Espresso Brownies Recipe with Rich Dark Chocolate

There’s something about the deep chocolate flavor of a brownie that makes it one of those irresistible treats. But what if you could take that indulgent chocolate dessert to the next level? Let me introduce you to my espresso brownies recipe. It’s a magical combination of chocolate and coffee that will instantly transform your basic brownie into a rich, flavorful masterpiece.

If you’ve ever sipped a cup of coffee and thought, “This would taste amazing in a brownie,” then you’re absolutely right. Adding espresso to brownies doesn’t just give them coffee flavor, it enhances the chocolatey richness in the most delightful way. Think of it as a little secret ingredient that makes the chocolate taste even deeper and more intense. The result is a decadent dessert with a kick of coffee that’s perfect for those who love both their chocolate and their caffeine.

Now, I know you’re probably wondering, how much espresso do you need for this magical espresso brownies recipe? Well, the amount you use can make a huge difference. You don’t want to overwhelm the chocolate, but you also want enough coffee flavor to really shine through. Usually, a couple of shots of espresso is just the right amount. But you can always adjust depending on how bold you like your coffee flavor. And if you’re not a coffee person, don’t worry, this recipe is still super delicious without caffeine. 

Whether you’re making these espresso brownies for a special occasion or just to treat yourself (because let’s face it, you deserve it!), this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household. It’s easy, simple, and oh-so-delicious. So, let’s dive into how you can whip up these irresistible brownies in no time!

What Does Adding Espresso Do to Brownies?

So, why add espresso to brownies in the first place? Espresso isn’t there to make the brownies more appealing to coffee lovers. Instead, it works its magic by enhancing the flavor of the chocolate. Coffee, especially espresso, brings out the bittersweet chocolate notes that might otherwise be overlooked. Think of it like adding a pinch of salt to a sweet treat. It doesn’t make the treat taste salty, but it elevates the flavors and creates a more balanced dessert.

Adding espresso also gives your brownies a more complex, slightly bitter edge, which contrasts wonderfully with the sweetness of the chocolate. It adds a sophisticated twist to a lot of brownie recipes, and it’s perfect for those moments when you want something that feels a little more gourmet but is still super easy to make.

How Many Shots of Espresso Are in Brownies?

In this decadent espresso brownies recipe, you’ll want to use two to four shots of espresso. This amount is just enough to get the strong coffee flavor without overpowering the chocolate. If you’re worried that four shots might be too much, don’t stress! The rich coffee flavor will blend into the chocolate, creating a perfectly balanced bite. 

Now, if you’re more of a coffee lover and want to boost that espresso flavor, feel free to add an extra shot next time. On the flip side, if you prefer a milder taste, you can stick to just one to two shots. You can even try substituting instant espresso powder if you don’t have an espresso machine. You’ll still get that flavor kick, just with a little less of the intense coffee flavor. 

What Are the Three Types of Brownies?

Before we jump into the espresso brownies recipe, let’s quickly go over the three main types of brownies:

Cakey Brownies – These are light and airy, almost like a cake. They have a slightly dry texture and more of a crumbly feel. In my opinion, these are the best brownies.

Fudgy Brownies – These are dense, rich, and super moist, with that classic brownie texture we all love.

Chewy Brownies – As the name suggests, these brownies have a nice, chewy texture, and they strike a balance between fudgy and cakey.

This espresso brownie recipe falls under the fudgy category, with a rich, dense texture and a deep flavor. The addition of espresso makes them even more indulgent, creating a perfect dessert for chocolate lovers and coffee enthusiasts alike!

Espresso Brownies Recipe

Ingredients

Butter. Try to use unsalted butter in this recipe. 

Sugar. White sugar is ideal, but raw or even brown sugar will work just as well. 

Cocoa powder. We want unsweetened cocoa powder to use in this recipe. 

Eggs. 

Flour. All purpose flour will make your chocolate brownies nice and light. You can substitute for a more wholesome flour if you’re after a more substantial dessert.

Baking powder.

Dark chocolate. I am usually using grated chocolate chunks or dark chocolate chips in my recipes. 

Espresso. If you have a coffee maker, use freshly brewed espresso in this recipe. Instant coffee is a perfectly suitable alternative. 

How to Make This Espresso Brownies Recipe

Preheat the oven to 315°F (160°C). Line an 8×12-inch (20x30cm) baking pan with parchment paper.

Melt the butter ain a small saucepan on low heat. Set aside. 

Combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Roughly combine and attach the bowl to your stand mixer.

On low speed, combine the dry ingredients and melted butter. Add the eggs one by one until your chocolate brownie batter is just combined. 

Bake. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 30-40 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool the brownies on a wire rack to room temperature before cutting them into squares.

Serve your espresso brownies with homemade scoop of vanilla ice cream and store any leftovers in an airtight container. 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This espresso brownies recipe is all about balance. The rich flavor and delicate texture of these homemade brownies pairs perfectly with the deep coffee flavor of the espresso. They’re a delicious chocolate dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. 

With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, this dessert is a no brainer. Whether you’re serving them at a dinner party or snacking them on a quiet afternoon, these coffee brownies will always hit the spot.

Tips and Tricks

For extra richness, try adding a pinch of sea salt on top of the brownies before baking. It’ll give them a sweet-salty contrast that’s to die for!

Texture. If you want a more chewy texture, reduce the baking time by a few minutes. The brownies will still set up nicely and have that perfect fudgy center.

Espresso substitute. If you don’t have espresso, you can use a strong brewed coffee or instant espresso powder. Just make sure to adjust the amount based on the strength of the coffee!

Easy Substitutes

Butter. If you prefer to make this espresso brownies recipe dairy-free, you can swap the butter for vegetable oil or a dairy-free butter substitute.

Flour. For a gluten-free version, you can use a gluten-free flour mixture.

Eggs. You can replace the eggs with a flax egg or an egg substitute if you’re vegan or have allergies.

Give this espresso brownies recipe a try and let me know what you think. They are the perfect way to indulge your sweet tooth and get a little caffeine boost at the same time. Whether you’re enjoying them as a treat for yourself or sharing them with loved ones, this recipe is sure to become a staple.