If you’re a fan of rich chocolate with an energizing twist, this Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Moist, fudgy brownies meet a luscious coffee-infused frosting that’s quick to whip up and packs just the right amount of kick. Whether you’re serving them at a casual get-together or simply craving a cozy treat, these brownies are pure joy!
Why You Should Make This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Fusion: The combination of chocolate and coffee creates a decadent depth of flavor that’s truly irresistible.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have these brownies ready in no time—even if you’re a beginner baker.
- Moist and Fudgy Texture: These brownies are incredibly moist inside with just the right chew, striking a perfect balance for brownie lovers.
- Perfect for Coffee Lovers: That coffee frosting adds a wonderful aroma and subtle kick, elevating the classic brownie experience.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Every ingredient in this Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe plays an essential role—whether it’s crafting the rich chocolate base or building that velvety coffee frosting. Plus, many ingredients offer flexible substitutions, so you can easily personalize the brownies to your taste.
- Unsalted Butter: Melting the butter enriches the brownies with a creamy, luscious texture; you can substitute with salted butter if needed but reduce added salt slightly.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that classic chewy brownie crust; brown sugar can be swapped in for a deeper caramel flavor.
- Coffee Extract or Instant Coffee: This is the secret star—adding coffee highlights and intensifies the chocolate notes.
- All-Purpose Flour: The structure of your brownies comes from flour; gluten-free flour blends work if you want a GF option.
- Instant Coffee Granules (for frosting): Dissolved in cream, it lifts the frosting from sweet to sophisticated.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: This keeps the frosting luxuriously smooth and creamy; half-and-half can work but the frosting may be less stable.
How to Make Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Get things started by preheating your oven to 350°F. Then, either spray an 8-inch square baking dish with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper and spray it as well—this helps your brownies release effortlessly after baking.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Mix Wet Ingredients
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter until it’s silky smooth. Then, in a large bowl, combine your melted butter with granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until it’s fully blended and looks glossy—that’s when you know you’re on the right track!
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, and coffee extract or instant coffee. These dry ingredients bring the perfect structure and that unmistakeable coffee-mocha flavor to your brownies.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry ingredient mix into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t overmix—this keeps the brownies tender and fudgy rather than cakey.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even bake. Pop it in the oven and let it bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Step 6: Prepare the Coffee Frosting
While your brownies cool down, start the star frosting. Mix instant coffee granules into the heavy whipping cream and set aside for a minute. Beat your butter until light and fluffy, then slowly incorporate powdered sugar. Gradually add the coffee cream mixture, tablespoon by tablespoon, until you reach a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Step 7: Frost, Slice, and Enjoy!
Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the coffee frosting evenly on top. Cut into 16 generous squares and get ready for some serious brownie bliss!
How to Serve Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
For a fun touch, sprinkle finely chopped dark chocolate shards, crushed espresso beans, or a dusting of cocoa powder on top of the frosted brownies. These simple garnishes amplify the coffee-chocolate vibe and add a bit of texture and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Pair these coffee brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance their rich flavor. A freshly brewed cup of coffee or a café latte will complement the coffee notes perfectly, making this treat truly feel like a café indulgence right at home.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve squares stacked on a rustic wooden board with sprigs of fresh mint or edible flowers for a charming display. You can also cut them into bite-sized pieces and arrange on dessert skewers, alternating with mini marshmallows for a playful gathering snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Frosted Coffee Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keeping the frosting intact might require a gentle hand, but the flavors will only deepen as the brownies rest.
Freezing
These brownies freeze beautifully! Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge to keep that frosting perfect and fresh-tasting.
Reheating
If you like warm brownies, gently warm one square in the microwave for 10-15 seconds—this softens the frosting and melts the chocolate a bit without making the buttercream soggy. Just be sure not to overheat to keep that delightful balance.
FAQs
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Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of instant coffee in the Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe?
While brewed coffee adds some moisture and flavor, instant coffee or coffee extract is preferred because it provides a stronger, more concentrated coffee taste without altering the batter consistency.
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How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?
Insert a toothpick about two-thirds through the baking time; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter, indicating fudgy brownies rather than cakey ones.
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Can I make the frosting dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the unsalted butter with a vegan butter alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy whipping cream to keep it creamy and smooth.
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Is it possible to make these brownies gluten-free?
Absolutely—replace the all-purpose flour with a trusted gluten-free flour blend, ensuring your blend includes xanthan gum for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
These Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe are a delightful twist on the classic brownie, blending rich chocolate with the subtle complexity of coffee. Whether you’re baking for yourself, friends, or family, they’re bound to bring warm smiles and cheer. So grab your ingredients, get comfy in the kitchen, and treat yourself to a batch of these delicious, fudgy brownies—you won’t regret it!
Print
Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously rich and moist frosted coffee brownies with a smooth coffee-flavored frosting. These brownies blend the deep flavors of cocoa and coffee to create a perfect treat for coffee lovers that’s easy to bake and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Brownie Ingredients
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons coffee extract or 1 tablespoon instant coffee
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Coffee Frosting Ingredients
- 1 1/2 teaspoon instant coffee granules
- 2–4 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare oven and baking pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper and lightly grease the paper to prevent sticking.
- Melt butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 stick of unsalted butter. This will serve as the base fat for the brownie batter.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Add coffee flavor: Stir in 2 teaspoons coffee extract or alternatively 1 tablespoon instant coffee to infuse a rich coffee flavor into the batter.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Sift together 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon baking powder. Slowly add these dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir gently until fully combined without overmixing.
- Bake the brownies: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool brownies: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack to ensure the frosting adheres properly.
- Prepare coffee frosting: Dissolve 1 1/2 teaspoons instant coffee granules in 2-4 tablespoons heavy whipping cream and set aside. In a large bowl, beat 1/3 cup unsalted butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add 2 cups powdered sugar, mixing continuously until smooth.
- Adjust frosting consistency: Add 2 tablespoons of the coffee-infused heavy cream to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well. Continue adding more cream 1 tablespoon at a time, beating after each addition, until the desired frosting consistency is reached.
- Frost and serve: Spread the coffee frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Slice into 16 squares and serve. Enjoy your rich frosted coffee brownies!
Notes
- Ensure brownies are fully cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- You can substitute coffee extract with strong brewed coffee if preferred.
- For stronger coffee flavor, increase instant coffee slightly in both batter and frosting.
- Use parchment paper for easier removal of brownies from the pan.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
