If you are a chocolate lover who also enjoys the rich, invigorating flavor of coffee, then you simply must try this Coffee Brownies with Mocha Frosting Recipe. It brings together the fudgy decadence of classic brownies with a luscious mocha frosting that beautifully highlights the nuances of coffee and cocoa. The combination creates an indulgent treat that feels both comforting and sophisticated, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring with a warm cup of your favorite brew.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet essential to achieving the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and appearance in your Coffee Brownies with Mocha Frosting Recipe. Each one plays a unique role, whether it’s the creamy butter for richness or the instant coffee granules for that distinct mocha punch.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter: Key for creating a moist texture and deep buttery flavor.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter while helping with the structure.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds rich chocolate intensity without excess sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules: Enhances the chocolate with its robust mocha essence.
- 4 large eggs: Provides structure and moisture, making the brownies perfectly tender.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Gives the brownies their classic chewy bite.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the brownies rise slightly for the ideal texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies chocolate notes.
- For the Mocha Frosting: A combination of softened butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, instant coffee granules, milk, and vanilla extract creates a silky, coffee-kissed topping.
How to Make Coffee Brownies with Mocha Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan, or better yet, line it with parchment paper for effortless removal later. This simple prep step ensures your brownies bake evenly and come out flawlessly every time.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Mix in Dry Ingredients
Gently melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat, creating a luscious base. Remove it from the heat and whisk in the sugar, cocoa powder, and instant coffee granules until the mixture is wonderfully smooth, setting the stage for that distinct coffee-chocolate flavor that defines this recipe.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This method helps with the brownies’ moisture and texture. Stir in the vanilla extract for an extra layer of aromatic richness that perfectly complements the mocha notes.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures your leavening is evenly distributed and your brownies won’t have any pockets of salt or flour. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture and stir just until combined—overmixing can toughen the brownies.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the thick batter into your prepared pan, smoothing out the surface with a spatula to ensure even baking. Pop it in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, checking with a toothpick to make sure it comes out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to keep the fudgy texture.
Step 6: Cool Completely Before Frosting
Patience is key here—let the brownies cool fully on a wire rack in the pan before moving on to the mocha frosting. This prevents melting and lets the brownies set perfectly, providing a sturdy base for the frosting.
Step 7: Make the Mocha Frosting
In a mixing bowl, whip the softened butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and instant coffee granules, beating continuously to combine all the flavors seamlessly. Add in milk and vanilla extract, and continue beating until the frosting is luscious and spreadable.
Step 8: Frost and Finish
Spread your mocha frosting evenly over the cooled brownies with a spatula, coating every corner with that irresistible, coffee-chocolate glaze. Allow the frosting to set slightly before slicing into squares. This final step ensures every bite is a heavenly combination of fudgy brownie and creamy mocha.
How to Serve Coffee Brownies with Mocha Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Coffee Brownies with Mocha Frosting Recipe, consider sprinkling some chopped toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch. A light dusting of cocoa powder or finely grated dark chocolate can also add an elegant touch and accentuate the mocha flavor profile beautifully.
Side Dishes
These brownies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to contrast the richness. For a cozy vibe, serve alongside a hot cup of brewed coffee or espresso to enhance the mocha notes even more intensely, creating a truly delightful dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your brownies into an eye-catching dessert platter by cutting them into mini squares and stacking them pyramid-style on a rustic wooden board. You can also drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the frosting for extra decadence or serve them with fresh berries for a pop of color and freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Coffee Brownies with Mocha Frosting Recipe, store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them moist and preserves the delicate frosting without drying out or becoming crumbly.
Freezing
If you want to save brownies for longer, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen brownies with mocha frosting will retain their best quality for up to 3 months, making them a wonderful make-ahead treat for busy days or unexpected guests.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen brownies, thaw them at room temperature for a few hours. If you prefer them warm, microwave a piece for about 10-15 seconds to soften the texture without melting the frosting completely. This little warmth brings back that freshly baked feeling wonderfully.
FAQs
Can I use brewed coffee instead of instant coffee granules?
While brewed coffee can add flavor, instant coffee granules are preferred because they dissolve completely into the batter and frosting, providing a more intense and evenly distributed coffee taste without extra moisture.
How do I make these brownies gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup for cup. Just ensure your baking powder is gluten-free, and keep an eye on the baking time, as gluten-free flours sometimes bake a bit differently.
Is it possible to make the mocha frosting dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use a dairy-free butter substitute and a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk to replicate the frosting’s creaminess while keeping it vegan and dairy-free. The coffee and cocoa flavors will still shine beautifully.
Can I make these brownies ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! This Coffee Brownies with Mocha Frosting Recipe is excellent for making a day in advance. Just keep them covered tightly in the fridge, and they will stay moist and tasty. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best experience.
What’s the secret to fudgy brownies?
The trick lies in not overbaking and using the right balance of butter, sugar, and eggs. In this recipe, melting the butter and mixing gently helps create that dense, chewy vehicle that mocha frosting loves to sit atop.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you make this Coffee Brownies with Mocha Frosting Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. The rich, velvety brownie paired with that coffee-kissed frosting is a match made in dessert heaven. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a decadent pick-me-up, these brownies are sure to delight everyone lucky enough to have a bite. So go ahead, bake up a batch, and share the love!
Print
Coffee Brownies with Mocha Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 50m
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these rich and fudgy Coffee Brownies topped with a luscious Mocha Frosting. The perfect blend of chocolate and coffee flavors makes this dessert an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Brownies
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Mocha Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons instant coffee granules
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Melt butter and combine dry ingredients: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in the sugar, cocoa powder, and instant coffee granules until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to incorporate flavor evenly.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet butter mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Prepare batter for baking: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for even baking.
- Bake the brownies: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, ensuring fudgy texture without overbaking.
- Cool the brownies: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, preparing them for frosting.
- Make the mocha frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter using an electric mixer until creamy and smooth.
- Add dry frosting ingredients: Gradually add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and instant coffee granules, continuing to beat until well incorporated and free of lumps.
- Finish the frosting: Add milk and vanilla extract to the mixture, and beat until the frosting achieves a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Frost the brownies: Once the brownies are completely cooled, spread the mocha frosting evenly over the top using a spatula, covering every corner.
- Set and serve: Allow the frosting to set slightly before slicing into squares and serving, ensuring neat pieces and optimal flavor.
Notes
- Do not overbake the brownies to maintain their fudgy texture; a toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Using parchment paper in the baking pan makes for easy removal and cleaner edges.
- Instant coffee granules enhance the chocolate flavor without making the brownies taste overtly like coffee.
- Letting the frosting set slightly before slicing prevents it from smearing.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with non-dairy margarine and milk with plant-based milk in the frosting.
