That's That You Espresso: 7 Dairy-Free Coffee Sweet Treats Perfect for Breakfast or Dessert

Whether you’re working late because you’re a singer (or maybe a restaurant server, a healthcare worker, a truck driver … the list goes on) or you just love the taste of coffee, taking a moment to enjoy an espresso-based dessert, snack, or breakfast is always a good idea. Yep, Sabrina Carpenter’s favorite drink is not just for, well, drinking, it’s also delicious in many different recipes, too, from cakes to scones to overnight oats. Find some of our favorite vegan espresso treats below.

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Is espresso good for you?

Espresso is a concentrated form of coffee, and as such, it packs quite a bit of caffeine—about 63 milligrams per shot. This is well below the FDA’s recommended caffeine limit of 400 milligrams per day. However, those sensitive to caffeine might experience increased anxiety, digestive issues, or an elevated heart rate.

For those who aren’t caffeine-sensitive, moderate espresso consumption can offer health benefits. Coffee, including espresso, is rich in antioxidants, which help protect your body’s cells from damage. Some studies suggest that espresso may lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, potentially due to antioxidants like chlorogenic acids, which might reduce inflammation and improve metabolic health.

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Is espresso good for the brain?

Espresso has also been linked with better brain health. In 2023, one study from the University of Verona in Italy suggested that drinking one espresso per day could help to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. 

“Recent research has suggested that coffee could also have beneficial effects against certain neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s,” said the study’s lead author, professor Mariapina D’Onofrio, per the Independent. She added: “Although the exact mechanisms that cause these conditions are still unclear, it’s thought that a protein called tau plays a significant role.”

Tau proteins are crucial for maintaining the structure and function of neurons in the brain.

RELATED: How to Make the Best Dairy-Free Iced Latte From Home

Can you use espresso in recipes?

The simplest way to enjoy espresso is as a single or double shot in a small cup. But you don’t have to drink it to enjoy its deep, rich flavor—you can also incorporate espresso into a variety of treats and desserts, either by adding espresso powder or a shot of espresso to your recipes.

7 tasty vegan recipes with espresso

Ed Tatton

1 Vegan Espresso Cake With Espresso Cream Cheese Frosting

Indulgent, sophisticated, and delicious. This vegan espresso cake recipe from the BReD cookbook, which uses ground espresso beans in the batter, ticks all of the boxes. True coffee lovers will enjoy a slice with a cup of espresso on the side, too.
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Amy Lanza

2 Vegan No-Bake Chocolate Espresso Caramel Bars

These delectable no-bake bars from the Nourishing Vegan Every Day cookbook feature a rich cacao-and-coffee biscuit base, which is topped with a thick layer of coffee-infused salted caramel and dipped in melted chocolate. Our mouths are watering already.
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Mixed & Measured

3 Chocolaty Vegan Coffee Scones With Espresso Glaze

Scones are usually plain or cheesy, but coffee-flavored options are a game-changer. If crunchy espresso beans and an espresso glaze sound appealing, try making your own from scratch with this recipe from Mixed & Measured.
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Amy Lanza

4 Easy Vegan Mocha Caramel Overnight Oats

Combine breakfast and coffee with these super chocolatey espresso overnight oats from the Nourishing Vegan Every Day cookbook. An energizing breakfast dish that’s easy to make and perfect for busy mornings.
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Nazlı Günaydın

5 Raw Chocolate Swedish Truffles

No-bake truffles that come together in minutes? Yes, please! With just five tablespoons of espresso, some almond flour, Medjool dates, agave syrup, and a few other simple plant-based ingredients, these are a healthy, quick, and delicious treat.
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Teri Lyn Fisher

6 Fluffy Vegan Tiramisu Pancakes

Pancakes are already a breakfast favorite, but when layered with espresso, rum, chocolate, and a generous dollop of vegan whipped cream, they become irresistible. These are guaranteed to become a breakfast staple.
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7 Vegan Chocolate Pretzel Pie

From the Anything You Can Cook, I Can Cook Vegan cookbook comes this deliciously rich, velvety chocolate pretzel pie which is infused with, you guessed it, espresso. It’s so delicious you might want to keep it all to yourself—seriously, hide it from your guests.
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England’s southern coast.