Espresso Brownies (Starbucks Copycat, Gluten Free Option)

The next time you have a craving for Starbucks Espresso Brownies, skip the trip and make them in the comfort of your own home! These chocolate espresso brownies are super simple to make and can be customized to be both gluten free and refined sugar free if you prefer. Ultra fudgy and delicious, these espresso brownies will cure any chocolate craving!

If you're a fan of decadent brownies then you are going to absolutely love this copycat Starbucks espresso brownies recipe. These ultra fudgy brownies will satisfy even the toughest of chocolate cravings and are even more delicious than the real thing, enjoyed right in your own home whenever the urge hits!

Speaking of chocolate cravings, if you're a chocolate lover like me then I know you'll love these Banana Walnut Brownies and these Peanut Butter Cup Brownies the next time you're looking for the perfect treat.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• It's guaranteed to satisfy your craving. These espresso brownies are the best brownie recipe I've tried in a long time! Adding espresso powder to a chocolate brownie recipe simply enhances the flavor of chocolate so it's the perfect choice for chocolate lovers.
• It tastes better than the real thing. Starbucks espresso brownies are delicious, but these homemade copycat brownies are even better! Making them at home allows you to control the coffee flavor, plus you can make them gluten free brownies if you prefer.
• They're flexible. I've already mentioned it, but if you follow a gluten free diet or even prefer to use unrefined sugars, this espresso brownie recipe is perfect for you. You can't get gluten free espresso brownies at Starbucks!

Please note this post contains affiliate links.

Starbucks Espresso Brownies Ingredients & Tested Substitutions

• All Purpose Flour. If you are gluten free, this Gluten Free 1:1 Flour is the perfect substitute for all purpose flour. You do not need to change any measurements, it will sub in perfectly.
• Cocoa Powder. I prefer to use unsweetened cocoa powder or cacao powder in my brownie recipes.
• Espresso Powder. Using espresso powder, which is made from espresso grounds, enhances the rich chocolate flavors in any chocolate recipe.
• Egg. Be sure to use room temperature eggs so they blend into the brownie batter better. If you forgot to take your eggs out of the fridge ahead of time, I have a pro tip for you! Place the egg in a bowl of warm water for 3-5 minutes before using.
• Grass-fed Unsalted Butter. I prefer to use unsalted butter when baking as I don’t want an overly salty brownie, but you’re welcome to use salted butter if your tastebuds prefer. You an also use vegan butter for dairy free brownies.
• Vanilla Extract. Use a high quality vanilla extract for best results.
• Chocolate Chips. I like using semisweet chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips or chocolate chunks rather than bittersweet chocolate.
• Sugar. Traditional white cane sugar can be used or you may also use granulated monkfruit instead if you’re looking to reduce the amount of refined sugar in your diet.
• Brown Sugar. You can use light brown sugar or dark brown sugar. Alternatively, if you prefer you can also use coconut sugar as a 1:1 replacement. All 3 will work.
• Salt. Don't skip the salt as, just like ground espresso, salt enhances the chocolatey flavors of brownies. Opt for kosher salt.

Starbucks Espresso Brownies Step by Step Instructions

1. Pre-heat oven and prepare the brownie pan. Pre-heat your oven to 350F. Grease an 8×8 brownie pan with cooking spray and then line it with parchment paper. I like to cut a sheet of parchment in half and line the pan as shown below.

2. Mix dry ingredients. In a medium mixing bowl, combine sifted flour, sifted cocoa powder, espresso powder and salt. Mix together with a fork or whisk to fully incorporate.

3. Heat butter & chocolate chips. In a small saucepan over medium low heat, melt butter + chocolate chips stirring gently with a silicone spatula. As the butter starts melting, turn the heat to low and continue to stir until the chocolate is melted, then transfer to a large mixing bowl. Be sure not to let the mixture boil or burn.

4. Beat in vanilla, sugars & eggs. In the same large mixing bowl you just added the butter and chocolate mixture, add the vanilla extract, then the monk fruit sugar and the coconut sugar, whisking to combine. Then add each egg one by one, whisking lightly between each egg then whisking one last time a bit more vigorously once all eggs have been added to fully incorporate, about 30 more seconds.

5. Mix the batter. Add flour mixture to wet ingredients, folding in gently using a silicone spatula until all dry ingredients are fully combined and no clumps or traces of flour remain. Add extra chocolate chips and fold into the brownie batter.

6. Bake & chill. Bake the brownies for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out of the center clean and there is no wobble in the batter if you jiggle the pan. Allow brownies to cool at room temperature, then chill for at least 2 hours before slicing. Chilling the brownies helps them set and the texture becomes extra fudgy.

Starbucks Espresso Brownies FAQs

Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso powder in these coffee brownies?

Instant coffee is a suitable replacement for espresso powder in baking, however note that the coffee flavor is less intense in instant coffee than it is if you were to use espresso powder, so you may not achieve the same rich chocolate flavor as you would with espresso.

How do you get a super fudgy brownie texture?

The key to making the fudgiest brownies possible is in the eggs. The more eggs you use, the more you will achieve cakey, chewy brownies. I typically use 2-3 eggs for fudgy brownies. You can also use egg yolks; two yolks is equal to one whole egg and will really kick the fudginess up.

What type of butter should I use for brownies?

There’s a debate in the baking world whether or not you should use salted or unsalted butter. Personally, I use unsalted butter because you can control the saltiness of a recipe better, but if you love salt then go for salted butter. You can also use vegan butter if you do not eat or tolerate real butter.

What if my eggs aren't room temperature?

Using room temperature eggs is preferable because they incorporate more smoothly into the batter. If you forgot to take your eggs out of the fridge ahead of time, one of my favorite ways to hack this is to simply fill a bowl with warm water & add the eggs to the bowl. You will have room temperature eggs in less than 10 minutes.

What's the best egg substitute for brownies?

There are a few great egg substitutes available, but my personal favorite is the flax egg. It's a great way to make brownies vegan friendly while still keeping them moist & fudgy.

Why should you chill brownies?

One of my favorite ways to make brownies easier to slice is to chill them after baking. You can either let them come to room temperature before chilling or place them immediately in the fridge for a cleaner slice. You can chill anywhere from 30 minutes to overnight. If chilling overnight, allow the brownies to come to room temp before slicing as the chocolate will have solidified in the fridge and they will be difficult to cut.

How to store espresso brownies

You can store the brownies at room temp in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Alternatively, you can freeze your brownies if you don’t want to be tempted to eat them all at once! Make sure to wrap the brownies in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store in an airtight container or freezer bag. They will keep up to one month.

If You Enjoyed this Copycat Starbucks Brownie Recipe, You Might Also Like:

• Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cold Foam
• Matcha Brownies
• Cosmic Brownies
• Flourless Brownies
• How To Make Boxed Brownies Better

Did you have a chance to make this recipe? If so, please leave me a 5 star rating and review below. I always love and appreciate hearing from you!