Espresso Brownies
Rich espresso brownies with optional pecans. No mixer required. Melt chocolate, fold in eggs and flour, and bake 35–40 minutes for moist brownies.
Submitted by: Sharyl from 37 Cooks
- No mixer needed: melt chocolate and butter, then fold into beaten eggs and sugar.
- Espresso powder and a pinch of cayenne intensify the chocolate flavor.
- Bake 35–40 minutes in an 8x8 pan; remove when a toothpick is slightly moist for fudgy brownies.
Preparation Instructions:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I tell when these brownies are done?
Insert a toothpick in the center. They are ready when it comes out with a few moist crumbs or slightly wet streaks. The edges will be set and the center should still look a bit soft. Avoid overbaking to keep them moist.
Can I omit the espresso powder or use instant coffee instead?
Yes. You can leave it out for a plain chocolate brownie. If you use instant coffee, dissolve an equal small amount in a teaspoon of hot water before adding. Espresso powder is more concentrated and gives a stronger chocolate boost.
How can I make the brownies fudgier or more cake like?
For fudgier brownies, slightly reduce the flour or shorten the bake time by a few minutes so the center stays moist. For a cakier texture, add a little extra flour or one more egg white and bake a few minutes longer until the center is set.
What chocolate can I use if I do not have both semi sweet and bittersweet?
You can use all semi sweet or all bittersweet. If you use a sweeter chocolate, you may want to trim a bit of the sugar. Chop chocolate small so it melts evenly.
Can I add pecans or other mix ins?
Yes. Stir in chopped pecans, walnuts, or chocolate chips after you fold in the flour. Toasting nuts first boosts their flavor. Add about 1 cup for noticeable texture.
How should I store or freeze these brownies?
Store cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 to 4 days or in the fridge up to a week. To freeze, wrap tightly or use freezer bags and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I double the recipe and what pan should I use?
Yes. Double the ingredients and bake in a 9x13 pan. Because the batter will be thinner, check for doneness earlier, around 25 to 35 minutes, and use the same moist toothpick test. Adjust time based on your oven and pan depth.
How do I tell when these brownies are done?
Insert a toothpick in the center. They are ready when it comes out with a few moist crumbs or slightly wet streaks. The edges will be set and the center should still look a bit soft. Avoid overbaking to keep them moist.
Can I omit the espresso powder or use instant coffee instead?
Yes. You can leave it out for a plain chocolate brownie. If you use instant coffee, dissolve an equal small amount in a teaspoon of hot water before adding. Espresso powder is more concentrated and gives a stronger chocolate boost.
How can I make the brownies fudgier or more cake like?
For fudgier brownies, slightly reduce the flour or shorten the bake time by a few minutes so the center stays moist. For a cakier texture, add a little extra flour or one more egg white and bake a few minutes longer until the center is set.
What chocolate can I use if I do not have both semi sweet and bittersweet?
You can use all semi sweet or all bittersweet. If you use a sweeter chocolate, you may want to trim a bit of the sugar. Chop chocolate small so it melts evenly.
Can I add pecans or other mix ins?
Yes. Stir in chopped pecans, walnuts, or chocolate chips after you fold in the flour. Toasting nuts first boosts their flavor. Add about 1 cup for noticeable texture.
How should I store or freeze these brownies?
Store cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 to 4 days or in the fridge up to a week. To freeze, wrap tightly or use freezer bags and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I double the recipe and what pan should I use?
Yes. Double the ingredients and bake in a 9x13 pan. Because the batter will be thinner, check for doneness earlier, around 25 to 35 minutes, and use the same moist toothpick test. Adjust time based on your oven and pan depth.
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