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Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe

These Frosted Coffee Brownies are rich, fudgy, and packed with deep chocolate and coffee flavor. The brownies are made with cocoa powder, butter, and coffee extract or instant coffee, then topped with a smooth coffee frosting made with butter, powdered sugar, and a touch of cream. They are an easy dessert for coffee lovers and chocolate fans.

Ingredients

Brownies

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 teaspoons coffee extract or 1 tablespoon instant coffee
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Coffee Frosting

  • 2-4 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons instant coffee granules
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened

Instructions

Make the Brownies

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the instant coffee with the melted butter. If using coffee extract instead, simply add it with the vanilla later.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
  4. Add the coffee extract or prepared coffee-butter mixture and stir until evenly incorporated.
  5. Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before frosting.

Make the Coffee Frosting

  1. In a small bowl, dissolve the instant coffee granules in 2 tablespoons of the heavy whipping cream.
  2. Beat the softened butter in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy.
  3. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until incorporated.
  4. Add the coffee-cream mixture and beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
  5. Add more heavy cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed to reach a soft, spreadable consistency.

Assemble

  1. Spread the coffee frosting evenly over the completely cooled brownies.
  2. For cleaner slices, chill the frosted brownies for 15-20 minutes before cutting.
  3. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

  • Use coffee extract for a strong coffee flavor, or dissolve instant coffee thoroughly before adding it to the batter.
  • Do not overbake the brownies. A few moist crumbs on the toothpick will help keep them fudgy.
  • Let the brownies cool completely before frosting so the coffee frosting stays smooth.
  • Add the heavy cream gradually to the frosting so you can control the consistency.
  • For an extra coffee flavor, lightly sprinkle the frosted brownies with finely ground coffee or cocoa powder before serving.
  • Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.