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.

Frosted Coffee Brownies – Best Mocha Dessert Recipe

Name: Frosted Coffee Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
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

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

Scale

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

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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