Chocolate Espresso Brownies

Name: Chocolate Espresso Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 16 brownies
Ingredients: 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/3 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon brewed espresso (cooled); 1/2 cup (90g) chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Oven Planning

I absolutely love baking Chocolate Espresso Brownies because they combine my two favorite flavors: rich chocolate and bold espresso. Each bite is a delightful experience, with a fudgy texture that melts in your mouth. You won’t believe how simple they are to make, yet they taste like they came straight from a gourmet bakery. Whether I’m serving them at a dinner party or indulging on a quiet evening, these brownies always bring a smile. Try them and see for yourself how they elevate any occasion.

Created by

Fern Holloway

Last updated on 2026-01-12T07:45:36.074Z

When I first whipped up these Chocolate Espresso Brownies, I was on a mission to create a dessert that would impress my friends. After a few trials, I discovered that the key was a perfect balance of high-quality cocoa powder and freshly brewed espresso. The result was incredible! Each brownie gave a boost from the espresso that perfectly complemented the chocolate’s richness.

One detail that truly sets these brownies apart is the way they’re mixed. I learned that folding in the dry ingredients just until combined helps keep the brownies fudgy rather than cakey. Using this technique, I’ve managed to create a treat that feels indulgent while keeping things straightforward in the kitchen.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich chocolate flavor paired with bold espresso notes
Fudgy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in

Mastering the Fudgy Texture

Achieving the perfect fudgy texture in your brownies is all about the balance between wet and dry ingredients. The melted butter adds moisture and richness, while the combination of cocoa powder and flour ensures the brownies retain a gooey center. Be cautious not to overmix once the dry ingredients are added; mix until just combined to preserve the fudgy consistency. If you desire an even chewier texture, consider reducing the flour slightly or adding an extra egg, which can create a more decadent chew.

Baking time is crucial for the perfect fudgy brownie. When you insert a toothpick into the center, aim for a few moist crumbs to cling to it rather than a clean exit. This indicates that the brownies are not overcooked, ensuring that they stay soft and fudgy. Remember that brownies will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven, so err on the side of underbaking if you enjoy a gooier center.

Espresso's Impact on Flavor

Incorporating espresso into your brownies does more than add a caffeine punch; it enhances the chocolate flavor immensely. The bitterness of the espresso complements the sweetness of the sugar and rich chocolate, creating a deeper flavor profile. Using brewed espresso instead of instant coffee yields a more robust taste, but in a pinch, prepared instant coffee can work too. Just ensure it is dissolved in the melted butter for consistent flavor integration.

For those who might prefer a less intense coffee flavor, you can adjust the espresso quantity based on your taste. Reducing it to just 1 teaspoon allows for a subtle note without overwhelming the chocolate essence. Alternatively, if you're a coffee enthusiast, adding more brewed espresso can amplify that delightful boldness, elevating your brownies to gourmet status.

Make Ahead & Storage Tips

Preparing these brownies ahead of time is simple! You can make the batter the day before and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours; just be sure to let it come to room temperature before pouring it into the baking pan. Once baked, these brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3 to 4 days. For extended freshness, consider freezing them. Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for convenient indulgences later.

Reheating brownies is a delightful way to enjoy the fudgy texture. To warm them up while keeping them moist, place a square in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, if you prefer them slightly warm from the oven, you can pop them back in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat!

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients before you start:

Brownie Ingredients

1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon brewed espresso (cooled)
1/2 cup (90g) chocolate chips

Make sure everything is ready before you start mixing!

Instructions

Follow these steps for your brownies:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking pan.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Stir in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and cooled espresso until just combined.

Add Chocolate Chips

Fold in the chocolate chips gently to maintain the fudgy texture.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Serve

Let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.

Enjoy your delicious brownies!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, sprinkle some sea salt on top before baking for a beautiful contrast with the sweet rich flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're out of unsalted butter, you can use coconut oil or a neutral vegetable oil as a substitute. Keep in mind that this can slightly alter the flavor and texture; oils may produce a more cake-like brownie. For a healthier option, unsweetened applesauce can replace half the butter, resulting in moistness while reducing fat.

For those avoiding gluten, substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works beautifully. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture balance. You can also use almond flour for a nutty twist and additional protein, though this may require slightly adjusting the moisture level in your batter.

Serving Suggestions

These Chocolate Espresso Brownies are versatile when it comes to serving! Pair them with a dusting of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance, or serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a melty contrast. Drizzle with chocolate sauce or caramel for a rich, indulgent experience that will impress guests.

For a delightful brunch treat, consider cutting the brownies into smaller squares and serving them on a platter with fresh berries and whipped cream. This not only enhances presentation but also balances the rich chocolate flavors with a fresh, fruity bite. The warmth of the brownies combined with the chilled cream can create a satisfying experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use espresso powder instead of brewed espresso?

Yes, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of espresso powder mixed with 1 tablespoon of water for the brewed espresso.

→ How can I store these brownies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the fridge for a week.

→ Can I freeze the brownies?

Absolutely! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

→ What should I serve with the brownies?

These brownies pair wonderfully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.