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To make chocolate espresso brownies, you need some key ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks) - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 cup brown sugar, packed - 4 large eggs - 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon sea salt - 2 tablespoons brewed espresso (or very strong coffee) - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips Choosing high-quality cocoa and chocolate chips is very important. They add rich flavor and depth to the brownies. Look for cocoa powder that is dark and unsweetened. Quality chocolate chips will melt perfectly, giving you gooey pockets of chocolate in every bite. You can add walnuts for a nice crunch. They also enhance the flavor of the brownies. If you like, chop them finely and fold them into the batter. For extra taste, consider adding sea salt flakes on top before baking. This gives a sweet and salty contrast that many people love. You can also explore other flavor enhancers like orange zest or a hint of mint. These can make your brownies unique and exciting. {{ingredient_image_2}} Preheating your oven is key. Set it to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures even baking. Choose a 9x13 inch baking pan. You can grease it with butter or use parchment paper. Parchment paper helps you lift the brownies out easily. Greasing works too, but may leave some behind. Melt 1 cup of unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once it melts, remove it from the heat. Add 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of packed brown sugar. Mix until smooth. Next, crack 4 large eggs into the mixture, one at a time. Stir after each egg until it looks glossy. Add 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of brewed espresso. Mix well to combine all the flavors. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of sea salt. This ensures even distribution of the dry ingredients. Gently fold the dry mix into the wet mix. Be careful here; overmixing can make the brownies tough. The batter should still be a bit lumpy. Now, fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and ½ cup of finely chopped walnuts, if you choose to add them. This adds texture and flavor to your brownies. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool in the pan for 20 minutes. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. To keep your brownies fudgy, mix the wet and dry ingredients gently. Overmixing can make them cake-like. Use a spatula to fold the batter, leaving it slightly lumpy. This keeps the brownies rich and moist. For cooling, let the brownies sit in the pan for 20 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack. This step allows air to circulate. It helps maintain moisture, so your brownies stay soft inside. Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them fresh for about four days. If you want them to last longer, freeze them. Wrap each brownie in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They will stay good for up to three months. When ready to eat, let the brownies thaw at room temperature. You can also warm them slightly in the microwave. This makes them taste just like fresh-baked brownies again! Pro Tips Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for richer flavor and better melting properties. Don’t Overmix: To maintain a fudgy texture, mix the batter until just combined; lumps are okay! Cooling is Key: Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting for cleaner, more defined edges. Experiment with Add-ins: Try adding different nuts or swapping in dark chocolate chips for a deeper chocolate experience. {{image_4}} You can easily change the taste of your chocolate espresso brownies. Here are some ideas: - Mint: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the batter. This gives a fresh kick. - Orange Zest: Grate some orange peel into the mix for a bright, citrusy flavor. - Gluten-Free: Use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. This makes the recipe suitable for those avoiding gluten. These variations let you have fun with flavors. Each option brings a new twist to this classic treat. Serving your brownies well makes them even more tempting. Here are some creative ways to present them: - With Ice Cream: Serve warm brownies with a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream. The cold creaminess pairs perfectly with the rich brownie. - Toppings: Drizzle melted chocolate or caramel on top. Sprinkle some sea salt flakes for a sweet-salty contrast. - Plating: Cut brownies into neat squares. Place them on a white plate for a nice contrast. Add some fresh berries or mint leaves for color. These presentation ideas will impress your guests. A little effort in serving can make your brownies look even more delicious! To enjoy chocolate espresso brownies fully, pair them with the right drinks. A cup of hot coffee works great. The rich espresso in the brownies complements the coffee's bold flavor. You can also try a creamy cappuccino. The milk foam adds a nice touch. If you prefer tea, a strong black tea can balance the sweetness too. For wine lovers, a glass of red wine makes a lovely match. Look for a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. Their fruity notes and tannins pair well with the chocolate. You might also enjoy a sweet dessert wine like Port. It enhances the brownie’s espresso flavor, creating a cozy experience. Brownies are perfect for any celebration. During the holidays, serve them with festive touches. Try adding crushed candy canes for a minty twist. For Halloween, top brownies with orange icing or sprinkles for a fun look. You can customize toppings for special occasions too. During birthdays, add a scoop of ice cream on top. Drizzle with chocolate sauce or caramel for an extra treat. For a summer picnic, serve brownies with fresh berries. They add color and a refreshing taste. Always think about how to make your presentation special and fun! To keep your brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a sheet of wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep them at room temperature for up to four days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. If you want to save them for later, freeze individual squares. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can last for three months in the freezer. Yes, you can make these brownies a day in advance. Once they cool, store them in an airtight container. This allows the flavors to meld and improves the taste. If you want to serve them warm, you can reheat individual squares in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just make sure they don’t get too hot, or they may lose their fudgy texture. If you don't have espresso, you can use strong brewed coffee instead. Just brew a cup using twice the normal amount of coffee grounds. You can also use instant coffee mixed with hot water. For a caffeine-free option, try using decaffeinated coffee or even a coffee-flavored extract. These substitutes will still give you a rich flavor in your brownies. Making chocolate espresso brownies is fun and rewarding. Use high-quality cocoa and chocolate chips for the best flavor. Optional ingredients like walnuts add crunch, while sea salt enhances taste. Follow the steps carefully for perfect texture. Don’t forget to preheat your oven, mix well, and avoid overmixing. Store brownies properly to keep them fresh. Try creative flavors and drinks to pair with your brownies. Enjoy baking and share your tasty treats with friends and family. A great brownie always brings smiles!

Decadent Chocolate Espresso Brownies

Rich and fudgy brownies infused with espresso and chocolate, perfect for chocolate lovers.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons brewed espresso
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 0.5 cup walnuts, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by either greasing it generously with butter or lining it with parchment paper to facilitate easy brownie removal.
  • In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, remove from the heat source and mix in both the granulated sugar and packed brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  • Crack the eggs into the saucepan one at a time, thoroughly mixing after each addition until the mixture is glossy. Stir in the pure vanilla extract and the brewed espresso, ensuring they are well incorporated into the batter.
  • In a separate mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and sea salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until evenly distributed.
  • Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful to avoid overmixing; the batter should remain slightly lumpy.
  • Carefully fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and the chopped walnuts if you are using them, ensuring an even distribution throughout the batter.
  • Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan, using a spatula to spread it out evenly to the corners.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, indicating a fudgy texture (avoid testing for completely clean).
  • Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes. Then, gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting.
  • Once fully cooled, slice into squares to serve.

Notes

For an elevated presentation, lightly dust the brownies with powdered sugar before serving. Pair each square with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.
Keyword brownies, chocolate, dessert, espresso