Mocha Magic Brownies

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever had one of those days where only chocolate will do? Honestly, I've been there. These Mocha Magic Brownies are the answer.

The secret? A sneaky boost of instant espresso powder for that extra rich, fudgy flavour. It's the perfect blend of coffee and chocolate!

Brief Overview

Brownies are a classic American bake, a real comfort food. This recipe gives them a sophisticated twist. It's an easy bake, taking about 55- 60 minutes from start to finish.

This recipe makes 9 large brownies.

Main Benefits

These brownies are more than just a treat. They boast a good bit of energy from the ingredients and are perfect with coffee.

They're great for afternoon tea or a cheeky after dinner dessert. What makes these brownies special is that subtle espresso kick.

Okay, let's get this show on the road! These fudgy espresso powder brownies are here to steal the show.

Espresso Magic Unveiled

These aren't just any mocha brownies recipe . They are a hug in a brownie. I first made these when I was feeling particularly down after a rubbish day at work.

Honestly, the smell alone cheered me up. That hint of instant coffee brownies makes all the difference. It’s like a secret ingredient that deepens the chocolate flavour.

No one will guess that the secret touch is baking with espresso powder .

The most importan tip to achieve that fudgy espresso brownies effect, do not over bake them!

Why instant espresso powder Matters

For those who are unsure about the usage of espresso powder substitute , you shouldn't need any. A good instant espresso powder enhances the chocolate without making the brownies taste like coffee.

It's all about balance. It provides you with a chocolate espresso dessert that will boost up your day. These are in fact dark chocolate espresso brownies ,

Get Baking!

So, ditch the usual easy brownie recipe and try these. You won’t regret it. Trust me. Get ready for compliments and requests for the recipe.

Ingredients & Equipment: Mocha Magic Brownies

Okay, let's get this show on the road! We’re making Mocha Magic Brownies: The Espresso Boost You Need . Honestly, get ready for some seriously good fudgy espresso brownies.

Main Ingredients

Here's what you'll need. Don't worry, most of it’s probably in your cupboard already!

• All-purpose flour: 1 cup (125g) . Plain flour works great.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: 1/2 cup (50g) . Dutch processed is my fave, but any will do.
• Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
• Instant espresso powder : 2 tablespoons (15g) . This is the magic, folks. Seriously, it enhances that chocolate flavor. Use this instant coffee brownies link to buy https://www.amazon.com/Medaglia Doro-Instant Espresso-Coffee/dp/B000F4I0GM if you need it.
• Unsalted butter, melted: 1/2 cup (1 stick, 113g) . Melt it gently.
• Granulated sugar: 1 cup (200g) . Caster sugar if you're fancy.
• Light brown sugar: 1/2 cup (100g) packed
• Large eggs: 2
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
• Milk: 1/2 cup (120ml)
• Optional: Chocolate chips: 1/2 cup (85g) . Or chopped walnuts: 1/4 cup .

Quality cocoa powder is key. It makes a world of difference. If your butter is unsalted, add a tiny pinch more salt.

Seasoning Notes

Forget complicated spice racks. Keep it simple for the best espresso powder brownies.

• Espresso + Cocoa: This is the dynamic duo for chocolate espresso dessert .
• Vanilla extract enhances everything. Don’t skip it!
• If you want a little kick, a pinch of chili powder works. I’m serious.

If you don’t have instant espresso powder, use strong instant coffee, but honestly, the espresso powder brownies flavor is better.

I once tried using normal coffee and it was no good at all.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need loads of fancy equipment. Here are essentials.

• 8x8 inch baking pan.
• Parchment paper. This makes removing the brownies easy peasy.
• Mixing bowls (a couple).
• Whisk.
• Rubber spatula.

No baking pan? A similar sized casserole dish will do in a pinch. No whisk? Use a fork, but whisking is much better and more effective

Mocha Magic Brownies: The Espresso Boost You Need

These aren't your average brownies, mate. We're talking fudgy, intensely chocolatey squares. The subtle yet powerful punch of instant espresso powder elevates them to something special.

It's a nod to classic American brownies with a sophisticated, grown-up twist. Honestly, the espresso powder brownies don’t make them taste like coffee.

Rather, it enhances the chocolate depth, like a secret ingredient. Perfect for a cheeky afternoon treat with a cuppa. Okay, let's get this show on the road!

Essential Mise en Place for Brownie Bliss

Before you even think about preheating your oven, get everything ready! It's all about that essential mise en place . Measure out all your ingredients.

Line your 8x8 inch pan with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes removal easy. Melt that butter. You know? Just having everything prepped makes it all so much easier.

