Pondering Decadence - A Tantalizing Look At Chocolate And Coffee

How do you define harmony?

We typically think of harmony in terms of music, or to be more specific, a combination of notes within a chord or chord progression which make a pleasing sound when played or sung at the same time.

But, what about harmony in terms of flavor?

That’s right, there are some tastes that seem harmonious when enjoyed together.

In other words, there are certain foods and/or beverages that simply make your taste buds sing when enjoyed simultaneously.

Harmony, in terms of flavor, can also be explained as balance, because the combination of contrasting tastes serves to create harmony as one flavor enhances the other.

And one incredibly popular combo that works in this manner is the pairing of coffee and chocolate.

I know…you’re already envisioning a warm chocolate chip cookie paired with a classic medium roast.

Or perhaps you’re daydreaming of an intensely rich mocha, anticipating bittersweet chocolate and robust yet smooth espresso.

These coffee-chocolate flavor combinations, and so many more, pair effortlessly, but why?

What makes these two fabulous tastes such a tried and true combination, sure to please your palate with every pairing?

Today we’re going to answer the above questions and more as we explore the whats, whys, hows, and yums of this timeless, and truly decadent flavor combination - coffee and chocolate!

Why Are Chocolate And Coffee The Perfect Pair?

Coffee and chocolate are two incredibly delicious items.

But, these two tastes are very different.

Yet, at the same time, chocolate and coffee are also very much alike.

I know, I know, we just stated some very confusing facts, so which is it?

We can all agree that both coffee and chocolate are rich, decadent, indulgent treats, but are they alike or different?

The answer, believe it or not, is both.

And actually, the fact that coffee and chocolate are both similar and different is what makes them such a perfect pair!

Coffee and chocolate share many unique qualities, such as:

1- Antioxidants

Coffee and chocolate each contain flavonoids, or polyphenolic acids.

These are antioxidants which aid your body in numerous ways, enhancing heart health, protecting against disease, fighting inflammation, and much more.

Of course, when we refer to these benefits, we’re not talking about just any old coffee or any variety of chocolate.

Your typical grocery store checkout line temptations, in the form of chocolate, leave a lot to be desired when it comes to health as these are highly processed.

But cocoa, in its purest form (unsweetened cocoa, cacao, and many varieties of dark chocolate or bittersweet chocolate) contains more phenolic acids than most foods.

And, I’m sure if you’ve been a Lifeboost customer for very long, you also know all coffee isn’t the same either.

To gain the numerous health boosts coffee affords, you want a sustainably grown, organic, clean, low acid brew grown without harsh chemicals, etc. 

2- Caffeine

We all know coffee contains caffeine, but many do not realize that chocolate contains this stimulant as well.

Granted, the caffeine content of chocolate is very small, but some can still be affected in the evening hours if overly sensitive to this energy booster.

In terms of liquid, by comparison, a typical 8 ounce cup of hot cocoa contains roughly 9 milligrams of caffeine, while an 8 ounce cup of coffee contains approximately 95 milligrams of caffeine.

And, the caffeine content in one serving of dark chocolate is roughly 4 times less than what you’d receive in an 8-ounce cup of coffee.

3- Both Are Versatile

One thing we all love about both of these tasty treats is the fact that they can be served hot or cold.

Hot cocoa, frozen ho-cho, chocolate shakes, chocolate bars (chilled or room temp), chocolate syrup, hot fudge, a fudgy fresh-from-the-oven pan of dark chocolate brownies, and on and on.

And, then there’s coffee:

Lattes, cold brew, coffee ice cubes, coffee smoothies, freshly brewed hot coffee, iced macchiatos, frappes, espressos, flavored coffee, and (as with chocolate) on and on.

Both chocolate and coffee can also be enjoyed when added to treats for flavor enhancement, used in savory combinations, sweet confections, as a single (and simple) drink, bite, or just about any way you can conjure up!

4- Both Come From Tropical Plants

Coffee and chocolate are each seeds of tropical plants.

Being tropical plants, each of these are typically grown within 20 degrees, north and south, of the equator.

This area provides optimal growing conditions for both coffee and cacao plants with tropical temps and a great amount of humidity.

In fact, so much coffee and cacao is grown in these regions that this stretch of our planet is commonly known as the bean belt.

5- Similar Processing

Chocolate (or cacao) and coffee each come from the seeds of their plants, and when harvested, in order to bring each product to the state we frequently enjoy in our homes, these seeds must be:

• Harvested
• Washed
• Fermented (“a chemical process whereby organic substances are broken down by microorganisms into simpler molecules”)
• Roasted

How amazing is it that these two fan favorites have such similar starts!

