Do Desserts with Espresso Have Caffeine? Everything You Need to Know

October 17, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Serious Eats, a single batch of tiramisu made with five ounces of espresso can contain nearly 300 milligrams of caffeine total, which is then distributed across multiple servings. This confirms that yes, desserts with espresso do have caffeine, but the final amount per portion depends heavily on the recipe and serving size.

Quick Summary

Desserts using espresso or espresso powder as an ingredient contain caffeine, though the amount per serving is generally moderate. The caffeine level depends on the type and quantity of coffee, bean roast, and preparation.

Key Points

Yes, They Do: Desserts made with real espresso or espresso powder are not caffeine-free, though the amount varies significantly by recipe and serving size.
Not Baked Away: The caffeine content does not evaporate or get destroyed during the baking process, unlike alcohol which can cook off.
Espresso vs. Powder: Instant espresso powder is a potent source of concentrated caffeine, while liquid espresso varies based on shot size and strength.
Consider Decaf: For a caffeine-free option, most recipes can be adapted by using decaffeinated espresso, instant decaf powder, or coffee extracts.
Tiramisu's Caffeine: A single serving of tiramisu typically contains a moderate amount of caffeine, often less than a full cup of brewed coffee, but enough to affect sensitive individuals.
Factor in Chocolate: When considering total caffeine, remember that chocolate also contains a small amount of stimulants, which adds to the overall content of mocha desserts.
Quantity Matters: The final caffeine dose depends on the amount of espresso used in the total recipe and how many servings the finished dessert is divided into.

The Simple Answer: Yes, They Have Caffeine

Desserts that incorporate espresso, instant espresso powder, or brewed coffee will contain caffeine. The caffeine content does not get cooked out or evaporate during the baking process. The amount per serving, however, is a function of the total caffeine in the dish divided by the number of servings. For most common recipes, this means a moderate amount of caffeine in each slice or scoop. It is important to distinguish between using liquid espresso and espresso powder, as this can affect the total caffeine of the recipe. Espresso powder is essentially concentrated coffee, so a small amount can contribute a significant dose of caffeine to a dish.

Key Factors Influencing Caffeine Levels

Several variables determine how much caffeine ends up in your dessert. The total amount isn't the only thing to consider; the distribution throughout the dish matters, as does the inherent strength of the coffee itself.

Type of Espresso Product: Using liquid espresso from a shot versus concentrated espresso powder will change the total caffeine content. Espresso powder is often more potent by weight.
Bean Type and Roast: Robusta beans naturally contain more caffeine than Arabica beans. Similarly, light roasts tend to have more caffeine by weight than dark roasts.
Quantity Used in Recipe: The more espresso or espresso powder a recipe calls for, the higher the total caffeine in the final product. For instance, a recipe using a double shot of espresso will have more caffeine than one using a single shot.
Serving Size: A large slice of tiramisu will contain more caffeine than a smaller one, as the total amount is distributed across fewer portions. A dish with a high total caffeine content can have a relatively low amount per serving if it's meant to feed a crowd.

Caffeine in Popular Espresso Desserts

Certain desserts are well-known for their espresso component. Here is an overview of some common coffee-infused treats and their typical caffeine ranges per serving.

Tiramisu

This classic Italian dessert is famous for its coffee-soaked ladyfingers. The total caffeine per batch varies based on the espresso used. According to one analysis, a batch of tiramisu could contain approximately 292.5mg of caffeine total, which, when divided into 8-12 servings, results in 24.4 to 36.6mg per piece. Some home recipes may use stronger or weaker coffee, changing this range. A typical slice of tiramisu contains about half the caffeine of a regular cup of coffee, but it is enough to affect sensitive individuals.

Affogato

An affogato is a simple yet elegant dessert featuring a scoop of ice cream drowned in a hot shot of espresso. Since it's made to order, the caffeine content is easy to calculate based on the espresso shot used. A single shot of espresso contains about 63mg of caffeine on average, while a double shot contains about 126mg. The final caffeine is the sum of the shots poured over the ice cream, making it a more potent, direct dose than a baked good.

Mocha Desserts

Mocha-flavored treats, such as cakes, brownies, and cheesecakes, combine espresso or coffee with chocolate. Chocolate itself contains a small amount of caffeine and other stimulants like theobromine, adding to the total. For example, a recipe for mocha fudge cheesecake might call for espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor, providing a moderate caffeine boost. The final amount will depend on the recipe's ingredient proportions.

Comparison: Caffeine in Common Desserts

To put the caffeine content of espresso desserts into perspective, here is a comparison based on data from a Serious Eats analysis. Note that these figures are based on specific recipes and can vary significantly.


Dessert	Caffeinated Ingredient	Caffeine Per Serving	Source
Tiramisu	5 oz espresso	24.4–36.6 mg
Fudge Brownies	1 tsp instant espresso	19.6 mg
Flourless Chocolate Cake	1 tsp instant espresso	35.5 mg
Devil's Food Cake	12 oz brewed coffee	30.9 mg

Decaf Options and Alternatives

For those sensitive to caffeine, options exist to enjoy the rich, bold flavor of coffee without the stimulating effects. Many dessert recipes can be easily adapted to use decaffeinated ingredients.

Use Decaf Espresso or Powder: Standard decaf espresso contains a negligible amount of caffeine (3-15mg per shot), making it a safe substitute. Decaf instant espresso powder is also widely available for baking.
Flavor Extracts: Coffee extract can provide a concentrated coffee flavor without any caffeine. This works well for items like frostings, icings, or creams that don't rely on the liquid volume of brewed coffee.
Alternative Flavorings: Other ingredients like roasted chicory root or malted milk powder can provide a similar depth of flavor without the caffeine content. These can be particularly effective in chocolate desserts where coffee is used to enhance the cocoa notes.

Conclusion

In summary, any dessert that calls for espresso, espresso powder, or brewed coffee will contain a measurable amount of caffeine. While the overall caffeine load per serving is typically far less than a full cup of coffee, it is not zero. For popular choices like tiramisu or affogato, a serving can still deliver a noticeable dose, which is an important consideration for individuals sensitive to caffeine, children, or those watching their evening intake. The good news is that with readily available decaf ingredients and alternative flavorings, it is entirely possible to enjoy the rich taste of coffee in your favorite sweet treats without the added buzz.

For further reading on this topic, consider checking out this article from Serious Eats on caffeine in cooked desserts.

Frequently Asked Questions

The caffeine in a slice of tiramisu varies, but it is typically between 25 and 60 mg, depending on the recipe's strength and the size of the serving. This is roughly equivalent to a half-shot of espresso or less than a full cup of brewed coffee.

No, baking does not remove the caffeine from espresso or coffee. While the water content may evaporate during baking, the caffeine remains in the finished dessert.

Yes, you can absolutely use decaf espresso or decaf espresso powder in your recipes. This allows you to enjoy the rich coffee flavor without the stimulating effects of caffeine.

Yes, espresso powder is concentrated coffee solids and contains caffeine. A small amount, such as one teaspoon, can contain around 35mg of caffeine.

The caffeine content in an affogato comes directly from the espresso shot poured over the ice cream. A single shot typically has about 63 mg of caffeine, and a double shot has about 126 mg.

Yes, you can use coffee extract or other flavorings like roasted chicory root to add a coffee-like taste to your desserts without any caffeine content.

Since espresso desserts contain caffeine, they are not caffeine-free. While the amount may be low, it is best to consult a pediatrician if you have concerns, especially if the child is sensitive to stimulants.