By Deanna Bey
Summer Moon Coffee has built a loyal following around its oak-roasted coffee and famous sweet cream, Moon Milk. The coffee shop originally started in Texas, and its old-school roasting style gives the drinks a richer, smoother flavor than many standard coffee chains. Be sure to check out their two locations in Wake Forest.
Buffaloe Bend, Raleigh
A cozy favorite for families and neighbors, the Buffaloe Bend location in Raleigh is just minutes from the Neuse River Greenway Trail, Buffaloe Road Athletic Park, and I-540. The location features free wi-fi, a drive-thru, and pet-friendly outdoor seating.
Heritage, Wake Forest
This location has a cozy neighborhood feel, tucked into the Heritage area of Wake Forest. It is popular with students, remote workers, and locals grabbing coffee before errands. The inside has comfortable seating, plenty of outlets, and that steady coffeehouse soundtrack of espresso machines and low conversation.
Grove 98, Wake Forest
The Grove 98 spot in Wake Forest feels a little more modern and airy while still keeping that laid-back coffeehouse energy. Locals love the outdoor seating, especially on cooler mornings when the air smells like rain and espresso. It’s also pet-friendly, so there is usually at least one happy dog stretched out beside a patio table like a tiny furry regular customer.
The Oak-Roasted Coffee Difference
Summer Moon does not roast its beans the typical way. Instead of modern gas roasting, the company uses hand-built brick roasters fueled by Texas oak wood. The process yields a smoother, lower-acid coffee with a deeper roasted flavor.
Their roasting style has become part coffee science, part campfire folklore. Fans describe the flavor as bold but balanced, with a smoky smoothness that makes even simple drip coffee taste a little more interesting.
The Drink Everyone Talks About
The customer favorite is easily the Summer Moon Latte, made with their signature Moon Milk sweet cream. The drink has a creamy, slightly caramel-like sweetness that keeps people coming back again and again. The Iced Matcha Moon Latte and Mocha Moon Latte also have pretty devoted fan clubs.
For many regulars, Moon Milk is the real star of the show. It turns ordinary coffee into something that tastes halfway between a latte and dessert, without tipping fully into sugar-bomb territory. Think cozy coffee shop meets melted vanilla ice cream in the best possible way.
Peanut Butter Cup Brownie
Recipe
Brownies:
2 eggs
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
4 ounces milk chocolate chips (approximately 1/2 cup)
5 Tbsp butter
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 cup flour, heaping
Pinch of salt
Peanut Butter Cup Topping:
3 heaping tablespoons of creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup powdered sugar
Icing:
1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
1 Tbsp butter
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper or nonstick foil.
Cream sugars and eggs. Melt the butter and chocolate chips in the microwave for 30 seconds. Stir. Microwave for 20 additional seconds if needed. Add extract. Stir. Mix the chocolate mixture into the egg mixture. Add the flour and salt. Mix well.
Pour into prepared pan.
Prepare peanut butter cup topping:
Mix well, then add by spoonfuls to the top of the brownies (before baking). Bake for 55 minutes or until baked through.
Icing Instructions:
Melt in the microwave for 30 seconds. Stir. Spread over the baked, cooled brownies.
The Moon Latte is the perfect match for a peanut butter cup brownie, thanks to its smooth, creamy sweetness and rich coffee flavor. Paired together, the combination feels cozy and decadent, blending chocolate and roasted peanut butter into a dessert-and-coffee duo that is hard to resist.
Summer Moon locations:
• 7340 Buffaloe Road, Raleigh
• 3600 Rogers Branch Road, Suite 104, Wake Forest
• 11108 Ligon Mill Road, Suite 140, Wake Forest
