Black Russian Brownies
Decadent Black Russian Brownies combine rich chocolate with the bold flavors of Kahlua and vodka, complemented by crunchy walnuts—perfect for adults seeking a luxurious treat.
Ingredients
- 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate ⓘ
- 1 cup butter ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon black pepper (optional) ⓘ
- 4 eggs ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla ⓘ
- 1/3 cup Kahlua ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons vodka ⓘ
- 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup chopped walnuts ⓘ
- Powdered sugar (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F.
- Line the bottom of a 13 x 9 inch pan with wax paper.
- Melt the unsweetened chocolate and butter with black pepper in a saucepan over low heat.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, and vanilla until well combined.
- Stir in the cooled chocolate mixture, Kahlua, and vodka.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Add the dry ingredients to the chocolate mixture and stir until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool on a wire rack before cutting into bars.
- Optional: sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, use high-quality dark chocolate instead of unsweetened chocolate. If you want to reduce the alcohol content, consider omitting the vodka and increasing the Kahlua to 1/2 cup. The optional black pepper adds a unique kick, but feel free to skip it if you prefer a classic brownie taste. To enhance the texture, try adding a handful of chocolate chips.
Serving Suggestions
These Black Russian Brownies are delicious on their own, but they can be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert. They also pair wonderfully with a rich coffee or a glass of dessert wine. For a festive touch, sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving. For more delightful American recipes, browse our dessert section.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To enjoy them warm, reheat individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or pop them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Black Russian Brownies contains roughly 487 calories, with 3g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is a good source of calcium (13% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute the Kahlua with another liqueur?
Yes, you can substitute Kahlua with another coffee liqueur like Tia Maria, or even switch to a chocolate liqueur for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the overall taste of the brownies may change slightly depending on the liqueur used.
What if I don't have walnuts?
If you're not a fan of walnuts or don't have them on hand, you can substitute them with pecans, almonds, or even leave them out entirely for a nut-free version. You might also consider adding chocolate chips for extra richness.
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they're done; if it comes out wet with batter, they need more time. Keep in mind that the brownies will continue to set as they cool.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).