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Imagine sinking your teeth into a rich, chewy treat that perfectly marries the deep, bittersweet notes of cocoa with a bold espresso kick. That’s exactly what you get with this Fudgy Espresso Brownie Bites Recipe, a delightful little dessert that packs all the flavor and indulgence of a classic brownie into perfectly sized bite-sized portions. These brownie bites are incredibly moist and fudgy, with just the right amount of espresso powder to elevate the chocolate flavor without overpowering it. Whether you need a quick pick-me-up or a charming dessert to impress guests, this recipe will soon become your go-to for satisfying chocolate cravings in a fun, shareable form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple pantry staples that come together to create a brownie bite with incredible depth and texture. Each one plays a crucial role, from the melted butter that gives richness to the granulated and brown sugars that balance sweetness and chewiness, all the way to the instant espresso powder that enhances the intense chocolate flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted): Adds a luscious, creamy richness that keeps these bites fudgy.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens while contributing to the tender crumb.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed): Brings a hint of molasses flavor and enhances chewiness.
- 2 large eggs: Provide structure and moisture without making the bites cakey.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates and rounds out the flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder: Intensifies the chocolate taste with a subtle coffee undertone.
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: The star ingredient for that deep chocolatey goodness.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Just enough to hold everything together without drying out the fudgy texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder: Gives a slight lift while maintaining fudginess.
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional): Adds small pockets of melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
How to Make Fudgy Espresso Brownie Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Mini Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your mini muffin tin or line it with paper liners to ensure each brownie bite pops out without sticking. This preparation step is simple but essential for perfect presentation and easy cleanup.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until silky smooth. Then add the eggs, vanilla extract, and instant espresso powder. Whisk these together thoroughly to make sure the espresso dissolves nicely and all flavors meld, setting the foundation for a batter that’s bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Next, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir this dry mixture into the wet ingredients just until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the brownie bites irresistibly dense and fudgy rather than cakey.
Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips
If you’re using mini chocolate chips, gently fold them into the batter now. These little gems melt slightly during baking, creating tiny pockets of chocolate perfection within each bite.
Step 5: Fill and Bake
Spoon the batter into your prepared mini muffin tin cups, filling each about three-quarters full to allow a slight rise. Bake in your preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops are set but a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Let the brownie bites cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Fudgy Espresso Brownie Bites Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, drizzle the cooled brownie bites with melted chocolate or sprinkle with some flaky sea salt. The salt provides the perfect balance to the sweet, intense chocolate and coffee flavors, creating an elevated flavor experience that’s hard to resist.
Side Dishes
Pair these brownie bites with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a truly decadent treat. They also shine alongside a hot cup of coffee or espresso, where the matching coffee notes in the brownies create a harmonious flavor combo.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Fudgy Espresso Brownie Bites Recipe on a decorative platter with a dusting of powdered sugar or cocoa powder for a cafe-style presentation. For parties, serve them on tiered dessert stands or packaged in clear boxes tied with ribbons as thoughtful edible gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover brownie bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. This keeps them wonderfully moist and fudgy, ready for whenever a chocolate craving hits.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, these brownie bites freeze beautifully. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months.
Reheating
To enjoy thawed brownie bites, warm them briefly in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. This quick heat will rejuvenate their soft, fudgy texture and bring back that freshly-baked warmth and aroma.
FAQs
Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of espresso powder?
While brewed coffee adds moisture, it won’t intensify the chocolate flavor like instant espresso powder does. For the bold coffee-chocolate taste that defines this recipe, espresso powder is your best bet.
Are these brownie bites gluten-free?
This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as written. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends to create a similar texture without gluten.
Can I make these without chocolate chips?
Absolutely! The mini chocolate chips are optional and just add little bursts of melted chocolate, but the brownie bites are delicious on their own.
How fudgy are these brownie bites?
True to their name, these brownie bites are delightfully fudgy—dense, moist, and chewy rather than cakey—making each bite feel indulgent and rich.
What’s the best way to measure the espresso powder?
Use a standard measuring spoon and level it off for accuracy. Too much espresso powder can overpower the brownies, so stick to the recommended one tablespoon for a balanced flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both easy to make and packed with sophisticated flavors, this Fudgy Espresso Brownie Bites Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s a crowd-pleaser that combines the magic of coffee and chocolate in the most deliciously portable form. I can’t wait to hear how much you and your friends love these bite-sized delights as much as I do!
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Fudgy Espresso Brownie Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini brownie bites
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy these Fudgy Espresso Brownie Bites, a delightful mini dessert combining rich chocolate and bold espresso flavors. Perfectly moist and packed with chocolate chips, these bite-sized treats bake up quickly and are ideal for coffee lovers looking for a decadent yet easy-to-make dessert.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Sugars
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
Flavorings & Dry Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or line it with paper liners to ensure easy removal of the brownie bites after baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients and Sugars: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fully combined, creating a sweet and buttery base for your batter.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and instant espresso powder until the mixture is well combined, enhancing the brownies with rich flavor and a coffee kick.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Stir in the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder until just mixed, taking care not to overmix to keep the brownies tender and fudgy.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips if using, adding delightful pockets of melted chocolate in every bite.
- Fill Muffin Cups and Bake: Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full to allow room for rising. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the tops are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownie bites to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, drizzle with melted chocolate or sprinkle with flaky sea salt for an extra touch of richness.
Notes
- For extra richness, drizzle the cooled brownie bites with melted chocolate or sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
- Store the brownie bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
