If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a rich, fudgy chocolate treat with a punch of coffee flavor and a dreamy blanket of creamy frosting, Frosted Coffee Brownies are your new sweet obsession. This dessert brings together everything that’s irresistible: decadent chocolate, a deep kiss of espresso, and a velvety coffee-infused frosting. They’re blissfully easy to make, yet look and taste like the sort of thing you’d sneak at a chic bakery. Trust me, these brownies are what dessert dreams are made of!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of pantry staples plus a jolt of coffee, you’re on your way to creating Frosted Coffee Brownies that deliver both in taste and texture. Every ingredient plays a role, whether adding depth, chew, or that perfect crumbly top.
- Unsalted butter: Gives richness to both the brownies and the frosting, ensuring a moist and tender crumb.
- Semi-sweet chocolate: Brings an intense, melty chocolate flavor; use quality chocolate for best results.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the brownies and helps form those signature crackly tops.
- Brown sugar: Adds a subtle molasses undertone and keeps the brownies extra chewy.
- Large eggs: Bind the batter and lend structure, giving brownies that luscious texture.
- Vanilla extract: A splash enhances every chocolatey note and rounds out the coffee profile.
- Instant coffee or espresso powder: Infuses both the brownies and the frosting with that unmistakable coffee kick.
- All-purpose flour: Holds everything together, giving just the right amount of heft.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Deepens the chocolate flavor and keeps the brownies perfectly balanced.
- Salt: Sharpens all the flavors and prevents the dessert from tasting flat or overly sweet.
- Powdered sugar: Creates a luscious, smooth frosting that won’t weigh down the brownies.
- Brewed espresso or strong coffee: Amplifies the mocha magic in the creamy frosting.
- Milk: Ensures the frosting reaches that dreamy, spreadable consistency.
How to Make Frosted Coffee Brownies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Crank your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang. That overhang will be your best friend when it’s time to lift out these fudgy bars, and the parchment guarantees there’s no sticky mess left behind.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Butter
In a medium saucepan over low heat, gently melt the unsalted butter with the chopped chocolate or chocolate chips, stirring occasionally until you have a glossy, lump-free mixture. This will form the decadent backbone of your Frosted Coffee Brownies’ texture and flavor.
Step 3: Add Sweeteners, Eggs, and Coffee
Remove your melty mixture from the heat and whisk in the granulated sugar and brown sugar until combined. Let the mixture cool for a minute so your eggs don’t scramble, then whisk in the eggs, vanilla extract, and instant coffee or espresso powder. You’ll notice those coffee notes instantly waking up the chocolate!
Step 4: Bring in the Dry Ingredients
Sift in the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt to avoid any lumps and ensure even distribution. Gently fold everything together just until combined—overmixing can make brownies tough, and you want them meltingly tender.
Step 5: Bake the Brownies
Pour your rich batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a toothpick with a few moist crumbs; go by texture rather than waiting for it to come out totally clean, or your brownies might dry out.
Step 6: Cool Completely
This is the hardest part: let the brownies cool completely in the pan. They’ll finish setting up and get that crave-worthy fudgy texture. An impatient slice will mean a gooey, falling-apart square — which, honestly, is still delicious but messier for frosting.
Step 7: Make the Coffee Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar to avoid a cloud of sweetness. Mix in the brewed espresso or strong coffee (cooled), vanilla extract, and just enough milk to achieve a velvety, spreadable frosting. The aroma alone will have you swooning!
Step 8: Frost, Slice, and Serve
Once your brownies are completely cool, spread the coffee frosting evenly across the top. Use an offset spatula or even the back of a spoon. Slice into 16 squares and watch every Frosted Coffee Brownie disappear as soon as you set the plate down.
How to Serve Frosted Coffee Brownies
Garnishes
Dress up individual brownies with a dusting of cocoa powder, a few coffee beans, or finely chopped chocolate for extra flair. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt creates a gourmet touch and highlights the espresso flavor. If you’re feeling extra, a chocolate drizzle never hurt!
Side Dishes
A scoop of classic vanilla ice cream on the side is pure bliss, especially when paired with the robustness of coffee and chocolate. Fresh berries provide a tangy counterpoint to these rich Frosted Coffee Brownies, and a dollop of whipped cream gives a lavish finish.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the brownies into tiny squares and stack them high on a tiered dessert platter. Or serve them parfait-style: layer brownie chunks with whipped cream and more frosting in small glasses for a beautiful, make-ahead dessert. For special occasions, tuck a brownie square into a decorative bakery box as an edible favor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Frosted Coffee Brownies keep beautifully! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavors mellow and deepen as they sit, making them even more delicious with each passing day. Keep parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange brownie squares in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then stack in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. They’ll stay perfect for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before frosting (if you haven’t done so already).
Reheating
If you crave a slightly warm treat, pop a brownie in the microwave for 10-12 seconds—it perks up the chocolate and coffee, making the frosting extra creamy. Just be gentle; you don’t want to melt the frosting entirely.
FAQs
How strong is the coffee flavor in these brownies?
The coffee flavor in Frosted Coffee Brownies is pleasantly rich but not overpowering. It intensifies the chocolate and lingers as a sophisticated background note, making these perfect even for those who aren’t die-hard coffee drinkers.
Can I use decaf coffee or espresso instead?
Absolutely! If you want to keep things caffeine-light, substitute with decaf instant coffee or espresso powder and brewed decaf for the frosting. You’ll still get all the flavor you crave.
What’s the best way to cut frosted brownies cleanly?
For picture-perfect squares, chill the frosted brownies in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before cutting, and use a hot knife (run it under hot water and wipe dry between slices) for the neatest edges.
Can these brownies be made gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The gooey, fudgy texture of these Frosted Coffee Brownies means nobody will be any the wiser.
How do I make them extra rich or customize with mix-ins?
Fold in chocolate chips, toasted nuts, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon before baking for an extra twist. Each batch can be unique, making this recipe endlessly adaptable to your tastes.
Final Thoughts
If you love the combination of chocolate and coffee, you’ll adore these Frosted Coffee Brownies as much as I do. They never last long at my house, and I guarantee your friends and family will be asking for the recipe in no time. Don’t wait for a special occasion—treat yourself and bake a batch soon!
Print
Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of Frosted Coffee Brownies. These moist and fudgy brownies are infused with a hint of coffee and topped with a luscious coffee frosting, making them the perfect treat for coffee lovers.
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 the pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make the Brownie Batter: Melt butter and chocolate in a saucepan, then stir in sugars, eggs, vanilla, and coffee powder. Add flour, cocoa, and salt, mix, and pour into pan.
- Bake the Brownies: Bake for 25–30 minutes until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Cool in the pan.
- Prepare the Coffee Frosting: Beat butter, add powdered sugar, coffee, vanilla, and milk to reach a spreadable consistency.
- Frost and Serve: Spread frosting over cooled brownies, slice, and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra richness, fold in chocolate chips or chopped nuts before baking.
- These brownies store well in the fridge and taste even better the next day.
- 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
