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If you’re a fan of bold, rich flavors that perfectly balance sweet and deep coffee notes, this Coffee Brownies with Mocha Frosting Recipe is going to become your new obsession. Imagine fudgy, homemade brownies infused with concentrated coffee, topped with a luscious mocha frosting that melts in your mouth — it’s the kind of treat that feels indulgent yet comforting. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just craving a delightful pick-me-up, these brownies bring together the best of chocolate and coffee in one unforgettable bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, accessible ingredients that each play a key role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and aroma. From the creamy butter to the concentrated coffee, every element enhances this Coffee Brownies with Mocha Frosting Recipe in its own delicious way.
- 8 ounces (240mL) strong coffee: Reduced down to intensify the coffee flavor that infuses both the brownies and the frosting.
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter: Provides richness and moisture for the fudgy brownie texture.
- 8 ounces (227g) semi-sweet chocolate: Melts into the batter for deep chocolate intensity.
- ¾ cup (150g) firmly packed light brown sugar: Adds mellow sweetness and contributes to a tender crumb.
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar: Balances out sweetness and adds a slight crunch.
- 3 large eggs: Bring together the ingredients and give the brownies structure.
- 1 Tablespoon (15mL) concentrated coffee: A concentrated boost of flavor blended right into the batter and frosting.
- ¾ cup (90g) all-purpose flour: The backbone of the brownie, make sure to measure correctly for best results.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the chocolate and coffee flavors perfectly.
- 2 ounces (40g) unsweetened baking chocolate: Essential for the deep, bittersweet mocha frosting.
- 4 Tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter: Creates a creamy, smooth frosting base.
- 1 to 2 Tablespoons (15-30mL) milk or cream: Adjusts frosting consistency for easy spreading.
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the mocha frosting to just the right consistency.
- Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and boosts the mocha frosting’s richness.
How to Make Coffee Brownies with Mocha Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Reduce the Coffee
Begin by brewing a strong 8-ounce cup of coffee. Pour this into a small saucepan and heat it over medium until it boils. Then reduce the coffee gently until only 2 tablespoons remain — this concentrated coffee is the secret to that unmistakable mocha kick that flavors both the brownies and the frosting beautifully.
Step 2: Prep and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 350ºF (177ºC). Line an 8- or 9-inch square baking pan with foil and spray with nonstick spray to make sure your brownies come out flawlessly. Setting the stage like this saves you hassle later and guarantees smooth removal.
Step 3: Melt Butter and Chocolate
Using a medium saucepan over medium heat, gently melt the butter and semi-sweet chocolate together, stirring frequently until velvety smooth. This rich base is what gives the brownies their intense chocolate character. Let this mixture cool for about 15 minutes to avoid scrambling the eggs later.
Step 4: Mix Sugars, Eggs, and Coffee
Whisk both the light brown sugar and granulated sugar into the cooled chocolate mixture until they’re fully combined. Add the eggs one by one, whisking after each addition to keep everything silky. Stir in 1 tablespoon of the concentrated coffee—you’ll start to smell the irresistible mocha aroma now.
Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients
Fold in the all-purpose flour and salt gently but thoroughly until the batter is uniform. Be careful not to overmix, as this helps keep the brownies tender and fudgy.
Step 6: Bake the Brownies
Pour the rich batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs attached—this guarantees a fudgy, soft center that is pure bliss. Let the brownies cool completely before moving on to frosting.
Step 7: Make the Mocha Frosting
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsweetened baking chocolate and butter together. Set aside to cool for about 15 minutes. Then, beat this mixture with concentrated coffee and milk or cream in a mixer, slowly adding powdered sugar until the frosting is creamy and spreadable. A pinch of salt here elevates all the flavors and rounds out the sweetness perfectly.
Step 8: Frost and Serve
Lift the cooled brownies from the pan using the foil overhang, peel back the foil, and place the brownies on a cutting board. Spread your luscious mocha frosting evenly on top. Once frosted, cut into 16 decadent squares and get ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Coffee Brownies with Mocha Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
For an added touch of elegance and extra coffee punch, sprinkle the frosted brownies with finely ground espresso beans or a light dusting of cocoa powder. You can also top them with chocolate shavings or even a few chocolate-covered espresso beans for that delightful crunch.
Side Dishes
These rich brownies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream for a classic combination. Alternatively, a dollop of whipped cream or a simple glass of cold milk balances the intense mocha flavors, making it an irresistible duo for any time of day.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving your brownies in a rustic wooden box lined with parchment for a charming, homemade gift. Or stack smaller brownie bites on a dessert tower for parties. Wrapping individual squares with a festive ribbon can turn them into perfect party favors or thoughtful treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover brownies can be stored at room temperature, covered tightly, for up to one week. Keeping them airtight prevents them from drying out and preserves that perfect fudgy texture with creamy mocha frosting.
