Why Make This Recipe
Espresso brownies are a delightful treat for any chocolate lover. They combine the rich taste of chocolate with the bold flavor of espresso, making them perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up or a special dessert. With this easy recipe, you can bring a little cafe magic into your home and impress your friends and family with your baking skills.
How to Make Espresso Brownies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate morsels
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons espresso powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons espresso powder
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate covered espresso beans (chopped, optional)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper. Set it aside.
- In a medium saucepan or pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, remove it from heat and stir in the chocolate chips and sugar until the chocolate is melted.
- Add the eggs one at a time, stirring completely after each addition. Then add in the vanilla extract.
- Add the cocoa powder, flour, salt, baking powder, and espresso powder. Using large strokes, stir just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 40-45 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool completely before adding the frosting.
- For the frosting, beat the softened butter for 3 minutes until pale in color, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add the powdered sugar, espresso powder, and milk. Beat until fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Spread the frosting over the cooled brownies and sprinkle the top with crushed espresso beans.
How to Serve Espresso Brownies
Cut the brownies into squares and serve them on a plate. You can enjoy them as they are, or with a scoop of ice cream on the side for extra indulgence. They also pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee for a delicious afternoon treat.
How to Store Espresso Brownies
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can refrigerate them, where they will last about a week. Just make sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Tips to Make Espresso Brownies
- Make sure the butter is melted properly to avoid lumps in the batter.
- Do not overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients; this keeps the brownies fudgy.
- For an extra espresso kick, add more espresso powder to the frosting.
Variation
You can add nuts or chocolate chips to the brownie batter for more texture. If you’re not a fan of espresso, feel free to leave it out or substitute it with instant coffee powder.
FAQs
Can I make espresso brownies without espresso powder?
Yes, you can replace it with instant coffee granules or simply omit it if you prefer.
Can I freeze espresso brownies?
Yes, you can freeze them. Wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
What can I use instead of butter in the frosting?
You can use cream cheese or margarine as a substitute for butter in the frosting. Just note that the taste and texture may slightly change.