6- Complex Flavor Profiles

While most coffee and chocolate are grown in the same general regions, within these areas there are varying climates and conditions, and these precise locations can present slight changes in the tastes you experience when enjoying each item.

Coffee, for instance, can have a fruity, floral, nutty, sweet, caramel, chocolatey, or smoky note depending on the climate and soil within the region it is grown.
Likewise, chocolate generally falls into one of seven categories, including fruity, floral, nutty, caramel, spicy, earthy, or vegetative, depending on where it’s grown.

With each product, coffee and chocolate, these aren’t infused after processing, nor are these tastes overpowering, but instead such flavors can be subtly detected with a discerning palate.

But, as we all know, coffee and chocolate aren’t exactly the same, so what makes these two decadent delights different?

1- Vitamin And Mineral Content

Coffee and chocolate have a variety of nutrients to offer, with coffee actually providing more fiber than chocolate.
Coffee also contains a greater amount of vitamin B12 than chocolate.

On the other hand, chocolate contains more copper, iron, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc than coffee.

And obviously, coffee contains much less saturated fat than chocolate, with coffee coming in at only .002 grams of saturated fat per serving while chocolate contains a whopping 18.52 grams.

2- Preparation Methods

While the growing and processing of coffee and chocolate are very similar, preparing each of these treats is vastly different.

We’re all coffee connoisseurs here, so we know that our beloved beans are ground and then brewed in water.

Chocolate, however, is made from processed cocoa beans that have been made into a paste prior to being mixed with a variety of ingredients including sugar, milk, other solids, emulsifiers, as well as any number of flavors.

3- Differing Tastes

Chocolate comes in several varieties, including bittersweet, dark, milk, and white chocolate.

Most agree that white chocolate is in an entirely different category than milk, dark, and bittersweet as this is a substance made from cocoa butter.

White chocolate is by far the sweetest of chocolates.

Milk chocolate is indeed made from cocoa, but milk, sugar, and other solids, etc. are used here as well.

Milk chocolate may not seem quite as sweet as white chocolate, but it still packs a sweet punch.

Dark chocolate is commonly considered purer than milk and white chocolate as it is noticeably less sweet. It is also typically only made from chocolate liquor (a thick paste of cocoa solids and cocoa butter) and sugar.

Bittersweet, or extra dark chocolate, as its name suggests is quite bitter, made from 66% cacao or higher.

Coffee also has differing tastes, and these often are noticed in roasting times.

We mentioned in the section above that flavor profiles differ in both coffee and chocolate, depending on growing regions, but here, we’re speaking of how roasting times and temps can slightly alter the overall bitterness of a brew.

Light roasts typically boast the most noticeable flavors of the bean’s growing region and are slightly more acidic.

Medium roasts are roasted longer, and have a more complex and slightly sweet taste.

And, darker coffee roasts are roasted even longer (and sometimes hotter), which allows for a greater amount of bitterness, with a caramelized taste and full body.

Everything Chocolate And Coffee

We covered why and how chocolate and coffee pair so wonderfully together, examining the ways these two tastes are alike.

Then, we looked at how these two treats may complement each other, looking at a few ways these fan faves are different.

Now let’s get down to business and explore some truly tasty coffee and chocolate combos…

1- Mochas

A mocha incorporates deeply dark roasted coffee, brewed at ultra-high temperatures, under pressure.

Anyone know what type of coffee we’re referring to?

If you said espresso, you’re a winner!

To make a true mocha, you add chocolate syrup to a freshly pulled shot of espresso, topped with steamed milk.

Though an espresso does utilize very darkly roasted coffee, the process incorporated in brewing allows for a cancellation of the typical bitterness of coffee, resulting in a noticeably smooth sweetness.

With a mocha, the sweet and bitter chocolate pairs perfectly to complement the sweetness of the espresso.

2- Black Coffee, Deeply Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate, very dark chocolate, such as 70% cacao, pairs well with dark roasted coffee, generally served hot, as the bitter and sweet notes between the two create that harmony we detailed in our introduction today.

“The bitter nuances in the coffee and the sweetness of the chocolate will round off the combination just perfectly.”

3- Make It Interesting

If you like sweet and savory pairings, you’ll love this one!

One tip for bringing out the best in both (coffee and chocolate) is to try complementary flavors, such as sweet and salty.

For example, consider a coffee roast with sweet notes, paired with dark chocolate covered nuts.

And, since this option contains a bit of crunch, consider freshly brewed java.

