
Sink into the comfort world of these walnut brownies, a timeless treat that's been passed down through families. They're soft and gooey inside with a slightly crisp top, and they've got a little secret: a hint of coffee that brings out the chocolate flavors. I've tweaked this version from Ina Garten's approach, and now it's my go-to when I want to wow my friends.
I stumbled upon this when I first tried American baking. What makes it work is using good quality chocolate and watching the baking time carefully to keep that signature gooey middle.

Key Ingredients
- Dark chocolate: Go for at least 70% cocoa for the richest flavor
- Coffee: It boosts the chocolate taste without taking over. Fresh espresso works best
- Butter: The quality directly impacts your final taste. Unsalted is ideal
- Walnuts: They add the needed crunch. Lightly toast them for extra flavor
- Eggs: These create that dense, soft texture. Take them out of the fridge early
- Flour: You only need a small amount - that's what keeps them fudgy
Step-By-Step Method
Chocolate Prep
- Melt the chocolate and butter using a water bath
- Mix in hot coffee and stir until you get a shiny mix

Mixing The Batter
- Whip eggs with sugar until they turn pale
- Pour in the cooled chocolate blend
- Gently fold in the sifted flour
Baking Time
- Pour mix into your buttered and floured pan
- Sprinkle plenty of walnuts on top
- Bake in an oven heated to 180°C
In my home, these brownies have become our Sunday afternoon tradition. I've found that letting them sit overnight really brings out the chocolate and coffee flavors.

Serving Ideas
These brownies taste best at room temperature with a strong black coffee. For a fancier treat, serve them slightly warm with vanilla ice cream. On special days, drizzle some salted caramel sauce over the top.
Tasty Twists
You can play around with the basic recipe. Swap walnuts for toasted hazelnuts, add white chocolate chips for contrast, or mix in fresh berries for a bit of tang. If you want a stronger kick, just put in a bit more coffee.
Storing Your Brownies
They'll stay good for up to 5 days in an airtight container at room temp. For longer storage, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge.
Best Times To Enjoy
These brownies shine brightest during family snack times or dessert with friends. Their rich chocolate flavor makes them perfect for winter evenings, paired with a steaming cup of tea.
Cutting Tips
For clean slices, let the brownie cool completely. Use a thin knife dipped in hot water and wiped between cuts. This trick gives you perfect squares without crumbs.

Chef Pointers
- The knife test isn't reliable for these brownies: trust what you see instead
- The top should look matte and slightly cracked
- Always cool them fully before taking them out of the pan
To me, these brownies hit the sweet spot between rich and indulgent. Whenever I make them, I think back to my first tries at American baking and how my family's eyes lit up seeing these squares of chocolate heaven. It's more than just a treat - it's about sharing moments and good times together.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make a smaller batch?
- Sure! Just cut all the amounts in half to prepare about 10 brownies.
- → How do I know the brownies are done?
- Stick a toothpick in the middle. If it comes out clean, they’re ready. But don’t overbake—keep the center soft.
- → What’s the purpose of adding coffee?
- It boosts the chocolate flavor without leaving a coffee taste in the brownies.
- → Can these brownies be frozen?
- Absolutely! Wrap them individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
- → Why coat the nuts in flour?
- This trick stops the nuts from sinking to the bottom while baking.