Frosted Coffee Brownies

Coffee Brownies are the ultimate treat for anyone who can’t decide between a rich chocolate dessert and a smooth, bold coffee pick-me-up. These indulgent squares strike the perfect balance—fudgy chocolatey goodness with a subtle coffee kick in every bite. Topped with a luscious, coffee-infused frosting, they’re more than just brownies—they’re an experience. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, an after-dinner dessert, or just a cozy weekend indulgence, these coffee brownies are guaranteed to satisfy both sweet and caffeine cravings. You won’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen—just simple steps and bold flavors.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s a lot to love about these coffee brownies, and it’s not just the dreamy frosting. Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot in your baking rotation:

• Perfect chocolate-coffee balance – Rich cocoa and bold coffee flavors complement each other without overpowering.
• Soft, fudgy texture – These brownies bake up moist with a chewy center and slightly crisp edges.
• Easy to make – No fancy equipment or complicated steps—just straightforward baking.
• Customizable – Add chocolate chips, swirl in caramel, or sprinkle with sea salt for your own twist.
• Frosting heaven – The creamy coffee topping takes these brownies from great to unforgettable.

🧂Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make rich, flavorful coffee brownies with creamy coffee frosting. Use quality ingredients for the best results!

For the Brownies:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tsp coffee extract or 1 tbsp instant coffee
• ¼ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt

For the Coffee Frosting:

• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1½ tsp instant coffee granules
• 2–4 tbsp heavy whipping cream (adjust for consistency)

✅ Pro Tip: You can replace instant coffee with espresso powder for a deeper flavor.

👩‍🍳Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create fudgy coffee brownies topped with smooth coffee frosting. Be sure to let the brownies cool before frosting!

Brownie Base:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper or coat with non-stick spray.
2. Melt the butter in the microwave and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
3. Whisk in the sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and coffee extract (or instant coffee) until smooth and combined.
4. Add the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
5. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly.
6. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool completely in the pan before applying frosting.

Coffee Frosting:

1. Dissolve the instant coffee granules in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. Set aside.
2. Beat the softened butter in a clean bowl until fluffy.
3. Gradually add powdered sugar while continuing to beat.
4. Pour in the coffee-infused cream slowly, beating until smooth. Adjust consistency with more cream as needed.
5. Spread generously over the cooled brownies. Slice and serve!

⏱️Recipe Details & Nutrition

Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect when making these coffee brownies, including prep time, baking time, and approximate servings. Nutrition data is estimated.

📋 Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
• Total Time: 45–50 minutes
• Servings: 9–12 brownies (from an 8×8-inch pan)
• Difficulty: Easy

🧮 Estimated Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – based on 12 servings):

• Calories: ~280
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Sugar: 28g
• Protein: 2g
• Caffeine (estimate): 10–15mg

📌 Note: Nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion size.

💡Tips & Variations

Want to make your coffee brownies even more unforgettable? Here are some expert tips and tasty variations to try:

☕ Pro Tips:

• Use espresso powder instead of instant coffee for a deeper, richer flavor.
• Don’t overbake – Start checking at 30 minutes. A toothpick with a few moist crumbs is perfect.
• Cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.

🔀 Easy Variations:

• Add-ins: Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips, walnuts, or pecans before baking.
• Flavor twist: Add a splash of Kahlua or coffee liqueur to the frosting for an adult version.
• Double layer: For extra decadence, double the frosting recipe and add a middle frosting layer by slicing the brownies in half horizontally.

🧁 Looking for more sweet treats? Try my Mocha Cupcakes or Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies on the site!

❓FAQs

Here are answers to common questions about baking and storing coffee brownies:

Can I use brewed coffee instead of instant coffee?

It’s not recommended. Instant coffee or espresso powder delivers a more concentrated flavor without adding extra liquid, which could affect the texture.

Can these brownies be made gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Be sure to check all other ingredients for hidden gluten.

How long will the frosted brownies stay fresh?

They’ll stay fresh for 3 days at room temperature in an airtight container, or up to a week in the fridge.

Can I freeze coffee brownies?

Absolutely. Wrap them tightly (with or without frosting) and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave briefly before serving.

🏁Conclusion + Ending Template

If you love the bold combo of chocolate and coffee, these coffee brownies are about to become your new favorite dessert. They’re rich, moist, and topped with a creamy coffee frosting that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re baking for guests or just need a cozy treat to go with your afternoon espresso, this recipe hits the sweet spot—every time. So grab your mixing bowl and get baking—your tastebuds (and anyone you share them with) will thank you!