Homemade on the Heights: Coffee-Infused Brownies

My nighttime nonnegotiable is dessert. I am always in need of a sweet treat to round off the night and give me a little boost of serotonin at the end of each day. My late-night baking hyperfixation led me to discover what my most reliable dessert staple is: a warm brownie. It all started with a single-serve microwave brownie that I concocted as a freshman when I didn’t have access to an oven. Now that I finally have a kitchen, I’ve been whipping up full batches of brownies to share with all my friends. But, there are still some nights when I just want a quick dessert, and the microwave brownie is my saving grace.

All good recipes have a secret ingredient that gives the dish that je ne sais quoi. My secret ingredient is coffee. Brewed or instant coffee pairs perfectly with the classic chocolate flavor in brownies, giving you the most decadent, gooey, and delicious treat to end the night. 

(Photo Courtesy of Jenny Fox)

DISH: Brownies 

INGREDIENTS:

For a Batch:

• ⅔ cup melted butter
• 1 ¼ cups packed brown sugar
• Two eggs
• ¾ cup cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon salt 
• 1 teaspoon instant coffee or 1 tablespoon brewed coffee
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• ½  cup flour 

For a Single Serving: 

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons milk 
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• ¼ teaspoon instant coffee or ½ tablespoon brewed coffee
• ¼ cup flour
• A pinch of salt

INSTRUCTIONS: 

For a Batch:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together dry ingredients.
3. In a separate bowl, beat eggs.
4. Add vanilla, butter, and coffee to beaten eggs, combining wet ingredients. 
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the large mixing bowl and stir vigorously until well combined.
6. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Let cool, then cut.

For a Single Serving:

1. In a microwave-safe dish, combine butter and milk.
2. Add cocoa powder, flour, and salt; combine.
3. Add coffee and mix until smooth.
4. Microwave on high for one minute.