? Life’s too short to skip dessert (especially when cookies are involved).
Love This Recipe?
Mandy at SideChef
I’m Mandy, a foodie from Germany and I'm all about delicious bites. My motto? Life’s too short to skip dessert (especially when cookies are involved).

National Coffee Day hits September 29th, but if you think it’s just about grabbing a free cup at your local café—think again. Coffee has officially gone full-on culinary. It’s not just a beverage anymore—it’s a bold ingredient showing up in sauces, desserts, breakfasts, and even savory mains.

This collection is for those who think beyond the mug. Whether you're team espresso brownies, team steak rub, or just in it for the dalgona drama, we've got 21 recipes that let coffee steal the spotlight in the best way possible.

Love coffee in all its forms? Don’t miss our Ultimate Guide to Cold Brew Coffee—learn how to brew it at home, why it’s worth the hype, and all the delicious ways to use it.

Coffee Drinks to Sip All Day


You don’t have to be a barista to whip up a drink that looks (and tastes) like it came from your favorite café. From whipped dalgona to creamy coffee smoothies, these recipes have enough variety to get you through the whole day.

No espresso machine? No problem. Most of these are blender or stir-and-go friendly.

1. Dalgona Coffee

Dalgona Coffee

Spoon Fork and Food
The viral whipped coffee that broke the internet (and still slaps).

2. Coffee Amazake

Coffee Amazake

Yukitchen
A silky, Japanese-style coffee blend with probiotic power.

3. Affogato

Affogato

Tina Sawasdee at SideChef
Espresso meets ice cream. Two ingredients. Total game changer.

4. Hijazi Almond Coffee

Hijazi Almond Coffee

Chef in Disguise
Warm, nutty, and spiced just right. A traditional twist on your daily brew.

5. Vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte Smoothie

Vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte Smoothie

Lemons and Basil
PSL season, but make it chill and dairy-free.

Sweet Treats Made with Coffee


Coffee and dessert are a perfect match—especially when they’re combined in the same dish. This lineup has everything from espresso-laced brownies to cookies for serious caffeine lovers.

The flavor? Rich, deep, and just bitter enough to balance the sweet.

6. Dalgona Tiramisu

Dalgona Tiramisu

SideChef
The viral coffee foam goes luxe in this creamy, layered treat.

7. Chocolate Cupcakes with Caramel Buttercream

Chocolate Cupcakes with Caramel Buttercream

Chelsweets
Espresso in the batter, caramel on top. Yes, please.

8. Espresso Brownies

Espresso Brownies

Sumopocky
Deep, fudgy, and way more intense than your average brownie.

9. Coffee and Ricotta

Coffee and Ricotta Dessert

The Fit Mediterranean
A simple, elegant spoonful of Italian-style joy.

10. Espresso Chip Cookies

Coffee Lovers Espresso Chip Cookies

A Hint of Rosemary
For those who think regular chocolate chip cookies just don’t hit hard enough.

11. Baked Coffee Donuts

Baked Espresso Donuts

Jeanie and Lulu's Kitchen
Not fried, but still fabulous. A morning win.

12. Cinnamon Rolls

Dirty Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Milk & Cardamom
Warm rolls + subtle coffee glaze = your weekend upgrade.

13. Baltimore Berger Cookies

Baltimore Berger Cookies

Snowflakes & Coffeecakes
Double the frosting, double the fun—these Baltimore icons don’t mess around

14. Creamy Chocolate Pudding

Avocado Chocolate Pudding

Jonny Tang at SideChef
A Northeastern classic with a mocha makeover.

15. Espresso Truffles

Chocolate Espresso Truffles

Entertaining is Easy
Rich, creamy, and secretly good for you. Bonus caffeine included.

Coffee-Infused Breakfasts


For those mornings when a cup of joe just isn’t enough, these recipes bring the buzz straight to your breakfast bowl. Whether you're a granola grabber or an oat soaker, there’s a little something here to help start the day strong—with flavor and caffeine.

16. Coffee Protein Smoothie

Coffee Mocha Chia Seed Pudding

Todd's Kitchen
Chia seeds soak up all the espresso-chocolate goodness for a fiber-rich, energizing breakfast jar.

17. Coffee Syrup Pancakes

Homemade Mocha Protein Bars

The Fit Mediterranean
These bars are chewy, chocolatey, and made for mornings on the move.

18. Dark Cocoa Banana Muffins

Dark Cocoa Banana Muffins

A Hint of Rosemary
Like your favorite banana bread—but supercharged.

Savory Recipes with a Coffee Kick


Don’t sleep on savory. Coffee brings out smoky, earthy flavors that work surprisingly well in dinner recipes. Use it in rubs, marinades, and sauces for a deep flavor that’s complex without being overpowering. Pro tip: it pairs especially well with red meat and tofu.

19. Coffee Crusted Ribeye Steak

Coffee Crusted Ribeye Steak

Wok & Skillet
A rich crust that brings out the best in beef.

20. Rosemary Coffee Tofu

Rosemary Coffee Marinated Tofu

Live Eat Learn
A flavor bomb for plant-based plates.

21. DIY Coffee Rub

All-Purpose Coffee Rub

Pups with Chopsticks
Make a big batch and level up your meat, tofu, or even roasted veg.

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