Scrumptious Coffee Brownies That Will Make Your Day!
Welcome coffee lovers! As a barista and a lover of all things coffee, I am excited to share with you my recipe for coffee brownies. These luscious fudge brownies just might be the perfect way to indulge in two of life’s greatest pleasures – coffee and chocolate.
When it comes to creating the perfect brownie recipe, there are endless possibilities. But what sets these coffee brownies apart from the rest is their intensely satisfying flavor, thanks to the addition of brewed coffee and espresso powder. They are dense, indulgent, and oh so delicious.
Coffee and chocolate have always been a classic combination in desserts. So let’s take that up a notch by incorporating your favorite beverage into your favorite dessert! Who wouldn’t want that?
So grab yourself a cup of joe and let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Have you ever had that craving for something sweet and chocolaty with a little kick of caffeine? Well, let me tell you, these Coffee Brownies are going to surpass your wildest dreams.
Not only will the rich espresso flavor tantalize your taste buds, but the crunch of toasted pecans sprinkled throughout each gooey brownie will take this dessert to the next level. Trust me, one bite is just not enough.
Biting into a fudgy brownie with a hint of coffee flavor creates a unique and satisfying experience that is perfect for any time of day. These brownies are versatile; make them for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, to impress dinner guests or simply indulge after dinner.
While coffee may be associated with getting your day started and as a warm liquid in your cup, adding coffee to baked goods actually infuses the flavor of coffee into the food creating something truly decadent.
So, if you love chocolate, you love coffee or just want to try something new – this is the perfect recipe for you!
Ingredient List
Let’s dive into the list of coffee brownie ingredients. First and foremost, you’ll need all-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups) for structure and stability in your brownies. Next, you’ll need granulated sugar (1 1/4 cups) for sweetness, as well as salt (1 tsp) to balance out the sweetness. Additionally, you’ll need unsalted butter (1 cup or 2 sticks), which will give your brownies richness and a smooth texture.
To achieve that delicious cocoa flavor in our coffee brownies, you’ll need unsweetened cocoa powder (3/4 cup). To add to the chocolatey goodness, semi-sweet chocolate chips (12 ounces) will be needed. Don’t forget the coffee element! You’ll need brewed coffee (1/4 cup), which will enhance the chocolate flavor and add a subtle coffee aftertaste.
Next up we have the eggs (2 large), which will provide lift to your brownies and help to bind all the ingredients together. You will also need vanilla extract (2 tsp), which brings a warm aroma and sweet flavor to your brownies.
Last but not least, you’ll need brownie mix (18.3 oz) for a time-saving shortcut if desired. Or if you prefer homemade brownies, use the ingredient outlined above to make them from scratch!
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gone through the key ingredients in making a wonderful batch of coffee brownies, are you ready to start baking? With this recipe, you can make a delightful chocolate treat infused with an extra kick of coffee flavor. Here’s how:
Ingredients:
- 1 and 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 and 1/4 cups of granulated sugar
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 12 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 4 eggs
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup brewed coffee, cooled to room temperature
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking pan (9×13 inches) or line it with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl or mug, mix the brewed coffee and the espresso powder until they’re both combined. Set aside.
- Using a microwave or double boiler, melt together the butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips until they blend together nicely.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and baking powder until well combined.
- In another large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture into this large mixing bowl and whisk it again until everything is well combined.
- Now it’s time to stir in the dry ingredients mixture using a spatula or hand mixer.
- Add in the coffee mixture and continue stirring until fully incorporated into the batter.
- Pour the batter into the greased or lined pan.
- Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely before serving or adding coffee frosting, nuts, or any other desired toppings.
Notes:
- If you wish to add a twist to this recipe, you can try substituting the semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate ones, and/or adding chopped pecans to the batter for some added crunch.
- You can also swap brewed coffee for espresso powder (about 2 teaspoons) for a stronger coffee flavor.
- To make these brownies ahead of time, bake them as usual and then store them covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Alternatively, they can be stored in the fridge for up to one week.
With these steps and tips in mind, we hope that you’ll be able to create some delicious and irresistible coffee brownies in no time!
Substitutions and Variations
Coffee brownies are already a delicious treat on their own, but have you ever considered mixing things up with different ingredients, or even swapping out some key components? Fear not, as this section is dedicated to giving you tips and tricks for how to make the perfect coffee brownies variation to suit your taste.
