Kahlua Brownies

Indulge in the rich and decadent taste of homemade Kahlua Brownies! This recipe combines the classic chocolatey goodness of brownies with a delightful hint of Kahlua, creating a unique and irresistible dessert. Made from scratch with simple ingredients, these brownies offer a perfect balance of texture and flavor. Perfect for any occasion, they are sure to become a favorite.

Homemade Kahlua brownies on a plate.


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Brownies with Kahlúa

If you’re looking for a simple, flavorful twist on traditional brownies, you’ve found it. This classic from-scratch brownie recipe integrates the Mexican coffee liqueur Kahlúa, a classic cocktail addition or after-dinner drink that’s 20% ABV.

However, those concerned about too much booziness can rest assured that most of the alcohol cooks off during the quick, half-hour baking process.

What makes Kahlúa brownies so good? 

Bakers have been integrating coffee into chocolate baked goods for decades, as the two flavors pair beautifully, creating a rich, robust taste that can’t be matched with just chocolate alone. Kahlúa provides the benefit of some of the most concentrated, intense coffee flavoring possible.

In addition, the simple enhancement of chopped walnuts adds a perfect texture contrast and nuttiness. 

Why you’ll love this Kahlúa brownies recipe 

For one, this is an ideal recipe for weeknight baking or a late-night snack. The complex, unique flavors come together in just 40 minutes total, 30 of which are hands-off time in the oven.

Meanwhile, other than the addition of the distinctive coffee liqueur, the list of ingredients should look familiar to those who’ve made brownies from scratch in the past. This means a shorter shopping list since most are already in your fridge or pantry.  

Ingredients you will need

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these chocolate Kahlúa brownies:

  • All-purpose flour
  • Unsweetened chocolate – do not use cocoa powder or semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • Butter
  • Sugar
  • Eggs
  • Chopped walnuts
  • Kahlúa coffee liqueur
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
Kahlua brownies ingredients on a tray.

How to make Kahlúa brownies

This Kahlúa brownie recipe may taste sophisticated, but it’s fast and straightforward to make for even beginner bakers:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line your brownie pan with foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Melt the butter and chocolate over low heat. 
  3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and sugar with an electric mixer or stand mixer until they lighten.
Collage of steps in preparing Kahlua brownies.
  1. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
  2. Add the dry ingredients mixture to the sugar-egg bowl, followed by the melted chocolate and the Kahlúa.
  3. Mix well, then fold in the walnuts.
  4. Pour the chocolate mixture into the prepared pan and bake for a half-hour.
Collage of making the batter for Kahlua brownies.
  1. Cool the brownies in the pan.
  2. Brush the top with extra Kahlúa.
  3. Remove the brownies from the pan and cut into squares or rectangles for serving.

As you can see, there aren’t any significant changes to the typical process of making brownies other than adding a bit of extra flavor at the end.

Homemade Kahlua brownies on a plate and a glass of milk next to it.

Recipe variations

It’s relatively easy to modify this recipe for different dietary needs or preferences.

Those with nut allergies can simply omit the chopped walnuts.

Bakers avoiding gluten can swap out the all-purpose flour for many cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blends.

What to serve with Kahlúa brownies 

Kahlúa brownies are a wonderfully versatile snack that can fit nearly any type of situation or craving. For a decadent dessert, combine a warm Kahlúa brownie with a scoop of ice cream.

Or, contrast the richness of the brownie with fresh fruit, particularly choices like strawberries that pair well with chocolate.

Wash it down with the beverage of your choice, whether it’s a cold glass of milk, a hot cup of coffee to double down on the java flavor, or even a shot of Kahlúa itself (for those over 21) to sip as you enjoy the delicious baked good.

How to store

Kahlúa brownies are easy to store in several ways. In all cases, let them cool to room temperature before packing them up.

The most straightforward method involves keeping your brownies in an airtight container out of direct sunlight, where they’ll stay fresh for three to four days. You can extend this up to about a week by refrigerating them, though this can lead to a denser, fudgier texture. 

Kahlúa brownies from scratch can even be frozen for longer-term storage. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or store them in plastic freezer bags. Freezing them individually sliced and wrapped can make it easy to defrost the amount you need, though more care needs to be taken to avoid freezer burn compared to freezing an entire tray’s worth. They’ll last up to three months.  

How to reheat

If you’ve frozen your brownies, allow them to thaw gently in the fridge overnight before reheating. In most cases, just a few seconds in the microwave will typically be enough to warm the Kahlúa brownies, while a few minutes in a toaster oven or regular oven on low heat will also work.

Of course, many find these brownies just as enjoyable at room temperature or even slightly chilled!

Kahlua brownies on a plate and a glass of milk.

Favorite brownie recipes

Check out more of my easy dessert recipes and favorite family recipes on CopyKat.

Homemade Kahlua brownies on a plate.

Kahlua Brownies

One bite of these homemade Kahlua brownies and you'll find they are hard to put down. 
5 from 5 votes
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Brownie Recipes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 9
Calories: 523kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2/3 cup butter
  • 3 ounces unsweetened chocolate
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1/4 cup Kahlúa coffee liqueur plus 1 tablespoon, divided use
  • 3/4 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9-inch square pan with foil and spray the foil with nonstick spray.
  • Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • Melt the butter and chocolate in a small saucepan over low heat.
  • In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until light. Add the flour mixture, melted chocolate, and 1/4 cup of Kahlúa. Mix well. Stir in the walnuts.
  • Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the top springs back when touched lightly in the center and the edges begin to pull away from the pan. Remove from the oven and let cool thoroughly in the pan.
  • Brush the top with 1 tablespoon of Kahlúa and cut into 1×2-inch bars.

Nutrition

Calories: 523kcal | Carbohydrates: 67g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 90mg | Sodium: 274mg | Potassium: 190mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 47g | Vitamin A: 500IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 3.2mg

About Stephanie Manley

I recreate your favorite restaurant recipes, so you can prepare these dishes at home. I help you cook dinner, and serve up dishes you know your family will love. You can find most of the ingredients for all of the recipes in your local grocery store.

Stephanie is the author of CopyKat.com's Dining Out in the Home, and CopyKat.com's Dining Out in the Home 2.

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