Mocha Velvet Brownies

Unleash the Deep, Rich Chocolate Flavor in Every Bite

There’s something truly magical about the combination of rich chocolate and robust espresso. These aren’t your average brownies; they are a decadent journey into deep cocoa flavors, intensified by the subtle yet powerful addition of coffee. Our Espresso Brownies are incredibly moist, boasting a dense, fudgy texture that defines perfection. The secret lies in infusing espresso not just into the brownie batter, but also into the velvety buttercream frosting, creating a harmonious flavor profile that is both complex and incredibly satisfying. This dual espresso boost ensures every component of this dessert sings with an unparalleled chocolate richness. It’s a chocolate lover’s dream, destined to become a staple in your baking repertoire.

Gather Your Essentials: Ingredients and Supplies for Perfect Espresso Brownies

Crafting these extraordinary brownies begins with selecting the right ingredients and having the proper tools. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect fudgy texture and rich flavor. For precise measurements and detailed instructions, refer to the full recipe card at the bottom of this post. If you’re keen to deepen your understanding of baking science and how various ingredients interact, our comprehensive Complete Guide to Baking Ingredients offers invaluable insights.

Key Ingredients You’ll Need:

• Unsalted Butter: The foundation for rich flavor and fudgy texture. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall salt content of your brownies.
• Semisweet Chocolate Chips: Crucial for the deep chocolate base. Opt for a good quality brand for the best flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and contributes to the moistness and chewiness of the brownies.
• Large Eggs: Act as a binder, adding richness and structure to the brownies. Ensure they are at room temperature for better emulsion.
• Vanilla Extract: A classic flavor enhancer that complements chocolate beautifully.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure. Be careful not to overmix once added.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: For an extra layer of deep chocolate flavor in both the brownies and the frosting.
• Espresso Instant Coffee Powder: The star ingredient that boosts and intensifies the chocolate. Choose a high-quality, fine-grain powder for best results.
• Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the brownies achieve a slight lift without becoming too cakey.
• Kosher Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors. Don’t skip it!
• Confectioner’s / Powdered Sugar: The base for our smooth and creamy espresso buttercream frosting.
• Coffee Extract or Strong Brewed Coffee: Used in the frosting to add another layer of coffee flavor. Coffee extract offers a more concentrated taste.
• Whole Milk: Adjusts the consistency of the buttercream frosting, making it smooth and spreadable.

Essential Baking Supplies:

• 8-inch Square Baking Dish: The perfect size for thick, evenly baked brownies.
• Large Microwave-Safe Bowl: Ideal for melting butter and chocolate chips safely and efficiently.
• Medium Mixing Bowl: For combining dry ingredients separately before integrating them into the wet mixture.
• Electric Mixer with Whisk Attachment: Essential for creating light and airy frosting, though it can also be used for brownie batter.
• Spatula: For folding, mixing, and spreading both the brownie batter and the frosting.

Baking Perfection: How to Make Irresistible Espresso Brownies

Creating these fudgy espresso brownies is a straightforward process, but paying attention to each step will ensure a truly spectacular result. Follow these instructions carefully for moist, dense brownies ready to be topped with our signature espresso buttercream.

• Prepare Your Workspace: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a consistent baking temperature from the moment your brownies enter the oven. Next, lightly grease an 8-inch square baking dish. This crucial step prevents sticking and makes it easy to remove your brownies once they’re cooled. Set it aside for now.
• Melt the Chocolate & Butter: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the unsalted butter and semisweet chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, whisking thoroughly after each, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth. Be patient and gentle; overheating chocolate can cause it to seize. A double boiler method can also be used if preferred.
• Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Allow the melted chocolate mixture to cool slightly for a few minutes. This prevents the eggs from cooking when added. Then, whisk in the granulated sugar until well combined. Next, add the large eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition until fully incorporated. Finally, whisk in the vanilla extract, ensuring all the wet ingredients are perfectly blended.

• Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, 3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons of espresso instant coffee powder, baking powder, and kosher salt. Thoroughly mixing these dry ingredients beforehand ensures even distribution throughout the batter, preventing pockets of unmixed leavening or salt.
• Integrate Dry into Wet: Gradually add the flour mixture to the melted chocolate mixture. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined. The key here is to avoid overmixing. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to tough or cakey brownies, rather than the desired fudgy texture. Stop mixing as soon as no streaks of flour remain.
• Bake to Perfection: Spread the brownie batter evenly into your prepared 8-inch square baking dish. Bake for 30-35 minutes. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with moist crumbs attached, not wet batter. If it comes out completely clean, the brownies are likely overbaked and will be less fudgy. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the baking dish on a wire rack. This step is critical! Attempting to frost warm brownies will result in a melty mess.

• Prepare the Espresso Buttercream: While the brownies cool, begin crafting your heavenly espresso buttercream frosting. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, add the softened unsalted butter and confectioner’s (powdered) sugar. Beat on low speed until the sugar is incorporated, then increase to medium-high and beat until light and fluffy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
• Flavor the Frosting: Next, add 3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon of coffee extract (or strong brewed coffee for a milder flavor), 1 teaspoon of espresso instant coffee powder, and 2 tablespoons of whole milk. Start with 2 tablespoons of milk and add more only if necessary to achieve the desired consistency.

• Serving Suggestions: These brownies are absolutely divine on their own, but if you want to elevate the experience further, consider a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top for a delightful sweet-and-salty contrast, or a dusting of extra cocoa powder. They pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk, a hot cup of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.

Explore More of The Best Brownies and Bars

If you’ve fallen in love with these Espresso Brownies, you’re in for a treat! Our extensive collection of brownies and bars offers something for every palate. From intensely chewy and fudgy creations to delightful nutty, chunky, and chocolatey variations, as well as convenient no-bake options and rich flourless delights. Our selection of the Best Brownies and Bars is packed with recipes everyone will adore. Dive in and discover your next favorite baked good!