10/12/10
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.
Labels:
brownies,
frosting,
quick and easy
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Yes please. I would like to dive into a pile of these and never come out.
ReplyDeleteOh 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!
ReplyDeleteGeez, you know how to push our #%&*@ing buttons!
ReplyDeleteDawn - I love it! You gotta stop doin g this to me. LOL
ReplyDeleteI am working on your cheesecake challenge, BTW. I smell a guest post. If you are interested, you know where to look. :)
I'm dying for one of these right now!
ReplyDeleteI will not lick the screen
ReplyDeleteI will not lick the screen
I will not lick the screen...again
These look DIVINE! I want them. NOW!
ReplyDeleteJust the title alone makes me DROOL. I'll definitely be making these.
ReplyDeleteHalf 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.
ReplyDeleteOMG this looks too good to be true! how can so many wonderful things be packed into one dessert? yum!
ReplyDeletei kind of just started to salivate
ReplyDeleteI think you are on a mission to kill me, aren't you?
ReplyDeleteTaste testing is the best part of being the baker/cook! These look absolutely amazing!
ReplyDeletei can't wait for you to come to l.a. and bake for me!!!
ReplyDeleteThese are too good to be true. I am making these brownies and I will not share. Gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI love sweet and salty. These sound so good, I think I could eat one (or two) right now!
ReplyDeleteOMG, 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! ;)
ReplyDeleteI love a sweet and salty combo and these look delicious. Another recipe added to my "To Try" pile.
ReplyDeleteTaste testing encourage. Either with a spoon or ladle. You must always know what you're feeding others, right?
ReplyDeleteAre 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.
ReplyDeletewhoa baby!
ReplyDeletebrownies…my fav
espresso…my fav
starbucks…my fav
creamsicle & salty…killer
are you long lost my twin???
great post!
You make the yummiest recipes and take fantastic pictures!
ReplyDeletePlease send 2 dozen to the address below:D All donations to my sweet cravings are happily accepted.
ReplyDeletePlease send 2 dozen to the address below:D All donations to my sweet cravings are happily accepted.
ReplyDeletewow 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!
ReplyDelete-Amalia
http://buttersweetmelody.wordpress.com
I love the top of this brownie :)
ReplyDeleteYou're killing me--these are incredible! Would love 2 or 3 right now. Now!
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteHoly crap!!! I hope you saved me some. Did you? did you? :)
ReplyDeleteOhhhh. Salty Shortbread Crumbs. GREG
ReplyDeletei mean, fate. had to have been, all those ingredients coming together to sing like that :) you have any extra?
ReplyDeleteyou had me at the alton brownies but seriously? salty sweet in the topping?! yum-o! this one's a must-make, for sure!
ReplyDeleteholy moly! 3 of my faves all in one!
ReplyDeleteOMG...did I say OMG? Wow that looks absolutely delicious!
ReplyDeleteOoh yumm! Can't believe you made brownies even better :D
ReplyDeleteI usually hate any kind of frosting on brownies, but I want this one, now!!
Wow these really do look great!
ReplyDeletesalty shortbread crumbs? WINNER!!
ReplyDeleteoh wow, this sounds amazing!cream cheese and coffee, have to keep that in mind.
ReplyDeletewow.. this looks so good and addictive:) i love it.
ReplyDeleteYes - super long title for brownies but oh how I like'em!
ReplyDeleteYou 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?
ReplyDeleteIt's all about the frosting! And your salty shortbread is the perfect foil. I love that salty/sweet combo!
ReplyDeleteThese look really good and highly addictive.
ReplyDeleteWoweee--these look like a mouthfull of deliciousness. Keep these fabulous recipes coming! :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat unique brownies - I love the crumb topping! I love how versatile brownies are :)
ReplyDeleteGood God. Have they invented a system where you can reach through the computer screen and grab something yet? They need to get on that.
ReplyDeletevery clever, dawn, as usual. these little beauties have it all. fireworks in the mouth, no doubt!
ReplyDeleteThanks 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.
ReplyDeleteNew to your blog... and I love it. These are especially fun with the salty shortbread crumb topping! I can't wait to try!
ReplyDeleteSusan www.ugogrrl.com
Wow, you sure glammed up a dish of brownies. I love the idea of the salty crumbs on top for texture and taste. Brilliant!
ReplyDeleteholy MOLY. these look and sound absolutely decadent. mmm...i must try these soon!:)
ReplyDeleteThese look seriously addictive. Wowzers! Can't I have a slice right this very minute??
ReplyDeleteOh my word --- the PERFECT dessert. Absolutely perfect...
ReplyDelete-Elizabeth K