Cappuccino Brownies
Rich, decadent cappuccino brownies combine chocolate and espresso flavors with warm spices for a sophisticated treat perfect for coffee lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Butter a 9-inch square pan and line the bottom with wax paper or parchment. Coat the paper with butter and set aside.
- In a 4 to 5-quart saucepan over very low heat, stir together the unsweetened chocolate and butter until completely melted. Let cool slightly.
- Mix in sugar, instant espresso powder, vanilla, and lightly beaten eggs with a whisk.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the chocolate mixture and stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake on the center rack for 30 to 40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out slightly wet with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the brownies cool completely before running a knife around the edges, then invert and cut into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using high-quality dark chocolate instead of unsweetened chocolate. If you don't have instant espresso powder, espresso or strong coffee can be used, but adjust the liquid in the recipe accordingly. Be careful not to overmix the batter; this ensures a fudgy texture. For added texture, you can sprinkle some chopped nuts into the batter before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cappuccino brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk. For an extra touch, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate sauce. These brownies also make a great addition to a dessert platter alongside treats like Syrup Pie or Everyday Waffles.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, warm individual squares in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cappuccino Brownies contains roughly 284 calories, with 3g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 555mg per serving (24% 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 unsweetened chocolate?
Yes, you can substitute unsweetened chocolate with an equal amount of dark chocolate, but reduce the sugar slightly since dark chocolate is usually sweeter. If you're using cocoa powder, use 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder mixed with 1 tablespoon of oil or butter for each ounce of chocolate needed.
What can I use instead of instant espresso powder?
If you don't have instant espresso powder, you can use finely ground coffee or brew a strong cup of espresso and use that in place of some of the liquid in the recipe. Just keep in mind that this may alter the consistency slightly.
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
To check if the brownies are done, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter. Baking time may vary, so keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking.
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).