First up, let’s talk nuts. This recipe calls for pecans, but feel free to substitute them for any other nut of your choice. Walnuts, almonds or even hazelnuts would all be great options that would add a new dimension of flavor and texture to your brownies. If you’re looking to keep it simple though, you can definitely skip the nuts altogether and still end up with a delicious result.
Another easy substitution is swapping out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate ones. The added bitterness of the dark chocolate will complement the coffee flavor well, resulting in a rich and decadent treat. Alternatively, if you really love your sweet tooth and want an extra boost of chocolate flavor, you could use milk chocolate instead.
For those who want more intensity in their coffee brownies, consider adding espresso powder into the mix. Just one teaspoon can make a dramatic difference in taste! You can also try replacing some of the water in the recipe with strong freshly-brewed coffee or espresso to further enhance that coffee aroma and taste.
Finally, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to take things up a notch, why not experiment with frosting flavors? Coffee frosting goes well with these brownies but don’t limit yourself – get creative with homemade peanut butter frosting or caramel glaze. The possibilities are endless!
Remember that making substitutions and variations doesn’t mean deviating too much from the recipe ingredients list. A small tweak can make a huge difference without compromising the balance of flavors or texture. So go ahead and mix it up with your own preferences –you might just discover a new favorite flavor combination!
Serving and Pairing
So you’ve made a batch of rich and decadent coffee brownies, now it’s time to think about how to serve and pair them. These brownies are a perfect treat for any time of the day, whether it’s for dessert after dinner or as an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee.
One way to enjoy these brownies is to let them cool down for a bit and then cut them into small bite-size pieces. Place the brownie bites on a platter and sprinkle some chopped pecans on top for an extra crunch. Serve them alongside a steaming hot cup of coffee or even better, make your own espresso and use it to make a frothy latte or cappuccino.
If you’re feeling extra indulgent, you could also add a dollop of coffee frosting on top of each brownie bite for an extra layer of sweetness. To make the frosting, simply whisk together 2 cups of powdered sugar, 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/4 cup of brewed coffee, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Aside from coffee, these brownies also pair well with other beverages such as milk or hot chocolate. You could also serve them with ice cream or whipped cream for an extra luscious dessert.
Lastly, these coffee brownies are perfect to share with family and friends at gatherings or parties. Their rich chocolatey flavor with a hint of coffee will surely impress your guests and leave them wanting for more.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now that we’ve talked about how to make these delightful coffee brownies, let’s think about how to make them last as long as possible.
If you want the best results for those days when you have no time or energy to prepare anything, then my recommendation is to create a batch of coffee brownies in advance. You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. You can also freeze them and they should stay good for up to three months. When reheating, I advise placing them in the microwave/oven for an additional 15-20 seconds to bring out the chocolate and coffee flavors.
But before you store those brownies away, be sure they’re completely cool. Cutting into warm brownies may cause them to crumble or dry out. If you plan on storing the brownies overnight, cover them with plastic wrap or foil and transfer them gently into an airtight container.
If you are serving coffee brownies at your next event or party, it’s best to only frost them on-site just before serving to avoid making them soggy. The frosting recipe remains delicious even if stored separately from the brownies.
When it comes to serving these mocha delights, there’s nothing like pairing them with nuts like pecans as it brings out the chocolate notes even better. Additionally, turkish coffee or creamer paired with a coffee-flavored glazed donut creates an unbeatable combination.
With these tips on storage and serving, you should never need to worry again about your delicious homemade brownies going stale too soon.
Tips for Perfect Results
Making coffee brownies can be a rewarding experience, especially when you get perfect results. But as with any recipe, it takes attention to detail to achieve that extraordinary flavor and texture. From my barista expertise, I have prepared some essential tips that will guarantee your coffee brownies will come out perfectly every time.
Firstly, measure your ingredients accurately. Baking is a science; hence, slight variations could significantly affect the outcome of your recipe. So always use measuring cups for dry ingredients and a scale for wet ones. Taking measurements by volume never results in the same accuracy as taking measurements by weight.
