Description of this recipe:
Indulge in the irresistible combination of rich chocolate and bold coffee with these decadent Coffee Brownies. This recipe takes the classic brownie to a whole new level by infusing it with the aromatic essence of coffee, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. With their fudgy texture, intense chocolatey notes, and a subtle coffee kick, these brownies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or simply a chocolate lover, these brownies will become your go-to treat for any occasion.
Why you will love this recipe:
These Coffee Brownies are not just your average brownies; they are an experience. The marriage of coffee and chocolate creates a depth of flavor that is both comforting and exciting. The coffee enhances the richness of the chocolate, adding a nuanced complexity that elevates the entire dessert. The fudgy texture, achieved through the perfect balance of ingredients and baking time, makes each bite a melt-in-your-mouth sensation. These brownies are incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort and readily available ingredients. Plus, they are highly customizable – you can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even a swirl of caramel to personalize them to your liking. They’re perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings, sharing with friends and family, or gifting to someone special. These Coffee Brownies are guaranteed to impress, leaving everyone craving for more.
Ingredients:
- Unsalted butter – 1 cup (225g)
- Semi-sweet chocolate – 8 oz (225g), chopped
- Instant coffee granules – 2 tbsp (dissolved in 2 tbsp hot water)
- Granulated sugar – 1½ cups (300g)
- Brown sugar – ½ cup (100g)
- Eggs – 4 large
- All-purpose flour – 1 cup (125g)
- Unsweetened cocoa powder – ¼ cup (25g)
- Baking powder – ½ tsp (2g)
- Salt – ¼ tsp (1g)
- Vanilla extract – 2 tsp (10ml)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare your equipment. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch (23×23 cm) square baking pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray. Then, line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal of the brownies later. This prevents the brownies from sticking and ensures clean edges.
Step 2: Melt the chocolate and butter. In a heatproof bowl set over a simmering pot of water (double boiler method), combine the chopped semi-sweet chocolate and unsalted butter. Make sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate and butter in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can seize up.
Step 3: Infuse with coffee. In a small bowl, dissolve the instant coffee granules in 2 tablespoons of hot water. Stir until the coffee is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Add the dissolved coffee to the melted chocolate and butter mixture. The coffee will enhance the chocolate flavor and add a subtle mocha-like note to the brownies. Stir well to combine.
Step 4: Add sugars and eggs. Remove the bowl from the heat and add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the chocolate mixture. Stir vigorously until the sugars are well incorporated and the mixture is smooth and glossy. The sugars will contribute to the brownies’ sweetness and fudgy texture. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Incorporate dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Sifting the dry ingredients ensures they are evenly distributed and prevents lumps in the batter. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in tough brownies. A few streaks of flour are okay.
Step 6: Bake. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. The brownies should be set around the edges but still slightly soft in the center. This will ensure they are fudgy and moist.
Step 7: Cool and cut. Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan before slicing. Cooling the brownies allows them to set properly and makes them easier to cut. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan. Cut them into squares using a sharp knife.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these Coffee Brownies warm or at room temperature. For an extra indulgent treat, top them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts. They are also delicious with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk. These brownies are perfect for dessert, afternoon snacks, or any time you need a chocolatey pick-me-up.
Tips:
- For a more intense coffee flavor, use espresso powder instead of instant coffee granules.
- Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips to the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Swirl a tablespoon of caramel sauce into the batter before baking for a touch of caramel sweetness.
- Don’t overbake the brownies, as they will become dry and crumbly.
- Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving size.)
Calories: Approximately 250-300 per serving
Protein: Approximately 3-4 grams per serving
Sodium: Approximately 50-70mg per serving
Conclusion:
These Coffee Brownies are a testament to the magic that happens when coffee and chocolate come together. The rich, fudgy texture, the intense chocolatey flavor, and the subtle coffee kick create an unforgettable dessert experience. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and yields consistently delicious results. So, go ahead and indulge in these Coffee Brownies – they are guaranteed to become a new favorite in your household. Share them with your loved ones, or keep them all to yourself – we won’t judge! Enjoy the delightful symphony of flavors and the pure bliss of a perfect brownie.
Questions and Answers about this recipe:
Q1: Can I use a different type of chocolate?
A: Absolutely! While this recipe calls for semi-sweet chocolate, you can easily substitute it with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate, depending on your preference. Keep in mind that the sweetness and intensity of the chocolate will affect the final flavor of the brownies. If using milk chocolate, you may want to reduce the amount of sugar slightly.
Q2: Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free. Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure to choose a blend that is designed for baking and contains xanthan gum, which helps to bind the ingredients together.
Q3: Can I freeze these brownies?
A: Yes, these brownies freeze very well. Allow the brownies to cool completely, then cut them into squares. Wrap each square individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, simply remove the desired number of squares from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Q4: What if I don’t have instant coffee granules?
A: If you don’t have instant coffee granules, you can use strong brewed coffee instead. Reduce the amount of hot water to 1 tablespoon and add 3 tablespoons of strong brewed coffee. Alternatively, you can use espresso powder, which will provide an even more intense coffee flavor.
Q5: My brownies are too dry. What did I do wrong?
A: The most common reason for dry brownies is overbaking. Be careful not to overbake the brownies, as they will continue to cook as they cool. Also, make sure you are not overmixing the batter, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in tough brownies. If you suspect your oven runs hot, you can reduce the baking time by a few minutes.
