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

If you love the rich, deep flavors of chocolate mixed with a subtle kick of coffee, then this Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe is going to be your new obsession. I absolutely love how these brownies balance the fudgy texture with a creamy coffee-infused frosting on top—it’s like a little slice of heaven in every bite. You’ll find that making them is easier than you think, and a total crowd-pleaser whenever I bring them to family gatherings or just a casual coffee break at home.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect balance of flavors: The coffee enhances the chocolate without overpowering it, making these brownies irresistibly rich.
Frosting magic: The creamy coffee frosting brings a smooth, luscious finish that’s not too sweet but oh-so satisfying.
Simple ingredients: You’ll likely have most of these in your pantry already, so it’s quick to throw together anytime a craving hits.
Great for sharing: Whether it’s a potluck, a family night, or a casual snack, these brownies disappear fast—and that’s a guarantee.

Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe - Recipe Step

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work beautifully together to create brownies that are moist, fudgy, and infused with that perfect coffee twist. When shopping, I recommend picking good-quality cocoa powder and fresh coffee extract or instant coffee for the best flavor kick.

Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe - Ingredients

Unsalted butter: Makes the brownies rich and tender without extra salt throwing off the balance.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the brownies while ensuring a nice texture.
Large eggs: Help bind everything together and add moisture.
Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, mellow depth that complements both chocolate and coffee.
Coffee extract or instant coffee: Gives that unmistakable coffee flavor without bitterness—use extract for subtlety or instant coffee for a stronger punch.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: The star chocolate ingredient here, choose Dutch-processed if you want a smoother and less acidic taste.
All-purpose flour: Holds the brownie structure while keeping them tender.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
Baking powder: Just a hint here to help the brownies rise slightly without becoming cakey.
Instant coffee granules (for frosting): Boost the frosting’s coffee notes—it blends beautifully with the creamy textures.
Heavy whipping cream: Adds richness and a silky finish to the frosting.
Powdered sugar: For smooth, lump-free frosting with just the right amount of sweetness.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe is! Feel free to tweak the coffee level, swap different kinds of chocolate, or add your favorite mix-ins—I’ve had great results with all sorts of customizations.

Add chopped nuts: Walnuts or pecans bring a lovely crunch contrast—I personally sprinkle them on top before baking.
Use espresso powder: If you want a bolder coffee flavor than instant coffee, espresso powder is a fantastic upgrade I’ve tried with great success.
Make it gluten-free: Just swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend; I recommend one with xanthan gum to keep the brownies chewy and moist.
Dark chocolate chunks: Mixing some dark chocolate pieces into the batter makes gooey pockets of melting chocolate that my family goes crazy for!

How to Make Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray an 8-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper and spray that too—this little double step saves you from brownie mishaps sticking to the pan later on, trust me.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter gently—don’t let it boil, just fully melted. In a large bowl, combine the melted butter with sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir these until smooth and nicely blended. This is where the magic starts taking shape!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Blend

In a separate bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, flour, salt, baking powder, and coffee extract or instant coffee. Slowly fold these dry ingredients into your wet mixture, stirring until just combined—I like to pause once I don’t see any flour streaks to keep the texture perfectly fudgy.

Step 4: Bake Your Brownies

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, depending on your oven. You’ll want to test with a toothpick inserted near the center—it should come out with only a few moist crumbs to keep them chewy rather than cakey. Once baked, set the pan aside to cool completely before frosting.

Step 5: Make the Coffee Frosting

Mix the instant coffee granules into the heavy cream and set it aside. In a large bowl, beat the butter until fluffy (about 2-3 minutes with a mixer). Start adding powdered sugar slowly while mixing, until fully incorporated and light. Then add 2 tablespoons of your coffee cream mixture and beat. Keep adding cream by the tablespoon until your frosting reaches the perfect spreadable consistency—smooth and creamy but not runny.

Step 6: Frost and Serve

Once the brownies have completely cooled (this helps the frosting set beautifully), spread your coffee frosting evenly on top. Slice into squares and prepare for swoons—these are delicious served with a fresh cup of coffee or milk!

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Pro Tips for Making Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe

Don’t overmix your batter: I learned this the hard way—the brownies stay fudgier and less cakey if you stir just until combined.
Use good coffee: Fresh instant coffee or coffee extract makes a huge flavor difference, so avoid stale coffee powders.
Cool completely before frosting: If you frost while warm, the frosting melts into a mess instead of a creamy layer.
Test your oven’s temperature: Oven temps vary, so I always keep an eye from minute 28 onwards to avoid drying out my brownies.

How to Serve Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe

Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a few chocolate shavings or a light dusting of cocoa powder on top of the frosting for an elegant touch. Sometimes a few espresso beans or chopped nuts also add a nice visual and textural contrast that makes these brownies look as good as they taste.

Side Dishes

Pair these brownies with a hot espresso or a creamy latte to echo the coffee flavors. They’re also fantastic with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if you want a dessert that feels extra indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

For special gatherings, I like to cut the brownies into small bite-sized squares and arrange them on a tiered dessert tray with coffee candies and cinnamon sticks. It turns a simple treat into an irresistible coffee-themed centerpiece that always impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, but honestly, I rarely have any that last that long! Keeping them covered ensures the frosting stays fresh and the brownies stay moist.

Freezing

If you want to freeze them, I recommend freezing the brownies without frosting first. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge, then make and spread the coffee frosting fresh for best results.

Reheating

If you like your brownies a little warm, pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving. I usually add frosting just before eating to keep that perfect creamy texture—warm frosting tends to soften too much and get messy.

FAQs

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

You can, but I don’t usually recommend brewed coffee because it adds extra liquid to the batter, which can change the texture of the brownies. Instant coffee or coffee extract offers more concentrated flavor with no added moisture.
What if I don’t have coffee extract? Can I omit it?

If you don’t have coffee extract, instant coffee is a perfect substitute. You can also leave it out, but the brownies will then taste like classic chocolate brownies without that lovely coffee twist.
How do I know when the brownies are done?

Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center; it should come out with just a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. This keeps the brownies moist and fudgy instead of dry or cakey.
Can I make these brownies vegan?

To veganize this recipe, substitute butter with a plant-based spread, replace the eggs with flax or chia eggs, and use a non-dairy milk or cream alternative for the frosting. I haven’t tried it myself yet, but I recommend experimenting carefully as texture might vary.
How long do the Frosted Coffee Brownies last?

If stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. You can refrigerate them to keep longer, but be aware the frosting might firm up and the texture can change slightly.

Final Thoughts

This Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe is truly one of my all-time favorites because it combines two classic flavors I adore—coffee and chocolate—in such a simple, satisfying way. Every time I make them, I’m reminded why I keep coming back for more, and I’m confident you’ll love sharing them with your friends and family too. So next time you want a dessert that’s fuss-free but packed with flavor, you’ve got this little gem to turn to—happy baking!