Irish cream espresso bean brownies are rich and fudgy, packed with chocolate covered espresso beans, and topped with creamy Irish cream frosting. What’s not to love?
Chocolate, booze, and caffeine. Today’s recipe covers all my favorite vices food groups. AKA, all my favorite migraine triggers (insert angry-face emoji here).
But some brownies are just worth the risk of a crippling migraine. (I’m actually training Cookie to make tea and ice packs for me when I’m sick so she needs the practice.)
And if ever a brownie was worth risking my health, it would be this one. They’re so rich and full of chocolate flavor that they’ll cure even the most intense chocolate craving.
Oh oh oh! And I may have solved the mystery of my nephew dog Moe’s crazy dream!
I made a batch of these when he was here and of course I spilled espresso beans all over the kitchen floor; I’m pretty sure Moe didn’t steal any but maybe he got a few and that induced the sobbing? It’s as good a theory as any I think. . .
Anyway, these brownies are made from scratch, so they take a little more time than the kind from a box but only a little—like a few extra seconds.
But if you’re really short on time just use your favorite box mix and add some espresso powder and chopped espresso beans. Still totally delish!
If you’re a person who likes a little crunch in your brownies (like me!) then these are perfect for you as is.
If you’re not a fan of texture in brownies then just leave the chocolate covered espresso beans out; you can always add a little more espresso powder to boost the coffee flavor.
However you prefer your brownies, make yourself a batch of Irish cream espresso bean brownies today. You won’t regret it!
Rich brownies packed with chocolate covered espresso beans topped with Irish cream frosting--this is one decadent treat!
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 4 large eggs at room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons espresso powder optional
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup coarsely chopped chocolate covered espresso beans plus more to use as garnish if desired
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar sifted
- 3 tablespoons Irish cream
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream or whole milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9-inch square baking pan with cooking spray and line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper. Spray the paper with cooking spray and set pan aside.
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Combine the chocolate chips and butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 1 1/2 minutes, stopping every 30 seconds to stir, until chocolate and butter are melted and smooth. Set aside to cool for 10 minutes.
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In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugars, vanilla, cocoa powder, and espresso powder (if using). Stir in the cooled chocolate mixture. With a rubber spatula, fold in the flour and salt until just combined, then fold in the espresso beans.
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Spread the batter into an even layer in the prepared pan and bake 25 to 30 minutes, until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
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Place the butter in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and mix until smooth. Add remaining ingredients and beat on low speed until combined. Turn mixer to high and beat until very fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. (If frosting is too thick, add additional Irish cream or milk to make it spreadable.) Spread over cooled brownies and top with additional chocolate covered espresso beans, if desired. Slice into bars and serve.
Adapted from The Baker’s Manual
Dawn @ Girl Heart Food says
January 29, 2018 at 5:54 amYes! You’re right – what’s not to love? Chocolate, Irish cream and coffee!!! These sound wickedly good, Kelsie!! I particularly love chocolate and coffee together and I could totally go for the texture so I’d make ’em as is. Just the way I want to start Monday 😉 Cheers to a wonderful week!
David @ Spiced says
January 29, 2018 at 6:08 amHaha! The thought of Moe getting a couple of these espresso beans is too hilarious. But then again, wouldn’t that have kept him awake all night long? Either way, I’m a huge fan of espresso + chocolate, so these brownies are right down my alley. Plus, they involve irish cream. And irish cream makes everything better! If you have any leftovers, I’ll be happy to help polish them off…you know, just to make sure Moe doesn’t have nightmares again. 🙂
Milena | Craft Beering says
January 29, 2018 at 7:33 amDefinitely a fan of texture and coffee beans are a great way to bring it to the brownies. The Irish cream in the frosting is what really draws me in though! I also like it that you were generous with its application:) my kind of froster😉 I used to get migraines, uugh, hope you find relief soon, Kelsie! Way to go training Cookie though, I loved that part:)
puja says
January 29, 2018 at 7:37 amThese look absolutely wonderful! The perfect, recipe to begin the day
annie@ciaochowbambina says
January 29, 2018 at 7:37 amThere is nothing not to love! Chocolate and coffee is a match made in heaven! 🙂
Mary Ann @ thebeachhousekitchen says
January 29, 2018 at 8:27 amWhat’s not to love is right Kelsie! These would be perfect for St. Patrick’s Day too!
