The first time I served these Kahlua brownies at a dinner party, the conversation stopped mid-sentence as everyone took their first bite. That magical combination of deep chocolate enriched with coffee liqueur creates an irresistible flavor that transforms an everyday treat into something truly special. The best part? They’re deceptively simple to make with ingredients most bakers already have on hand.
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Table of Contents
Why you’ll love this Kahlúa brownies recipeÂ
The secret to these brownies’ exceptional flavor is twofold. First, using unsweetened chocolate rather than cocoa powder creates a richer, more intense chocolate base. Second, Kahlúa doesn’t just add coffee flavor. It subtly enhances the natural sweetness of the chocolate with caramel notes, adding complexity. The alcohol mostly evaporates during baking, leaving behind concentrated coffee essence that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
Ingredients you will need
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these chocolate Kahlúa brownies:
- All-purpose flour – Provides structure while allowing brownies to remain tender
- Unsweetened chocolate – Creates the deep, rich chocolate foundation of the brownies
- Butter – Contributes moisture and richness that makes brownies decadent
- Sugar – Balances the bitterness of the unsweetened chocolate
- Eggs – Bind the ingredients while adding lift and structure
- Chopped walnuts – Add textural contrast and nutty flavor that complements the chocolate
- Kahl̼a coffee liqueur РInfuses the brownies with complex coffee flavor and subtle sweetness
- Baking powder – Provides just enough lift for the perfect brownie texture
- Salt – Enhances all flavors, particularly the chocolate and coffee notes
How to make Kahlúa brownies
This Kahlúa brownie recipe may taste sophisticated, but it’s fast and straightforward to make for even beginner bakers:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line your brownie pan with foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- Melt the butter and chocolate over low heat.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and sugar with an electric mixer or stand mixer until they lighten.
- Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Add the dry ingredients mixture to the sugar-egg bowl, followed by the melted chocolate and the Kahlúa.
- Mix well, then fold in the walnuts.
- Pour the chocolate mixture into the prepared pan and bake for a half-hour.
- Cool the brownies in the pan.
- Brush the top with extra Kahlúa.
- Remove the brownies from the pan and cut into squares or rectangles for serving.
As you can see, there aren’t any significant changes to the typical process of making brownies other than adding a bit of extra flavor at the end.
Kahlua Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup butter
- 3 ounces unsweetened chocolate
- 3 eggs
- 2 cups sugar
- 1/4 cup Kahlúa coffee liqueur plus 1 tablespoon, divided use
- 3/4 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9-inch square pan with foil and spray the foil with nonstick spray.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Melt the butter and chocolate in a small saucepan over low heat.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until light. Add the flour mixture, melted chocolate, and 1/4 cup of Kahlúa. Mix well. Stir in the walnuts.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the top springs back when touched lightly in the center and the edges begin to pull away from the pan. Remove from the oven and let cool thoroughly in the pan.
- Brush the top with 1 tablespoon of Kahlúa and cut into 1×2-inch bars.
Nutrition
Substitutions and Dietary Modifications
- Chocolate Options: If unsweetened chocolate isn’t available, use 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder plus 1 tablespoon of oil per ounce of chocolate required.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Nut-Free Version: Omit the walnuts or replace them with chocolate chips for added texture.
- Alcohol-Free Option: Replace Kahlúa with strong brewed coffee mixed with 1 tablespoon of brown sugar.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Use plant-based butter in place of regular butter.
- Sugar Alternatives: Replace up to half the sugar with coconut sugar for a different flavor profile.
What to serve with Kahlúa brownies
Kahlúa brownies are a wonderfully versatile snack that can fit nearly any type of situation or craving. For a decadent dessert, combine a warm Kahlúa brownie with a scoop of ice cream.
Alternatively, contrast the richness of the brownie with fresh fruit, particularly choices like strawberries, which pair well with chocolate.
Wash it down with your beverage of choice, whether it’s a cold glass of milk, a hot cup of coffee to double down on the java flavor, or even a shot of Kahlúa (for those over 21) to sip as you enjoy the delicious baked good.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to a week in an airtight container.
- Freezer: Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap then foil, or store them in freezer bags for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- From Frozen: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bring to room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave.
- From Room Temperature: Microwave for 10-15 seconds for that just-baked warmth.
- From Refrigerated: Microwave for 20-30 seconds or bring to room temperature before serving.
Favorite brownie recipes
- Andes Creme de Menthe Brownies
- Brownie Banana Split
- Butternut Brownie Pie
- Cream Cheese Brownies
- Hershey Brownie Recipe
- Milky Way Brownies
- Oreo Brownies
- Pecan Pie Brownies
- Red Velvet Brownie Recipe
- Turtle Brownie Recipe
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Check out my easy dessert recipes and favorite family recipes on CopyKat.
These are so good! I made them for Christmas and my family loved them. The are great with ice cream!