These Vietnamese Coffee Brownies with Condensed Milk Swirl are a perfect fusion of two beloved flavors—rich, fudgy chocolate brownies and the bold, aromatic flavors of Vietnamese coffee. The condensed milk swirl adds a creamy sweetness that beautifully balances the strong coffee notes. A unique twist on a classic dessert, these brownies are perfect for coffee lovers and anyone looking for a decadent treat. A great choice for your next gathering or simply when you need a sweet pick-me-up!

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• For the Brownie Batter:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (227g)

  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips (6 oz)

  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)

  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar (95g)

  • 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon Dutch-process cocoa powder (30g)

  • 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon black cocoa powder (30g)

  • 3 large eggs (room temperature)

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 3 tbsp Vietnamese coffee (or 3 tbsp regular coffee + 1 tbsp espresso powder)

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (60g)

  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt

• For the Condensed Milk Swirl:

  • 5 oz cream cheese (150g), softened

  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (15g)

  • 2 tablespoons condensed milk (40g)

  • 1 egg

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (30g)

  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt

Directions

1. Make the Condensed Milk Swirl
   In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and condensed milk until fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing well. Stir in the flour and salt until smooth. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Brownie Batter
   Line an 8×8 square pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, pour it over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl, letting it sit for 3 minutes, then stir until smooth.

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
   In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, and both cocoa powders until smooth. Add the melted butter and chocolate mixture, mixing until well combined.

4. Add the Dry Ingredients
   Stir in the flour and salt until the batter is smooth and thick. Mix in the brewed Vietnamese coffee until fully incorporated.

5. Assemble the Brownies
   Pour almost all of the batter into the prepared pan, reserving 1/2 cup of the batter. Drop dollops of the condensed milk mixture on top, then dollop the reserved brownie batter on top. Use a knife to swirl the two mixtures together.

6. Bake the Brownies
   Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is puffed and a toothpick comes out with a few crumbs. Let the brownies cool for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Nutrients
Per serving (1/12 of the recipe):

• Calories: 275 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 36 g

• Protein: 3 g

• Fat: 15 g

  • Saturated Fat: 9 g

• Sodium: 130 mg

• Potassium: 250 mg

• Fiber: 2 g

• Sugar: 23 g

• Calcium: 35 mg

• Iron: 2 mg

The Fusion of Vietnamese Coffee and Chocolate

Vietnamese coffee is renowned for its bold and robust flavor. Traditionally brewed using a drip filter, this coffee has a rich, full-bodied taste that often pairs perfectly with sweetened condensed milk. This particular flavor profile, with its slightly bitter and sweet notes, translates beautifully into brownies. The coffee’s deep intensity is not overpowering but rather enhances the chocolate, giving the brownies a unique complexity.

Using Vietnamese coffee in the brownie batter ensures that every bite contains that characteristic strong coffee flavor. The coffee infuses the brownie with a distinct, aromatic bitterness, which contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the chocolate and condensed milk. This pairing creates a balance of flavors that isn’t too sweet or too bitter, offering a more refined take on traditional chocolate brownies.

The use of both Dutch-process cocoa powder and black cocoa powder in the batter enhances the brownies’ richness, making them incredibly moist and giving them a deep, dark color. Together with the Vietnamese coffee, the flavor profile of the brownies becomes bold and complex, making them perfect for coffee lovers and chocolate aficionados alike.

The Role of Condensed Milk Swirl

The addition of the condensed milk swirl is what truly sets these brownies apart. Condensed milk is often used in Vietnamese coffee, and it brings a smooth, velvety sweetness that balances out the bitterness of the coffee. In this recipe, the swirl adds not only sweetness but also a creamy texture that perfectly contrasts with the dense, fudgy brownie base.

The cream cheese mixed into the condensed milk swirl contributes to a rich, slightly tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the condensed milk. The swirl is not just a flavor addition but also a textural element, creating a marbled effect within the brownies that looks as good as it tastes. This swirl of creamy condensed milk adds depth and a lovely contrast to the dark chocolate base, enhancing the overall experience of each bite.

What makes the swirl even more special is how it integrates with the brownie. As the brownies bake, the swirl becomes part of the fudgy texture, offering pockets of creamy sweetness that contrast with the rich chocolate. Each bite of these brownies offers a mix of the soft, gooey brownie and the smooth, creamy condensed milk swirl, making them a delicious treat for anyone who enjoys complex flavor combinations.

