Espresso Brownies Recipe
If you adore rich, decadent treats with a little kick of bold flavor, then these Espresso Brownies are about to become your new obsession. Imagine biting into fudgy, gooey brownies that have a shiny, crinkly top and a deep espresso flavor that perfectly complements the chocolatey richness. These brownies strike the ideal balance between velvety sweetness and an invigorating coffee undertone, making them a spectacular dessert to share or savor solo. The best part? They’re delightfully easy to whip up, ensuring you’ll have crowd-pleasing delights ready in just over an hour. Let’s dive into this detailed guide to get these luscious espresso brownies from your kitchen to your tasting plate!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to achieving those fudgy, flavorful espresso brownies. Each component plays an important role—whether it’s the browned butter adding rich nuttiness, the instant espresso powering the coffee punch, or the mix of sugars creating that perfect sweetness and texture.
- Granulated sugar (130 g): Gives sweetness and helps create a chewy texture.
- Dark brown sugar (130 g): Adds moisture and a subtle molasses depth to the brownies.
- Large eggs, room temperature (3): Bind everything together while contributing to the fudgy consistency.
- Butter (120 g): Browning it intensifies its nutty flavor, enhancing the overall richness.
- Semi-sweet dark chocolate chips (75 g + extra 75 g): Melted into the batter for chocolate depth, with extra chips folded in for gooey bursts of chocolate.
- Vegetable oil (70 g): Keeps brownies moist and tender, balancing out the butter.
- Vanilla extract (1 ½ teaspoon): Subtly enhances all the other flavors.
- All-purpose flour (75 g): Provides structure without making the brownies cakey.
- Unsweetened Dutch cocoa powder (35 g): Bloomed in browned butter for rich chocolate flavor and velvety color.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Helps create that perfect tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Instant espresso powder (2 tablespoon): Delivers the signature bold and aromatic espresso flavor in these brownies.
- Salt (½ teaspoon) plus a sprinkle of sea salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors beautifully.
How to Make Espresso Brownies
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 160ºC (325ºF) for a conventional oven. Line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper to ensure your espresso brownies come out cleanly and effortlessly. This prep sets the foundation for perfectly cooked, fudgy brownies.
Step 2: Brown the Butter
In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter and continue cooking it until it turns a rich golden brown and develops those irresistible nutty aromas—this usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Don’t rush this step; those brown bits at the bottom are packed with flavor and should be scraped into your mixing bowl for maximum taste impact.
Step 3: Mix in Cocoa and Chocolate
Once your butter is browned, stir in the cocoa powder to “bloom” it, unlocking deep chocolate flavor and X exquisite aroma. Adding the semi-sweet chocolate chips to the warm butter mixture will melt them perfectly, creating a luscious, glossy base that’s both fragrant and addictive.
Step 4: Sift Dry Ingredients
While the butter mixture cools slightly, sift together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, instant espresso powder, and salt. Sifting ensures no clumps and evenly distributes the espresso flavor throughout your brownies, so every bite has that vibrant coffee essence.
Step 5: Whisk Eggs and Sugars
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs alongside the granulated and dark brown sugars using an electric mixer. Beat vigorously for about 4 minutes, until the mixture lightens and becomes fluffy. This aeration is what helps give the brownies their tender crumb without weighing them down.
Step 6: Combine Wet Ingredients
To your fluffy egg-sugar mixture, add the melted butter and chocolate blend, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined. This step unites the luscious components that make espresso brownies irresistibly moist and fudgy.
Step 7: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Chocolate Chips
Switch your mixer to the lowest speed and gently add the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter. Scrape down the bowl and fold in the extra chocolate chips carefully to add occasional melty pockets of chocolate throughout the brownies.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know your espresso brownies are done when the edges are set, but the center still looks slightly soft—this ensures fudginess. Let cool completely before slicing, then finish with a light sprinkle of sea salt to contrast the sweetness beautifully.
How to Serve Espresso Brownies
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate the espresso brownies to a stunning presentation. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt intensifies the chocolate and coffee flavors, while a dusting of cocoa powder or powdered sugar adds a delicate, elegant look. For a decadent touch, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the warm, fudgy texture.
Side Dishes
Espresso brownies are rich enough to shine solo, but they also make an excellent companion to fresh berries, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a spoonful of creamy mascarpone. For coffee lovers, serve alongside a steaming cup of espresso or a latte to echo the brownie’s deep coffee notes and complete the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress friends by cutting espresso brownies into bite-sized squares and arranging them on a dessert platter with varying toppings such as chopped nuts, drizzled chocolate, or mini marshmallows. Layer them in parfait glasses with whipped cream and espresso-soaked ladyfingers for a brownie tiramisu twist. For casual settings, wrap individual brownies in parchment with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your espresso brownies, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them moist and perfectly fudgy. If your kitchen is particularly warm, storing them in the fridge is fine but allow them to come back to room temperature before enjoying to restore their softness.
Freezing
Espresso brownies freeze beautifully. Wrap each brownie tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months without losing their signature fudgy texture. When ready to eat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours.
Reheating
To bring your espresso brownies back to fresh-baked bliss, warm them gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. This melts any chocolate chips inside, making each bite gooey and irresistible—almost like they’ve just come out of the oven again. Pair with a scoop of ice cream for an extra special treat!
FAQs
Can I use regular brewed espresso instead of instant espresso powder?
While brewed espresso adds great flavor, instant espresso powder is preferred here because it dissolves completely without adding extra moisture. It ensures a consistent, bold coffee flavor in every bite without changing the batter’s texture.
How do I know when the espresso brownies are perfectly baked?
Look for set edges and a slightly soft center that doesn’t wobble excessively when nudged. The shiny, crinkly top is a good visual cue, and a toothpick inserted near the edges should come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter. This guarantees fudgy, not dry, brownies.
Can I substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips with another type?
Absolutely! Feel free to try bittersweet, milk, or even white chocolate chips depending on your preference. Just be aware that white chocolate will change the flavor profile and sweetness notably, so adjust sugar if necessary.
Is it necessary to brown the butter, or can I just melt it?
Browning the butter is a game changer here, adding a deep, nutty undertone that really lifts the brownies’ flavor. Simply melting the butter works but won’t provide the same complexity or richness that makes these espresso brownies stand out.
Can I make these espresso brownies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best texture. The cornstarch also helps keep the brownies tender. The fudgy, intense flavor will still shine through nicely.
Final Thoughts
I truly believe these espresso brownies will become one of your favorite go-to treats whenever you want something that’s indulgent yet packed with amazing flavor. They combine the best of chocolate and coffee in a supremely fudgy, shiny-topped package that’s actually easy to make! So grab your ingredients, embrace that brownie batter, and get ready to wow your friends, family, or just treat yourself to these luscious bites of joy.
