October 12, 2010

brownies w/ espresso-cream cheese frosting topped w/ salty shortbread crumbs


Yes that is a very long title for brownies isn't it? But I wanted to really dress up a good batch of brownies. I love brownies with frosting on them--sweet on top of salty-sweet. Killer cavity making material I know, but if you're gonna indulge you might as well make it grand. The topping came about when I had leftover crumbs from my creamsicle cheesecake; had stored them in the freezer for future use. Those crumbs are just so good I hate to waste. And I have used my espresso-cream cheese combo before on my espresso-cream cheese rice krispie treats which were to die for good. I had kept that combo in the back of mind to use again hopefully on a cake or cupcake. I need to make a cupcake with this frosting combo STAT.
These brownies are really good. I mean they just satisfy that sweet & salty craving instantly. I ate a fair share of them and yes, ate the frosting with a spoon; to taste test--a few times.


brownies w/ espresso-cream cheese frosting topped w/ salty shortbread crumbs
print recipe

Brownies:
(use your favorite brownie recipe or you can use what I used from alton brown)

Soft butter, for greasing the pan
Flour, for dusting the buttered pan
4 large eggs
1 cup sugar, sifted
1 cup brown sugar, sifted
8 ounces melted butter
11/4 cups cocoa, sifted
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup flour, sifted
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Butter and flour an 8-inch square pan.

In a mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the eggs at medium speed until fluffy and light yellow. Add both sugars. Add remaining ingredients, and mix to combine.

Pour the batter into a greased and floured 8-inch square pan and bake for 45 minutes. Check for doneness with the tried-and-true toothpick method: a toothpick inserted into the center of the pan should come out clean. When it's done, remove to a rack to cool. Resist the temptation to cut into it until it's mostly cool.

Frosting:
1 – 8 oz pack of cream cheese, room temp
½ Starbuck Via, regular roast
¼ - ½ cup of sifted confectioners sugar (use more or less depending on your sweetness preference)
Sprinkle finished brownies with remaining Starbuck Via, (optional but wonderful)

Salty shortbread crumbs:
(I had leftover crumbs from when I made the creamsicle cheesecake, but I think this amount below would be enough for the topping?)
1 sleeve (more or less) of Lorna Doone cookies, crushed fine
A pinch or two of sea salt

Assemble:
Once brownies are cooled, spread frosting nice and thick, sprinkle with salty shortbread crumbs, then sprinkle with remaining Starbucks Via for decoration.

53 COMMENTS:

Jessica @ How Sweet said...

Yes please. I would like to dive into a pile of these and never come out.

Erica said...

Oh my gosh! The salty shortbread crumbs is just genius. I don't think I've ever homemade a batch of brownies from scratch. I think its time to try!

broadcasting from a knitting parlour said...

Geez, you know how to push our #%&*@ing buttons!

Jason Sandeman said...

Dawn - I love it! You gotta stop doin g this to me. LOL
I am working on your cheesecake challenge, BTW. I smell a guest post. If you are interested, you know where to look. :)

Liz said...

I'm dying for one of these right now!

Anonymous said...

I will not lick the screen
I will not lick the screen
I will not lick the screen...again

Sinful Sundays said...

These look DIVINE! I want them. NOW!

c said...

Just the title alone makes me DROOL. I'll definitely be making these.

Joanne said...

Half the reason why I bake at ALL is to "taste test". It's the best part. Until you realize you've taste-tested half a batch. Not so good part. These brownies sound amazing! Seriously dressed up.

the blissful baker said...

OMG this looks too good to be true! how can so many wonderful things be packed into one dessert? yum!

Lauren at KeepItSweet said...

i kind of just started to salivate

Leslie said...

I think you are on a mission to kill me, aren't you?

Taylor said...

Taste testing is the best part of being the baker/cook! These look absolutely amazing!

the actor's diet said...

i can't wait for you to come to l.a. and bake for me!!!

Cake Duchess said...

These are too good to be true. I am making these brownies and I will not share. Gorgeous!

scrambledhenfruit said...

I love sweet and salty. These sound so good, I think I could eat one (or two) right now!

Carolyn Jung said...

OMG, you're killing me here with these close-up photos of frosting and cream. How can anyone resist looking at THAT? Yum! And imbued with espresso? Even better! ;)

Felice said...