Freezing
These Coffee Brownies with Mocha Frosting Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container or bag. They will maintain their best quality for up to three months — just remember to thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy these brownies warm, place them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will soften the mocha frosting slightly and make the chocolate beautifully melty again. Keep an eye on them to avoid overheating and drying out the brownie.
FAQs
Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee for this recipe?
Absolutely! Concentrated brewed coffee has a richer flavor, but if you only have instant coffee, make a strong batch and reduce it similarly. Just adjust the strength to your preference for the best mocha taste.
What if I don’t have unsweetened baking chocolate for the frosting?
You can substitute with high-quality bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, but keep in mind it will make the frosting sweeter. Adjust powdered sugar accordingly or reduce it slightly to balance the flavor.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Make sure it includes xanthan gum to help maintain the texture of these fudgy brownies.
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
Insert a toothpick about two-thirds into the brownies. You want it to come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs attached — this means the brownies will be fudgy and soft rather than cakey or dry.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
You can perfectly double this Coffee Brownies with Mocha Frosting Recipe. Use a larger pan, adjust the baking time slightly longer, and keep an eye on them during baking to ensure even doneness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly joyful about homemade brownies that combine the magic of rich chocolate with the warm, inviting flavor of coffee. This Coffee Brownies with Mocha Frosting Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, effortlessly elevating a classic treat to something extraordinary. I encourage you to try it soon — it’s the perfect little indulgence to brighten your day or impress your friends and family with your baking prowess.
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Coffee Brownies with Mocha Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These rich and fudgy Coffee Brownies are made from scratch, infused with concentrated coffee for a deep flavor, and topped with a luscious mocha frosting. Perfectly balanced between chocolate and coffee, these brownies are a decadent treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Brewed Coffee Reduction
- 8 ounces (240mL) strong coffee
Coffee Brownies
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, cut into 6-8 slices
- 8 ounces (227g) semi-sweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
- ¾ cup (150g) firmly packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature preferred
- 1 Tablespoon (15mL) concentrated coffee
- ¾ cup (90g) all-purpose flour, measured properly
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Mocha Frosting
- 2 ounces (40g) unsweetened baking chocolate, coarsely chopped
- 4 Tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter
- 1 Tablespoon (15mL) concentrated coffee
- 1 to 2 Tablespoons (15-30mL) milk or cream
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Make coffee reduction: Pour 8 ounces (240mL) of strong brewed coffee into a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat until it boils, then reduce until the liquid concentrates down to about 2 Tablespoons. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare baking pan and preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (177ºC). Line an 8″ or 9″ square baking pan with foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Melt butter and chocolate: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter and 8 ounces (227g) semi-sweet chocolate, stirring frequently until the mixture is completely smooth. Remove from heat and allow it to cool for about 15 minutes.
- Combine sugars and eggs: Whisk ¾ cup (150g) light brown sugar and ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar into the cooled chocolate mixture until well combined. Add the 3 eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition until the batter is smooth.
- Add coffee and dry ingredients: Whisk in 1 Tablespoon (15mL) concentrated coffee. Then gently fold in ¾ cup (90g) all-purpose flour and ¼ teaspoon salt until just combined.
- Bake the brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. Remove from oven and cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare mocha frosting: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 ounces (40g) unsweetened baking chocolate and 4 Tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter together. Allow to cool for 15 minutes.
- Mix frosting: In a medium bowl, using a handheld or stand mixer, combine the cooled chocolate-butter mixture with 1 Tablespoon (15mL) concentrated coffee and start with 1 Tablespoon of milk or cream. Mix on low speed, gradually adding 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar. Increase mixer speed to medium and beat until frosting is smooth and fully combined. Add a pinch of salt to taste.
- Frost and serve: Once brownies are cooled, lift them out of the pan using the foil overhang and place on a cutting board. Peel back the foil and spread the mocha frosting evenly over the top. Cut into 16 squares and serve.
- Storage: Store leftover brownies at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen brownies in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs for better incorporation into the batter.
- Be careful not to overbake the brownies to keep them fudgy.
- Measure flour properly by spooning it into the cup and leveling for accuracy.
- The concentrated coffee adds a deep mocha flavor; instant espresso powder can be used as an alternative if available.
- Adjust the milk or cream in the frosting to achieve desired consistency.
- Leftover brownies freeze well; wrap tightly to avoid freezer burn.