Tia Maria Brownies are a rich and indulgent dessert infused with the deep, coffee-flavored notes of the Tia Maria liqueur. This vintage-style recipe balances melted chocolate, instant coffee, and toasted pecans for a bold, satisfying bite. The brownies are topped with a luscious buttercream-style icing that also carries the signature liqueur and coffee flavor, making them a standout treat for special occasions or dessert tables. Variations suggest swapping in Kahlúa or using different nut and liqueur combinations, giving this treat a versatile and personalized flair.
Ingredients
Brownies
- 1 cup pecans (coarsely chopped )
- 2 tsp Tia Maria
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 sticks butter (melted)
- ⅓ cup Tia Maria (+ 2 tbsp )
- 1 tsp instant coffee (dissolved in 1 tbsp hot water)
- 4 sq unsweetened chocolate (melted and cooled)
- 2¼ cups flour
- ¼ tsp salt
Icing
- 4 tbsp butter (soft )
- 2½ tbsp Tia Maria
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp instant coffee (dissolved in 1 tbsp hot water)
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar (sifted)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Nuts and Liqueur
- Toss together chopped pecans and 2 tsp Tia Maria. Set aside.
Step 2: Beat Eggs and Sugar
- In a large bowl, beat eggs until light and fluffy.
- Add sugar and beat until well combined.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
- Stir in melted butter, Tia Maria, dissolved coffee, and melted chocolate.
- Mix well.
Step 4: Add Nuts
- Stir in the soaked pecans.
Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients
- Stir in flour and salt until just combined.
Step 6: Bake
- Pour batter into a greased and floured 9×13-inch pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before frosting.
Step 7: Make Icing
- In a bowl, combine soft butter, Tia Maria, vanilla, dissolved coffee, and confectioners’ sugar.
- Stir until smooth. Add milk a little at a time if icing is too thick.
Step 8: Frost and Serve
- Spread icing over cooled brownies. Cut into 30 squares and serve.
Tips
- Substitute Kahlúa for Tia Maria as suggested on the card
- Use walnuts instead of pecans for a deeper nut flavor
- Try Amaretto with almonds for a different liqueur profile
- Slightly underbake for extra fudgy brownies
- Chill brownies before slicing for cleaner squares
- Double the icing for a thicker coffee frosting layer
- Sprinkle chopped nuts on top of the icing for texture
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to enhance the coffee notes
Nutrition
Calories: 245kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 1gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 0.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 22mgSodium: 27mgPotassium: 34mgFiber: 1gSugar: 17gVitamin A: 34IUVitamin C: 0.5mgCalcium: 24mgIron: 1mg
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