The perfect combination of chocolate and espresso in a gooey, fudgy brownie. 

overhead brownies cut into squares with espresso beans and spoon

Who here is a Gilmore Girls fan?!

Remember back in 2016  when the Gilmore Girls “mini-season” came out on Netflix? It was all anyone was talking about for the longest time, and a few blogger friends and I even got together to post a round-up. 

That being said, it was time that these Mocha Brownies got a make-over.

side view of mocha brownie with espresso ganache

It’s also about time to rewatch Gilmore Girls again, so we’re winning all around. 

When it comes to Gilmore Girls, I watched episodes here and there after school growing up. I totally connected to the single mom and daughter duo that look almost identical and are besties (see: the story of my life).  But I’ll admit, I was not a faithful follower and never really knew who Lorelai was dating (is it Chris or Luke?!?).

mocha brownie on white plate with bite taken

However, several months years ago in the late summer when none of my typical shows were on, I needed to find one. Gilmore Girls became that show.  I figured it was time once and for all that I dove in and watched every season binge-style.

With the perfect Gilmore Girls accompaniment, no less. Chocolate and coffee in the form of Mocha Brownies with Espresso Ganache. #winning.

Mocha? What is it?

Simply put, a Mocha is a chocolate latte. Like, a chocolate milk latte. And chocolate + espresso is a dynamite combination. 

Which is why there is double the espresso powder in these brownies – in the batter, and in the ganache. Since espresso powder (affiliate link) brings out the chocolate flavor, it MUST be used every which way.

overhead mocha brownies with one piece removed

Nobody, I mean NOBODY can argue with more chocolate flavor! 

Chocolate Espresso Ganache

Ok, ok, ok, HOLD THE PHONE. You thought a regular ol’ fudgy, gooey, espresso brownie would be enough, right? And it is, it’s great.

But just wait until you try it with ESPRESSO GANACHE on top. All the yelling is absolutely necessary; it’s outta this world good.

What is Ganache?

Ganache is an easy-to-make chocolate sauce or icing. It’s made with chocolate and cream (yes, we’re still going for indulgence here). 

chocolate chips, cream, and espresso powder in bowl to make espresso ganache

In this recipe, we’re also adding espresso powder to the mix. Again, to bring out the chocolate flavor and up the coffee flavor. With that grand total of THREE ingredients for a ganache, you cannot go wrong.

Once the ingredients are melted together, the glossy sauce easily pours onto the brownies in a beautiful, shiny stream. 

pouring espresso ganache on brownies

The Brownies

Dense, rich, fudgy, gooey, extra chocolatey brownies. Are there enough adjectives to describe them? I think not. 

I love how easy they are to make, too. If you’re strategic and use a microwave-safe bowl to melt the butter and chocolate (yes, we all take some shortcuts!) then you can mix up the rest of the ingredients and use only ONE BOWL! 

All about efficiency here, friends!

mocha brownies with espresso ganache and serving utensil

While the brownies + ganache are so delicious on their own (and hey, a sprinkle of sea salt always elevates chocolate, too!), use them in a brownie sundae. Now that’s living. 

mocha brownie on white plates with brownies in background

Love a good brownie? You’ll also go crazy for these brownie combinations!

side view of mocha brownie with espresso ganache
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Get the Recipe Mocha Brownies with Espresso Ganache

Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 35 minutes
Total: 50 minutes
Servings: 9 , 3″ brownies
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The perfect combination of chocolate and espresso in a gooey, fudgy brownie.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter
  • 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons espresso powder

GANACHE:

  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 teaspoons espresso powder

Equipment

Instructions
 

  • Pre-heat oven to 325°F. Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper, making sure each side has some hanging over to easily remove. Alternatively, grease the pan.
  • Melt butter and 1/4 cup chocolate chips in a double boiler or in a microwave-safe bowl. If microwaving, heat the mixture in 20-second increments, stirring in between to prevent burning).
  • Whisk the vanilla and sugar into the butter/chocolate mixture. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking between each addition just until combined. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, stir in the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and espresso powder. Stir in additional 1/2 cup chocolate chips.
  • Bake for 25-35 minutes, until brownie edges are set and desired “gooey-ness” is reached. Check by inserting a toothpick. Let brownies cool.
  • Espresso Ganache: heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until just before a simmer. Place chocolate chips in a separate bowl and pour heated cream over chips. Let sit for 1 minute. Whisk in espresso powder until smooth and glossy. If the cream is not hot enough to melt all the chips, you may need to microwave for 10-15 seconds, but be careful it doesn’t burn. Pour the ganache onto the brownies and spread evenly.
Course: Dessert
Author: Becca Mills
Cuisine: American
Did you make this recipe?Please leave a star rating and review in the form below. I appreciate your feedback, and it helps others, too!

This post was originally published in November 2016. The photos were updated in June 2019, and a few tweaks were made to the recipe for improvement purposes.

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This recipe is part of our Date Night Recipes to Love roundup. Check it out!