If you’re a fan of rich, chocolatey treats with a delightful coffee twist, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite indulgence: the Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe. This recipe marries the deep flavors of cocoa and coffee in a moist brownie base topped with a luscious coffee-infused frosting that’s simply irresistible. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your go-to dessert for any occasion!
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Perfect harmony of flavors: The coffee enhances the chocolate notes without overpowering them, creating a well-balanced taste.
Simple ingredients, big impact: You only need pantry staples, yet the result is gourmet-level delicious.
Versatile dessert: Great for casual get-togethers, special occasions, or even a quiet night in.
Quick and satisfying: Takes under an hour from start to finish, so you can enjoy fresh brownies without the wait.
Ingredients & Substitutions
The magic of this Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each carefully chosen to deliver that fudgy texture and rich coffee-chocolate flavor. From the melted butter that brings moisture and depth to the instant coffee that amps up the chocolate, every component has a delicious role to play.
- Unsalted butter: Using unsalted allows you to control the salt level perfectly, ensuring a balanced taste.
- Instant coffee granules: Dissolving them in hot water unlocks their flavor; you can swap this with espresso powder for an even stronger coffee kick.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Opt for natural cocoa for a brighter chocolate flavor; Dutch-processed works too but may alter the taste slightly.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the brownies tender and moist.
- Powdered sugar in frosting: Gives the frosting a silky smooth texture without grittiness.
How to Make Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing or lining an 8×8-inch baking pan. This ensures your brownies will bake evenly and come out cleanly when ready. Setting the stage right saves you headaches later on!
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, blend the melted unsalted butter with granulated sugar for that beautiful moist base. Next, whisk in the eggs, vanilla extract, and the dissolved instant coffee granules—this step infuses the batter with that signature coffee flavor that complements the chocolate perfectly.
Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Sift together the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder to avoid any lumps, then gently fold this into your wet mix. Mixing just until combined is key here to keep your brownies tender and fudgy rather than cakey.
Step 4: Bake and Cool
Pour the rich batter into your prepared pan and pop it in the oven for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’re aiming for a set top with a moist interior—check with a toothpick that comes out with a few crumbs but not wet batter. Once baked, let your brownies cool completely before frosting.
Step 5: Make the Coffee Frosting
While the brownies cool, whip up the frosting by beating softened butter, brewed coffee, milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until creamy and smooth. This frosting adds a luscious finish that elevates the simple brownie to a decadent treat.
Step 6: Frost and Enjoy!
Spread the coffee frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Cut into small squares—the richness makes small portions feel just right—and serve this heavenly dessert to rave reviews!
How to Serve Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a handful of finely chopped walnuts or chocolate chips on top of the frosting before it sets to add a delightful crunch and extra layers of flavor. A dusting of cocoa powder or a few espresso beans can also turn presentation into an art form.
Side Dishes
Pair your Frosted Coffee Brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a lovely contrast in temperature and texture. A simple cup of black coffee or a latte perfectly complements the dessert and enhances the coffee flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these brownies in individual ramekins with frosting swirled on top and a single coffee bean for a chic touch. Alternatively, cut them into bite-sized pieces and skewer with fruit like strawberries for a playful dessert platter that’s perfect for parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your frosted brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to preserve their chewy texture. For a slightly firmer frosting and longer freshness, refrigerate them—they’ll stay delicious for about 5 days this way.
Freezing
You can freeze unfrosted brownies wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw completely and then frost as usual. This keeps your brownies fresh and ready for any unexpected sweet cravings!
Reheating
If you prefer warm brownies, gently microwave a slice for 10–15 seconds to soften the texture and slightly melt the frosting. This little trick revives the dessert’s gooey charm without melting the frosting into a mess.
FAQs
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Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of instant coffee granules in the Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe?
Yes! While instant coffee granules give a concentrated flavor without adding moisture, you can use a tablespoon of strong brewed coffee in the batter. Just reduce other liquid ingredients slightly to maintain the right consistency.
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How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?
Insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with moist crumbs but no wet batter. The edges will be set and slightly pulling away from the pan, ensuring that fudgy texture.
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Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips before baking adds delightful textures and flavor bursts to your brownies, making them even more enjoyable.
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What if I don’t have an 8×8-inch pan?
You can use a similar-sized square or rectangular pan, but keep an eye on the baking time. Smaller or shallower pans will bake faster, so start checking a few minutes earlier to avoid overbaking.
Final Thoughts
Whipping up this Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe is like inviting a moment of cozy joy into your day. They’re the perfect blend of rich chocolate and comforting coffee, finished with a creamy frosting that will have everyone asking for seconds. So grab your mixing bowl, and prepare to delight yourself and your loved ones with these heavenly treats!
Print
Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Frosted Coffee Brownies combine rich chocolate flavor with a delightful coffee twist, topped with a smooth coffee-infused frosting. Perfect for coffee lovers looking for a decadent dessert that’s easy to make and sure to impress.
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 tablespoon milk
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar until well blended. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and the dissolved instant coffee mixture for a rich coffee flavor.
- Add dry ingredients: Sift together the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder to ensure even distribution. Gradually add these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the brownies.
- Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Remove from the oven and let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
- Make frosting: While the brownies cool, prepare the frosting by beating together softened butter, brewed coffee, milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is creamy and smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar if necessary.
- Frost and serve: Once the brownies are fully cooled, spread the coffee frosting evenly over the top. Cut into small squares and serve. Enjoy your decadent coffee-flavored brownies with a rich, creamy frosting!
Notes
- Enhance with chocolate chips or walnuts for extra flavor and texture.
- Cut brownies into small squares due to richness to avoid overpowering.
- Refrigerate frosted brownies for a firmer texture or serve them at room temperature for a softer bite.
