Indulge in the ultimate chocolate experience with these **Hazelnut Espresso Brownies**! Each bite promises a symphony of flavors and textures: a supremely chewy and fudgy brownie base, intensely rich with coffee, perfectly complemented by a creamy, luscious hazelnut buttercream frosting. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration of classic pairings, designed to awaken your senses and satisfy your deepest cravings.
If you’re a devoted fan of chocolate and coffee, you know the magic that happens when these two ingredients unite. For another irresistible treat that marries these delightful flavors, you might also love our Peanut Butter Mocha Cupcakes.
Life has a wonderful way of reminding us that some things never change, even as the years fly by. This week, I’m celebrating my 35th birthday, and it feels like just yesterday I was turning 30. That year, my incredible husband surprised me with a cooking demo party, surrounded by all our closest friends, followed by a fun bowling outing. It was a day etched in my memory as one of my absolute favorites.
Fast forward five years, and while the numbers on the cake have shifted, the spirit of celebration remains the same. This year, the plan involves taking my daughter to see “The Little Mermaid,” and yes, you guessed it, we’re all going bowling afterwards! Some traditions are just too good to break. And much like the unchanging joy of a special family tradition, my unwavering love for a perfect cup of coffee – or, even better, infusing that rich espresso flavor directly into my chocolate brownies – endures.
To truly honor this milestone birthday, I’m dedicating this entire week to “Sweets Week.” I’ll be sharing some of my all-time favorite dessert recipes, starting right here with these magnificent Hazelnut Espresso Brownies. These aren’t just any brownies; they’re a testament to the fact that some flavor combinations are simply meant to be.
The Undeniable Magic: Why Coffee Elevates Chocolate to New Heights
Let me say it again, and perhaps I can’t emphasize it enough: if you’re not incorporating coffee into your chocolate desserts, you are truly missing out on a transformative culinary secret. This isn’t just a personal preference; it’s a fundamental principle for unlocking a deeper, richer chocolate experience.
Coffee, particularly in the form of espresso powder, acts as a stealthy flavor enhancer. It doesn’t overpower the chocolate with its own distinct coffee taste (unless you add a lot), but rather amplifies the chocolate’s inherent bitterness and complex notes, making it taste “more chocolatey.” It’s like adding a pinch of salt to caramel – it brings out the sweetness in a more profound way. The subtle acidity of coffee works to balance the sweetness of chocolate, creating a more sophisticated and less cloying dessert. This phenomenon is why you’ll find coffee in everything from our decadent Peanut Butter Espresso Cake to those irresistible Peanut Butter Mocha Cupcakes – yes, my love for peanut butter is strong!
This culinary secret is the backbone of these Hazelnut Espresso Brownies. The espresso powder is crucial not just for a hint of coffee flavor, but for deepening the chocolate profile, creating a truly intense and unforgettable brownie base.
Crafting the Perfect Fudgy Brownie: A Tried-and-True Foundation
The foundation of any great brownie is its texture, and this recipe delivers on the promise of chewy and fudgy perfection. The base for these Hazelnut Espresso Brownies is a beloved classic, very similar to the one we use for our Irish Car Bomb Brownies. And why would we ever mess with a good thing? This base has been perfected over countless batches, ensuring a consistently dense, moist, and intensely chocolatey result every single time. It’s the kind of brownie that holds its shape, offers a slight chew around the edges, and melts in your mouth towards the center.
The real distinction and ultimate charm of *these* particular brownies, however, lies in the glorious frosting. Inspired by my perpetual fondness for hazelnut coffee creamer – that delightful swirl of nutty warmth in my morning cup – I developed a creamy, dreamy hazelnut buttercream frosting specifically to crown these espresso-infused beauties. The combination is simply divine, with the rich, deep chocolate and coffee notes finding their perfect partner in the sweet, fragrant hazelnut.
Customization and Creativity: Make These Brownies Your Own
While the hazelnut buttercream is undeniably superb and highly recommended, these espresso brownies are so incredibly delicious that they would be absolutely fantastic even without any frosting at all. Sometimes, simplicity is key, and the pure, unadulterated flavor of the brownie base truly shines on its own. It’s a testament to the quality of the brownie itself.
However, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to explore other delightful pairings, the possibilities are endless! Think of your favorite coffeehouse combinations and let them inspire your frosting choice. Imagine an Irish cream frosting, adding a subtle, liqueur-like warmth. Or perhaps a classic vanilla frosting, offering a sweet, comforting contrast. For those who adore sweet and salty, a luscious caramel frosting would be an extraordinary match. Don’t be afraid to get creative and “go crazy” with your flavor pairings!
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. The brownie base itself is simply too delicious to confine to just one topping. Whether you opt for our signature hazelnut buttercream or venture into new frosting territory, the core promise of a deeply satisfying chocolate and coffee experience remains steadfast. The choice of what to crown these brownies with is entirely yours, ensuring that you can tailor this delectable treat to your personal taste. No matter what, the incredibly rich and chewy brownie base will always be the star.
Hazelnut Espresso Brownies: Bursting with Rich, Chocolatey Coffee Flavor and Creamy Hazelnut Frosting!
Hazelnut Espresso Brownies
Prep
Cook
Inactive
Total
Author Megan | Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
Yield 16 servings
These Hazelnut Espresso Brownies are chewy, fudgy and packed with rich coffee flavor to bring out an intense chocolate experience only highlighted by the hazelnut buttercream frosting!
Ingredients
Espresso Brownie Layer
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chunks, divided
- 3/4 cup (12 tablespoons butter), melted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Hazelnut Buttercream
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon hazelnut extract or bakery emulsion
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Espresso Brownie Layer
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and coat a 9×9 pan with cooking spray and line with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Combine flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, brown sugar, espresso powder salt and baking powder in a large bowl.
- Place 1/2 cup chocolate into a heat proof bowl and microwave until melted. Whisk in butter and vanilla. Add eggs, one at a time and whisk until combined.
- Fold in remaining 1/2 cup chocolate chunks.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Place pan on a wire rack to cool completely.
Hazelnut Buttercream
- In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle or whisk attachment or into a large bowl, add in your softened butter and whip, scraping down the sides every minute, for 5 minutes.
- Using 1/2 cup at a time, add in your powdered sugar.
- Once all the powdered sugar has been incorporated add in your heavy cream, hazelnut extract and salt.
- Beat on low speed for a few seconds and then increase to high speed and beat for 2 minutes, until light and fluffy.
- Spread frosting on top of the brownies and cut into 16 equal squares.
Courses Dessert
Cuisine American
Beyond Brownies: The Irresistible Allure of Chocolate Desserts
Brownies hold a special place in my heart, a delightful weakness I happily succumb to. But if I’m being perfectly honest, almost any chocolate dessert can claim that title for me! There’s something universally comforting and utterly satisfying about a well-made chocolate treat. Whether it’s the playful joy of funfetti or the sophisticated dance of chocolate paired with a hint of sea salt, I find endless delight in exploring the vast world of desserts.
The journey of baking is one of continuous discovery and joy, and I love sharing these moments with you. Keep an eye out this week for another fun post, where I’ll be sharing a delightful cookie recipe and more personal reflections. We’re keeping this “Sweets Week” party going strong!
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