Frosted Coffee Brownies That Are Rich, Fudgy, and Perfect for Coffee Lovers

If you’re a coffee lover and a brownie enthusiast, these Frosted Coffee Brownies are the perfect treat to satisfy both cravings. Combining the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with the bold, aromatic flavor of coffee, this dessert is a match made in heaven. Whether you’re enjoying them with your afternoon coffee or serving them at a gathering, these brownies will definitely be the star of the show. I’ve made these countless times, and they always receive rave reviews. The creamy coffee frosting on top adds a decadent touch, making these brownies even more irresistible. They’re rich, indulgent, and packed with coffee flavor—exactly what you need for a coffee break that feels extra special.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the brownies:

All-purpose flour
The base of the brownies, all-purpose flour, provides structure while keeping the texture soft and fudgy. It’s essential to create a tender crumb that holds up the rich, coffee flavor.

Unsweetened cocoa powder
Cocoa powder gives these brownies their deep, chocolatey flavor. It’s key to creating the perfect balance between the coffee and chocolate in this dessert.

Baking powder
Baking powder helps the brownies rise slightly while maintaining their dense, fudgy texture.

Salt
A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor, bringing out the richness of the cocoa and coffee.

Butter
Butter is the secret to achieving a moist, fudgy texture. It adds richness and helps the brownies bake to the perfect consistency.

Granulated sugar
Sugar sweetens the brownies, creating a slight caramelization around the edges while allowing the coffee and cocoa flavors to shine through.

Eggs
Eggs are essential for binding the ingredients and adding moisture to the batter. They also help the brownies rise and set properly.

Vanilla extract
Vanilla extract enhances the depth of flavor, bringing warmth and richness that complement the coffee and chocolate.

Coffee or espresso powder
This is the star ingredient for coffee lovers! Coffee or espresso powder infuses the brownies with a deep, aromatic coffee flavor that pairs perfectly with the chocolate.

Milk
Milk is used to help combine all the ingredients and ensure a smooth, cohesive batter. It also contributes to the moistness of the brownies.

For the frosting:

Powdered sugar
Powdered sugar provides the smooth texture needed for the frosting. It gives the frosting a delicate sweetness that balances the coffee’s bitterness.

Butter
Just like in the brownies, butter in the frosting adds creaminess and richness, creating a smooth, luscious texture.

Coffee or espresso
Coffee or espresso is key to making the frosting coffee-flavored. It adds a kick of flavor that complements the brownies perfectly.

Vanilla extract
A touch of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the frosting, providing a mellow background to the bold coffee flavor.

Heavy cream
Heavy cream makes the frosting rich and smooth, helping it spread beautifully over the brownies.

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, melt the butter and sugar together in the microwave or on the stovetop until smooth. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
4. Once the butter and sugar mixture has cooled, whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract until combined.
5. Stir in the coffee or espresso powder and milk, mixing until the coffee powder is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Let the brownies cool in the pan on a wire rack.
8. While the brownies are cooling, make the frosting. Beat together the butter, powdered sugar, coffee, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add heavy cream gradually until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
9. Once the brownies have cooled completely, spread the coffee frosting evenly over the top.
10. Slice into squares and serve.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 16 brownies, depending on how you slice them. The preparation time is about 15 minutes, while the baking time is 25-30 minutes, for a total of around 45 minutes from start to finish.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to 1 week. To reheat, microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy them warm, or enjoy them chilled for a refreshing treat.

Variations and Customizations

There are several ways to customize these Frosted Coffee Brownies to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to use one that is suitable for baking.
• Vegan: You can make these brownies vegan by replacing the butter with vegan butter and the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water). For the frosting, use a dairy-free butter and non-dairy milk.
• Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free butter and a non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk) for the brownies and frosting.
• Chocolate Chip Add-In: For added texture, try mixing in chocolate chips or chunks to the brownie batter before baking.
• Decadent Toppings: Top the frosted brownies with a drizzle of chocolate ganache, chopped nuts, or a dusting of cocoa powder to add more flavor and visual appeal.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

Nutrition Facts	Per Serving
Calories	290 kcal
Protein	2 g
Carbs	38 g
Fat	16 g
Saturated Fat	10 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	26 g
Sodium	85 mg

Expert Tips & Customizations

• For Extra Fudginess: If you prefer extra fudgy brownies, reduce the baking time slightly, checking for doneness around 25 minutes. A slightly underbaked brownie will remain more dense and gooey.
• Coffee Flavor Balance: You can adjust the amount of coffee or espresso powder depending on how strong you want the coffee flavor. Start with 1 tablespoon and add more for a more pronounced taste.
• Frosting Tip: If the frosting is too thick, add a little more cream to loosen it up, or if it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar for a thicker consistency.

FAQs

Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso powder?

Yes, you can use strong brewed coffee in place of espresso powder, but the espresso powder gives a more concentrated flavor.

Can I freeze these brownies?

Yes, you can freeze these brownies for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container.

How can I make these brownies more chocolatey?

For a richer chocolate flavor, add chocolate chips or chopped chocolate to the brownie batter before baking.

Can I make these brownies without the frosting?

Yes, you can omit the frosting if you prefer a simpler, less sweet version of these brownies. They are delicious on their own.

How long do these brownies stay fresh?

These brownies will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Refrigerating them will extend their freshness for up to 1 week.

Can I make these brownies without coffee?

If you’re not a coffee fan, you can replace the coffee with hot water or a mild decaf coffee for a more subtle flavor. Alternatively, you can add a bit of vanilla extract for extra depth.

How can I make the frosting less sweet?

To make the frosting less sweet, reduce the amount of powdered sugar and add more coffee for a stronger, more coffee-forward flavor.

Can I use a different type of frosting?

Yes, you can substitute the coffee frosting with chocolate ganache, cream cheese frosting, or even whipped cream for a different texture and flavor.

Conclusion

These Frosted Coffee Brownies are the perfect treat for coffee lovers who crave something indulgent and satisfying. With their rich, fudgy texture and creamy coffee frosting, they combine the best of chocolate and coffee in every bite. Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them with your morning coffee, or treating yourself to a sweet snack, these brownies are sure to become a favorite. Rich, aromatic, and utterly delicious—these brownies are a must-try!

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