I’ve always believed there’s nothing quite like the rich aroma of coffee blended with deep, chocolatey goodness. That’s exactly what inspired me to create these irresistible Frosted Coffee Brownies. Whether I’m baking for a weekend treat or just looking to impress guests with minimal effort, this recipe never fails. It combines the bold taste of brewed coffee with the smooth, indulgent texture of classic brownies—finished with a luscious coffee-infused frosting on top.
These brownies strike the perfect balance between chewy and fudgy. The subtle bitterness of coffee enhances the chocolate flavor, making every bite feel deeper and more satisfying. I love how the frosting adds a creamy layer that melts into the warm brownies, creating a comforting finish that lingers on the palate. Plus, they slice beautifully, making them ideal for sharing at parties or packaging as thoughtful homemade gifts.
From my own experience, these Frosted Coffee Brownies are always a hit, no matter the occasion. I’ve made them for birthdays, casual dinners, and even as part of a cozy Sunday afternoon. What makes this recipe especially appealing is its simplicity. The ingredients are basic pantry staples, but when combined, they deliver something truly special.
If you enjoy the flavor of café-style desserts but prefer the satisfaction of making it yourself, you’re going to love this one. There’s no complicated prep involved, and the smell that fills the kitchen as they bake is worth it alone. The coffee in both the batter and the frosting gives a depth that elevates these brownies beyond the usual sweet treat. Whether you enjoy them warm with a spoon or chilled with a cup of tea, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients for Frosted Coffee Brownies
Creating these brownies is surprisingly simple, but the result tastes anything but ordinary. Below is a list of everything you’ll need to bake these decadent treats from scratch.
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Unsalted Butter – Use high-quality butter for a rich, smooth base. Melted butter helps give the brownies a dense, fudgy texture.
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Granulated Sugar – Balances the bitterness of cocoa and coffee while giving the brownies a glossy top.
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Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and a hint of molasses flavor, which deepens the overall richness.
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Eggs – Essential for structure and chewiness. Use room temperature eggs for best results.
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Vanilla Extract – Enhances all the other flavors subtly and adds warmth to the brownies.
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Brewed Coffee – Use strong, cooled coffee. It intensifies the chocolate flavor without overpowering.
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All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure while keeping the texture soft.
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Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Adds deep chocolate flavor. Use natural or Dutch-processed depending on your preference.
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Salt – A pinch of salt balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
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Baking Powder – Helps the brownies rise just slightly for the perfect bite.
For the Coffee Frosting:
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Powdered Sugar – Forms the base of the smooth frosting.
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Butter – Adds creaminess and helps the frosting set well.
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Brewed Coffee – Adds bold flavor while keeping the frosting soft and spreadable.
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Vanilla Extract – Rounds out the frosting’s flavor.
How to Make Frosted Coffee Brownies
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the edges to hang over for easy removal later.
Step 2:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and whisk in both sugars until smooth and glossy.
Step 3:
Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and brewed coffee until fully combined.
Step 4:
Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gently fold everything together using a rubber spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the brownies cakey.
Step 5:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 6:
While the brownies bake, prepare the frosting. In a bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then mix in the brewed coffee and vanilla until the frosting is creamy and spreadable.
Step 7:
Once the brownies are out of the oven, let them cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top using an offset spatula or butter knife.
Step 8:
Chill for 15–20 minutes to allow the frosting to set slightly. Slice into squares and serve.
How Long to Bake Frosted Coffee Brownies
Baking times can vary slightly based on your oven and the size of your baking dish, but here are reliable guidelines for perfect brownies. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are set, the center no longer jiggles, and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs—but not wet batter.
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Metal Pan (8×8 inches) – Bake for 25–30 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Metal conducts heat more efficiently and gives brownies a firmer edge.
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Glass or Ceramic Pan – May require a few extra minutes (28–33 minutes total) because they heat more slowly.
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Airy or Thin Pans – These might cook faster, so start checking at 22 minutes.
Keep in mind that brownies continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven due to residual heat. Removing them while the center still looks slightly underbaked will give you that rich, fudgy texture instead of a cakier crumb.
