Luscious Espresso Brownies Recipe for Sweet Caffeine Bliss

When chocolate meets coffee in these decadent espresso brownies, magic happens in the kitchen.

Rich, fudgy layers packed with intense coffee flavor will make your taste buds dance.

The espresso adds a deep, complex note that takes classic brownies to another level.

Dark and velvety, these brownies promise an indulgent experience for serious chocolate lovers.

Each bite combines the deep warmth of coffee with the luxurious smoothness of chocolate.

Bold espresso powder intensifies the chocolate’s natural richness, creating an irresistible dessert.

You won’t be able to stop at just one of these intensely delicious treats.

Dive into this recipe and let the aroma of coffee-infused chocolate tempt you.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30-45 minutes

Total Time: 45-60 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 17

Ingredients for Espresso Brownies

• Unsalted Butter: Provides rich, velvety texture and deep flavor foundation for brownies, selecting high-quality butter enhances overall taste.
• Light Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Creates caramel-like sweetness and contributes to fudgy brownie consistency, choose pure cane sugars for best results.
• Eggs: Binding agent that adds structure and creates luxurious silky mouthfeel, use fresh room-temperature eggs for optimal incorporation.
• Brewed Espresso: Intensifies chocolate depth and adds sophisticated coffee undertone, opt for freshly brewed strong espresso.
• Vanilla Extract: Amplifies chocolate flavors and adds complex aromatic notes, select pure vanilla extract over imitation versions.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structural integrity and tender crumb, sifting ensures smooth batter without lumps.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers intense chocolate character, Dutch-processed cocoa recommended for deeper color and richer taste.
• Espresso Powder: Enhances chocolate richness and adds subtle coffee complexity, use high-quality finely ground powder.
• Kosher Salt: Balances sweetness and elevates overall flavor profile, prevents flat-tasting brownies.

• Parchment Paper: Creates easy removal and prevents sticking, trimming to pan size ensures perfect edges.
• Vegetable Oil Spray: Ensures smooth pan release and prevents brownie attachment, light coating recommended.

Equipment Checklist for Espresso Brownies

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining wet and dry ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending sugar, eggs, and creating a smooth, light batter.
• 8×8 inch baking pan: Ideal size for achieving the right brownie thickness.
• Parchment paper: Creates an easy lift-out method and prevents sticking.
• Vegetable oil spray: Helps parchment paper adhere and prevents brownie edges from burning.
• Knife or toothpick: Helps check brownies' doneness by testing center's moisture.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities for perfect brownies.

Instructions for Baking Espresso Brownies

• Caffeine Kick Preparation

Set up your kitchen workspace with all necessary baking tools and create a cozy baking atmosphere.

• Liquid Gold Blending

Combine melted butter with sugars in a large bowl, whisking until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.

• Egg Symphony

Incorporate eggs gradually, creating a light and airy batter that transforms into a silky mixture with gentle, consistent whisking.

• Flavor Infusion

Add rich espresso and vanilla, stirring until the batter develops a deep, complex aroma.

• Dry Ingredient Harmony

Gently fold in cocoa, flour, espresso powder, and salt, mixing just until ingredients are incorporated without overmixing.

• Pan Transformation

Create a parchment paper cradle for your brownies, lightly spraying the pan to ensure easy removal.

• Baking Magic

Pour batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly and baking until the center is almost set with a slight wobble.

• Cooling Ritual

Allow brownies to cool completely, letting flavors meld and texture settle into decadent perfection.

• Serving Celebration

Cut into luxurious squares and enjoy the intense espresso-chocolate experience within a few days of baking.

Tips to Max Out Espresso Brownie Flavor

• Melt cream cheese with a touch of powdered sugar and swirl into the brownie batter before baking for a tangy, creamy surprise.
• Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing rich texture.
• Fold in chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips into the batter for extra chocolate chunks and deeper cocoa notes.
• Sprinkle chopped toasted almonds or pecans on top of the brownies before baking to introduce a delightful textural contrast and nutty undertone.

Presenting Your Espresso Brownies

• Coffee Shop Companion: Serve these rich espresso brownies alongside a steaming cappuccino or latte for an indulgent cafe-style dessert experience.
• Decadent Dessert Plating: Dust the brownies with powdered sugar, add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, and drizzle with chocolate sauce for an elegant presentation that elevates the simple treat.
• Gifting Gourmet: Wrap individual brownies in parchment paper, tie with a rustic twine, and create a beautiful homemade gift package perfect for coffee lovers and sweet treat enthusiasts.
• Make-Ahead Party Treat: Cut brownies into bite-sized squares and arrange on a decorative platter for easy sharing at gatherings, potlucks, or afternoon tea parties.

Storing Espresso Brownies for Freshness

• Fridge-Fresh Strategy: Keep brownies in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain moisture and prevent drying out. Layer between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Slice brownies into individual portions before freezing. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for soft, delicious results.
• Counter-Top Comfort: Enjoy brownies within 2-3 days for optimal taste and texture. Room temperature storage works best when kept away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent potential staleness.
• Moisture-Lock Technique: Place a small piece of bread in the storage container to help maintain softness. The bread absorbs excess moisture, keeping brownies tender and preventing them from becoming dry or crumbly.

Rich Espresso Brownies

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 45-60 minutes
• Yield: 17 1x

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Description

Indulgent espresso brownies merge rich chocolate with intense coffee notes for a sophisticated dessert. Coffee-loving bakers can craft these deeply flavorful treats with simple ingredients and minimal kitchen effort.

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Ingredients

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• 1 ½ cups unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted (226 g / 8 oz)
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 ½ cups light brown sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour (90 g / 3.2 oz)
• ¼ cup brewed espresso
• 2 tsps vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp espresso powder
• ½ tsp kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Create a parchment paper liner for the baking pan, extending slightly over the edges. Lightly spray with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
2. Mixing Base: Combine melted butter with brown and granulated sugars, whisking until smooth and fully integrated. Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly to create a glossy, rich mixture.
3. Flavor Infusion: Blend in brewed espresso and vanilla extract, ensuring complete incorporation. Gently fold in cocoa powder, flour, espresso powder, and kosher salt, mixing carefully to maintain a light batter consistency.
4. Baking Process: Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 30-45 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a knife near the center – it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
5. Cooling and Serving: Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan, setting the texture. Use parchment paper edges to lift and remove from the pan. Cut into desired portions and store in an airtight container for optimal freshness, consuming within 2-3 days.

Notes

• Precision Matters: Create a perfectly fitted parchment paper sling for seamless brownie removal and clean cutting.
• Whisk with Purpose: Beat the mixture thoroughly to develop a luxurious, signature crinkly top that defines great brownies.
• Espresso Enhancement: The coffee elements intensify chocolate depth, creating a more complex and rich flavor profile.
• Gentle Folding Technique: Mix dry ingredients minimally to maintain a tender, fudgy brownie texture and prevent tough results.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 17
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 35 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg