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Dark Chocolate Brownies with Espresso, Toasted Walnuts and Salted Caramel Glaze

A decadent brownie with espresso, Kahlua and toasted walnuts finished with a salted caramel glaze
Course Cookies, Brownies and Bars
Cuisine American
Keyword brownies, dessert, salted caramel
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 24 Brownies
Calories 617kcal
Author Barb

Ingredients

For the Brownies:

  • 1 pound unsalted butter
  • 1 ½ pounds bittersweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 Tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 ½ cups sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 Tablespoons Kahlua
  • 2 Tablespoons strong-brewed espresso
  • 6 ounces semisweet chocolate chips 1 cup
  • 2 cups walnuts chopped and toasted

For the Salted Caramel Glaze:

  • ½ cup half and half
  • 2 cups sugar
  • ½ cup water
  • 4 Tablespoons butter cut into 8 pieces
  • ½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons Maldon Flaked Sea Salt

Instructions

To Make the Brownies

  • Preheat the oven to 350°. Spray a 9-by-13-inch glass or ceramic baking dish with cooking spray.
  • In a double boiler, melt the butter with the chopped chocolate over low heat. In a small bowl, whisk the flour with the baking powder and salt.
  • Beat the eggs with the sugar at medium-high speed until pale and thick, about 4 minutes.
  • Beat in the Kahlua, vanilla and espresso. Add the flour mixture and beat until just incorporated.
  • Beat in the melted chocolate and butter mixture at medium speed. Using a spoon, stir in the chocolate chips and walnuts.
  • Scrape the batter into the prepared baking dish.
  • Bake in the center of the oven for about 1 hour, until the top is shiny and lightly cracked, the edges are set and the center is still a bit jiggly.
  • Transfer the dish to a rack and let cool completely.
  • Pour the caramel glaze over the brownies and smooth into a thin layer.
  • Sprinkle with the Maldon salt and allow glaze to cool.
  • Cut the brownie into 12 large rectangles and serve. (I say 24 but hey...it's up to YOU!)

To Make the Caramel Sauce and finish the Brownies

  • In small saucepan over low heat, warm heavy cream but do not boil.
  • In separate medium saucepan, combine sugar & water but DO NOT STIR. Place over medium-high heat & bring to a boil. Cook until mixture turns an amber color; watch closely, it can quickly go from the perfect color to burning! (10+ minutes); keep a close watch on it.)
  • Once mixture is amber, remove from heat and add warm cream, butter, and 1/2 t. kosher salt.
  • Stir gently using a whisk until smooth & well combined. Pour over brownies, tilting the pan to coat. Sprinkle with Maldon salt or more kosher salt.
  • Allow glaze to set before cutting/serving.

Notes

  • NOTE 1: At altitude I have to increase oven temp a bit and then shorten cooking time but I suggest that even at sea level you start checking early. I took this out at 45 minutes and am so glad I did; start checking at 50 minutes to make sure it does not get over-baked.
  • NOTE 2: Though I occasionally will discuss altitude issues, I always include ingredients for what we call, 'flatlanders' in Denver, so unless you are also at a higher altitude the specifications here work for the majority of people.
 

Nutrition

Serving: 16Servings | Calories: 617kcal | Carbohydrates: 62g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 96mg | Sodium: 241mg | Potassium: 281mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 52g | Vitamin A: 636IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 80mg | Iron: 3mg