Indulge in Homemade Fudgy Starbucks Copycat Espresso Brownies: Your Ultimate Coffee & Chocolate Fix
Discover the magic of these incredibly fudgy brownies, tasting just like the beloved Starbucks Espresso Brownies! Each bite of these soft, chewy, and intensely chocolatey treats is loaded with real, freshly ground espresso, delivering that perfect jolt of caffeine and an exquisite depth of flavor. Prepare to elevate your brownie game!
There’s nothing quite like the dense, rich, and intensely fudgy texture of a truly exceptional brownie. And when you infuse that perfection with the bold, aromatic essence of real espresso? You’ve just unlocked a flavor combination that transcends the ordinary. These aren’t just any brownies; they are our ode to the legendary Starbucks Espresso Brownies, crafted to deliver that same unforgettable experience right in your own kitchen. Prepare yourself for a dessert that’s rich, satisfying, and undeniably addictive.
I simply had to bring these incredible brownies into your life, especially as we approach the weekend. What better way to celebrate the end of a long workweek than with a tray of brownies brimming with real ground espresso and an abundance of rich, melted chocolate? We’re talking about bittersweet chocolate deeply incorporated into every crumb, ensuring a profound chocolate flavor that cocoa powder alone simply can’t achieve. While cocoa powder plays its part, truly exceptional brownies are born from the generous use of high-quality, freshly melted chocolate.
Despite their sophisticated flavor, these espresso brownies are surprisingly low maintenance. You’ll be delighted to find that only seven simple ingredients are required to achieve this level of indulgence. With just one mixing bowl and a single baking dish, you can whip up the fudgiest, most irresistible brownies on the block. Minimal fuss, maximum flavor – that’s the promise of this recipe.
I cannot stop raving about these espresso brownies! Seriously, I’ve pretty much informed everyone in my contact list that I’ve officially lost my mind for these coffee-infused chocolate squares. They are wonderfully thick, incredibly fudgy, and bursting with deep chocolate flavor, all elevated by a touch of sophistication that only ground espresso can provide. As I gracefully approach significant milestones in life, I find myself gravitating towards classic treats from my childhood, but with a refined, more “adult” twist. The ground espresso delivers exactly that – a bold, rich coffee flavor that perfectly complements the chocolate. It’s a culinary truth universally acknowledged: coffee and chocolate are a match made in heaven.
The foundation of any truly great brownie recipe lies in the quality of its ingredients, especially the chocolate. You should always opt for chocolate that you genuinely enjoy eating on its own, as its flavor will be front and center in your brownies. I personally favor brands like Ghirardelli for their consistent quality, but for those occasions when I’m ready to truly splurge, Scharffen Berger delivers an unparalleled richness. And then there’s butter. While brownies made with oil can certainly be good, brownies crafted with real, creamy, 100% butter possess an incomparable depth of flavor and a superior texture that makes all the difference. The subtle crackle on the crust and the tender crumb are testaments to the power of butter.
I’m also going to be completely honest: I baked a batch of these espresso brownies, yielding nine generously sized pieces, and I had an incredibly difficult time sharing them. I almost, kind of, wanted to squirrel away the entire batch and just (happily) overindulge in solitary bliss. Am I a brownie hoarder? Why yes, yes I am, and I make no apologies for it when they taste this good!
The secret to unlocking the intense coffee flavor in these treats is the inclusion of real, freshly ground espresso. After countless rounds of recipe testing, I believe I’ve finally cracked the code to replicating Starbucks’ now-discontinued Espresso Brownies. If memory serves, those iconic brownies were often topped with a rich, thick fudge icing. However, let me assure you, these homemade beauties absolutely do not need it. My testing phase initially started with espresso powder, but I found that it lacked the desired texture and the profound “oomph” of rich caffeine that I was striving for. Using ground espresso beans introduces a slight, pleasing texture to the brownies, along with a more authentic and robust coffee flavor. This is something to consider if you’re baking for someone who isn’t a huge fan of coffee-flavored desserts; in that case, a different recipe might be more suitable. But for coffee lovers, this is pure heaven.
These crackly-topped espresso brownies are bursting with genuine espresso flavor. They strike a perfect balance of sweetness, a subtle hint of salt to enhance the chocolate, and an overall sophisticated profile. Frankly, I wouldn’t mind replacing my morning French press coffee with one of these brownies. Can you imagine a more perfect start to the day? The combination of rich chocolate and bold espresso is simply unparalleled.
