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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Corrie says
As 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 😀
Katherine says
They look perfectly fudgy! Love the frosting idea too. Yum!
Megan says
Oh my! You had me at Irish creme. Yum!
Alyssa | Flaxseeds & Fairytales says
These 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? 😉
evolvewithmary says
The 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. 🙂
The Home Cook's Kitchen says
holy 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!)
Teesh Osita says
Oh 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
Deepika|TheLoveOfCakes says
Chocolate, coffee and irish cream! Count me in! These brownies look so amazing..and that irish cream frosting is sinful!
Marissa (@pinchandswirl) says
You’re not kidding! What’s not to love…these look incredible!
grace says
irish 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!!
Julie is Hostess At Heart says
Chocolate Booze espresso oh I’m so in. These beauties would be dangerously delicious in my house!
Miriam @londonkitchendiaries says
Chocolate, 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 ♡
kitchenwits says
I 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!
kitchenriffs says
Good 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? 🙂
Maria Doss says
I’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:)
dawnyucuiscooking says
These brownies look amazing. They look super moist and chewy, yum!