If you love the rich, chocolatey goodness of brownies with a delightful coffee twist, you are going to adore this Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe. It’s a beautifully balanced blend of deep cocoa flavor enhanced by a subtle coffee infusion, topped with a luscious coffee frosting that adds creamy sweetness and a hint of sophistication. Whether you’re making these for a cozy afternoon treat or impressing friends at a gathering, these brownies deliver moist texture with a glossy, smooth finish that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for these Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe is simple but essential. Each item plays an important role in creating the perfect harmony between chocolate and coffee, ensuring moist, flavorful brownies with a rich frosting that complements without overpowering.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
- ½ cup butter, melted: Provides moisture and richness for a smooth batter.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the fluffy texture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor depth of the brownies.
- â…“ cup brewed coffee: Infuses the batter with a subtle coffee aroma and richness.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the brownies.
- â…“ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers that intense chocolate flavor.
- ¼ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies flavors.
- ¼ tsp baking powder: Provides just enough lift for tender brownies.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder: Adds chocolate depth to the frosting.
- 2 tbsp brewed coffee (plus extra as needed): Gives the frosting a smooth coffee kick and adjusts consistency.
- 2 tbsp butter, softened: Adds creaminess and structure to the frosting.
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the frosting’s flavor complexity.
How to Make Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing an 8×8-inch baking pan. Getting this ready early makes sure the batter can go in as soon as it’s mixed, which helps keep the brownies tender and prevents sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and melted butter until completely smooth and integrated. Next, add the eggs one at a time to keep the batter airy, then stir in the vanilla extract and brewed coffee, which infuses the brownie base with a warm, inviting aroma.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. This ensures even distribution and eliminates lumps, setting the stage for a perfectly textured brownie.
Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could lead to dense brownies instead of moist, tender ones that melt in your mouth.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the rich batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, checking with a toothpick near the end; it should come out with a few moist crumbs for perfectly fudgy brownies.
Step 6: Prepare the Frosting
While the brownies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, cocoa powder, brewed coffee, softened butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy. Adjust the coffee amount to reach your preferred frosting consistency—whether thick and spreadable or slightly lighter and glossier.
Step 7: Frost and Slice
Once the brownies have completely cooled, spread the coffee frosting evenly over the top. Slice into squares and get ready to enjoy a decadent bite of dessert heaven.
How to Serve Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a simple garnish can elevate these brownies beautifully. Consider a light dusting of cocoa powder, a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even a few coffee beans on top of each slice to highlight the coffee flavor and add a touch of elegance.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a luscious contrast of temperatures and textures. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries also provide a fresh, tangy counterpoint that complements the rich chocolate and coffee notes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gatherings, cut brownies into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a tiered serving tray. You can drizzle some melted chocolate or caramel sauce on top for extra flair. Wrapping individual portions in parchment paper tied with twine makes a charming gift or party favor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe keep best when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their fudgy texture and keeps the frosting from drying out. If your kitchen is warm, storing them in the fridge is a good option, just allow them to come back to room temperature before serving.
Freezing
You can freeze these brownies for up to 2 months. Be sure to slice them before freezing for easy thawing. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and if desired, refresh the frosting with a quick homemade batch or simply enjoy softened frosting after thawing.
Reheating
If you prefer your brownies slightly warm, microwave individual pieces for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes. This revitalizes the softness and slightly melts the frosting to a gooey perfection that feels indulgent.
FAQs
Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee?
Absolutely! Instant coffee dissolved in a small amount of warm water works wonderfully and provides the same coffee flavor without needing to brew fresh coffee. Just use the equivalent liquid to replace the brewed coffee amounts in the recipe.
Is it possible to make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup, you can enjoy these brownies without gluten. Just make sure your blend includes xanthan gum or a similar binder for best results.
Can I make the frosting without butter?
While butter lends richness and creaminess, you can substitute it with cream cheese or coconut oil for a different flavor profile. Keep in mind that the texture might change slightly, but it will still be delicious.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
Check with a toothpick inserted near the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it, not wet batter. This ensures the brownies stay fudgy rather than cakey or dry.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Definitely! Simply double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan, adjusting the baking time slightly—start checking for doneness around 30 minutes to avoid overbaking. The frosting quantities should also be doubled to cover the larger surface area.
Final Thoughts
This Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe is one of those irresistible treats that feels special yet is so simple to make. The fusion of chocolate and coffee creates a truly memorable dessert experience perfect for almost any occasion. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire—so gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself to this delightful coffee-infused indulgence!
Print
Frosted 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 and bold coffee flavors in a moist, fudgy treat topped with a smooth coffee-infused frosting. Quick and easy to prepare, they are perfect for an indulgent dessert or a delightful afternoon snack with a cup of coffee.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- â…“ cup brewed coffee
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- â…“ 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 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 and flavorings: Stir in the eggs, vanilla extract, and brewed coffee, mixing thoroughly to blend all wet ingredients.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder to ensure even distribution.
- Incorporate dry into wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the brownies.
- Bake the brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Prepare the frosting: While the brownies cool, whisk powdered sugar, cocoa powder, brewed coffee, softened butter, and vanilla extract together until the frosting is smooth and creamy. Adjust the coffee quantity to reach desired spreading consistency.
- Frost and serve: Spread the coffee frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Slice into 9 pieces and serve to enjoy the perfect balance of coffee and chocolate flavors.
Notes
- Use freshly brewed strong coffee for the best coffee flavor in both batter and frosting.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
- For a richer taste, substitute half of the butter with cream cheese in the frosting.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Adjust the amount of brewed coffee in frosting to achieve your preferred consistency.
