Triple Espresso Brownies

September 29: International Coffee Day

Coffee, coffee and more coffee! This frosted chocolate brownie has three delicious coffee flavorings that coffee lovers are sure to appreciate:

  • Espresso powder (or instant coffee crystals)
  • Espresso-flavored chocolate baking chips
  • Coffee liqueur (or strong coffee)

If espresso-flavored chocolate chips are not available, chocolate covered coffee beans may be substituted. Try triple espresso brownies with a cup of coffee while celebrating International Coffee Day.

Recipe

(Adapted from Midwest Living)

For the brownies

  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon espresso powder (or instant coffee crystals)
  • ½ cup (1 stick) butter, unsalted
  • ¾ cup chocolate espresso baking chips (we used Rex Coffee brand) or chocolate chips
  • ¾ cup sugar, granulated white
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup flour
  • ½ cup walnuts, chopped
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Directions

In a saucepan dissolve the espresso powder in water. Add the butter and chocolate espresso chips. Melt over low heat.

Stir until smooth. Add the sugar, beaten eggs and vanilla.

Remove from heat and add the flour, walnuts and salt. Stir everything until smooth.

Line an 8×8-inch square pan with foil with enough overhang “handles” so it is easy to remove the brownies after baking. Lightly grease the bottom and sides of the foil with cooking spray, butter or oil. Spread the brownie batter in the pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes. Remove from oven and cool. Meanwhile, make the frosting.

For the frosting

  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 1 tablespoon boiling water
  • 1 tablespoon coffee liqueur (we used Kona coffee liqueur; see Notes for substitution)
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla
  • ¼ cup chocolate espresso baking chips (we used Rex Coffee brand) or chocolate chips or chopped chocolate covered coffee beans

Directions

In a mixing bowl, cream the butter with powdered sugar. Add the boiling water and mix until smooth. Thin out the frosting to a spreadable consistency by adding the coffee liqueur and vanilla. Spread on the cooled brownies.

Sprinkle the top with chocolate espresso chips. Cut into 16 squares. Store leftovers in tightly covered container for up to five days.

Notes

  • Instead of coffee liqueur, use strong liquid coffee. One teaspoon espresso powder of instant coffee crystals may also be used.
  • We found the chocolate espresso baking chips/morsels from the Walmart baking aisle. They may be ordered from Amazon as well. Rex Coffee and Nestle are two brands that make these products.
  • Get a free PDF cookbook of recipes with more espresso chips.
  • Search our blog for other recipes containing coffee as an ingredient or flavor.