I love a sweet and salty combo and these look delicious. Another recipe added to my "To Try" pile.

The Duo Dishes said...

Taste testing encourage. Either with a spoon or ladle. You must always know what you're feeding others, right?

Esi said...

Are these chewy or cakey brownies? I just love the fudgy chewy kind. You've done it again, Dawn. I can't wait to visit your bakery some day.

linda said...

whoa baby!

brownies…my fav
espresso…my fav
starbucks…my fav
creamsicle & salty…killer

are you long lost my twin???

great post!

Jan said...

You make the yummiest recipes and take fantastic pictures!

bellini valli said...

Please send 2 dozen to the address below:D All donations to my sweet cravings are happily accepted.

bellini valli said...

Please send 2 dozen to the address below:D All donations to my sweet cravings are happily accepted.

buttersweetmelody said...

wow wow wow wow! stop right there! that looks INCREDILE. You always have the best ideas! Thank you so much for this, I love sweet and salty brownies!

-Amalia

http://buttersweetmelody.wordpress.com

Paula said...

I love the top of this brownie :)

Elle said...

You're killing me--these are incredible! Would love 2 or 3 right now. Now!

nurseknitsalot said...

I just have to say that I am new to your blog and your photos are absolutely mouth watering!! What a wonderful gift you have. Keep up the good work.

Jenn said...

Holy crap!!! I hope you saved me some. Did you? did you? :)

Sippity Sup said...

Ohhhh. Salty Shortbread Crumbs. GREG

Shannon said...

i mean, fate. had to have been, all those ingredients coming together to sing like that :) you have any extra?

Minnesota Mamaleh said...

you had me at the alton brownies but seriously? salty sweet in the topping?! yum-o! this one's a must-make, for sure!

Monica H said...

holy moly! 3 of my faves all in one!

Leeann @ Join the Gossip said...

OMG...did I say OMG? Wow that looks absolutely delicious!

Avanika [YumsiliciousBakes] said...

Ooh yumm! Can't believe you made brownies even better :D

I usually hate any kind of frosting on brownies, but I want this one, now!!

My Restaurants Melbourne said...

Wow these really do look great!

crustabakes said...

salty shortbread crumbs? WINNER!!

pigpigscorner said...

oh wow, this sounds amazing!cream cheese and coffee, have to keep that in mind.

blackbookkitchendiaries said...

wow.. this looks so good and addictive:) i love it.

Eliana said...

Yes - super long title for brownies but oh how I like'em!

Bridgett said...

You ate them? You didn't take a bite then give them away? You know how offensive that would be, lol. Just giving you a hard time, chica. I wouldn't want these to leave my sight let alone my kitchen. These are incredible, but then I expect nothing less coming from you. So when are you opening a bakery?

Barbara said...

It's all about the frosting! And your salty shortbread is the perfect foil. I love that salty/sweet combo!

El said...

These look really good and highly addictive.

CaSaundraLeigh said...

Woweee--these look like a mouthfull of deliciousness. Keep these fabulous recipes coming! :-)

Kerstin said...

What unique brownies - I love the crumb topping! I love how versatile brownies are :)

Scary Mommy said...

Good God. Have they invented a system where you can reach through the computer screen and grab something yet? They need to get on that.

grace said...

very clever, dawn, as usual. these little beauties have it all. fireworks in the mouth, no doubt!

Louise said...

Thanks for the inspirations. I made these yesterday to try a brownie recipe from Murray Jaffe's "The Perfect Recipe Baking Book", suggested by our friend, Anna. These are stellar. And I love your food photos.

Susan said...

New to your blog... and I love it. These are especially fun with the salty shortbread crumb topping! I can't wait to try!

Susan www.ugogrrl.com

Carolyn Jung said...

Wow, you sure glammed up a dish of brownies. I love the idea of the salty crumbs on top for texture and taste. Brilliant!

amanda@seegirlcook said...

holy MOLY. these look and sound absolutely decadent. mmm...i must try these soon!:)

kickpleat said...

These look seriously addictive. Wowzers! Can't I have a slice right this very minute??

Anonymous said...

Oh my word --- the PERFECT dessert. Absolutely perfect...
-Elizabeth K