If you adore the rich flavors of chocolate paired with a bold coffee kick, you are in for a treat with this Coffee Brownies with Mocha Frosting Recipe. Imagine biting into fudgy, moist brownies that carry a subtle yet invigorating espresso flavor, all topped with a silky mocha frosting that brings everything to dreamy perfection. It’s like your two favorite coffee break companions—mocha and brownie—joined in one irresistible dessert that’s perfect for any occasion where you crave something indulgent yet familiar.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might be simple, but each plays a starring role in bringing out the intense, luscious flavors and the perfect texture in your Coffee Brownies with Mocha Frosting Recipe. From the butter’s richness to the coffee’s depth, every element counts.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted): Provides a creamy base and moist texture for the brownies.
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens and balances the bitterness of cocoa and coffee perfectly.
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds that deep chocolate flavor and rich color.
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules: Gives the brownies and frosting their signature coffee punch without overpowering.
- 4 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and create a fudgy crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all flavors with a warm, sweet aroma.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure so the brownies hold together beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Amplifies the chocolate flavors and balances sweetness.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened) for frosting: Creates a smooth, creamy texture in the mocha frosting.
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder: Infuses the frosting with deep chocolate richness.
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee dissolved in 1 tablespoon hot water: Delivers that unmistakable mocha coffee flavor to the frosting.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to a luscious finish.
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk: Adds creaminess and helps achieve the perfect frosting consistency.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Brightens the mocha frosting with a subtle sweet note.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
How to Make Coffee Brownies with Mocha Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it thoroughly to ensure the brownies come out cleanly without sticking. This simple step sets a smooth foundation for perfectly baked brownies.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and instant coffee granules until smooth and glossy. This mixture is the heart of your batter, blending the richness of chocolate with that bold coffee flavor.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the eggs one at a time, stirring well after each so they fully incorporate into the batter. Then stir in the vanilla extract. These steps create a velvety, rich texture and elevate the flavor profile.
Step 4: Fold in Flour and Salt
Gently stir in the all-purpose flour and salt until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here; you want your brownies tender, not tough. This minimal mixing is key to that fudgy, tender crumb.
Step 5: Bake the Brownies
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the surface. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Be cautious—overbaking can dry out the brownies, so check early and often as your oven varies.
Step 6: Make the Mocha Frosting
While the brownies cool completely, prepare the frosting. Beat the softened butter until creamy and pale. Add the cocoa powder, dissolved coffee, powdered sugar, heavy cream or milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat on medium-high speed until luscious and fluffy. If it feels too thick, a splash more cream will bring it to the perfect spreadable consistency.
Step 7: Frost and Serve
Once your brownies are completely cool, generously spread the mocha frosting on top. Slice into 16 squares and get ready to enjoy the rich, deeply flavored magic of your Coffee Brownies with Mocha Frosting Recipe.
How to Serve Coffee Brownies with Mocha Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your brownies further, sprinkle some chocolate shavings, chopped espresso beans, or a dusting of cocoa powder over the frosting. These add an extra layer of texture and intensify the coffee-chocolate experience.
Side Dishes
Pair your Coffee Brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A small cup of strong black coffee or a latte also complements these brownies perfectly, keeping the mocha theme flowing through your serving suggestions.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these brownies on a rustic wooden board layered with coffee beans around the edges, or arrange them in decorative paper cups for parties. You can even drizzle some caramel or chocolate sauce over the top just before serving for a dazzling finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Coffee Brownies with Mocha Frosting Recipe will keep beautifully stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This is perfect if you want to prepare them in advance for gatherings or a weeknight treat.
Freezing
To freeze, slice the brownies first then layer them between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to maintain that fudgy texture.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy your brownies warm, pop a piece into the microwave for about 15 seconds. Be mindful not to overheat so the frosting holds its creamy texture while the brownie becomes nice and soft.
FAQs
Can I use brewed coffee instead of instant coffee granules?
While brewed coffee adds moisture to the batter, instant coffee granules dissolve quickly and provide a more concentrated coffee flavor without altering the texture. You can substitute with a strong brewed coffee if you reduce some liquid elsewhere, but the flavor punch might be milder.
What can I do to make these brownies extra fudgy?
Adding a handful of chocolate chips or chopped espresso beans into the batter before baking amps up the texture and richness. Also, be sure not to overbake, as a slightly undercooked center keeps them delightfully fudgy.
Is there a way to make the mocha frosting dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for a vegan butter alternative and use any non-dairy milk such as almond, oat, or coconut milk to maintain creamy frosting that’s deliciously dairy-free without sacrificing flavor.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Ensure your cocoa powder and other ingredients are gluten-free certified for the best results.
How long does it take for the frosting to set properly?
Frost the brownies once they are fully cooled. The frosting sets best after chilling in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, which helps it firm up slightly for clean slicing and perfect presentation.
Final Thoughts
If you want to impress friends or simply treat yourself to something rich, decadent, and bursting with coffee and chocolate flavor, this Coffee Brownies with Mocha Frosting Recipe is a must-try. It’s a beautiful balance of bold and sweet, fudgy and creamy—a combination that never disappoints. Whip up a batch and bask in the glorious aroma and taste; trust me, these brownies will become your new go-to dessert!
Print
Coffee Brownies with Mocha Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these rich and fudgy Coffee Brownies topped with a luscious Mocha Frosting. Perfectly blending the deep flavors of chocolate and coffee, this dessert offers a delightful twist on classic brownies, ideal for coffee lovers looking for a sweet treat.
Ingredients
For the Brownies
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Mocha Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee dissolved in 1 tablespoon hot water
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it well to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, cocoa powder, and instant coffee granules until the mixture is smooth and combined.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is mixed in thoroughly before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the all-purpose flour and salt, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing which can affect texture.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool Completely: Allow the brownies to cool fully in the pan before applying frosting to ensure it spreads smoothly and doesn’t melt.
- Prepare Mocha Frosting: Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add cocoa powder, dissolved coffee, powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat on medium-high speed until the frosting is smooth, fluffy, and has reached your desired consistency, adding more cream if necessary.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the mocha frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Slice into 16 squares and serve. For cleaner edges, chill the frosted brownies before slicing.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, mix in chocolate chips or chopped espresso beans into the brownie batter before baking.
- Chilling the frosted brownies prior to slicing helps achieve cleaner, more precise edges.
