Name: Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs; 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 stick unsalted butter; 2 teaspoons coffee extract or 1 tablespoon instant coffee; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2-4 tablespoons heavy whipping cream; 1 1/2 teaspoons instant coffee granules; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1/3 cup unsalted butter

Jump to Recipe·5.1 from 6 reviews

If you’re looking for a dessert that combines chocolate richness with an irresistible mocha twist, the Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe deserves a spot on your must-bake list. These brownies are gloriously fudgy, topped with an outrageously creamy coffee frosting that transforms every bite into a decadent treat. The blend of chocolate and coffee amps up both flavors, creating a grown-up, café-worthy brownie you’ll crave again and again!

Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for familiar pantry staples, but each ingredient truly matters—whether it’s for chocolate intensity, the smooth coffee flavor, or that silky frosting on top. Every component works together to give the Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe its signature character.

All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and keeps brownies chewy without becoming cakey.
Large eggs: Add richness and help create that dense, satisfying texture.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: The key to deep, luscious chocolate flavor in every square.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and enhances both chocolate and coffee notes.
Unsalted butter: Delivers melt-in-your-mouth moisture for both brownie and frosting layers.
Coffee extract or instant coffee: Gives that signature mocha profile, elevating the entire dessert.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens and ensures the classic glossy brownie top.
Baking powder: Lends just a touch of lightness so your brownies aren’t too dense.
Salt: Accents the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
Heavy whipping cream: Creates a luscious, spreadable frosting with a hint of richness.
Instant coffee granules: Intensifies the mocha flavor in the creamy topping.
Powdered sugar: Guarantees a silky-smooth, easily spreadable frosting.
Unsalted butter (for frosting): Whipped into the frost for a light, cloudlike texture.

How to Make Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for baking as soon as your batter is set. Line an 8-inch baking dish with parchment paper (for easy removal), then give it a quick mist of non-stick spray to ensure zero sticking—all about making clean-up a breeze!

Step 2: Melt the Butter

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt one stick of unsalted butter until smooth—about 30 seconds should do it. Pour the melted butter into a large mixing bowl. This forms the luscious base for these brownies, keeping them extra moist and velvety.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Add granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract right into the bowl with the melted butter. Stir everything together until well combined—the mixture should look glossy and thick. At this stage, the foundation for those iconic chewy brownies is built!

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gradually sift in the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Using a spatula or large spoon, gently fold the dry mix into the wet until the batter is just combined and no streaks remain. This keeps the brownies delightfully dense, not tough!

Step 5: Add Coffee Goodness

Mix in the coffee extract or instant coffee, making sure it’s incorporated evenly so every bite sings with mocha flavor. Your batter should look thick and rich at this point—resist overmixing to guarantee fudgy perfection.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared baking dish and pop it into the oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes; the brownies are done when a toothpick inserted in the center has just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Let the brownies cool completely before frosting them. (It’s hard to wait, but so worth it!)

Step 7: Make the Coffee Frosting

Dissolve the instant coffee granules in heavy whipping cream—it’ll look creamy and light brown. In a separate bowl, whip unsalted butter until fluffy, then gradually alternate in the powdered sugar and coffee cream, beating constantly. Start with 2 tablespoons of cream, then add more by the spoonful if you want it softer. Now you’ve got a bold, velvety coffee frosting ready to spread!

Step 8: Frost, Slice, and Savor

Once your brownies are completely cool, blanket the top generously with the coffee frosting. Use a spatula to create swirls for extra flair! Slice into squares, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and indulge in the ultimate Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe.

How to Serve Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe

Garnishes

Add a finishing touch with chocolate shavings, cocoa nibs, or a light dusting of cocoa powder. For a little sparkle, try a sprinkle of coarse sugar on top of the frosting. Coffee beans make a stylish accent if you want to highlight the coffee element front and center!

Side Dishes

Pair your Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert plate. For gatherings, serve them with espresso or café au lait on the side—the flavors play beautifully together and make the coffee pop even more.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the brownie squares in a pyramid on a cake stand for a wow-worthy centerpiece, or wrap individual pieces in wax paper and twine for sweet party favors. These brownies are even lovely served in mini muffin liners for a cupcake-style treat at potlucks or meetings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Brownies keep incredibly well at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container for up to three days—just make sure the container is sealed tight, so the coffee frosting stays fresh and creamy. If it’s hot or humid, you can refrigerate them to preserve the frosting’s texture.

Freezing

The Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe is freezer-friendly! Arrange sliced brownies (with or without frosting) in a single layer, then freeze until solid before stacking between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to two months—perfect for emergency chocolate cravings!

Reheating

If you prefer your brownies slightly warm, reheat individual pieces for 10 seconds in the microwave. This will slightly soften the frosting and revive the rich, fudgy texture without melting everything away. For a just-baked feel, try reheating unfrosted brownies and then spreading fresh frosting on top.

FAQs

Can I use brewed coffee instead of instant coffee or coffee extract?

Brewed coffee can add some flavor, but because it’s more diluted, it may not pack the robust punch you want in the Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe. If you do use brewed coffee, reduce one of the other liquids slightly to avoid thinning your batter or frosting.

How do I make these brownies gluten-free?

You can swap the all-purpose flour for a measure-for-measure gluten-free flour blend. The texture will be a bit different, but the core flavors and the mocha joy of this recipe will remain front and center.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely! Simply double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep a close eye on the oven after 30 minutes, as thicker brownies may need extra time—test doneness with a toothpick as described in the original Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe.

Why is my frosting too runny or too thick?

If your frosting is runny, add more powdered sugar by the tablespoon until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thick, drizzle in more coffee cream or a splash of milk—a little goes a long way toward velvety perfection.

How can I make the coffee flavor more intense?

For coffee lovers, add an extra half-teaspoon of instant coffee granules to both the batter and the frosting, or swap vanilla for coffee extract in the brownie base. That way, every aspect of the Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe sings with a bolder coffee flavor!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a treat that feels comforting, a little sophisticated, and downright delicious, you can’t go wrong with the Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe. These are the kind of brownies that win hearts and earn recipe requests wherever they go. Give them a try and share them with someone you love—they’re truly worth every decadent bite!