Espresso Brownies with Sea Salt are the perfect, fudgy and indulgent brownie. Made with dutch-processed cocoa powder and espresso, the chocolate flavor is rich and strong in every bite. Lastly, being topped with sea salt flakes, the salt flawlessly balances the sweetness.

A stack of espresso brownies topped with sea salt flakes.

These are the best brownies I’ve ever had. They are fudgy, indulgent, rich and incredibly delicious.

If you’re a chocolate lover like myself, you will LOVE these!

One of my favorite parts is how easy they are to make. I’ve made this batter in under 8 minutes and it still came out perfect.

However, there is still a couple secret ingredients to making these brownies the best ever…keep reading to find out what they are!

Ingredients and Substitutions

For the full list of ingredients and their specific measurements, scroll down to the recipe card for these Cinnamon Streusel Muffins.

  • Salted Butter – or Unsalted Butter, but make sure to add a pinch of salt (about 1/2 tsp) to the batter
  • Oil – You can use a variety of oils in this recipe, I have made these brownies with all of them. You can use Avocado Oil, Coconut Oil, Vegetable Oil or Olive Oil.
  • Brown Sugar – I’ve made these brownies with both light and dark brown sugar. Both are delicious!
  • Eggs – Make sure you are using the large-sized eggs
  • Espresso / Coffee – I have made these brownies with both espresso and coffee, the results are delicious either way
  • All Purpose Flour / Gluten-Free Flour – Please see FAQ section for using gluten-free flour.
  • Vanilla Extract – Vanilla Paste would work as well
  • Chocolate Chips – Please see FAQ section for the different types of chocolate chips
  • Sea Salt Flakes – Optional, for topping brownies immediately after removing them from the oven
Ingredients measured out in bowls to make the espresso brownies.

What does adding espresso to brownies do?

Did you know that espresso and chocolate go hand in hand?They’re better together, it’s true!

The coffee intensifies the chocolate flavor, which is exactly what we want in a brownie. The more chocolate, the better.

You don’t need a large amount when adding espresso to the brownie! This recipe just uses 3 liquid tablespoons and you get the ideal hint of coffee with the rich chocolate in every bite.

Helpful Tips for Making These Espresso Brownies

  1. First, espresso/coffee – it brings out the chocolate flavor and richness
  2. Whisking your eggs – by whisking the eggs prior to adding them to the batter, this helps to create that crinkly top we all love and strive for.
  3. Mixing the batter – DO NOT overmix the batter, this helps give us that fudgy brownie texture and that shiny, crinkly top
  4. Measuring chocolate chips – measure with your heart, I love to fold chocolate chips in the batter and add more on top…
  5. Lastly, adding flaky sea salt on top – don’t question it, just add a little flaky sea salt on top after the brownies are taken out of the oven and you won’t regret it!
Two brownies stacked on top of each other topped with sea salt.

How to Make these Espresso Brownies Topped with Sea Salt Flakes

The full-detailed instructions are written out in the recipe card below. Use these images to help guide you as needed while following the directions.

Granulated sugar in a mixing bowl.
Add the granulated sugar to a large mixing bowl
Granulated sugar in a mixing bowl topped with hot, melted butter.
Pour in the hot, melted butter
Adding the remaining wet ingredients to the mixing bowl.
Quickly whisk then add remaining wet ingredients
All of the wet ingredients mixed together in the mixing bowl.
Whisk again until combined
Adding the flour to the ingredients.
Add the flour
Cocoa powder added on top of the flour in the mixing bowl.
And cocoa powder
Brownie batter in the large mixing bowl.
Gently fold into the batter until just combined
Brownie batter in the large mixing bowl topped with chocolate chips.
Add in the chocolate chips
Chocolate chips folded in the brownie batter in a mixing bowl.
Mix until combined
Brownie batter being poured into a square baking pan.
Transfer to a square baking pan
Espresso brownie batter spread out in a square baking pan.
Spread into an even layer
Brownie batter spread out in a square baking pan and topped with chocolate chips.
Top with chocolate chips
Baked espresso brownies in a square baking pan.
Bake
Baked espresso brownies topped with sea salt flakes in a square baking pan.
Top with sea salt flakes
Sliced brownies topped with sea salt flakes.
Slice and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this Espresso Bownie recipe be made gluten-free friendly?

Yes! I have used gluten free flour for this brownie recipe. However, you can also use regular all purpose flour at a 1:1 ratio.

Do I have to add espresso/coffee to these brownies?

You don’t HAVE to but it’s highly recommended as it brings out/strengthens the chocolate flavor.

What are the best chocolate chips to use?

I like to use a semi-sweet or dark chocolate chip since this is already a sweet recipe. However, milk chocolate chips will be delicious too, especially if they’re your preferred chocolate chip!

Can I add other mix-ins?

Of course you can! You can add your favorite nuts, different chocolate chips, nut butters or anything else your heart desires. However, please keep in mind that certain mix-ins can affect the baking time or final result/texture of the brownies.

How should I store any leftover brownies?

Store these brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days (if they last that long). Or store an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.

Eating two espresso brownies stacked on top of each other.
A stack of espresso brownies topped with sea salt flakes.
5 stars (8 ratings)

The Best Espresso Brownies Recipe with Sea Salt

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 16 brownies
Espresso Brownies with Sea Salt are the perfect, fudgy and indulgent brownie. Made with dutch-processed cocoa powder and espresso, the chocolate flavor is rich and strong in every bite. Lastly, being topped with sea salt flakes, the salt flawlessly balances the sweetness.
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Ingredients
 

  • 1/2 cup Salted Butter, hot and melted
  • 1 tbsp Oil, Avocado Oil, Vegetable Oil, Olive Oil or Coconut Oil
  • 1 1/8 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 2 large Eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 tbsp Vanilla Extract
  • 3 tbsp Liquid Espresso, or Coffee
  • 1/2 cup All Purpose Flour, or Gluten-Free All Purpose Flour
  • 1/2 cup Dutch-Processed Cocoa Powder, unsweetened
  • 1/2 cup Semi-Sweet or Dark Chocolate Chips
  • Sea Salt Flakes, optional, for topping

Equipment

  • 1 8×8 Square Baking Pan
  • large mixing bowl or Stand Mixer
  • whisk
  • Rubber Spatula

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F
  • Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper and spray with nonstick
  • Add the hot & melted butter, oil and granulated sugar into a large mixing bowl. Mix quickly for about 1-2 minutes
  • Whisk the 2 eggs together in a small bowl before adding into the batter
  • Once you whisk the eggs into the batter, also add the vanilla extract and coffee
  • Whisk until combined
  • Add in the flour and cocoa powder
  • Fold into the batter until JUST combined. (You don't want to over mix the batter so that we get that perfect crinkly brownie top)
  • Add then gently fold in the chocolate chips
  • Transfer the batter to the square 8×8 pan that's lined with parchment paper and spread into an even layer
  • Top with extra chocolate chips and put it into the oven
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out of the center clean (or with a few crumbs, but shouldn't be raw batter)
  • (Optional) Top with sea salt flakes
  • Let cool for about an hour, slice and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1brownie, Calories: 176kcal, Carbohydrates: 22g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 39mg, Sodium: 56mg, Potassium: 88mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 16g, Vitamin A: 214IU, Calcium: 13mg, Iron: 1mg
Author: Jessica Selensky
Course: Baking, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keywords: best brownies, brownie recipe, coffee brownies, easy brownies, fudge brownie recipe, fudgy brownies

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