Espresso-Infused Brownie Bars with Sea Salt
Rich, fudgy brownie bars enhanced with espresso powder and topped with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a perfect balance of sweet and bitter. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 50 minutes layers (2 sticks) unsalted butter, bittersweet chocolate chips, granulated sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 230 calories and feeds 16, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 8 oz bittersweet chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp espresso powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Step 2: In a heatproof bowl set over simmering water, melt 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter with 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate chips, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Step 3: Whisk in 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, then add 3 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, sift together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon espresso powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the chocolate mixture until just combined.
- Step 5: Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt evenly over the batter.
- Step 6: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs. Cool completely in the pan before lifting out and cutting into bars.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Espresso-Infused Brownie Bars with Sea Salt take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Espresso-Infused Brownie Bars with Sea Salt?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Espresso-Infused Brownie Bars with Sea Salt?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Espresso-Infused Brownie Bars with Sea Salt for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 16 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 16). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Espresso-Infused Brownie Bars with Sea Salt?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
