Coffee Brownies with Mocha Frosting Recipe
If you love the rich, intense flavors of coffee and chocolate combined into one irresistible treat, wait until you try this Coffee Brownies with Mocha Frosting Recipe. These brownies deliver a perfect balance of fudgy texture and robust coffee notes, topped with a luxuriously creamy mocha frosting that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dessert for a chilly evening or a show-stopping treat to impress your friends, this recipe brings all the warmth and comfort you need in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Coffee Brownies with Mocha Frosting Recipe lies in its simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect brownie texture and rich coffee-chocolate flavor that make these so memorable.
- Unsalted butter: Adds buttery richness and moisture to the brownies.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps achieve a tender crumb.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and binding for the batter.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the depth of flavor with a warm aroma.
- Instant coffee granules or espresso powder: Delivers the essential coffee kick that intensifies the chocolate.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Brings rich chocolate flavor without extra sweetness.
- All-purpose flour: Gives the brownies their structure and chewiness.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Baking powder: Ensures a slight lift, preventing overly dense brownies.
- Powdered sugar (for frosting): Creates a silky smooth and sweet mocha frosting.
- Brewed strong coffee or espresso (for frosting): Adds authentic coffee flavor and moisture for the frosting.
- Pinch of salt (for frosting): Heightens the mocha frosting’s flavor depth.
How to Make Coffee Brownies with Mocha Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Mix the Brownie Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing an 8×8-inch baking pan or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal. In a bowl, whisk the melted unsalted butter together with granulated sugar until silky smooth. Then, briskly beat in eggs, vanilla extract, and your instant coffee granules to infuse that energizing coffee flavor right into the batter.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Stir
Next, add cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder to the wet mixture. Stir gently just until everything comes together — avoid overmixing to keep your brownies beautifully tender. The mix should be thick and fudgy, packed with the promise of chocolate and coffee goodness.
Step 3: Bake Your Brownies
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place it in the oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before moving on to frosting to ensure a clean spread.
Step 4: Prepare the Mocha Frosting
While the brownies cool, whip up the mocha frosting that brings a luscious coffee-chocolate finish. Beat softened butter on its own until creamy, then add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, brewed strong coffee or espresso, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until the frosting is smooth, fluffy, and perfectly spreadable.
Step 5: Frost and Serve
Once your Coffee Brownies with Mocha Frosting Recipe brownies are completely cool, spread the mocha frosting evenly over the top using a spatula or butter knife. Slice into generous squares and get ready for a bite that combines fudgy chocolate richness with an uplifting coffee twist.
How to Serve Coffee Brownies with Mocha Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, dust your brownies with a light sprinkle of cocoa powder or finely ground coffee beans for a rustic look. A few chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips can add texture and a bit of sparkle that makes these brownies feel extra special.
Side Dishes
These brownies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to contrast the dense texture. For an adult touch, serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or a creamy cappuccino to echo the mocha flavors you already love.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider stacking brownie squares in a rustic wooden box or presenting them on a cake stand with some fresh mint leaves for a pop of color. For parties, serve in small parchment-lined boxes tied with twine for elegant, giftable treats everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your brownies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This will maintain their fudgy texture and the mocha frosting’s creamy consistency without drying out or becoming overly soft.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these Coffee Brownies with Mocha Frosting Recipe later, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They freeze well for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and taste.
Reheating
To warm refrigerated or thawed brownies, pop a square in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or until just warmed through. This will refresh their soft, gooey texture and make the mocha frosting even more decadent and melty with each bite.
FAQs
Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of instant coffee granules?
Instant coffee granules or espresso powder are preferred because they dissolve completely and impart a strong coffee flavor without extra moisture. Brewed coffee can make the batter too wet and affect texture, so it’s best reserved for the frosting.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Coffee Brownies with Mocha Frosting Recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat, fish, or gelatin. It features delightful dairy and eggs, so it’s not vegan but perfect for vegetarian diets.
Can I substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour?
Almond flour will alter the texture and moisture content significantly, resulting in a denser brownie. It’s best to stick to all-purpose flour for this particular recipe to achieve that classic fudgy consistency.
How do I make the coffee flavor more intense?
If you crave a bolder coffee punch, increase the amount of instant coffee granules or espresso powder in the brownie batter slightly. Just be careful not to add too much, or it could become bitter.
Can I use this mocha frosting on other desserts?
Absolutely! The mocha frosting is incredibly versatile and makes a fantastic topping for cakes, cupcakes, or even as a dip for fruit. Its smooth, creamy texture and rich flavor complement many sweets beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and indulgent about homemade Coffee Brownies with Mocha Frosting Recipe that keeps me coming back for more. The way the deep coffee flavor weaves together with chocolate, wrapped in a creamy frosting, truly makes every bite a moment of pure joy. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share it with those you love — it’s sure to become a new favorite in your dessert lineup.
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Coffee Brownies with Mocha Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these rich and fudgy Coffee Brownies with Mocha Frosting, combining the bold flavors of coffee and chocolate in a moist, decadent dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee granules or espresso powder
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
For the Mocha Frosting:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon brewed strong coffee (or espresso)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and fully combined. Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and instant coffee granules or espresso powder until the mixture is homogeneous.
- Add dry ingredients: Stir in the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder until just blended, being careful not to overmix to maintain a tender crumb.
- Bake the brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs, indicating fudgy brownies.
- Cool the brownies: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack to ensure the frosting sets properly.
- Prepare the mocha frosting: Beat the softened butter in a bowl until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, brewed coffee, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- Frost the brownies: Once the brownies are fully cooled, spread the mocha frosting evenly on top. Slice into 16 squares and serve.
Notes
- For a richer coffee flavor, increase the amount of espresso powder in the brownie batter.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.
- Refrigerate brownies if you need to keep them longer; allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
