If you love the combination of chocolate and coffee, these Frosted Coffee Brownies are the ultimate dessert to satisfy your cravings. With a dense, fudgy brownie base and a luscious coffee buttercream frosting on top, this treat delivers both deep cocoa flavor and a bold espresso kick. Perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up or as a show-stopping party dessert, these brownies are easy to make, richly indulgent, and a must-try for any coffee lover.
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Why These Frosted Coffee Brownies Are a Must-Bake
These brownies stand out because they’re more than just a chocolate treat — the coffee infusion in the frosting adds complexity and elevates the flavor profile. Whether you’re a fan of mocha desserts or simply looking for a unique twist on classic brownies, this recipe offers a bold, satisfying experience. The creamy frosting balances the rich brownie layer, making it ideal for those who love sweet-with-a-kick desserts. Plus, they store well, making them perfect for make-ahead dessert planning.
What You’ll Need to Make These Brownies Shine
• Butter: Adds richness and gives the brownies a melt-in-your-mouth texture
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create that classic brownie crackle top
• Eggs: Provide structure and richness
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances both the chocolate and coffee flavors
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor without added sweetness
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and sharpens the chocolate notes
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the necessary structure while keeping the texture soft
• Instant Coffee or Espresso Powder: Intensifies the chocolate flavor in the brownies and is the key player in the frosting
• Powdered Sugar: Used in the frosting for a smooth, creamy finish
• Milk or Heavy Cream: Helps achieve the perfect frosting consistency
• Butter (for Frosting): Creates a smooth, rich base for the coffee frosting
Smart Ingredient Swaps to Customize Your Batch
• Dairy-Free Option: Use vegan butter and plant-based milk for a completely dairy-free version
• Decaf Option: If caffeine is a concern, opt for decaffeinated instant coffee in the frosting
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for gluten-sensitive eaters
• Add-In Ideas: Consider folding in chocolate chips, walnuts, or toffee bits into the batter for added texture and flavor
How to Make Frosted Coffee Brownies: Step-by-Step
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease or line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper.
- Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or over the stovetop. Allow it to cool slightly.
- Whisk in the sugar until smooth and glossy, followed by the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Add the cocoa powder and salt, stirring until no dry streaks remain.
- Fold in the flour, mixing just until combined — avoid over-mixing to maintain a fudgy texture.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let them cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the coffee frosting: In a bowl, beat softened butter until creamy. Add instant coffee dissolved in a small amount of milk.
- Gradually beat in powdered sugar, alternating with milk or cream until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
- Frost the cooled brownies, then chill for 15–20 minutes to set the top before slicing.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
• Don’t overbake: Remove the brownies when there are still moist crumbs on the toothpick — this keeps them fudgy, not cakey
• Let the brownies cool completely before frosting — applying frosting too early will melt it
• Use quality cocoa powder and real butter for the richest flavor
• Dissolve coffee granules fully before adding to frosting to avoid gritty texture
• Chill before slicing for neat, bakery-style squares
Serving Suggestions and Flavor Twists
These Frosted Coffee Brownies pair beautifully with a tall glass of cold milk, hot espresso, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a seasonal touch, sprinkle the frosting with cinnamon or nutmeg. Want to go bold? Drizzle melted dark chocolate or salted caramel over the top for extra indulgence. You can also create a mocha-layered dessert by serving these brownies in parfaits with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
Storage is simple — keep brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
The Caffeine Kick You Didn’t Know You Needed
Coffee and chocolate are a match made in flavor heaven, and these brownies prove just how irresistible that combo can be. Whether you’re looking for a dessert that wakes up your taste buds or want something new to bring to the table, these Frosted Coffee Brownies hit every mark — rich, sweet, bold, and satisfying. Ideal for coffee lovers, chocoholics, and everyone in between, this dessert is sure to become a repeat favorite in your kitchen.
Conclusion: The Perfect Blend of Sweet and Bold
When it comes to dessert that delivers both flavor and finesse, Frosted Coffee Brownies are hard to beat. They combine the richness of classic chocolate brownies with the energizing depth of coffee, creating a balanced and indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a casual get-together, or simply treating yourself, these brownies add a gourmet touch with minimal effort. Simple to prepare yet bold in flavor, they’re bound to become a favorite for anyone who loves a little buzz with their bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make frosted coffee brownies ahead of time?
Yes, these frosted coffee brownies are excellent for making ahead. Bake and frost them up to 2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. For best texture, allow chilled brownies to sit at room temp for 20 minutes before serving.
Can I use brewed coffee instead of instant coffee?
Brewed coffee can work in the frosting, but you’ll need to reduce the liquid to avoid making the frosting too thin. Instant coffee or espresso powder is preferred because it offers concentrated flavor without excess moisture, making it ideal for the frosting’s consistency and bold taste.
What’s the best way to cut frosted brownies cleanly?
To slice your frosted coffee brownies cleanly, chill them for at least 15–20 minutes after frosting. Use a sharp knife, wipe it clean between each cut, and optionally warm the blade under hot water for ultra-smooth slices. This keeps the frosting neat and prevents tearing.
More Relevant Recipes
- Halloween Oreo Brownies: These spooky brownies combine rich chocolate with crunchy Oreo cookies, offering a similar fudgy texture and visual indulgence as Frosted Coffee Brownies. Perfect for festive gatherings or chocolate lovers wanting a twist.
- Tiramisu Cold Brew Coffee Cheesecake: This coffee-infused dessert echoes the bold caffeine notes of Frosted Coffee Brownies. It layers creamy textures and coffee flavor for a show-stopping no-bake treat.
- Coffee Cake Cookies: These soft and buttery cookies deliver a cozy coffee-cinnamon flavor profile, much like the rich and aromatic vibe of Frosted Coffee Brownies. Ideal for pairing with an afternoon latte.
Frosted Coffee Brownies
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9–12 brownies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Frosted Coffee Brownies are rich, fudgy chocolate brownies topped with a creamy, coffee-infused buttercream frosting. These brownies deliver bold coffee flavor paired with deep cocoa notes, making them the perfect dessert for coffee and chocolate lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter: provides richness and moist texture
- 1 cup granulated sugar: sweetens and helps create a crackly top
- 2 large eggs: add structure and richness
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: enhances the chocolate and coffee flavor
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: gives deep chocolate flavor
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: balances sweetness and intensifies flavor
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: adds structure
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting): base of the frosting
- 2 cups powdered sugar: sweetens and thickens the frosting
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee or espresso powder: provides bold coffee flavor
- 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream: adjusts frosting consistency
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Melt 1/2 cup of butter and allow it to cool slightly. In a mixing bowl, whisk in the sugar until smooth and glossy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture and whisk until well combined.
- Stir in cocoa powder and salt until no dry spots remain.
- Gently fold in the flour just until combined—avoid overmixing.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the brownies cool completely before frosting.
- For the frosting, beat 1/2 cup softened butter until creamy.
- Dissolve the instant coffee or espresso powder in 1 tablespoon of warm milk or cream.
- Gradually beat in the powdered sugar, alternating with the remaining milk, until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled brownies evenly.
- Chill the frosted brownies for 15–20 minutes before slicing for clean cuts.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the batter—this ensures a fudgy, not cakey, brownie.
- Let the brownies cool completely before applying frosting to prevent melting.
- Chill before cutting to get clean, neat slices.
- Use instant espresso for a stronger coffee flavor in the frosting.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 55mg