Rich & Fudgy Chocolate Espresso Brownies

Name: Espresso Brownies
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 225 g butter; 2 tbsp instant coffee granules; 190 g (1 cup) dark chocolate melts; 275 g (1 ¼ cups) caster sugar; 25 g (¼ cup) cocoa powder; pinch of salt; 2 tsp vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste); 3 eggs (room temperature); 150 g (1 cup) plain flour

Jump to Recipe

These fudgy, rich and decadent espresso brownies made with coffee are a delicious adults-only treat.

Taking just 5 minutes to prepare, they're sure to please any chocaholic!

Squared of espresso brownies on a white background.

Chocolate brownies are the perfect fix for any chocolate cravings, and these gooey espresso chocolate brownies, just like my Baileys brownies, are a decadent adults-only treat. Rich and fudgy, they are guaranteed to satisfy any chocolate cravings!

For more decadent brownie recipes, these triple chocolate brownies, peanut butter brownies, raspberry brownies, and Nutella brownies are all a delicious and luxurious hit of chocolate.

It is safe to say we LOVE all variations of brownies in our house!

Close up of a forkful of espresso brownie to show the soft, fudgy centre.

Why You're Going To Love This Recipe

Easy recipe - this melt and mix recipe takes just 5 minutes to prepare!
One bowl recipe - you just need one bowl to make espresso brownies - less washing up is always a win in my books!
Versatile - whether you want a hit of chocolate with your morning cup of coffee, or a luxurious dessert with a scoop of ice cream, these brownies are perfect for any occasion!
Fudgy texture - with a gooey dense fudgy centre and crispy edges, these espresso brownies have the best texture that will have you coming back for a second piece!
Conventional and Thermomix - both methods are included in the recipe card at the end of the post.

What You Need

You just need a handful of ingredients to make these dark chocolate espresso brownies.

Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method.

Ingredients needed to make the recipe weighed and measured and placed in individual bowls.

Butter - you can use either salted butter or unsalted butter for this recipe. If using salted butter, omit the pinch of salt.
Dark chocolate melts - I prefer to use dark chocolate for a rich chocolate hit, but you could use milk chocolate instead if you prefer.
Caster sugar - also known as superfine sugar.
Instant coffee granules - I recommend using good quality coffee granules for the richest coffee flavour. I like to use Lavazza instant coffee but any brand is fine - use your favourite!
Vanilla extract - or vanilla bean paste.
Eggs - I use large size eggs which weigh approx. 60g each. Ensure your eggs are at room temperature as this helps the baking process.
Plain flour - also known as all-purpose flour.
Cocoa powder - choose a good quality cocoa powder such as Cadburys or Nestle, for the richest chocolate flavour. Dutch processed cocoa powder lends a deep smooth flavour and is recommended, but natural cocoa powder works too, if that’s what you have on hand.
Salt - to bring out the chocolate flavour. Omit if using salted butter.

Equipment Required

You don't need any fancy equipment to make these gooey chocolate brownies, just:

A heatproof bowl.
Microwave, stove top or Thermomix - for melting the butter.
20cm / 8 inch square tin - for baking espresso brownies in.
Oven - I use a fan-forced oven. If using a conventional oven, increase the temperature by 10-20 degrees celsius.

Squares of a fudgy brownie, placed on baking paper.

Step By Step Instructions

Whip up a batch of these coffee brownies in a few minutes, and using just 1 bowl!

Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method.

Step 1 - Melt The Butter

Preheat the oven and line a 20cm / 8 inch square tin with baking paper.

Place the butter into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat until melted.

Step 2 - Add The Coffee Granules

Add the coffee granules and stir. Heat on a low power in the microwave for 2 - 3 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds.

Coffee granules added to the melted butter.

Step 3 - Stir In The Chocolate Melts

Place the chocolate melts into the bowl and slowly stir until almost melted.

Allow the mixture to cool slightly.

Chocolate melts added to the melted butter and espresso granules.

Step 4 - Add The Sugar, Cocoa Powder And Salt

Stir in the sugar, cocoa powder and a pinch of salt.

Sugar and cocoa powder added to the melted butter chocolate mixture.

Step 5 - Add The Vanilla And Eggs

Add the vanilla extract and eggs, and whisk until combined.

Step 6 - Stir In The Flour

Sift in the flour and gently fold through, taking care not to over-mix.

Step 7 - Bake

Pour the brownie mixture into the prepared tin.

Bake in the preheated oven until cooked to your liking (see Expert Tips below for cooking times for gooey or fudgy brownies).

Brownie batter poured into a square baking tin lined with baking paper.

Leave in the tin to cool completely. Slice espresso brownies when cool.

The baked espresso brownies, with flaky tops, cut into squares.

Expert Tips

Line your tin with baking paper/parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove espresso brownie from the tin later. Leave the edges over hanging slightly for convenience.
Sift the plain flour before adding it to the batter.
Don’t overmix the batter once the flour has been added. Overbeating will add air, which will produce cakey brownies, rather than fudgy.
Don’t overbake! Brownies will continue to cook after they’ve been removed from the oven. So, it’s best to remove them when they are slightly under cooked, rather than over cooked. All ovens differ slightly, so start to check them at the 20-minute mark and then in 5-minute intervals until they are ready.
For fudgy/moist brownies, cook for 35 minutes and test with a toothpick which should come out with less thick mixture on it. The top should be flaky and set. Remove them from the oven when the sides have begun to shrink away from the tin but the centre is still gooey.
For gooey brownies, cook for 30 minutes and test by inserting a toothpick into the centre for a second or two. If the toothpick is covered in thick (but not runny) chocolate mixture, then you will have gooey brownies.
Cool before cutting - allow espresso brownies to cool in the tin before cutting into them. You will have neater slices if they are cut at room temperature.
Serve the brownies - on their own, dusted with icing sugar or slather ganache or frosting over the top. You can also heat them and add a dollop of cream, or a big scoop of your favourite ice cream!
Storage - store espresso brownies in an airtight container at room temperature, rather than the fridge, for up to 4 days.

A square of brownie on a plate, with some on a fork beside.

FAQs

Can I freeze espresso brownies?

Absolutely! Allow the espresso brownies to cool completely then wrap well, and freeze for up to 3 months.

How do I know when espresso brownies are cooked?

Insert a toothpick in the centre of the brownies, if it comes out with thick (not runny) batter the brownies will be gooey, if you want fudgy brownies, the toothpick should come out with few pieces of batter attached. If the toothpick is clean when removed, the brownies may be slightly overcooked.

Do I need to store brownies in the fridge?

No, it is best to store espresso brownies in an airtight container at room temperature. Placing brownies in the fridge causes them to dry out.