If you’re as passionate about brownies as you are about coffee, you’re going to fall head-over-heels for Frosted Coffee Brownies. Imagine bites of fudgy, chocolate-studded goodness, infused with just the right kick of coffee, capped off with a silky, mocha-inspired frosting. These are the kind of brownies you whip up when you want to wow friends, treat yourself, or make a dessert you know will disappear in seconds flat. They combine the best of both worlds: classic brownie richness and the irresistible aroma of a cozy coffee shop.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Frosted Coffee Brownies come together with pantry staples, but each ingredient plays a delicious, essential role. From rich cocoa to fragrant vanilla and, of course, a touch of instant coffee, every element delivers depth, texture, and that signature mocha magic you’ll crave again and again.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Gives the brownies their rich, tender crumb and helps make the frosting lush and creamy.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the batter, balances out the coffee, and helps give that craveable crackled top.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together, adding structure and moistness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon, plus 1/2 teaspoon for frosting): Adds warmth and rounds out the chocolate and coffee flavors.
- Instant coffee granules (1 tablespoon) dissolved in 1 tablespoon hot water: The key to that bold coffee flavor—dissolving it ensures no gritty texture and maximum aroma.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/3 cup): Delivers deep, chocolatey intensity without making the brownies too sweet.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Just enough to hold the brownies together while keeping them tender.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the rich flavors without making the brownies actually taste salty.
- Baking powder (1/4 teaspoon): Gives a subtle lift, so the brownies aren’t too dense.
- For the Frosting:
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, softened): The base for your frosting—creamy and rich.
- Brewed coffee (1 tablespoon, cooled): Adds fresh, real coffee flavor to the frosting without thinning it too much.
- Milk (1 tablespoon): Loosens up the frosting for that perfect, spreadable consistency.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and thickens the frosting, making it melt-in-your-mouth soft.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the frosting’s flavor—don’t skip it!
How to Make Frosted Coffee Brownies
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, making sure there’s a bit of overhang if you want easy brownie removal later. This quick prep step ensures your Frosted Coffee Brownies slide out perfectly, with clean edges and minimal mess.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together your melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks glossy and smooth. This step is where the magic begins—the butter melts the sugar just enough for that classic brownie sheen. Next, add in your eggs, vanilla extract, and the dissolved instant coffee. Mixing these together infuses the batter with deep flavor and sets up the craveable texture that sets these brownies apart.
Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Now, sift in your cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder right over the wet ingredients. Sifting not only avoids lumps, but helps distribute everything evenly. Gently fold these dry ingredients in—mix until you can’t see any more dry flour, but don’t overdo it. Overmixing is the enemy of fudgy brownies!
Step 4: Bake to Fudgy Perfection
Pour the luscious batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula for an even bake. Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. Keep an eye on them near the end and test with a toothpick—it should come out with a few moist crumbs (not raw batter). This is your ticket to gooey, decadent Frosted Coffee Brownies.
Step 5: Cool Completely
This might be the hardest step: patience! Let your brownies cool completely in the pan. This helps them set up just right and makes them easier to frost and slice. You can speed things up by popping the pan in the fridge if you’re really eager.
Step 6: Make the Frosting
While the brownies cool, beat together softened butter, cooled brewed coffee, milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Start slow so the sugar doesn’t fly everywhere, then increase speed until the mixture is creamy, thick, and spreadable. Taste for balance: if you adore coffee, add a touch more brewed coffee for extra oomph.
Step 7: Frost and Slice
Spread the frosting generously across the cooled brownies, swirling it with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon for a café-style finish. Once frosted, carefully lift the brownies out (thanks, parchment!) and slice into tidy squares. Crunchy on top, gooey in the middle, with a dreamy coffee cloud on top—does it get any better?
How to Serve Frosted Coffee Brownies
Garnishes
Take your Frosted Coffee Brownies to the next level by dusting them lightly with cocoa powder, scattering a few chocolate shavings, or sprinkling crushed coffee beans over the frosting. For special occasions, a drizzle of melted chocolate or a few toasted walnuts on top looks just as irresistible as it tastes.
Side Dishes
While these brownies shine all on their own, they also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For an elevated afternoon treat, try them with a cold glass of milk or—naturally—a steaming cup of your favorite coffee or espresso.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn Frosted Coffee Brownies into a stunning dessert platter by arranging the squares on a rustic wooden board with fresh strawberries, chocolate curls, and a few espresso beans. For parties, cut them into bite-sized cubes and serve each on a mini cupcake liner, or layer them with whipped cream and berries for a brownie parfait that disappears in a flash.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted, your brownies will keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or up to a week if refrigerated. If you prefer a firmer texture, pop the container in the fridge; for softer, gooier bites, room temperature is your best bet.
Freezing
Frosted Coffee Brownies freeze surprisingly well! Wrap individual squares or the entire slab tightly in plastic wrap, then again in foil. Freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight—this preserves the decadent texture and keeps the frosting intact.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked experience, microwave an unfrosted brownie square for 10-15 seconds. If they’re already frosted, let them come to room temperature naturally to avoid melting the topping. Serve with a scoop of ice cream for pure bliss!
FAQs
Can I use espresso powder instead of instant coffee granules?
Absolutely! Espresso powder is more concentrated, so try using a bit less—start with 2 teaspoons, dissolved in hot water, and adjust to taste. You’ll get an even more intense coffee flavor in your Frosted Coffee Brownies.
Do I need to refrigerate Frosted Coffee Brownies with frosting?
It depends on your preference. If it’s especially warm in your kitchen, refrigeration helps keep the frosting firm and the brownies fresh. Otherwise, room temperature is just fine for a day or two—just make sure they’re covered well!
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes you can! Substitute your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free flour for the all-purpose flour; the recipe otherwise stays exactly the same, and you’ll enjoy delicious, chewy brownies with coffee bliss.
Are there mix-ins I can add for variation?
Definitely! Toss in a handful of chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or pecans for extra texture. Even a swirl of peanut butter or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top can take these Frosted Coffee Brownies to new heights.
How do I get clean, sharp slices?
For perfectly neat squares, chill the brownies in the fridge for 30 minutes before slicing. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts—the frosting will stay gorgeous and each square will look bakery-worthy!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for the irresistible flavor marriage of chocolate and coffee, these Frosted Coffee Brownies are sure to steal everyone’s heart (and appetite). Whether you serve them for dessert, a special occasion, or a much-needed weekday treat, this recipe never fails to impress. Give them a try, share them with the people you love, and get ready for everyone to ask for your secret!
Print
Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of these Frosted Coffee Brownies. A perfect combination of coffee-infused moist brownie topped with a creamy coffee frosting, these treats are a coffee lover’s dream come true.
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 the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine melted butter and sugar. Add eggs, vanilla, and dissolved coffee.
- Add dry ingredients: Sift in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix until just combined.
- Bake: Pour batter into the pan and bake for 20–25 minutes. Let cool.
- Make frosting: Beat butter, coffee, milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla until creamy.
- Frost and serve: Spread frosting over cooled brownies, slice, and enjoy!
Notes
- Enhance with chocolate chips or walnuts for extra flavor.
- Cut into small squares due to richness.
- Refrigerate for firmer texture or serve at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
