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Brownie lovers are being urged to swap one simple ingredient to make their desserts taste richer and more chocolatey and the secret addition is coffee.

Home bakers on Reddit have been praising the trick, which involves replacing the water in brownie mix with brewed coffee or espresso to intensify the chocolate flavour without making the dessert taste strongly of coffee.

One Reddit user described the swap as "stupidly simple" but transformative, writing: "Brewed coffee in brownie batter instead of water. Changed my life."

Another baking fan advised: "Replace the water with very strong coffee since so little water is used. The brownies won't taste of coffee. But the coffee helps to boost the flavor of the chocolate."

The tip has become increasingly popular online as home cooks search for easy ways to upgrade boxed brownie mixes without spending extra money.

Coffee is often used in chocolate desserts because it enhances cocoa's natural richness and depth, creating a more intense flavour.

Baking enthusiasts say even instant coffee or espresso powder can have a similar effect when added to brownie batter.

One Reddit contributor suggested: "You can replace water with coffee or add a tsp of espresso powder."

Others recommended using strong espresso, cold brew or even decaf coffee for those wanting the flavour boost without extra caffeine.

The hack works particularly well with boxed brownie mixes, which typically call for water, oil and eggs.

Several users also shared additional tricks for richer brownies, including swapping vegetable oil for melted butter, adding cinnamon or stirring in chocolate chips.

Food fans online have described the coffee swap as a "game changer", with many saying it gives brownies a more bakery-style taste while requiring almost no extra effort.