Recipe: Espresso Swirl Brownies 🍫☕
Overview:
Espresso Swirl Brownies are a decadent treat for all the coffee lovers out there! This recipe, inspired by Alice Medrich’s book, “Cookies and Brownies,” combines rich chocolatey goodness with a hint of espresso, resulting in a delightful flavor explosion in every bite.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares
Ingredients:
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
Instructions:
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Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Line a 9-inch square pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving some overhang on two opposite sides for easy removal later.
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Melt Chocolate: In a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over simmering water, melt the butter and chocolate together. Stir occasionally until smooth and well combined. Once melted, remove from heat.
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Add Sugar and Flavorings: Stir in the sugar, vanilla extract, and salt into the melted chocolate mixture until fully incorporated. Then, add the eggs one at a time, stirring well after each addition.
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Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the chocolate mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon until the batter becomes smooth, glossy, and pulls away from the sides of the pan. This should take about a minute.
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Spread Batter: Spread all but half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, ensuring an even layer. Set aside the remaining batter.
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Prepare Espresso Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the instant coffee powder with water until dissolved. Set aside.
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Make Cream Cheese Mixture: In another bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Then, beat in the egg and the prepared espresso mixture until well blended.
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Layer and Swirl: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the brownie batter in the pan. Next, dollop the reserved brownie batter over the cream cheese layer. Use a knife to swirl and marble the two batters together without fully mixing them.
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Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the brownies begin to pull away from the sides of the pan.
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Cool and Chill: Allow the brownies to cool on a rack. Once cooled, refrigerate them for at least 2 hours to chill thoroughly before cutting.
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Slice and Serve: After chilling, use a knife to loosen the brownies from the unlined sides of the pan. Lift the overhanging parchment or foil to transfer the brownies to a cutting board. Cut into 16 squares and serve.
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Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 242.8
- Fat: 15.4g
- Saturated Fat: 9.3g
- Cholesterol: 70.5mg
- Sodium: 94.2mg
- Carbohydrates: 25.5g
- Fiber: 1.3g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 3.7g
Indulge in the irresistible blend of chocolate and espresso with these Espresso Swirl Brownies. Perfect for a cozy night in or as a delightful addition to any dessert spread!