Description
Rich Espresso Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting deliver a bold coffee kick that perks up your chocolate cravings. Dark chocolate and espresso powder create a deep, intense treat perfect for afternoon pick-me-ups or sweet dessert moments.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup brewed espresso (cooled)
Supporting Ingredients:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, ensuring the edges slightly overhang for easy removal.
- Whisk 1 stick melted butter, 1 cup sugar, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and ½ cup cooled espresso until the mixture looks glossy and well-blended.
- Sift ½ cup cocoa powder, ¾ cup flour, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon baking powder directly into the wet ingredients.
- Stir the dry ingredients just until combined, avoiding overmixing which can make your brownies tough.
- Fold ½ cup chocolate chips into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, spreading it into a smooth, even layer.
- Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick that should emerge with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan, which takes approximately 1 hour at room temperature.
- Beat 8 oz softened cream cheese and ¼ cup softened butter until they reach a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Gradually add 1½ cups powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla, mixing until the frosting is silky and free of lumps.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly across the cooled brownies, using an offset spatula for a professional finish.
- Slice into 16 square portions and serve at room temperature.
Notes
- The espresso adds a rich, deep flavor that makes these brownies more complex and adult-friendly than standard chocolate brownies.
- Use freshly brewed espresso at room temperature to blend smoothly into the batter without cooling the butter.
- For gluten-free options, swap regular flour with almond or gluten-free blend, keeping the same measurement.
- Ensure cream cheese is fully softened and at room temperature to create a silky, lump-free frosting that spreads easily.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Brownies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 327 kcal
- Sugar: 31 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg