Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe
If you love the rich, fudgy goodness of chocolate and can’t resist the enticing aroma of fresh-brewed coffee, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite: Frosted Coffee Brownies. These brownies are truly a dream come true for coffee and chocolate lovers alike, with a moist, decadent base and a fluffy espresso frosting that delivers a delightful pick-me-up with every bite. Whether you’re sharing them at a gathering or sneaking one with an afternoon cup of joe, Frosted Coffee Brownies are always met with rave reviews and happy smiles!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Frosted Coffee Brownies is how simple yet impactful each ingredient is. Every item plays a vital role: the rich chocolate for depth, espresso for warmth, and just the right amount of sugar for balance. Let’s walk through what makes this recipe shine—feel free to use your favorites for a personal touch!
- Unsalted Butter: Essential for a fudgy, tender crumb and buttery flavor in both brownie and frosting.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate: Go for a good quality chocolate—this is the foundation of your brownies’ deep, cocoa-rich taste.
- Granulated Sugar: Ensures a classic sweetness while helping create those irresistible crinkly tops.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a hint of caramel depth and extra moisture.
- Eggs: Bind everything together while making the brownies chewy and substantial.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash rounds out the chocolate-coffee flavor beautifully.
- Instant Coffee or Espresso Powder: The secret weapon—dissolves right in, intensifying the coffee profile.
- All-Purpose Flour: Just enough for structure, but not so much that brownies become cakey.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Boosts chocolate flavor and ensures a rich, chocolatey color.
- Salt: A pinch amplifies all the other flavors—don’t skip it!
- Powdered Sugar: Makes for a silky-smooth, fluffy frosting.
- Brewed Espresso or Strong Coffee: Key for that punch in the frosted layer; cooled so it doesn’t melt the butter.
- Milk: Just a spoonful to make your frosting perfectly spreadable.
How to Make Frosted Coffee Brownies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, letting a little hang over the sides for easy lifting later. This keeps your Frosted Coffee Brownies from sticking and makes for a breeze when it’s time to cut those gorgeous squares!
Step 2: Melt Chocolate and Butter
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine your unsalted butter and chopped chocolate (or chips). Gently stir as they melt together to create a silky, glossy mixture that forms the decadent base of these brownies. Once melted and smooth, remove the pan from the heat so nothing gets scorched or separated.
Step 3: Mix in Sugars, Eggs, Vanilla, and Coffee
Whisk in the granulated sugar and brown sugar while the chocolate mixture is still warm. This helps the sugars dissolve just a bit, leading to that shiny, crackly top we all crave. Next, add your eggs, vanilla extract, and instant coffee or espresso powder. The coffee will meld perfectly with the chocolate, intensifying the flavor without making the brownies taste like your morning brew.
Step 4: Sift and Fold in Dry Ingredients
Now, sift together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt directly into the wet ingredients. Stir gently, just until you don’t see streaks of flour. Over-mixing can lead to tough brownies, and we want these Frosted Coffee Brownies to stay supremely fudgy!
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 25–30 minutes—look for a toothpick inserted in the center to come out with a few moist crumbs. Every oven is a little different, so check early to avoid over-baking. Once done, let the brownies cool completely in the pan. Patience pays off here—cutting too soon means a messy slice.
Step 6: Make the Coffee Frosting
For the crowning glory, beat the softened butter until creamy and light. Add the powdered sugar in stages to avoid a sugar dust storm, then pour in the cooled brewed coffee and vanilla extract. Add just enough milk for a smooth, spreadable frosting. The coffee aroma at this stage is out-of-this-world delicious!
Step 7: Frost, Slice, and Enjoy!
Once the brownies are absolutely cool, pile on that luscious coffee frosting. Spread it all the way to the edges for maximum delight in every bite. Lift out the whole slab using the parchment, slice into sixteen squares, and get ready for the best part—tasting them!
How to Serve Frosted Coffee Brownies
Garnishes
Sometimes the simplest touches are the prettiest! Dust your Frosted Coffee Brownies with a pinch of cocoa powder or a few coffee beans for an elegant, café-style finish. For a special occasion, try sprinkling chocolate curls or a light drizzle of chocolate sauce—it’s pure eye (and taste) candy.
Side Dishes
These brownies pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. If you want something on the lighter side, fresh raspberries or strawberries add a bright pop of color and flavor that balances the rich coffee-chocolate vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful for gatherings: serve Frosted Coffee Brownies in cupcake liners for easy pickup, stack them on a cake stand for a dramatic dessert centerpiece, or drizzle with caramel for a unique twist. Cut them into fun shapes with cookie cutters for parties or gift boxes—the frosting makes the perfect canvas!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have a few extras, simply store your Frosted Coffee Brownies in an airtight container in the fridge. In fact, many people say they taste even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld and mellow. The frosting keeps everything lush and moist.
Freezing
For longer storage, these brownies freeze surprisingly well. Wrap individual squares snugly in plastic wrap, then tuck them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to serve, just let them thaw overnight in the fridge—it’s like discovering hidden treasure each time you open your freezer!
Reheating
If you prefer your brownies a tad warm, microwave one (unwrapped) for 10–15 seconds. The frosting will soften up luxuriously, almost like a coffee-chocolate lava cake. Just take care not to overheat, or the frosting could melt away.
FAQs
Can I use decaf coffee for the frosting?
Absolutely! If you’re sensitive to caffeine or want to make these more kid-friendly, simply substitute your preferred decaf espresso or coffee for both the instant powder in the brownies and the brewed coffee in the frosting. The flavor is just as delicious and aromatic.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! You can easily double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on the baking time; it may need a few extra minutes. This is a great option for potlucks or parties where everyone will want seconds (and thirds!).
What’s the best way to cut neat brownie squares?
The trick is to let the brownies cool completely and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts. For extra precision, try dipping the knife in hot water and wiping it dry before slicing. You’ll get bakery-worthy squares every time!
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Of course! Fold in up to 1/2 cup of your favorite chopped nuts or chocolate chips just before baking. Walnuts and pecans are especially tasty, adding crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy frosting.
How long do Frosted Coffee Brownies keep?
When stored in the fridge, these brownies will stay delicious for up to five days. For longer storage, freezing is your friend. Remember to bring them back to room temperature (or enjoy slightly chilled!)—they’re delightful either way.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something rich, chocolatey, and just a little bit sophisticated, I can’t recommend Frosted Coffee Brownies enough. Each bite is a joyful nod to both espresso and chocolate lovers, making it impossible to stop at just one. Give these a try the next time you’re baking for someone special—or simply for yourself. You’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, decadent flavors of these Frosted Coffee Brownies. A perfect blend of chocolate and coffee in every bite, topped with a creamy coffee frosting.
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate (chopped or chips)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons instant coffee or espresso powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Coffee Frosting:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon brewed espresso or strong coffee (cooled)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 teaspoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Melt chocolate and butter: In a saucepan, melt butter and chocolate together until smooth. Remove from heat.
- Mix brownie batter: Whisk in sugars, eggs, vanilla, and coffee powder. Sift in flour, cocoa, and salt. Stir to combine.
- Bake: Pour batter into pan, bake for 25–30 minutes until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Cool.
- Make frosting: Beat butter, add powdered sugar, coffee, vanilla, and milk for consistency.
- Frost brownies: Spread frosting over cooled brownies. Slice and serve.
Notes
- For extra richness, fold in chocolate chips or chopped nuts before baking.
- Store brownies in the fridge for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
