Nutty Espresso Brownies with Whipped Cream
Generated with the assistance of Pantry Bliss AI
Last updated on
4
35 minutes
Prep time
10 minutes
Cook time
25 minutes
The concept of Nutty Espresso Brownies with Whipped Cream emerged from a delightful intersection of rich flavors and personal nostalgia. Inspired by the rich desserts crafted at local artisan bakeries, I couldn't help but remember the first time I tasted a chocolate espresso confection – it was a revelation. The combination sang sweet notes of dark chocolate with the bold kick of coffee, igniting my cocoa-loving heart and sparking a desire to recreate that magic in my own kitchen.
At the core of this recipe is an exquisite blend of unsweetened cocoa powder, dark chocolate, and freshly brewed espresso. Each ingredient contributes unique dimensions to the flavor profile. The cocoa powder delivers a deep chocolate richness, while the high-quality dark chocolate provides a luxurious, velvety texture. The espresso does more than add coffee notes; it sharpens and enhances the overall chocolate flavor, giving it an alluring depth. Add to this the earthy crunch of roughly chopped walnuts, which bring not just texture but a slight bitterness that perfectly balances the sweetness of the brownies. The juxtaposition of textures – the fudgy brownie and the crisp walnuts – creates a satisfying bite that is hard to resist.
To ensure this brownie recipe stands out, a special cooking technique is employed: the double boiler method. By melting the chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water, the chocolate achieves a silky-smooth consistency without the risk of burning, an essential step for perfect brownies. This technique, often used by professional chefs, makes it accessible for home bakers, allowing for gourmet results with ease.
Presentation plays a crucial role in dessert enjoyment, and these brownies shine on a plate. After cooling, they are cut into perfectly sized squares and topped generously with a luscious, freshly whipped cream. Made with chilled heavy cream and just a touch of powdered sugar, this light topping adds a fluffy counterpoint to the rich brownies beneath it. For a final touch, a dusting of cocoa powder before serving offers a visual treat that beckons diners to indulge.
Serving suggestions allow for creativity. Pair these Nutty Espresso Brownies with a robust cup of your favorite coffee or a glass of dessert wine, enhancing the overall experience. For added elegance, consider a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side, melting slowly against the warm brownies. Whether enjoyed at a dinner party or a cozy night in, these brownies promise a moment of bliss, transporting any chocolate lover to a state of indulgence. The combination of nutty depth, espresso richness, and light whipped cream is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors that dance beautifully together, each bite telling a story of passion and culinary exploration.
This recipe and its accompanying image were generated by Pantry Bliss AI. Please use your discretion, verify ingredients for allergies and safe consumption, and follow safe cooking practices.
Ingredients
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75 grams unsweetened cocoa powder (sifted)
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75 grams all-purpose flour (sifted)
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200 grams granulated sugar (divided into two parts: 150g and 50g)
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100 grams unsalted butter (melted)
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100 grams dark chocolate (70% cacao) (chopped)
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2 large large eggs (at room temperature)
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30 milliliters espresso (freshly brewed and cooled)
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100 grams walnuts (roughly chopped)
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200 milliliters heavy whipping cream (chilled)
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20 grams powdered sugar (to taste)
Instructions
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1.
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a 20x20 cm baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal later.
Ensure the oven is fully preheated before baking the brownies.
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2.
Melt Chocolate and Butter:
In a heatproof bowl, combine 100g of dark chocolate and 100g of unsalted butter. Set the bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler) and stir until melted and smooth.
Make sure the bowl does not touch the water to prevent burning the chocolate.
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3.
Mix the Brownie Batter:
Remove the melted chocolate mixture from heat. Stir in 150g of granulated sugar, mixing well. Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated. Add 30ml of espresso and mix until smooth. Fold in the sifted cocoa powder and flour until just combined. Do not overmix. Finally, fold in the chopped walnuts.
Be careful not to overmix the batter as it can lead to dry brownies.
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4.
Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Avoid overbaking, as the brownies will continue to cook slightly once removed from the oven.
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5.
Cool and Cut Brownies:
Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares.
Ensure brownies are adequately cooled before cutting to keep clean edges.
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6.
Prepare the Whipped Cream:
In a chilled mixing bowl, combine 200ml of heavy whipping cream and 20g of powdered sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Avoid overbeating to prevent the cream from turning buttery.
Stop beating once soft peaks form, as overwhipping can ruin the texture.
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7.
Serve the Brownies:
Plate the brownies and dollop the whipped cream on top. Optionally, dust with cocoa powder for presentation before serving.
Serve immediately for the best texture of the whipped cream.
Tips and Variations
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it's suitable for baking.
- You can replace walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different nutty flavor, or for a nut-free version, try using sunflower seeds.
- To enhance the espresso flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the batter along with the cocoa and flour.
- For added decadence, drizzle the brownies with melted chocolate or caramel sauce before serving them with whipped cream.
- If you're a fan of spice, add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to the brownie batter for additional warmth and depth of flavor.
- You can prep the brownie batter ahead of time and refrigerate it for a day; bake fresh when you're ready to serve for a warm dessert experience.
- Consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an extra indulgent treat when serving.
- Try infusing the whipped cream with flavored extracts like vanilla or almond, or whisk in some cocoa powder for chocolate whipped cream.
Equipment Required
Suggested Pairings
Sides
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The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream balances the richness of the brownies and complements the coffee flavors.
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The additional chocolate notes in the cookies enhance the chocolatey richness of the brownies.
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The tartness of fresh berries adds a refreshing contrast to the dense brownies.
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A cup of espresso reinforces the coffee flavor in the brownies and enhances the overall dessert experience.
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A classic pairing with brownies, milk adds a creamy element that offsets the sweetness.
Drinks
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Iced coffee is refreshing and complements the espresso flavors in the brownies, enhancing the coffee experience.
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The creamy, coffee-liqueur flavor matches the brownies perfectly and adds a luxurious touch.
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A soothing mint tea provides a refreshing finish after the rich, chocolatey brownies.
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This sweet, fortified wine pairs beautifully with chocolate desserts, highlighting their flavors.
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The lightness and acidity of sparkling water with lime cleanse the palate after the rich brownies.
Other Food Dishes
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The coffee-flavored layers of tiramisu complement the espresso brownies well, creating a harmonious dessert duo.
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The tangy creaminess of cheesecake provides a nice contrast to the rich chocolate brownies.
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The light, smooth texture of panna cotta offers a contrast to the dense brownies, making for a delightful end to a meal.
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The fresh fruits in a tart provide a sweet yet light touch that balances the chocolate richness.
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Both desserts share chocolate as a primary flavor but offer different textures for a varied dessert experience.