If you’ve ever dreamed of the perfect marriage between rich chocolate and bold coffee, wait until you try this Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe. These brownies are moist and fudgy with just the right hint of coffee to deepen the chocolate flavor, and the luscious coffee-infused frosting on top turns these treats into a decadent experience you’ll want to savor bite after bite. Whether you need a pick-me-up dessert for a cozy afternoon or a show-stopping dish for your next gathering, this recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe plays a vital role, from creating that tender texture to adding layers of flavor and color. These simple pantry staples combine effortlessly so you can whip up a batch that feels as special as it tastes.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create a tender crumb with a perfect balance.
- Butter, melted: Adds richness and moisture for fudgy brownies.
- Large eggs: Bind ingredients and contribute to the structure and softness.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic hint.
- Brewed coffee: Intensifies the chocolate flavor with a subtle, deep note.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for structure without weighing the brownies down.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides that characteristic rich chocolate flavor and color.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and deepens the overall taste.
- Baking powder: Gives just enough lift for the ideal brownie texture.
- Powdered sugar: Creates a silky smooth frosting that’s just the right sweetness.
- Butter, softened (for frosting): Adds creaminess and body to the frosting.
How to Make Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing an 8×8-inch baking pan. This ensures the brownies bake evenly and release easily from the pan after baking—a little prep that makes your life much easier!
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and melted butter until smooth and glossy. Then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract and brewed coffee. The coffee infuses this wet mixture with a subtle richness that makes these brownies stand out.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. This step helps to evenly distribute the rising agent and chocolatey goodness, resulting in a tender crumb that’s packed with flavor.
Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep your brownies nice and fudgy rather than cakey. This balance is the heart of the perfect Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, checking by inserting a toothpick—when it comes out with a few moist crumbs, you know they are ready. The edges will be set, and the center will stay delightfully fudgy.
Step 6: Make the Frosting
While your brownies cool, whip together the frosting ingredients: powdered sugar, cocoa powder, brewed coffee, softened butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk these until smooth, adjusting the thickness with a drop more coffee if needed. This frosting is what truly elevates this recipe and adds an irresistible creamy coffee flavor.
Step 7: Frost and Serve
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Let it set for a few minutes, then slice into squares. You’ve just created a dreamy dessert that’s as much fun to make as it is to eat!
How to Serve Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
For a gorgeous finishing touch, sprinkle a few chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder on top of the frosting. A light sprinkle of finely chopped nuts or a few coffee beans can add a delightful crunch and an extra hint of coffee aroma.
Side Dishes
Pair these brownies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to create a dessert that’s just the right contrast between warm, fudgy, and creamy. A strong black coffee or an espresso can also make a perfect accompaniment, enhancing the coffee notes in the brownies.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe up a notch by serving them on decorative plates with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce. For parties, cut them into bite-sized squares and serve on skewers with a little dollop of frosting on top. They also make stunning layers in a dessert trifle!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your frosted brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them moist and delicious. If you want to keep them longer, refrigeration is a good option but let them come to room temperature before serving to bring back that soft texture.
Freezing
You can freeze unfrosted brownies wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw completely before adding the frosting for a fresh-tasting treat every time.
Reheating
Warm your brownies gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or briefly in the oven to bring out their gooey goodness. The frosting will soften slightly, making each bite luscious and comforting, perfect for a cozy moment.
FAQs
Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee?
Absolutely! You can dissolve instant coffee powder in a bit of hot water to replace the brewed coffee. This works well and still provides that rich, deep coffee flavor essential for the Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe.
What if I don’t have cocoa powder?
If you don’t have cocoa powder, you can use melted chocolate, but be mindful to adjust the butter in the recipe slightly since chocolate has its own fat content. Using unsweetened cocoa powder is ideal for this recipe’s texture and flavor.
Can these brownies be made gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the blend includes xanthan gum or another binding agent to ensure the brownies hold together just right.
How do I make the frosting thicker or thinner?
To thicken the frosting, add a bit more powdered sugar a teaspoon at a time. To thin it out, slowly stir in small amounts of brewed coffee until you reach your desired consistency. This small adjustment lets you customize the frosting exactly to your liking.
Can I use decaffeinated coffee?
Definitely! Decaffeinated brewed coffee works perfectly in this Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe, so you can enjoy the rich flavors without the caffeine kick, anytime you want.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about these Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe that just feels like a warm hug in dessert form. The blend of bittersweet chocolate, aromatic coffee, and creamy frosting is simply irresistible and incredibly easy to make. I hope you give this recipe a try soon—a little slice of these brownies will brighten any day and impress all your friends and family with your baking skills!
PrintFrosted Coffee Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Frosted Coffee Brownies combine rich chocolate flavor with the bold essence of coffee, creating a moist and fudgy treat topped with a smooth, coffee-infused chocolate frosting. Perfect for coffee lovers and chocolate enthusiasts alike, this easy-to-make recipe yields delicious brownies that balance sweetness and a hint of bitterness in every bite.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup brewed coffee
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp baking powder
Coffee Frosting
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp brewed coffee (adjust for desired consistency)
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan to prevent the brownies from sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and melted butter until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Coffee: Incorporate the eggs, vanilla extract, and brewed coffee into the sugar and butter mixture, mixing thoroughly to blend all wet components.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Mix Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can affect texture.
- Bake Brownies: Pour the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
- Prepare Frosting: While the brownies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, cocoa powder, brewed coffee, softened butter, and vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. Adjust the brewed coffee amount to achieve your preferred consistency.
- Frost and Serve: Once the brownies have cooled completely, spread the coffee frosting evenly over the top. Slice into 9 servings and enjoy your delicious coffee-infused brownies!
Notes
- Use freshly brewed coffee cooled to room temperature for best flavor.
- Do not overbake to keep the brownies fudgy and moist.
- Adjust coffee quantity in the frosting for thicker or thinner icing depending on preference.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For a stronger coffee flavor, try using espresso instead of brewed coffee.