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Elle Cresswell

Smokehouse Coffee-Rubbed Burgers with Dr Pepper Glaze

These burgers are coated in a bold, spiced coffee rub that transforms ordinary beef into something seriously memorable. The coffee doesn’t dominate — instead, it deepens the natural richness of the meat, creating a dark, smoky crust with layers of warmth, subtle spice and steakhouse-style depth. The result is a burger that feels indulgent, unexpected and completely unforgettable.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Main Course
Calories: 540
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

Smokehouse Coffee Rub
  • A dark smoky blend designed to deepen the flavour of the beef and create a beautifully seasoned crust.
  • 1½ tbsp finely ground coffee
  • ½ tbsp sea salt
  • ½ tbsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tbsp soft brown sugar
  • ½ tbsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • ½ tbsp onion powder
  • ½ tbsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tbsp ground coriander
Dr Pepper & Roasted Coffee Barbecue Sauce
  • Sweet smoky and slow-cooked until glossy with layers of caramel, spice and gentle roasted bitterness.
  • 2 tbsp salted butter
  • ½ yellow onion finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves roughly chopped
  • 120 ml tomato ketchup
  • 1½ tbsp tomato purée
  • 170 ml Dr Pepper
  • 60 ml apple cider vinegar
  • 2½ tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 60 g soft dark brown sugar packed
  • 1 tsp ancho chilli powder
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • ¼ tsp cracked black pepper
  • 3 tbsp freshly brewed coffee
For the Burgers
  • Thick juicy burgers built for serious flavour.
  • 900 g Angus beef mince 85/15 fat ratio
  • 2 tbsp double cream or substitute with extra barbecue sauce for an even smokier finish*
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
To build:
  • Soft toasted brioche buns or warm pretzel buns
  • Crisp green leaf lettuce or peppery rocket
  • 8 rashers streaky bacon cooked until golden and crisp
Optional extras:
  • Mature cheddar
  • Crispy onions
  • Pickled jalapeños
  • Extra warm Dr Pepper barbecue sauce for serving

Method
 

Prepare the Coffee Rub
  1. Add all of the coffee rub ingredients to a small bowl and mix thoroughly with a fork until evenly combined.
  2. Set aside — this aromatic blend is what gives the burgers their deep smoky character and rich steakhouse finish.
Make the Dr Pepper & Coffee BBQ Sauce
  1. Place a saucepan over medium heat and melt the butter.
  2. Add the diced onion and cook gently for 6–8 minutes until softened, sweet and translucent. Stir through the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the remaining barbecue sauce ingredients and stir until fully combined.
  4. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and cook slowly for around 20 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and develop into a thick, glossy finish.
  5. Transfer to a blender or food processor and blend until completely smooth.
  6. Set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the burgers.
Prepare the Burgers
  1. Add the Angus beef, cream, salt and black pepper to a large mixing bowl.
  2. Using your hands, gently combine until everything is evenly incorporated — enough to hold together, but not so much that the burgers become dense.
  3. Divide into 6 equal portions (approximately 150g each).
  4. Shape into thick burger patties and press a shallow thumbprint into the centre of each one. This small indentation helps the burgers stay flatter as they cook and creates a more even finish.
  5. Generously coat both sides of each burger with the coffee rub, pressing lightly so the seasoning adheres.
Grill & Toast
  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates if needed.
  2. Cook the burgers for approximately 5 minutes per side, adjusting slightly depending on thickness and your preferred doneness.
  3. During the final minute of cooking, toast the buns cut-side down until lightly golden and warm.
Build the Ultimate Burger
  1. Spread a generous layer of Dr Pepper & coffee barbecue sauce over both toasted buns.
  2. Layer the bottom bun with crisp lettuce, followed by the hot coffee-rubbed burger.
  3. Add another spoonful of barbecue sauce, crown with crisp bacon and finish with the toasted top bun.
  4. Serve immediately while the sauce is warm and the burger is at its juiciest.
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