Nancie says
January 29, 2018 at 9:13 amKelsie, you hit the nail on the head for me. Monday morning, chocolate, coffee and delicious Irish Cream frosting for my sweet tooth.
Love your recipes and food photos!
NB
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
January 29, 2018 at 9:28 amI can’t even imagine if my fur child devoured a few espresso beans!! She is a crazy wolf AS IS (husky)! So add a few espresso beans to the mix?! Good Lord, she’d drive me bonkers! Lol. Anyways, these brownies look fabulous!!!! You know I can’t eat them because of my pesky cocoa allergy, but I’ll make up for it with a vat of that frosting!!!! So good!! Cheers, lovely!!
Laura says
January 29, 2018 at 11:28 amWow, Kelsie, you covered all of my favorite food groups too! Hope these luscious brownies didn’t induce that migraine, or if they did, I’m sure Cookie took good care of you! These are beautiful and espresso + chocolate is a match made in heaven! Thanks for the recipe!
Katherine | Love In My Oven says
January 29, 2018 at 1:05 pmPlease, please, post a video of Cookie preparing an ice pack for you haha! These definitely look worthy of a migraine – looooove texture in my brownies, and chocolate-covered espresso beans would be such a nice little crunch. Yum!!
Kim | The Baking ChocolaTess says
January 29, 2018 at 7:55 pmYa had me at brownies! Dang migraines! I am learning more and more to limit myself, but certain desserts have no chance! I don’t think I could hold out on these gorgeous, rich and decadent brownies! YUM!!
Karly says
January 29, 2018 at 8:30 pmOkay, YUM! The perfect flavor combo- and love the chocolate covered espresso bean on top!
Kelly @ Kelly Lynns Sweets and Treats says
January 29, 2018 at 9:55 pmOh yeah!!! This is definitely hitting on every level. The flavors sound amazing. I would be guilty of eating a slice for breakfast hehehehe 🙂
Leanne | Crumb Top Baking says
January 30, 2018 at 5:36 amCaffeine, chocolate and booze! Definitely my top three too Kelsie! Love how fudgy these brownies look, and that thick layer of frosting is so tempting! We always make lots of goodies to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, so I’m adding these to the list for sure!
2pots2cook says
January 30, 2018 at 7:33 amSame problem over here; migraine I mean… but I cannot resist chocolate. Not even trying to…Your brownies are one of those “must do” so I thank you very much 🙂
Ben|Havocinthekitchen says
January 30, 2018 at 7:56 amWhat? Brownies? Espresso? IRISH CREAM? (Sorry for being loud here. Irish cream makes me like this). I deem this the perfect dessert ever, Kelsie. Very well done!
stacey @ The Sugar Coated Cottage says
January 30, 2018 at 8:45 amThese are just everything my week needs!! I’ll take the whole pan, no need for a plate, just need a fork! 😉 Take care.
Carlee says
January 30, 2018 at 9:05 amThey do look totally worth the possible migraine. I’d be willing to sample extras to save you though!
gardeningfoodie says
January 30, 2018 at 2:46 pmChocolate and espresso flavoured brownies.with Irish cream frosting…I am on my way to your house now Kelsie 🙂
These look amazing, I love the frosting it looks so good on the brownies too.