Secondly, use quality coffee beans or espresso powder to bring out the coffee flavor in your brownies. The stronger and darker the coffee, the more intense the flavor will be in the brownies. Specific brewing methods such as Turkish coffee make excellent options for enhancing the flavor of your brownies.
Thirdly, be cautious with substitutions of ingredients in this recipe. Since we are working with chocolate, sugar, butter and flour, which all work together, changing one component might affect the overall flavor and texture of the brownie. However, if you do have dietary restrictions or different tastes, try replacing pecans with walnuts or using dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate.
Fourthly, adding hot brewed coffee works better than adding cold brewed coffee or instant coffee granules mixed with water. Hot coffee dissolves better in the mixture and distributes well across other ingredients evenly compared to cold brewed coffee or instant granules.
Fifthly, don’t overmix or over-bake your brownies; Brownies that are overcooked can become dry and woodsy. An easy way to check whether they’re done is by sticking a toothpick in the center of the pan – It should come out relatively clean (with just small crumbs attached). For added assurance, tap on top of cakey-looking edges lightly; they should spring back.
Lastly, let your coffee brownies cool completely before slicing into them. Some people think that it’s okay to cut into freshly baked brownies, but this act can cause the delicate chocolate chip center to become too gooey when hot or stiffen up in cold areas. A cooling down period ensures a stable texture and a well-balanced flavor.
Follow these tips carefully, and you’ll have yummy and rich chocolate coffee brownies every time you bake them. Happy Baking!
FAQ
Now that you’ve learned how to make tantalizing coffee brownies that exude the best flavors and aromas of a freshly brewed cup of coffee, you may still have some unresolved questions. To ensure that your experience in making these brownies is seamless, I have compiled the most frequently asked questions and provided detailed answers. From ingredient substitutions to serving suggestions, this FAQ section has got you covered with everything you need to know about making perfect coffee brownies every time. So, let’s dive in and clear up any uncertainties!
What does adding coffee to brownies do?
By incorporating coffee into your brownie mix, you can enhance the chocolate flavor and make your brownies much more delicious.
Can you add coffee to box brownie mix?
Coffee can be used to enhance even the simplest of recipes, like boxed brownies. If you want to take your brownies to the next level, swap out the water for brewed coffee. The result will be a decadent and indulgent treat.
Can you use coffee instead of cocoa powder for brownies?
When making a recipe that calls for cocoa powder, instant coffee can be a great alternative. Alternatively, you can brew some coffee and use it as a liquid ingredient, but be careful not to add too much and change the consistency of the mixture.
Can I use coffee creamer instead of water in brownie mix?
Looking for an easy way to add more flavor to your coffee? Swap out water or milk for a flavored coffee creamer of your choice! Whether you opt for a hazelnut creamer and add in a Nutella swirl mix-in or go for a Southern butter pecan creamer and top it off with some toasted pecans, the flavor combinations are boundless. Get creative and try out different creamer and mix-in pairings to discover your new favorite coffee creation.
Bottom Line
This recipe for coffee brownies is perfect for coffee and chocolate lovers alike. By using brewed coffee or espresso powder, you can elevate your usual brownie recipe to a whole new level of decadence.
But don’t just take my word for it – give this recipe a try and experience the rich, chocolaty flavor of these coffee-infused treats for yourself. And if you happen to have a sweet tooth, why not try pairing them with some creamy coffee frosting or serving them alongside a warm cup of Turkish coffee?
Trust me, this recipe is worth trying out. You won’t be disappointed when you sink your teeth into these fudgy, chocolaty bites enhanced with the robust flavor of coffee. Don’t settle for ordinary brownies – make your next batch special by incorporating some coffee into the mix.
Coffee Brownies. Recipe
Ingredients
- 5 ounces unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped
- 1 1/4 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 3 tablespoons finely ground espresso beans
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 cups sugar
- 5 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- Butter and flour a 9- x 12-inch baking pan and line with parchment paper.
- Combine the chocolate, butter, coffee, and salt in the top of a double boiler or bowl over simmering water. Cook until melted and smooth. Let cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, eggs, and vanilla and whisk until smooth. Add the melted chocolate mixture and whisk until well combined. Fold in the flour until it just disappears. Gently fold in the pecans.
- Pour into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan on a rack 1 hour. Run a knife around the edges of the pan to loosen and cut into squares. Lift out and transfer to serving dish or tin.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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