Espresso Swirl Brownies

Submitted by Haileys Mom

"This recipe is to die for! It comes from Alice Medrich's book, Cookies and Brownies. If you are a coffee lover then these brownies are for you."

 

• Ready In: 40mins
• Ingredients: 13
• Yields: 16 squares

ingredients

• For the brownies

• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate
• 1 1⁄4 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour

• For the cream cheese mixture

• 1 tablespoon instant coffee or 1 tablespoon espresso powder
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1⁄3 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg

directions

1. EQUIPMENT: 9 inch square pan, lined across the bottom and up 2 opposite sides with parchment paper or foil Preheat the oven to 325°F.
2. Position a rack in the lower third of the oven.
3. Melt the butter with the chocolate in the top of a double boiler or in a medium heatproof bowl set in a pan of barely simmering water.
4. Stir frequently until the mixture is melted and smooth.
5. Remove the top the double boiler (or bowl) from the heat.
6. Stir in the sugar, vanilla and salt Ad the eggs, one at a time, stirring until each is incorporated before adding the next.
7. Stir in the flour and beat with a wooden spoon until the batter is smooth and glossy and comes away from the sides of the pan, about one minute.
8. Spread all but 1/2 of the batter in the prepared pan; set aside.
9. Combine the coffee powder with the water; set aside.
10. Mix the cream cheese with the sugar and vanilla until smooth.
11. Stir in the egg and the coffee mixture until well blended.
12. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the batter in the pan.
13. Spoon dollops of reserved brownie batter on top.
14. Without scraping the bottom of the pan, draw a table knife through the dollops to swirl and marble the chocolate and espresso batter without thoroughly mixing them.
15. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the brownies just begin to pull away from the sides of the pan.
16. Cool on a rack.
17. Refrigerate and chill thoroughly before cutting, about 2 hours.
18. Slide a knife between the pan and the brownies on the unlined sides.
19. Life the ends of the parchment or foil liner and transfer the brownies to a cutting board.
20. Cut into 16 squares.
21. NOTE: May be stored, airtight, in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.