Hope you are having a great week 🙂
Thao @ In Good Flavor says
January 30, 2018 at 7:23 pmThis is one yummy looking brownie and a yummier looking Irish cream frosting!I won’t suffer from crippling migraines from lots chocolate and caffeine, but I will feel like a bowl of jello for a few hours. I’d love to have a few of these!! They are worth feeling a little jiggly for a while! 🙂
dawnyucuiscooking says
January 30, 2018 at 7:48 pmThese brownies look amazing. They look super moist and chewy, yum!
Maria Doss says
January 30, 2018 at 11:26 pmI’ve had my fair share of migraines and it’s brutal. I hate it!!! Chocolate and booze in the form of these decadent brownie won’t stand a chance with me too. It’s so worth that throbbing pain (may be the coffee would ease it). Take care my dear:)
kitchenriffs says
January 31, 2018 at 9:10 amGood of you to give Cookie lots of practice time. 🙂 Anyway, these brownies look totally addictive. Can you send Cookie over to my house later this afternoon? 🙂
kitchenwits says
January 31, 2018 at 8:12 pmI could totally buy into Moe being hooked upon caffeine giving him weird dreams. I mean that sounds like me when I’ve tried to have coffee just a little too late into the evening (I mean you can’t blame me right?). I mean I’m not scientist but that makes sense to me!
These brownies seems awesome though! Especially if they are fudgy, and they look pretty fudgy! Plus the espresso probably really gives it that extra kick that coffee and chocolate just were made for. I can’t deny that the whipped topping is just well…the icing on top, looks awesome Kelsie!
Miriam @londonkitchendiaries says
February 1, 2018 at 3:35 amChocolate, booze & caffeine – what a combination! Poor Moe, I can see how that combination might not work too well for a dog 🙂 They look absolutely delicious ♡
Julie is Hostess At Heart says
February 2, 2018 at 8:35 amChocolate Booze espresso oh I’m so in. These beauties would be dangerously delicious in my house!
grace says
February 2, 2018 at 12:43 pmirish cream in coffee was my favorite treat for a while. then i had a baby and now i can’t even remember what it tastes like. still a fan of these brownies!!
Marissa (@pinchandswirl) says
February 2, 2018 at 2:00 pmYou’re not kidding! What’s not to love…these look incredible!
Deepika|TheLoveOfCakes says
February 3, 2018 at 4:44 amChocolate, coffee and irish cream! Count me in! These brownies look so amazing..and that irish cream frosting is sinful!
Teesh Osita says
February 4, 2018 at 6:11 pmOh wow this sounds amazing. And if you succeed in training Cookie, I’ll ship my dog over to you so you can train her as well lol
The Home Cook's Kitchen says
February 5, 2018 at 8:10 pmholy cow these look SO good! combines all my favorite things! sorry about your migraines though, so cute cookie can help! archie would tear apart the ice packs and destroy the tea ha ha (learning phases!)
evolvewithmary says
February 6, 2018 at 8:18 pmThe boyfriend is coming into town in 2 days and he loves he brownies and I love irish cream soooooooo once again you made a recipe just for me. I used to be addicted to caffeine every now and again I get caffeine headaches if I over indulge but these brownies would totally be worth it, I see you fully agree with me. 🙂
Alyssa | Flaxseeds & Fairytales says
February 7, 2018 at 4:05 pmThese brownies look so incredibly gooey and delicious! I’m loving the Irish cream frosting and the texture looks perfect! I’m a health blogger and I definitely agree that brownies this good are worth the migraine! Sometimes brownies > health… It’s all about balance right? 😉
Megan says
February 9, 2018 at 4:52 pmOh my! You had me at Irish creme. Yum!
Katherine says
February 10, 2018 at 7:54 amThey look perfectly fudgy! Love the frosting idea too. Yum!
Corrie says
February 11, 2018 at 1:01 pmAs I always say there is nothing that Irish cream can’t work with and look at this one.
Perfect dessert recipe! Love the combination of chocolate and coffee. Seriously Kelsie what’s here to not love.
I can’t wait to bake these and surprise my friends.
Also your dog’s story made me laugh and imagine how he would have reacted to that haha
Cheers 😀