Coffee Brownies (with Baileys)
These Coffee Brownies (with Baileys) are a delightful treat that perfectly marries the rich flavors of chocolate and coffee with the smoothness of Baileys Irish Cream. They are fudgy, indulgent, and have just the right amount of kick to make your dessert experience unforgettable. If you’re a chocolate lover who enjoys a hint of coffee and cream, these brownies will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Let’s dive into why this recipe is a keeper, what you’ll need, and how to create these heavenly brownies!
Why This Recipe is a Keeper
There’s something truly magical about the combination of coffee and chocolate. The rich cocoa flavor is elevated by the robust notes of coffee, while the Baileys adds a creamy sweetness that ties everything together. These brownies are not only easy to make but also impressively decadent. Perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or even a cozy night in, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who appreciates a good dessert. Plus, the addition of cream cheese frosting makes them even more irresistible!
What You’ll Need
To make these Coffee Brownies (with Baileys), gather the following ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup Baileys Irish Cream
- 6 large eggs, divided
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
Essential Tools for Success
Before you start baking, make sure you have the following tools on hand:
- Mixing Bowls: Use various sizes for mixing ingredients separately.
- Whisk: A sturdy whisk is essential for combining wet and dry ingredients smoothly.
- 9×13-inch Baking Pan: This size is perfect for achieving a good brownie thickness.
- Spatula: A rubber spatula will help you fold in the chocolate chips and spread the batter evenly.
- Electric Mixer: A hand mixer or stand mixer will make the cream cheese frosting a breeze.
Coffee Brownies (with Baileys): How It’s Done
Making these brownies is as easy as 1-2-3! Follow these steps for a delicious batch:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and sea salt. Whisk them together until well combined.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the melted unsalted butter with the Baileys Irish Cream. Add 4 of the large eggs and whisk until fully incorporated. Then pour this mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips. This will add delightful pockets of gooey chocolate in every bite.
Step 5: Pour Into the Pan
Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Make sure it’s evenly distributed for consistent baking.
Step 6: Bake the Brownies
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the brownies are cooling, in a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and instant coffee granules, mixing until the frosting is creamy and well blended.
Step 8: Frost and Serve
Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top. Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy your decadent Coffee Brownies (with Baileys) with a cup of coffee for the ultimate treat!
How to Make It Lighter
If you’d like to lighten up your Coffee Brownies (with Baileys), consider these options:
- Substitute Half of the Butter: Use unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt for half of the butter to reduce fat content.
- Use Dark Chocolate: Opt for dark chocolate cocoa powder for a richer flavor without added sugars.
- Reduce Sugar: You can decrease the granulated and brown sugars by 1/4 cup each without significantly affecting texture.
- Egg Substitutes: Replace 1 egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce to reduce calories.
Watch Outs & How to Fix
When baking, things can sometimes go awry. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:
If your brownies appear too dry, they may have been overbaked. Always keep an eye on the baking time and do the toothpick test. If they seem undercooked, allow them to cool in the pan, as they will continue to firm up.
- Too Fudgy: If your brownies are too fudgy, it might be because of too much moisture. Ensure you measure your ingredients accurately and don’t add extra liquid.
- Cracked Top: This can happen when brownies are overmixed or baked at too high a temperature. Keep your oven calibrated for best results.
- Frosting Too Runny: If your cream cheese frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar until you reach a desired consistency.
Make Ahead Like a Pro
Preparing ahead can save you time and stress! Here’s how:
These Coffee Brownies (with Baileys) can be made a day in advance. Simply bake, cool, and frost them, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. You can also freeze the un-frosted brownies for up to three months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before frosting and serving.
- Frosting Storage: Cream cheese frosting can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week; just re-whip before spreading.
- Brownies Storage: Keep frosted brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-5 days.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of alcohol instead of Baileys?
Absolutely! You can substitute Baileys with any Irish cream liqueur or even a flavored coffee liqueur for a different twist.
Are these brownies gluten-free?
To make these brownies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
Can I add nuts to the brownies?
Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a nice crunch and flavor. Just fold them in with the chocolate chips.
How can I make these brownies even more chocolatey?
For extra chocolate flavor, consider adding a cup of chocolate chunks or using a dark chocolate cocoa powder in the batter.
Make It Tonight
There’s no better time than now to whip up these Coffee Brownies (with Baileys). Whether you’re treating yourself, celebrating with friends, or impressing guests, these brownies are sure to be a hit. The combination of rich chocolate, bold coffee, and creamy Baileys creates a dessert that’s both luxurious and comforting. So put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake something truly special. Enjoy every bite of these indulgent brownies—after all, you deserve it!
Coffee Brownies (with Baileys)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and sea salt. Whisk them together until well combined.
- In another bowl, mix the melted unsalted butter with the Baileys Irish Cream. Add 4 of the large eggs and whisk until fully incorporated. Then pour this mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips. This will add delightful pockets of gooey chocolate in every bite.
- Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Make sure it’s evenly distributed for consistent baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
- While the brownies are cooling, in a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and instant coffee granules, mixing until the frosting is creamy and well blended.
- Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top. Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy your decadent Coffee Brownies (with Baileys) with a cup of coffee for the ultimate treat!
Notes
- These brownies can be made a day in advance to allow flavors to meld.
- Store frosted brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-5 days.
- For a lighter version, substitute half of the butter with applesauce or Greek yogurt.
