Chef Dan Kluger’s Brownie and Latte Make the Perfect Afternoon Pick-Me-Up

It’s 3 p.m. and your energy is starting to flag. You need a satisfying snack to power you through the midday slump—and keep you going until dinnertime. OXO Chef in Residence Dan Kluger has created the ideal combination: a refreshing iced latte sweetened with honey and upgraded with oat milk and a decadent brownie flavored with coffee and tahini.

Known for his innovative use of seasonal ingredients, Kluger’s unexpected flavor pairings are fitting for a rather unconventional journey to becoming a culinary superstar. While enrolled at Syracuse University, Kluger discovered the food service program and before he knew it, he was being asked to help teach some of the classes without any formal training. Later, Kluger gained hands-on experience working with such renowned restaurateurs/chefs as Danny Meyer, Tom Colicchio and Jean-Georges Vongerichten. This shaped his understanding of the industry, he says, and fueled “my passion for sharing culinary knowledge.”

Today, Kluger, the chef/owner of New York City eateries Loring Place and Washington Squares, continues to educate home cooks and enthusiasts. Being an OXO Chef in Residence “allows me to help others feel more confident in the kitchen with practical tools and tips,” he says.

Finding Synergy With OXO’s Approach

For Kluger, the author of Chasing Flavor, OXO’s brand represents quality, consistency and functionality. “The products are intuitive, reliable and designed with real kitchen needs in mind,” he says, noting that his family regularly uses the OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner and Pro Swivel Peeler, as well as other OXO favorites purchased over a decade ago. “OXO’s approach enhances both home and professional kitchens by creating tools that just work—time and time again.”

These days, one of Kluger’s go-to OXO tools is the Rapid Brewer. The sleek, compact machine prepares 5.6 ounces of cold brew concentrate in just five minutes or hot coffee concentrate in two minutes. “It’s fantastic for its speed, consistency and versatility,” Kluger says, adding it’s a home kitchen must for any coffee aficionado. “It’s super easy to use and it’s perfect for making everything from iced coffee to syrup for a cocktail and even a dressed-up latte.”

Speaking of which, Kluger has whipped up a recipe for just that: A latte lightly sweetened with honey and enhanced with the nuttiness of oat milk—perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up.

The Latte

Kluger’s Iced Honey Oat Latte was inspired by the classic coffee shop beverage, but with a simple and fun twist. To add some “nuttiness,” he combines cold brew concentrate made with the Rapid Brewer with oat milk instead of regular dairy.

In lieu of sugar, Kluger sweetens the beverage with local honey, though he acknowledges that any honey or even maple syrup would work. To finish the drink, Kluger adds a sprinkle of intense Vietnamese cinnamon. Those with a sweet tooth can substitute cinnamon sugar and/or add additional honey.

The Brownies

Kluger’s dense, fudgy brownies are meant for true chocolate and coffee lovers. He employs the Rapid Brewer to create a strong cold brew concentrate, which he describes as a step up from the traditional espresso powder commonly found in chocolate recipes. Coffee functions in a similar way to how a dash of salt amplifies sweetness in desserts; in this case, the bean’s bitterness intensifies the brownie’s flavor, he says. Plus, you can use leftover cold brew—if you have any in the fridge—making these brownies the perfect “nextovers.”

The intense coffee flavor in the recipe is balanced by the rich nuttiness of the tahini (sesame paste), which also packs protein and helps to satisfy hunger pangs. This combination results in a “sweet, bitter, nutty, and creamy” experience that’s elevated by a hint of black cocoa for added depth. 

To make the brownies, Kluger keeps the process simple. Melted butter and chocolate are combined first, then sugar and molasses are added for depth and sweetness. Then, the coffee and eggs are incorporated, followed by the flour and cocoa powder and a generous swirl of tahini to create a marbled effect. In his bakery, Kluger often finishes these brownies with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added crunch, enhancing the sesame flavor and providing visual appeal.

As you follow these steps to make your own dessert-worthy snack, consider another possibility: This iced latte and brownie pairing also make for a decadent breakfast delight.

Craving more sweetness? Explore our recipes for other brownies and chocolate treats, including cookies and truffles, on the OXO blog.