The Simple Preparation and Quick Baking

One of the most appealing aspects of these Vietnamese Coffee Brownies is how easy they are to make. The recipe requires minimal ingredients, and the preparation process is straightforward. There is no complicated dough or batter to handle, making the recipe suitable for even novice bakers. By using pre-made angel food cake as a base for these churro bites, for instance, you can skip some of the more labor-intensive steps that come with traditional brownies, allowing you to focus on creating a perfect treat in less time.

In just under an hour, you can prepare and bake these brownies. Once the batter and the condensed milk mixture are prepared and assembled, all that’s left is to swirl the two together and bake the pan. The brownies bake at 325°F (160°C), which ensures that they cook evenly and retain their fudgy consistency. As they bake, the coffee-infused batter rises slightly, forming a beautifully puffed top with a soft, gooey interior. The result is a moist, indulgent brownie that’s rich in both flavor and texture.

The Perfect Texture: Fudgy and Moist

The texture of these brownies is another highlight. The combination of melted butter and chocolate ensures that the batter is rich and moist, while the eggs give it structure. The flour and cocoa powders help the brownies set perfectly, creating a fudgy, dense interior that’s still soft enough to melt in your mouth. The Vietnamese coffee, while adding depth to the flavor, does not overpower the texture, ensuring that every bite is a balance of creamy, smooth chocolate and slightly tangy, sweet condensed milk.

The brownies have a soft crumb, and the condensed milk swirl adds an extra layer of creaminess that makes the texture even more luxurious. When the brownies are still warm, the swirled condensed milk melts into the batter, making each bite even more indulgent. These brownies are the perfect texture for anyone who loves that gooey, fudgy consistency that classic brownies are known for.

The Ideal Dessert for Coffee Lovers

These Vietnamese Coffee Brownies are an ideal dessert for coffee enthusiasts. The coffee not only adds an unexpected twist but also elevates the flavor of the chocolate. The bitterness of the coffee balances the sweetness of the chocolate and the condensed milk, giving the brownies a more sophisticated and nuanced taste.

The combination of coffee and chocolate is a timeless pairing, and in this recipe, the flavors blend seamlessly to create a rich, aromatic dessert. If you enjoy a strong cup of coffee, these brownies will satisfy your craving for a sweet treat that isn’t overly sugary but still deeply satisfying. Whether you enjoy your coffee black or with a little sugar, the rich, bold flavor of Vietnamese coffee in these brownies is sure to be a hit.

A Perfect Dessert for Any Occasion

These Vietnamese Coffee Brownies with Condensed Milk Swirl are perfect for a variety of occasions. They make a wonderful dessert for gatherings, from casual get-togethers to more formal celebrations. The unique flavor combination and indulgent texture are sure to impress your guests, and they’re easy to make in advance, allowing you to enjoy the event without worrying about dessert.

They are also a great choice for a cozy weekend treat or a sweet afternoon snack with coffee or tea. Their rich, bold flavors make them a great accompaniment to a hot beverage, making them a comforting choice during the cooler months. Additionally, these brownies store well, so you can keep them in an airtight container for several days, enjoying them as a quick dessert or snack throughout the week.

Health Considerations and Adaptations

While these brownies are indulgent, there are a few ways to make them slightly healthier without compromising too much on flavor. For example, you can reduce the sugar content in the brownie batter or the condensed milk swirl if you prefer a less sweet dessert. Additionally, using dark chocolate with a higher cocoa percentage can further reduce the sweetness while enhancing the chocolate flavor.

For those who are lactose intolerant or following a dairy-free diet, it’s possible to make substitutions in this recipe. Plant-based cream cheese and dairy-free condensed milk can replace the traditional dairy ingredients in the swirl, making these brownies suitable for a wider range of dietary needs. Similarly, using a dairy-free butter substitute ensures that the brownies remain rich and moist while catering to those with dietary restrictions.

Conclusion

Vietnamese Coffee Brownies with Condensed Milk Swirl are a perfect fusion of rich chocolate and bold coffee flavors, enhanced by a creamy, sweetened condensed milk swirl. These brownies offer a unique twist on the classic dessert, bringing together the beloved flavors of Vietnamese coffee and chocolate in a fudgy, indulgent treat. With their moist, rich texture, coffee-infused batter, and creamy swirl, these brownies are a must-try for any coffee lover or chocolate enthusiast. Whether served at a party, enjoyed as an afternoon snack, or paired with a hot cup of coffee, they are the perfect dessert for any occasion. Their easy preparation and satisfying taste make them a standout addition to your dessert repertoire.