If you’re craving the magic of chocolate and coffee in one gooey, dreamy bite, these Frosted Coffee Brownies are about to become your new obsession. Imagine dense, fudgy brownies with a subtle coffee kick, topped by a creamy mocha frosting that melts on your tongue. They’re the perfect pick-me-up for an afternoon treat, a celebration, or simply because you deserve something sweet and fabulous. Get ready — every square promises a blissful mix of bold flavors and irresistible texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for Frosted Coffee Brownies is a breeze, and each handpicked addition plays an essential role in building up deep flavor, soft chew, and that signature luscious frosting. Here’s what you need and why you’ll love each component.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Provides that signature rich, moist texture in both the brownie and the fluffy mocha frosting.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the brownies and helps create a shiny, crinkled top layer.
- Large eggs: Bind the batter together while adding richness and just the right lift.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and rounds out the chocolatey-caffeinated notes.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor without extra sweetness.
- Instant coffee granules: Adds a bold espresso punch that balances and enhances the fudge factor.
- All-purpose flour: Gives structure so the brownies hold together but stay irresistibly tender.
- Salt: Just a pinch brightens every flavor and ensures the chocolate and coffee really pop.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melt into pockets of gooeyness for decadent bites throughout.
- For the frosting:
- Unsalted butter (softened): Whips effortlessly into a smooth, creamy spread.
- Powdered sugar: Creates a silky, sweet frosting that’s never gritty.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Brings more chocolate flavor to the party.
- Instant coffee granules dissolved in milk: Furnishes the frosting with a cafe-inspired taste and smoothness.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors so every swipe of frosting is balanced.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances every note for a frosting you’ll want to eat with a spoon.
How to Make Frosted Coffee Brownies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by firing up your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and either grease it generously or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy brownie removal. This simple step sets you up for brownie-cutting success and prevents sticky situations later!
Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until they look glossy and smooth. Crack in the eggs one by one, mixing after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. This creates a rich, thick base that helps give your Frosted Coffee Brownies their signature moist crumb.
Step 3: Incorporate the Chocolate and Coffee
Next, sprinkle in the unsweetened cocoa powder and instant coffee granules. These are your flavor boosters! Stir until everything is delightfully combined. The coffee intensifies the chocolate, making every bite more decadent (and giving you that subtle wake-up call).
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients and Chocolate Chips
Fold in the flour and salt until just incorporated; don’t overmix, or the brownies may turn cakey. Finish by folding in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. They’ll melt into gooey pockets of joy as the brownies bake, making each square even more irresistible.
Step 5: Bake to Fudgy Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth it out evenly. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 28–32 minutes. Test with a toothpick — you want a few moist crumbs to cling for ultimate fudginess. Let the pan cool completely before you even think about frosting!
Step 6: Make the Coffee Frosting
For the crowning glory, beat softened butter until creamy, then start adding powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Pour in your dissolved instant coffee (swirled into warm milk for an instant mocha vibe), a dash of vanilla, and a tiny pinch of salt. Beat everything until gorgeously smooth and fluffy—the frosting should be thick but easily spreadable.
Step 7: Frost, Slice, and Enjoy!
Spread the mocha frosting lavishly over the cooled brownies, taking care to reach every edge and corner. Cut into neat squares and marvel at those fudgy layers with that luscious, coffee-kissed topping. Every piece is a treat worthy of celebration!
How to Serve Frosted Coffee Brownies
Garnishes
Dress up your Frosted Coffee Brownies with a sprinkle of chocolate shavings, a dusting of cocoa powder, or even a few espresso beans for a fun, bakery-style finish. A little sprinkle of flaky sea salt can also make the chocolate and coffee flavors pop!
Side Dishes
Pair these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for contrast, or serve alongside a steaming cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk to double down on the indulgence. Fresh berries or a swirl of whipped cream add a light, fresh touch, balancing the brownies’ deep, decadent flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Frosted Coffee Brownies on a pretty serving platter and drizzle with extra melted chocolate or caramel for flair. For parties, serve in cupcake liners or stack mini squares on a tiered dessert stand. They even make an unexpected but welcome addition to brunch spreads or as a sophisticated finish to any dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any remaining Frosted Coffee Brownies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. The flavors meld and deepen over time, so some say they’re even better the next day!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Frosted Coffee Brownies if you’d like to stash some away for later. Place brownie squares in a single layer on a tray to freeze initially, then transfer them to a sealed bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
For that fresh-from-the-oven experience, microwave a brownie square for just 10-15 seconds (don’t overdo it or the frosting will melt!). This little trick brings back the soft, gooey texture and makes the chocolate chips all melty again.
FAQs
Can I use brewed coffee instead of instant coffee granules?
For the deepest coffee flavor, instant coffee granules are best since they dissolve fully and punch up both the brownie and frosting. Brewed coffee isn’t quite as strong or concentrated, so stick to granules for optimal taste.
Can I make these Frosted Coffee Brownies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute a good-quality 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The brownies remain fudgy and fantastic without missing a beat.
How do I adjust for a stronger coffee flavor?
Add an additional teaspoon of instant coffee granules to the brownie batter, or increase the amount dissolved into the frosting. Customize based on your love of coffee—just don’t be shy!
Can I make Frosted Coffee Brownies in advance for a party?
Definitely! Bake and frost them up to a day ahead, then store tightly covered at room temperature or chill for even cleaner slices. Set them out about 30 minutes before serving for the best texture.
What if I don’t have semi-sweet chocolate chips?
No worries! Chopped dark chocolate, milk chocolate chips, or even white chocolate chunks will all work beautifully. They’ll each bring their own twist—experiment with your favorite!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something irresistible about Frosted Coffee Brownies—the way bittersweet chocolate and espresso flavors blend in every bite. If you’re a mocha lover or simply adore crowd-pleasing desserts, these brownies promise to be a hit. Give them a try soon, and don’t forget to share (if you can part with any)!
Print
Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of these Frosted Coffee Brownies. A perfect blend of chocolate and coffee in a moist brownie topped with a creamy coffee-infused frosting.
Ingredients
Brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules dissolved in 2 tablespoons warm milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Mix Brownie Batter: Combine melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, cocoa, coffee, flour, salt, and chocolate chips. Pour into pan and bake.
- Make Frosting: Beat butter, powdered sugar, cocoa, dissolved coffee, vanilla, and salt until fluffy. Spread over cooled brownies.
- Serve: Cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- For a stronger coffee flavor, add an extra teaspoon of instant coffee to the brownie batter.
- Store frosted brownies in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
