These rich and fudgy layered Irish mocha brownies are a real treat! With layers of chocolatey goodness and a hint of coffee, they’re perfect for any sweet tooth out there.
Honestly, who can resist a brownie that gives you a little caffeine kick? I love enjoying them with a nice cup of tea. Warning: they disappear fast at my house! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This is essential for both the brownie and cream layers. I like unsalted butter because it lets me control the saltiness of the final product. You can also use margarine or a dairy-free butter substitute if needed.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives these brownies a rich chocolate flavor. If you don’t have cocoa powder, you could try using dark chocolate (melted), but you’ll need to adjust for the added sweetness.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the brownie. You can use brown sugar instead for a different flavor and moisture level. Coconut sugar is also a great substitute if you’re looking for something less refined.
Strong Coffee or Espresso: This ingredient really enhances the chocolate flavor, but it’s optional. You can skip it or replace it with water or milk if you prefer a milder taste.
Heavy Cream: Used for the ganache, it gives a lovely smooth texture. If you need a dairy-free option, you can use coconut cream or a non-dairy heavy cream alternative.
How Do I Ensure My Brownies Are Perfectly Baked?
Baking brownies can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll get it right! The key is to keep an eye on the time and do the toothpick test.
- Preheat your oven properly to avoid uneven baking.
- 20-25 minutes is usually enough, but all ovens are different. Check early if you’re uncertain!
- Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan to set properly before adding the cream layer.
How to Make Fudgy Layered Irish Mocha Brownies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp brewed strong coffee or espresso (optional for depth of flavor)
For the Cream Layer:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp brewed strong coffee or espresso (adjust based on preference)
For the Ganache Topping:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, 20-25 minutes to bake, and then an additional 1-2 hours to chill. So, overall, you’re looking at around 2 hours and 40 minutes before you can enjoy your delicious brownies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While your oven is heating up, take an 8-inch square baking dish, grease it lightly, and line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Prepare the Brownie Layer:
In a medium saucepan, melt the 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over low heat. Once it’s melted, take it off the heat and stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well! Now, add the cocoa powder, flour, salt, baking powder, and coffee (if using). Stir until everything is just combined. Pour this delicious batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
3. Bake the Brownies:
Put the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. To check if they’re done, stick a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready! Take them out of the oven and let them cool completely in the pan.
4. Prepare the Cream Layer:
While the brownies cool, make the cream layer. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter and confectioners’ sugar until the mixture is nice and smooth. Add the milk, vanilla extract, and brewed coffee, mixing until it’s creamy and spreadable. Once the brownies are fully cooled, spread this cream mixture evenly over the top.
5. Prepare the Ganache Topping:
Next up is the ganache! In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it’s just simmering. Then pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a bowl and let it sit for a few minutes. After that, stir it until it’s nice and smooth. Allow the ganache to cool slightly so it thickens a bit before spreading it over the cream layer in the baking dish.
6. Chill:
Now, pop those layered brownies into the refrigerator for about 1-2 hours, or until the ganache is set and everything is nice and firm.
7. Serve:
Once chilled, lift the brownies out of the dish by pulling on the edges of the parchment paper. Cut them into squares, serve, and enjoy every fudgy bite of your amazing Fudgy Layered Irish Mocha Brownies!
Can I Use Different Types of Coffee?
Absolutely! You can substitute brewed coffee or espresso with decaf versions if you prefer a caffeine-free treat. You can also use flavored coffee to add a unique twist! Just make sure to use strong coffee for the best flavor impact.
What If I Don’t Have Unsalted Butter?
No problem! You can use salted butter instead. Just omit the additional salt in the brownie layer to avoid making the dessert too salty. It’s a simple swap that won’t affect the overall taste significantly.
How to Store Leftover Brownies?
To keep your brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last up to a week. You can also freeze them – just wrap individually in plastic wrap before placing in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge before enjoying!
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure your baking powder is gluten-free, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free treat everyone can enjoy!