Honestly, it's a game changer.

step-by-step to Brownie Perfection

1. Preheat oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and instant espresso powder .
3. In a large bowl, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Whisk until smooth.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time. Stir in vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet. Alternate with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry. Don't overmix!
6. Gently fold in chocolate chips and/or nuts (if using).
7. Pour batter into the pan. Spread evenly. Bake for 25- 30 minutes.
8. Cool completely before lifting out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares and serve.

Pro Tips for Brownie Royalty

Don't overbake! It's the biggest mistake. Err on the side of underbaking. You want that fudgy centre! For extra fudginess, let the brownies cool completely.

Patience, grasshopper! make-ahead option? Absolutely. These easy brownie recipe can be made a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container.

Now, go get your fudgy espresso brownies .

This recipe is great using a substitute for espresso powder substitute , you can replace with a similar amount of instant coffee.

Recipe Notes for Mocha Magic

Okay, let's get this show on the road! You've got your Mocha Magic Brownies ready to bake. But before you dive in, let's chat about a few things.

These tips will seriously up your brownie game. Honestly, a little extra know how goes a long way!

Show 'Em Off: Serving Ideas

Presentation matters, right? Think about how you want to wow your friends. These chocolate espresso dessert bars look amazing dusted with cocoa powder.

Plating them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is always a win. Or maybe a dollop of freshly whipped cream? For drinks, a strong cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk is perfect.

Because, why not?

Keep 'Em Fresh: Storage How-To

Got leftovers? Lucky you! These fudgy espresso brownies will keep for about 3-4 days in the fridge. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container.

Want to freeze them? You can! Cut them into individual squares first. Then wrap each brownie in plastic wrap. Pop them into a freezer bag.

They'll be good for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds. Or let them thaw at room temperature.

Shake It Up: Variations on a Theme

Want to mix things up? Why not! For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Easy peasy. And If you want a twist, drizzle salted caramel sauce after baking.

For a little change, swirl peanut butter into the batter before baking. These little changes will make these great brownies even better.

Fuel Up: Nutrition Lowdown

Each espresso powder brownies serving is roughly 350 calories. You will also get an estimated of 5g of protein, 20g of fat, 40g of carbohydrates, 2g of fiber, and 25g of sugar.

Remember, this is just an estimate! It depends on your exact ingredients. What you need to know is you will get a lot of chocolate and coffee flavored brownies which is a good energy boost from that caffeine hit from the instant espresso powder .

Plus, dark chocolate has some health benefits. It's good for the soul, at least.

Adding instant coffee brownies is so good. The flavour enhancement is a game changer. Even with using an espresso powder substitute .

I would recommend to keep using instant espresso powder for a better brownie.

These easy brownie recipe are awesome and you will be baking your dark chocolate espresso brownies in no time!

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is instant espresso powder, and how is it different from regular instant coffee?

That's a cracking question! Instant espresso powder is made from finely ground, brewed espresso coffee that has been dehydrated. This results in a more concentrated coffee flavor than your typical instant coffee, giving these Mocha Magic Brownies a deeper, richer chocolate taste rather than a distinctly coffee like flavour.

Think of it as the secret weapon in your baking arsenal!

Can I substitute anything else for instant espresso powder if I don't have any on hand?

Alright, so you've realised you're plum out of instant espresso powder? Don't fret! You can use an equal amount of regular instant coffee as a substitute, though the flavour won't be quite as intense. Alternatively, you could try adding a tablespoon of strongly brewed coffee to the wet ingredients.

If you like more distinct coffee taste, you can up the amount of instant coffee used.

Does using instant espresso powder make the brownies taste like coffee? I'm not a huge coffee fan!

Fear not, coffee phobes! The beauty of using instant espresso powder in these brownies is that it doesn't actually make them taste overtly like coffee. Instead, it works its magic by enhancing and intensifying the chocolate flavour, giving it a richer, more complex profile, kind of like a secret ingredient only you know about.

How should I store these Mocha Magic Brownies so they stay nice and fudgy?

To keep your brownies as fudgy as a good sticky toffee pudding, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They'll happily stay delicious for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just make sure they're well wrapped to prevent freezer burn!

I'm trying to be a bit healthier; what are the nutritional considerations when using instant espresso powder in this recipe, and are there any ways to lighten it up?

Good on you for keeping an eye on the health front! While instant espresso powder itself contributes minimal calories or sugar, the brownies themselves do have a fair amount of both.

To lighten them up, you could use a sugar substitute suitable for baking, opt for dark chocolate chips (which are lower in sugar), and consider using applesauce in place of some of the butter. You can also substitute dairy milk for almond milk.

Can I double this recipe? I'm baking for a proper crowd!

Absolutely, doubling the recipe is a piece of cake! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in a 9x13 inch pan. You'll likely need to add about 5-10 minutes to the baking time, but keep a close eye on them to ensure they don't dry out. A good tip is to check the center of the brownies with a toothpick.

If it comes out with moist crumbs, that means it's done!