When these warm, fragrant brownies emerge fresh from the oven, all you need is a generous dollop of cold vanilla ice cream melting over the top. The contrast of hot and cold, rich and creamy, creates an experience that is nothing short of divine. Seriously, go ahead and treat yourself. I certainly won’t judge; in fact, I encourage it!
Starbucks Copycat Espresso Brownies
5 minutes
40 minutes
45 minutes
Indulge in these rich, fudgy brownies that perfectly capture the essence of Starbucks Espresso Brownies! These soft and chewy delights are generously loaded with real, freshly ground espresso, delivering that essential caffeine kick and an unparalleled depth of flavor.
Ingredients
- 10 tablespoons salted butter (see notes for unsalted butter)
- 6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, high quality, chopped into small pieces
- 1 ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼- ½ cup ground espresso (finely ground, see notes for recommendation)
- 3 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
- PREP: Begin by positioning an oven rack in the exact center of your oven. Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) square baking dish with cooking spray or butter, then line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal later. Set the prepared dish aside.
- MELT & MIX: Fill a medium saucepan approximately halfway with water and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Place a heatproof glass bowl over the saucepan, ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the simmering water (this creates a double boiler). Add the butter and chopped bittersweet chocolate to the glass bowl and allow them to melt slowly and completely, stirring occasionally until smooth and glossy. Once melted, carefully remove the bowl from the heat. Stir in the granulated sugar and the freshly ground espresso. Continue mixing until the sugar is fully dissolved and incorporated into the chocolate mixture. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated before adding the next. Finally, add the cocoa powder along with the all-purpose flour. Mix gently until *JUST* combined. It is crucial not to overmix the batter at this stage, as overmixing can lead to tough or cakey brownies.
- BAKE: Carefully pour the rich brownie batter into your prepared baking dish, using a spatula to smooth out the top evenly. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 30-38 minutes. For a truly extra-fudgy brownie experience, I recommend baking for precisely 35 minutes, which typically results in a slightly underdone center – exactly how we love them! Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack in the baking dish for at least 30 minutes (or ideally longer) before attempting to remove and slice. Serving them slightly warm is highly recommended, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Notes
- Butter: If you are using unsalted butter for this recipe, remember to add 1/4 teaspoon of fine sea salt to the dry ingredients to balance the flavors.
- Espresso: For the best results, I purchase whole espresso beans and then grind them fresh on the ‘espresso’ setting at my local grocery store’s coffee grinder. This ensures maximum freshness and flavor. If this is your first time making these brownies, I highly suggest starting with 1/4 cup of ground espresso to gauge your preference for intensity. I personally use a generous ½ cup, but be aware that this does add a noticeable, delightful bit of texture to the brownies from the fine grounds.
- Cooling: Allowing the brownies to cool completely before cutting is key for clean slices and a perfectly fudgy texture. Patience is a virtue when baking brownies!
- Storage: Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully for longer storage.
Have you made this recipe?
If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and a comment below. Your feedback helps others discover and enjoy this delicious treat! You can also share a picture of your amazing espresso brownies on Instagram with the hashtag #LITTLESPICEJAR; I’d absolutely love to see what you made!
*Please note: the nutritional facts calculated are an estimate based on the specific ingredients I’ve used. For a more precise dietary count, I recommend calculating them using the exact ingredients and brands you’ve incorporated. The nutritional information provided is for 1/12th of the entire recipe.
Creating these fudgy espresso brownies at home isn’t just about recreating a favorite; it’s about customizing the experience to your exact preferences. Want a little more espresso kick? Go for the higher amount. Prefer a deeper chocolate flavor? Choose an even darker bittersweet chocolate. The beauty of homemade lies in the control you have over every delicious detail. These brownies aren’t just a dessert; they’re a celebration of rich flavors, comforting textures, and the simple joy of baking. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and prepare to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of coffee and chocolate.
Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones (if you can resist hoarding them, that is!) or savoring a moment of personal indulgence, these Starbucks copycat espresso brownies are guaranteed to become a cherished addition to your recipe collection. Enjoy the perfect blend of sweet and bold, fudgy and chewy, in every delightful bite. They are truly the best way to satisfy your chocolate and coffee cravings all in one!
