Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe
Meet your new favorite bake sale showstopper: Frosted Coffee Brownies. These are everything you want in a brownie—fudgy, rich, and deeply chocolatey—but with a bold coffee twist and a creamy mocha frosting that makes each bite utterly memorable. They’re easy enough for a spontaneous weeknight treat but fancy enough for dinner parties or gift-giving. Every layer brims with coffee flavor, ensuring this treat is much more than your average chocolate bar—it’s a sophisticated pick-me-up and a pure delight for coffee lovers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Frosted Coffee Brownies lies in simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each adds something unique: the chocolate brings decadence, coffee awakens the flavors, and butter transforms texture from ordinary to glorious. Here’s exactly what you’ll need—and why you shouldn’t skip a single item!
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Lends rich, moist texture to every fudgy bite.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and helps create the classic shiny brownie top.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the batter and make it delightfully chewy.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and enhances both chocolate and coffee notes.
- Instant coffee granules (1 tablespoon, dissolved in 1 tablespoon hot water): Infuses the batter with robust coffee flavor, highlighting the chocolate.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/3 cup): Delivers deep chocolate color and a slightly bitter edge.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Gives structure but keeps the crumb soft and tender.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies the overall flavor.
- Baking powder (1/4 teaspoon): Gives just a touch of lift—enough for a little tenderness but not cakiness.
- For the Frosting:
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, softened): Makes the frosting velvety and spreadable.
- Brewed coffee (1 tablespoon, cooled): Turns the frosting into a coffee lover’s dream.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and thickens your luscious mocha topping.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1 tablespoon): Echoes the brownie’s chocolatey flavor.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle, fragrant finish to the frosting.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enriches the chocolate-coffee profile.
How to Make Frosted Coffee Brownies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Take an 8×8-inch baking pan and either lightly grease it or line it with parchment paper (a parchment sling helps for easy removal later). This sets you up for mess-free cutting and easy serving—because the only crumbs you want to see are the ones on your plate!
Step 2: Whisk Together Wet Ingredients
Melt your butter, then whisk it together with the granulated sugar until the mix is gloriously smooth and glossy. This step ensures a shiny crust on top, that signature trait of truly irresistible brownies. Beat in the eggs, vanilla, and your dissolved coffee, stirring until everything is beautifully combined—the kitchen should already be hinting at that fantastic Frosted Coffee Brownies aroma.
Step 3: Stir in the Dry Ingredients
Gently add the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to fold the mixture just until combined—over-mixing is the enemy of fudgy brownies! When you see no more streaks of flour, stop. You want your batter thick, smooth, and dark as midnight.
Step 4: Bake the Brownies
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, then smooth the top with your spatula. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The secret to the best Frosted Coffee Brownies is to stop baking when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs—don’t wait for it to be totally clean, or you’ll lose that irresistible gooey center.
Step 5: Cool Completely
Patience pays off here! Allow your brownies to cool completely in the pan. This helps them set and ensures the frosting spreads without melting. Use your extra time to dream up creative toppings or put together a pot of coffee.
Step 6: Make the Mocha Frosting
In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy. Add the brewed coffee (cooled), powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Beat everything together until the frosting is smooth, creamy, and invitingly mocha-scented—perfect for smothering your brownies.
Step 7: Frost, Slice, and Serve
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies, making luscious swirls with a spatula or knife. Slice into generous squares and serve with a flourish. That first bite of rich chocolate, layered with coffee flavor and topped with silky frosting, will prove exactly why these Frosted Coffee Brownies are unforgettable.
How to Serve Frosted Coffee Brownies
Garnishes
For a finishing touch that wows, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt or a dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder over the frosted top. Chocolate shavings or a few espresso beans can make each square look bakery-worthy. If you’re feeling playful, finish with a light drizzle of melted white chocolate or a scattering of chopped nuts for a delightful crunch.
Side Dishes
Pair Frosted Coffee Brownies with scoops of vanilla or coffee ice cream for the ultimate indulgence. A big mug of hot coffee, a frothy cappuccino, or even a tall glass of cold milk helps balance the rich flavors. If you’re hosting a dessert spread, they shine beside fresh strawberries or a platter of sliced oranges, which add brightness to every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these brownies into dinner party stars by cutting them into neat rectangles and stacking layers with parchment between each. For a whimsical touch, use cookie cutters to punch out hearts or circles from cooled, frosted brownies—perfect for holiday treats and edible gifts! Wrap individual brownies in parchment and tie with twine for coffee shop vibes at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If your batch of Frosted Coffee Brownies survives more than a day, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight and the texture stays perfectly fudgy. Just be sure to keep them covered so the frosting stays fresh and creamy.
Freezing
Need to get ahead? You can freeze Frosted Coffee Brownies—either frosted or unfrosted. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then pop them into a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature for about an hour and savor that just-baked taste.
Reheating
If you like your brownies slightly warm, microwave a square for 10 seconds—just enough to soften the frosting and bring out the chocolate-coffee aroma. Be careful: too much heat can melt the frosting completely, so use a gentle touch!
FAQs
Can I make Frosted Coffee Brownies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap out the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 substitute, and that it contains any necessary binders like xanthan gum for best results.
How strong is the coffee flavor in these brownies?
The coffee flavor is assertive but not overpowering. If you love a bold mocha profile, you can increase the instant coffee in the batter or add a touch more in the frosting. For a gentler hint, stick exactly to the original recipe amounts.
Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?
Definitely! A generous handful of chocolate chips or chopped nuts folded into the brownie batter adds extra texture and bursts of flavor, making every bite even more irresistible. Pecans, walnuts, or dark chocolate chunks are all fabulous choices.
Should these brownies be refrigerated?
It’s not a must, but if your kitchen is particularly warm or humid, storing Frosted Coffee Brownies in the fridge can help keep the frosting stable. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
How do I cut brownies cleanly without smudging the frosting?
Let the frosted brownies chill in the fridge for about 20 minutes before slicing. Use a sharp knife, wiping it clean after each cut, for neat, bakery-perfect squares every time.
Final Thoughts
The joy of Frosted Coffee Brownies is in every detail—the gooey, coffee-kissed center, the luscious swirl of frosting, and how each bite feels like the ultimate treat. I can’t wait for you to whip up a batch and share them (or keep them all to yourself for a rainy day pick-me-up!). Don’t be surprised if this becomes your go-to brownie recipe whenever you crave something extra special.
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Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and decadent flavor of these Frosted Coffee Brownies. A perfect combination of fudgy brownie goodness with a hint of coffee, topped with a creamy coffee-infused frosting.
Ingredients
Brownies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules dissolved in 1 tablespoon hot water
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Frosting:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon brewed coffee (cooled)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan.
- Mix Brownie Batter: Combine melted butter and sugar, add eggs, vanilla, dissolved coffee, cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix until just combined.
- Bake: Pour batter into pan and bake for 20–25 minutes until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool.
- Make Frosting: Beat softened butter, add coffee, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt. Spread over brownies.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- You can add chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture.
- For a stronger coffee flavor, increase the instant coffee in the batter.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
