Decadent Kahlua Chocolate Brownies
Indulge in these rich, fudgy brownie bars that feature a delightful brown sugar crust and a moist chocolate filling, all topped with a luscious Kahlua frosting. These bars are perfect for gatherings or as a sweet treat for yourself, combining the deep flavors of chocolate and coffee liqueur for an irresistible dessert. The crunchy pecan crust adds an amazing texture that perfectly complements the creamy frosting, making these bars not just a dessert, but a true culinary experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
2/3 cup (divided)
packed brown sugar
3/4 cup (divided)
cold butter
1/3 cup (cut into pieces)
finely chopped pecans
1/2 cup
butter
1/4 cup (for brownie layer)
shortening
1/4 cup
good quality unsweetened chocolate
2 ounces (chopped)
granulated sugar
1/4 cup
large eggs
2 (lightly beaten)
coffee liqueur (Kahlua)
1/4 cup
milk
2 tablespoons
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
salt
1/4 teaspoon
powdered sugar
2 cups (sifted)
butter
2 tablespoons (melted for frosting)
coffee liqueur (Kahlua)
1 teaspoon (for frosting)
milk
1-2 tablespoons (to adjust frosting consistency)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
For the crust, mix together 2/3 cup of flour and 1/2 cup of brown sugar in a bowl.
3
Using a pastry blender, cut in 1/3 cup of cold butter until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.
4
Fold in 1/2 cup of finely chopped pecans and press the mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 9x9 inch pan. Set aside.
5
For the brownie filling, in a medium saucepan over low heat, combine 1/4 cup of butter, 1/4 cup of shortening, and 2 ounces of chopped unsweetened chocolate, stirring until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and let cool for about 5 minutes.
6
Stir in 1/2 cup of brown sugar and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar until well combined.
7
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated after each addition.
8
Mix in 1/4 cup of Kahlua, 2 tablespoons of milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
9
Sprinkle in 1/2 cup of flour and stir gently until just moistened (do not overmix).
10
Pour the brownie batter over the prepared crust, spreading evenly.
11
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
12
Allow the brownies to cool in the pan on a wire rack while preparing the frosting.
13
For the frosting, combine 2 cups of sifted powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, and 1 teaspoon of Kahlua in a bowl.
14
Slowly mix in 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
15
Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the Kahlua frosting evenly over the top.
16
Cut the brownies into bars and serve. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Kahlua Chocolate Brownies?
These are rich, fudgy brownie bars featuring a brown sugar and pecan crust, a moist chocolate filling, and a luscious Kahlua-infused frosting.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before beginning the preparation.
What ingredients are in the brownie crust?
The crust consists of 2/3 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/3 cup of cold butter, and 1/2 cup of finely chopped pecans.
What size pan is used for this recipe?
An ungreased 9x9 inch pan is required to bake these brownies.
How do I prepare the chocolate for the filling?
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine 1/4 cup of butter, 1/4 cup of shortening, and 2 ounces of chopped unsweetened chocolate, stirring until melted and smooth.
How long should the chocolate mixture cool before adding other ingredients?
The melted chocolate mixture should cool for approximately 5 minutes after being removed from the heat.
Which sugars are used in the brownie filling?
The filling requires 1/2 cup of brown sugar and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar.
How should the eggs be incorporated into the batter?
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until they are incorporated after each addition.
How much Kahlua is used in the brownie batter?
The brownie batter itself requires 1/4 cup of Kahlua coffee liqueur.
What other flavorings are added to the brownie filling?
In addition to Kahlua, the filling includes 2 tablespoons of milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
How should the flour be added to the brownie batter?
Sprinkle in 1/2 cup of flour and stir gently until just moistened, being careful not to overmix.
How long do the brownies bake?
Bake the brownies for 20 to 25 minutes.
How can I tell when the brownies are done?
They are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
What are the ingredients for the Kahlua frosting?
The frosting is made from 2 cups of sifted powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, 1 teaspoon of Kahlua, and 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk.
How do I adjust the consistency of the frosting?
Slowly mix in 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
When should the frosting be applied to the brownies?
Wait until the brownies are completely cool before spreading the Kahlua frosting evenly over the top.
What kind of chocolate is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 ounces of good quality unsweetened chocolate, chopped.
Is the crust baked separately?
No, the brownie batter is poured over the prepared raw crust mixture and then both are baked together.
What is the role of the cold butter in the crust?
The cold butter is cut into the flour and sugar using a pastry blender to create a crumbly texture similar to fine crumbs.
How should the pecans be prepared for the crust?
The pecans should be finely chopped before being folded into the flour and sugar mixture.
How much total butter is needed for this recipe?
You will need approximately 1/3 cup for the crust, 1/4 cup for the filling, and 2 tablespoons for the frosting.
Can I use granulated sugar in the crust?
The recipe specifically calls for packed brown sugar for the crust to achieve its characteristic flavor and texture.
Should I use large eggs for the brownies?
Yes, the recipe requires 2 large eggs, lightly beaten.
Does the recipe contain salt?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of salt is included in the brownie filling.
What type of shortening is used?
Standard vegetable shortening is used in the brownie filling to add to the moisture and texture.
Should the powdered sugar for the frosting be sifted?
Yes, the recipe recommends using 2 cups of sifted powdered sugar to ensure a smooth frosting.
How much Kahlua is used in the frosting?
The frosting uses 1 teaspoon of Kahlua coffee liqueur.
Can I use more milk in the frosting?
You should add milk slowly, only using 1 to 2 tablespoons as needed to reach the desired spreadable consistency.
What provides the coffee flavor in these brownies?
The coffee flavor comes from the Kahlua coffee liqueur used in both the brownie batter and the frosting.
How should these brownies be served?
Once frosted and set, cut the brownies into bars and serve as a decadent dessert.