Then, while these pairings may not be as “interesting,” also consider the following:

• Pair a smooth and mellow roast with a crunchy, but sweetly unique chocolate and nut combo such as chocolate covered pistachios.
• If you’re looking for sweet on sweet, try a white or milk chocolate covered fruit (like strawberries) paired with a bold, dark roast.
• If you’re a fan of exotic coffees, such as something from our Lifeboost Luxe line, consider pairing these with a classic dark chocolate.
• Oh, and if you’re a tried-and-true iced coffee or cold brew fanatic (like me), no matter your roast selection, a chilled brew often pairs best with a soft and moist chocolate choice, such as a lighter chocolate cake, mousse, or pie.

4- Cookies And Coffee

There are countless varieties of cookies, but one generally stands out above the rest - the classic chocolate chip cookie!

Chocolate chip cookies typically incorporate bittersweet chocolate, and this harmonizes with a bit of bite from your brew, so consider pairing this classic treat with an Americano, which is made with a bold espresso, tamed with the addition of hot water.

An Americano boasts some sharpness, and this complements the sweet but bitter chocolate well here.

But, if you stumble across a chocolate chip cookie that takes confection to the next level, incorporating sweet milk chocolate instead of bittersweet chunks, consider pairing such a treat with a classic roast, such as Lifeboost Medium Roast Coffee as this will provide a more balanced taste.

5- Let Them Eat Cake…With Coffee

When it comes to an intensely rich, deeply dark, and decadent slice of chocolate cake, espresso is most commonly the way to go when it comes to pairings.

While a dark chocolate cake won’t boast as much bitterness as a 70% cacao bar of chocolate, this confection still comes with a richness that is best paralleled with the bold, but incredibly smooth, flavors in a perfectly pulled shot (or two) of espresso.

A Few Coffee And Chocolate Must-Try Recipes

1- Must Have Mocha

If you’re a purist, you’ll quickly detect, upon viewing the recipe below, that we’ve strayed a bit from tradition here.

A true mocha is made with espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate syrup. But, since some folks prefer other coffee roasts, we decided to share a simple recipe that anyone can make using their preferred brew…including some flavored selections (see tips below)!

Ingredients

• 8 ounces freshly brewed Lifeboost Medium (or Dark) Roast Coffee
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

• Pour hot coffee into your favorite mug.
• Stir in cocoa, sugar, and milk until well combined, and enjoy!

*A few of our flavored selections would certainly work well in this recipe too, for a slight twist on those typical coffee and chocolate flavor pairings, including:

• Lifeboost S’mores Coffee: for a deeper chocolate flavor with a hint of marshmallow and graham cracker sweetness
• Lifeboost Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel Coffee: for an intensely rich and smooth sweetness to further enhance the cocoa flavors in the mocha
• Lifeboost Double Dark Mocha Coffee: for a deep mocha flavor, essentially a double mocha
• Lifeboost White Chocolate Mocha: for a classic twist on the traditional mocha
• Lifeboost Chocolate Covered Orange Coffee: for a hint of citrus that complements the bitter notes in both the cocoa and the coffee, while also enhancing the sweetness in the mocha

2- Coffee Chocolate Cake

Do you ever sit down with a decadent piece of chocolate cake and a warm mug of bold, delicious coffee and think to yourself - how could life get any better than this?

Well, life just got better!

This recipe intensifies the rich flavors of a traditional chocolate cake by adding freshly brewed, hot coffee in both the cake and the frosting…that’s right, an intensely flavorful, decadent, and moist chocolate cake made with coffee!

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 1 ¾ cup flour
• 2 cups sugar
• ¾ cup cocoa powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup liquid coconut oil (or avocado oil)
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla
• 1 cup freshly brewed (strongly brewed for best flavor) Lifeboost Dark Roast Coffee

For the frosting:

• 2 ⅔ cup powdered sugar
• ⅔ cup cocoa powder
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¼ cup freshly brewed Lifeboost Dark Roast Coffee

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Grease the bottom of two 9-inch round cake pans and set aside.
• Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl and whisk to combine.
• Add eggs, milk, and vanilla to the dry mixture, and slowly stir until just combined.
• Add hot coffee and stir just until mixed (a few lumps are fine).
• Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans, then bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean.
• Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for approximately 15 minutes, then turn upside down onto a cooling rack. Flip the cakes over (right side up) and allow them to finish cooling prior to frosting.
• To make the frosting, combine powdered sugar, cocoa, and softened butter in a medium sized bowl and mix on low.
• As the mixture begins to incorporate, gradually add in the hot coffee, one tablespoon at a time. *You may find that you do not need the full amount of coffee.
• Gradually increase the mixing speed until all ingredients are combined and the icing is smooth and silky.
• Frost the bottom layer of the cake, then top with the second layer and finish frosting.

Check out Lifeboost Coffee Double Dark Mocha.

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