Description
Frosted Coffee Brownies are rich, fudgy, and packed with delicious chocolate flavor enhanced by a hint of bold coffee. Topped with a smooth, creamy coffee-infused frosting, these homemade brownies offer the perfect balance of sweetness and espresso flavor. They’re ideal for afternoon treats, dessert tables, or satisfying chocolate cravings.
Ingredients
For the brownies:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
- 2 tablespoons hot water
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
For the coffee frosting:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
- 1 tablespoon hot water
- 1 tablespoon milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Dissolve coffee for batter: Dissolve the instant coffee granules in 2 tablespoons of hot water and set aside to cool slightly to enhance coffee flavor in the brownies.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and granulated sugar until combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and well incorporated.
- Add coffee to batter: Stir in the dissolved coffee mixture into the wet ingredients to infuse the batter with a bold coffee taste.
- Combine dry ingredients: Add the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Add chocolate chips: Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips evenly through the batter for extra chocolate richness.
- Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 22–27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, ensuring a fudgy texture.
- Cool brownies: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
- Prepare coffee frosting: Dissolve the instant coffee granules in 1 tablespoon of hot water. In a bowl, beat softened butter and powdered sugar until fluffy. Add the coffee mixture, milk, and vanilla extract, then beat until smooth and creamy.
- Frost brownies: Spread the coffee frosting evenly over the cooled brownies using a spatula or knife.
- Set frosting: Refrigerate the frosted brownies for 20 minutes to help the frosting firm up, making it easier to slice.
- Serve: Slice the brownies into 16 pieces and serve. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use espresso powder instead of instant coffee for a stronger, more intense coffee flavor.
- Do not overbake the brownies; a slightly fudgy center gives the best texture and moistness.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely before adding the frosting to prevent melting.
- Add chopped walnuts or dark chocolate chunks to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- Let the brownies sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to soften the frosting slightly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Brownies, Chocolate Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
