Description
These fudgy espresso brownies feature a rich, dark chocolate base enhanced with espresso powder and a sweet-salty caramel swirl. They are simple to make with just a few pantry staples, resulting in a dense, moist texture with a crackly top.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces (225g) high-quality dark chocolate (semi-sweet or bittersweet, 60-70% cocoa)
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
- 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (120ml) store-bought salted caramel sauce
- Flaky sea salt, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
- Break chocolate into chunks and place in a microwave-safe bowl with cubed butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth and glossy. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk eggs and granulated sugar vigorously for 1-2 minutes until pale and thickened.
- Pour the melted chocolate and butter mixture into the egg mixture. Whisk until combined. Add espresso powder and salt, whisking until smooth.
- Sprinkle flour over the wet mixture. Gently fold in with a spatula using a figure-eight motion until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Drop spoonfuls of salted caramel sauce randomly over the batter. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the caramel into the batter.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center should still look slightly soft and jiggly. A toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs.
- Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift out using parchment paper and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting.
Notes
For clean cuts, chill the brownies in the fridge for 30 minutes before slicing. Do not overbake; the center should remain slightly soft for a fudgy texture. Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor. Room temperature eggs help prevent the chocolate from seizing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 24
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
Keywords: brownies, espresso brownies, salted caramel, fudgy brownies, easy dessert, chocolate dessert, 5-ingredient recipe