If you’re a fan of dreamy, fudgy brownies and crave the bold kick of coffee, you’re in for a true treat with these Frosted Coffee Brownies. Imagine a dense, moist brownie base that’s rich with cocoa and an irresistible undertone of espresso, all crowned with a creamy, coffee-infused frosting that ties every bite together beautifully. Whether you need a sweet finish to a dinner party, a pick-me-up with your afternoon tea, or simply a decadent chocolate-coffee fix, this recipe delivers flavor and comfort in every square. Trust me—you’ll want to make Frosted Coffee Brownies again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Frosted Coffee Brownies is surprisingly simple but each element plays a key role—whether it’s for achieving maximum fudgy texture, deep chocolate flavor, or that luscious coffee kick in the frosting. Let’s break down how they work together to create pure dessert bliss.
- Unsalted butter (melted): The base of these brownies, melted butter ensures a rich, chewy crumb and carries both chocolate and coffee flavors perfectly.
- Granulated sugar: Essential for sweetness and structure, it also helps form that classic shiny brownie top we all love.
- Brown sugar: Adds a hint of caramel warmth and deeper moisture, giving the brownies a softer bite.
- Large eggs: Eggs bind everything together and create the dense, fudgy interior you expect from an excellent brownie.
- Instant espresso powder: This doubles down on coffee flavor in both batter and frosting, delivering that robust, aromatic kick.
- Vanilla extract: Vanilla harmonizes the chocolate and coffee, rounding out every flavor note in the batch.
- All-purpose flour: Just the right amount for structure—too much and your brownies get cakey, so measure carefully!
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: For deep, unapologetic chocolate richness; be sure to use a good quality cocoa powder.
- Salt: A half teaspoon is all you need to balance the sweetness and brighten up every bite.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional): For bursts of gooey chocolate throughout—swap in dark chocolate if you prefer an even richer flavor.
- Heavy cream: Helps create a silky, spreadable frosting that feels truly indulgent.
- Powdered sugar: Forms the creamy structure for the frosting and ensures sweetness without grittiness.
- Unsalted butter (softened, for frosting): The butter base makes the frosting unbelievably smooth and fluffy.
How to Make Frosted Coffee Brownies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This little detail guarantees that your brownies bake evenly from the moment they hit the oven. While that’s happening, line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly. The parchment paper is especially handy for lifting out your finished brownies with zero sticking, making for neat slices and easy cleanup.
Step 2: Mix the Brownie Base
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture looks glossy and smooth. This trio builds the fudgy texture foundation for your Frosted Coffee Brownies. Next, add your eggs one at a time, making sure to whisk vigorously after each addition. This step helps incorporate air for just the right amount of lift, while keeping everything beautifully rich. Stir in your instant espresso powder and vanilla extract for that wonderful, fragrant undercurrent.
Step 3: Sift and Combine the Dry Ingredients
Now, sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt right over your wet mixture. Sifting not only prevents lumps but also gives your brownies a tender yet chewy bite. Gently stir just until combined; resist the urge to overmix, or you risk tough brownies. If you’re using chocolate chips for extra decadence, fold them in at the end—every lucky bite will be a chocolate lover’s dream!
Step 4: Bake Your Brownies
Pour the glossy batter into your prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly into the corners. Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 28 to 32 minutes. You want a toothpick to come out with a few moist crumbs clinging—don’t wait until it’s clean, or your brownies will be dry. Patience pays: let the brownies cool completely in the pan before you think about adding frosting.
Step 5: Make the Coffee Frosting
In a small bowl, dissolve the second tablespoon of instant espresso powder into the heavy cream. In a separate, medium-sized bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy—a handheld mixer works wonders for this step. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until fluffy and pale. Now, pour in your espresso cream and beat again until the frosting is smooth and light. This gorgeous frosting is what transforms these into true Frosted Coffee Brownies!
Step 6: Frost and Set
Spread the luscious coffee frosting evenly over your cooled brownies using an offset spatula or butter knife. For extra clean slices and a perfectly set frosting, refrigerate the pan for 15–20 minutes. Then, simply lift the whole batch out using parchment (if used) and slice into squares.
How to Serve Frosted Coffee Brownies
Garnishes
A few simple touches can turn your Frosted Coffee Brownies from delightful to truly dazzling. Try sprinkling them with a dusting of cocoa powder, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a scattering of chocolate shavings. For another coffee kick, add a pinch of extra espresso powder or a couple of chocolate-covered espresso beans on top of each square.
Side Dishes
These brownies are absolute showstoppers on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream turns dessert into an event. You could also set out bowls of fresh berries or serve alongside a creamy latte or bold espresso for a harmonious flavor match.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gifting, wrap pairs of Frosted Coffee Brownies in wax paper and tie with twine for coffeehouse-style charm. Stack them on a tiered cake stand for a buffet table, or slice into elegant rectangles and layer with more frosting for an indulgent “brownie sandwich.” For a holiday touch, a sprinkle of cinnamon or edible gold dust lends a festive flourish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Frosted Coffee Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the fridge for up to four days. If chilled, let them sit at room temp for a few minutes before serving so the frosting softens a bit and the brownie texture remains just right.
Freezing
Frosted Coffee Brownies freeze remarkably well! Once they’re frosted and set, cut them into squares, layer with parchment in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or for a couple hours at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
While you don’t need to reheat these brownies, if you crave a slightly warm, gooey bite, pop a square (unfrosted is best) in the microwave for 8–10 seconds. If they’re frosted, let them reach room temperature naturally to avoid melting the luscious topping.
FAQs
Can I make Frosted Coffee Brownies without espresso powder?
You can, but the espresso powder is what gives this dessert its true coffeehouse flair. If you really want to skip it, substitute with instant coffee granules (the flavor will be milder), or simply enjoy a classic frosted brownie version!
Why do I need both granulated and brown sugar in the recipe?
Combining the two sugars brings out the best of both worlds: granulated sugar provides lift and structure, while brown sugar infuses a soft, molasses-like depth that makes the Frosted Coffee Brownies extra chewy and rich.
How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?
Keep an eye on the baking time! When a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), they’re ready. Don’t wait for a bone-dry toothpick or you might end up with overbaked brownies.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Use two 9×13-inch pans or one larger sheet pan if you have it. Just watch your baking time—a larger batch might need a few more minutes—check for doneness with a toothpick after about 30 minutes.
How can I make Frosted Coffee Brownies even more chocolatey?
If you’re a true chocolate devotee, feel free to stir in extra chocolate chips, use a darker cocoa powder, or top the finished brownies with a drizzle of melted dark chocolate before serving. They’ll be ultra rich and utterly irresistible!
Final Thoughts
Every batch of Frosted Coffee Brownies I bake disappears in record time, and I always wish I’d doubled the recipe. Truly, these brownies offer that magic balance of deep cocoa, aromatic espresso, and creamy frosting all in one bite. If you love the flavors of chocolate and coffee, don’t wait—gather your ingredients and treat yourself (and your favorite people) to the most unforgettable brownie experience!
Print
Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of these frosted coffee brownies. A perfect marriage of espresso and chocolate, these brownies are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.
Ingredients
Brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Frosting:
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder (for frosting)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add eggs one by one, then mix in espresso powder and vanilla extract.
- Add dry ingredients: Sift in flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Fold in chocolate chips if desired.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 28–32 minutes.
- Make frosting: Dissolve espresso powder in heavy cream. Beat softened butter with powdered sugar, then add espresso cream and mix until fluffy.
- Frost: Spread frosting over cooled brownies and refrigerate before slicing.
Notes
- Enhance coffee flavor by adding more espresso powder.
- Store brownies in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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