Auntie's Texas Espresso Brownies
These delightful Auntie's Texas Espresso Brownies are a cherished recipe from my Aunt, originally found in the classic cookbook 'Great American Recipes'. They are rich and fudgy with a deep chocolate flavor enhanced by a hint of espresso. Perfect for gatherings, these brownies are incredibly easy to whip up with staple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Bake a batch for your next potluck, and watch them disappear in a matter of moments! Each brownie packs a punch and provides the ideal balance of sweetness and richness, making them a favorite among chocolate lovers.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
flour
2 cups (sifted)
sugar
2 cups (granulated)
butter
1/2 cup (unsalted, softened)
shortening
1/2 cup (softened)
brewed coffee or water
1 cup (hot)
dark unsweetened cocoa
1/4 cup (sifted)
buttermilk
1/2 cup (at room temperature)
eggs
2 (large, beaten)
baking soda
1 teaspoon (fresh)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (pure)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 17.5-by-11-inch jelly roll pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and sugar, whisking them together until well blended.
3
In a heavy saucepan, combine the butter, shortening, coffee (or water), and dark cocoa powder. Stir the mixture, then heat over medium-high heat until it reaches a boil, ensuring it bubbles evenly.
4
Carefully pour the boiling mixture over the flour and sugar in the mixing bowl. Stir gently to combine.
5
Add in the buttermilk, eggs, baking soda, and vanilla extract. Mix well until fully combined and smooth.
6
Transfer the brownie batter into the prepared jelly roll pan, spreading it evenly.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for about 17 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
8
Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan on a wire rack. After cooling, cut into 48 equal bars and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Auntie's Texas Espresso Brownies?
They are rich, fudgy brownies with a deep chocolate flavor and a hint of espresso, based on a recipe from the 'Great American Recipes' cookbook.
What is the recommended oven temperature for these brownies?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
What size pan is required for this recipe?
A 17.5-by-11-inch jelly roll pan is required.
How many brownies does this recipe make?
When cooled and sliced, this recipe yields 48 equal bars.
Should I grease the pan or use parchment paper?
You can either grease the jelly roll pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
What are the primary dry ingredients?
The primary dry ingredients are 2 cups of sifted flour and 2 cups of granulated sugar.
Which ingredients need to be boiled together?
The butter, shortening, coffee (or water), and dark cocoa powder should be combined in a saucepan and brought to a boil.
Can I use water instead of coffee?
Yes, you can use 1 cup of hot brewed coffee or 1 cup of water depending on your preference.
What type of cocoa powder is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of sifted dark unsweetened cocoa powder.
When do I add the eggs and buttermilk?
Add the buttermilk and eggs to the mixing bowl after the boiling chocolate mixture has been combined with the flour and sugar.
How should the eggs be prepared?
Use 2 large eggs that have been beaten before adding them to the batter.
What is the role of buttermilk in this recipe?
Buttermilk adds moisture and a slight tang, helping to create a tender, fudgy texture.
How long should the brownies bake?
The brownies should bake for approximately 17 minutes.
How do I check if the brownies are finished baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
What kind of butter should I use?
Use 1/2 cup of unsalted, softened butter.
Is shortening necessary for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/2 cup of softened shortening in addition to the butter for the desired texture.
How should the brownies be cooled?
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan while resting on a wire rack.
Does the buttermilk need to be room temperature?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1/2 cup of buttermilk at room temperature.
What type of vanilla extract is recommended?
Use 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
Is the flour sifted before measuring?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 2 cups of sifted flour.
How much baking soda is needed?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of fresh baking soda.
How do I ensure the boiling mixture is ready?
Stir the mixture in a heavy saucepan over medium-high heat until it reaches a boil and bubbles evenly.
Can these brownies be served at a potluck?
Absolutely, they are described as perfect for gatherings and potlucks because they are easy to share and very popular.
What makes these brownies 'Espresso' flavored?
The use of hot brewed coffee in the batter enhances the chocolate and provides a subtle espresso hint.
How do I mix the hot liquid into the dry ingredients?
Carefully pour the boiling cocoa mixture over the flour and sugar and stir gently until combined.
What is the texture of the finished brownies?
They have a rich and fudgy texture rather than a cake-like consistency.
Who originally provided this recipe?
This is a cherished family recipe from the creator's Aunt.
Is the cocoa powder unsweetened?
Yes, the recipe specifies dark unsweetened cocoa powder.
How should the batter look before baking?
The batter should be mixed well until it is fully combined and smooth before being spread into the pan.
Are these brownies easy to make?
Yes, they are considered incredibly easy to whip up using standard pantry staples.