Espresso Brownie Bites
Jul 08, 2020, Updated Feb 17, 2025
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My espresso brownie bites are a delicious treat for chocolate and coffee lovers. These rich, chocolate brownies are full of deep chocolate flavor with just the slightest hint of espresso. I am taking these bites to the next level by topping them with an espresso buttercream frosting which is a must try.
You might be wondering about the combination of espresso and brownies, but let me tell you, it’s a perfect match! The espresso doesn’t overpower the brownies, instead it enhances the chocolate and gives these espresso bites the most amazing flavor.
I am a fan of brownie frosting, so when I was developing this recipe, I knew I wanted to have a special butter cream to compliment the brownie. After a little experimenting, I decided to infuse a little of the espresso powder into the frosting and it was a game changer.
These espresso brownies are one of my favorite things to serve at a party or gathering. Since they are made with a mini muffin pan, they are easy to pick up and pop in your mouth.
Once recipe makes about 30 bites so if you are serving these for a party, I would account for 2 bites per person.
If you want more brownie recipes be sure to try these Ghirardelli brownies, brownie mix cookies, amaretto brownies, and black forest brownies.
Why you’ll love this recipe
There are so many reasons I make this recipe over and over.
- Perfect for chocolate lovers. These bites have an incredible chocolate flavor.
- Great size for a party. A tasty bite-sized treat, perfect for parties.
- Buttercream frosting is next level. The addition of espresso buttercream frosting gives this dessert an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Even though these espresso brownie bites might seem difficult to make, they are actually quite easy and only require a few ingredients.
- Unsweetened chocolate squares – This is the base chocolate you will use for the brownies.
- Sugar – Granulated sugar adds the sweetness to the chocolate.
- Butter – I like to use unsalted butter.
- Eggs – 3 large eggs are used.
- Vanilla extract – Vanilla adds an extra layer of flavor.
- Instant espresso powder – You should be able to find this in the coffee section of the grocery store.
- Flour – Make sure to use all-purpose flour for this recipe.
- Salt – A little salt helps to balance the sweetness.
- Powdered sugar – Used to make the buttercream frosting.
- Heavy cream – Some of the espresso powder is infused with the cream to then make the frosting.
How to make espresso brownie bites
Scroll to the bottom of the post for the full recipe.
Step one: Melt the butter and chocolate squares in a saucepan over medium heat. Remove the pot from the heat and mix in the sugar, vanilla extract and eggs. Stir in espresso powder, flour, and salt to make a batter.
Step two: Spray a mini muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray. Fill the muffin cups with 3/4 of the brownie batter. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
Step three: To make the frosting, beat the softened butter with a mixer. In a small bowl stir together the espresso powder and heavy cream. Pour the mixture in with the butter and then gradually mix in powdered sugar. Beat until cream.
Step four: After the brownie bites have cooled, top with the buttercream frosting and serve.
Heather’s recipe tips
- Make sure to spray the mini muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray so the brownies don’t stick to the pan.
- Let the brownies cool in the pan about 5 minutes before removing them.
- Let the butter soften to room temperature before making the frosting.
Storage
Store: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container. You can keep them at room temperature for about 3 days or in the refrigerator for about 5 days.
Freeze: To freeze the brownies, make sure they are completely cooled. Place them in a freezer safe bag or container without the frosting. When ready to eat, place them in the refrigerator to thaw.
Frequently asked questions
They have the slightest hint of coffee flavor. The espresso actually enhances the chocolate flavor so most of the coffee flavor is in the buttercream. If you don’t want any coffee flavor, I suggest leaving the espresso powder out of the frosting.
Yes, you can leave out the espresso powder completely.
Yes, but the brownies will take a little longer to bake. About 15-20 minutes.
Yes, you could use a box brownie mix and add in the espresso powder.
More delicious chocolate desserts
Craving more chocolate? Check out some of these desserts.
Espresso Brownie Bites
Ingredients
Brownies
- 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ teaspoons instant espresso powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Espresso Buttercream
- ½ cup softened unsalted butter
- 5 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
Brownies
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Place the butter and the unsweetened chocolate in a small saucepan. Stir over low heat until chocolate is melted.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and pour melted chocolate in a large bowl. Stir in sugar. Add in eggs and vanilla extract.
- Stir in the espresso powder, salt, and flour and mix until combined.
- Spray a mini muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray. Using a spoon, add the brownie batter into muffin cups, filling about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 10 -12 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Let the brownie bites cool 10 minutes before removing brownies from pan.
Buttercream
- While the brownies are cooling, add softened butter to a mixer bowl. Beat until creamy.
- Whisk together the cream and espresso powder. Pour cream mixture into mixing bowl with butter.
- Gradually add in powdered sugar and mix on low speed until creamy.
- Once brownies have cooled, top with buttercream.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
