What is olive oil doing in a brownie recipe, you ask? Other than creating a dairy free dessert, it adds a bright fruity flavor to your brownies. I used freshly brewed Columbian coffee as the liquid, added in a speckling of extra-dark chocolate chips and topped with large flaky sea salt. Powdered sugar and dark chocolate drizzle are optional. These brownies make a beautiful dessert or a great holiday gift. Coffee enhances the flavor of the chocolate, but no stuffing fistfuls of brownies into your mouth before bedtime, there is a generous amount of caffeine with using both chocolate and coffee!

Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour or gluten free all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup brewed coffee or hot water
- 6 tablespoons extra-vigin olive oil use a mild oil for a less intense flavor
- 3 ounces semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate melted
- 1 large egg at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- Flaky sea salt for garnish
- Powdered sugar optional, for garnish
Servings: squares
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 8x8 inch pan with two pieces of parchment paper, leaving a couple inches of overhang on all sides, in order to remove the brownies easily from the pan.
- Whisk together the flour, salt and baking powder in a small bowl. In a large bowl, whisk together the cocoa and coffee until smooth. Whisk in the olive oil, melted chocolate, egg and vanilla. Whisk in the sugars. Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, fold in the flour mixture. Add in the chocolate chips and gently stir.
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared pan, spreading batter into the corners and bake for 20 minutes or so, or until the brownies have set. You can use a wooden skewer to test the center of the brownies. The skewer should come out with dry crumbs when the brownies are done. Sprinkle the sea salt on the brownies when they are still warm. Once cooled, cut into squares. Optional garnish: powdered sugar and melted chocolate drizzle.
Olive oils can have such varied flavor profiles. Any recommendations on brands for best results with this recipe?
It should be a fairly mild olive oil. My favorite brands are Ariston, Lidrivio and Olive Connection.