How to Store Leftovers
These brownies store very well, and the frosting helps keep them moist. Here’s how I like to handle leftovers to maintain freshness and flavor:
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Room Temperature – If you plan to finish them within 1–2 days, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. Just make sure the container seals well to prevent drying.
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Refrigerator – For longer storage (up to 5 days), place the brownies in a sealed container and refrigerate. The frosting will firm up slightly, and the coffee flavor deepens over time.
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Freezer – These brownies freeze beautifully. Wrap each square in parchment paper and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours before serving.
Tips for the Best Frosted Coffee Brownies
Use these tips to make sure your brownies turn out bakery-worthy every single time.
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Use Strong Coffee – A bold brewed coffee brings the best flavor. Avoid instant coffee if possible; freshly brewed gives the deepest taste.
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Don’t Overmix – Over-stirring the batter can lead to tough, dry brownies. Mix just until the ingredients come together.
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Cool Completely Before Frosting – If the brownies are too warm, the frosting will melt. Let them cool entirely before adding the topping.
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Use Good Cocoa Powder – The cocoa flavor is front and center here. Choose a high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich result.
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Chill Before Cutting – Once frosted, chill the brownies briefly. This firms up the frosting and gives cleaner, more attractive slices.
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Adjust Sweetness – If you like your brownies a little less sweet, reduce the sugar slightly or add a pinch more salt to balance the flavor.
These tips help turn a simple batch of brownies into a stunning dessert that feels indulgent without being complicated. You’ll find yourself making them again and again, whether for casual afternoons or special gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee in these brownies?
Yes, you can use instant coffee if you don’t have brewed coffee on hand. However, for the richest flavor, dissolve 1–2 teaspoons of instant coffee granules in a small amount of hot water before adding it to your batter or frosting. This creates a deeper coffee note that pairs beautifully with the cocoa.
2. Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Absolutely. Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for 1:1 substitution. Look for a mix that includes xanthan gum for structure, or add 1/4 teaspoon separately. Just be sure to mix gently, as gluten-free batters can become dense if overmixed.
3. How do I make the frosting thicker or thinner?
To thicken the frosting, add more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached. If it’s too thick, add a few drops of brewed coffee or milk, stirring after each addition. Always add liquids gradually so the frosting doesn’t become runny.
4. Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Yes, mix-ins can add texture and variety. Stir in up to 1/2 cup of chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or pecans just before pouring the batter into the pan. They pair well with the coffee-chocolate flavor and give your brownies a fun, extra bite. You can also sprinkle some on top of the frosting for added crunch and visual appeal.
These frequently asked questions help ensure that the recipe works for different tastes and dietary needs. Whether you’re customizing the texture or adjusting ingredients, these answers offer simple ways to adapt the recipe to your liking.
Print
Frosted Coffee Brownies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 large or 12 small brownies 1x
Description
These Frosted Coffee Brownies are the ultimate treat for coffee and chocolate lovers. Rich, fudgy brownies are infused with brewed coffee and topped with a smooth coffee frosting that adds an extra layer of flavor. They’re easy to make and perfect for everything from casual gatherings to special dessert moments.
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
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1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter
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1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
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1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar
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2 large eggs
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1/4 cup brewed strong coffee
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1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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1/2 tsp vanilla extract
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1/4 tsp salt
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1/2 cup (65 g) all-purpose flour
For the Coffee Frosting:
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1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
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2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
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2–3 tbsp brewed coffee (cooled)
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1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
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In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat and whisk in granulated sugar and brown sugar until well combined.
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Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in brewed coffee, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
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Gently fold in flour until just combined. Do not overmix.
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Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
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Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs (not raw batter).
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Let brownies cool completely in the pan before frosting.
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For the frosting, beat together powdered sugar, butter, brewed coffee, and vanilla extract until smooth and spreadable. Adjust consistency by adding more powdered sugar or coffee as needed.
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Spread frosting evenly over cooled brownies. Chill slightly before slicing for neat squares.
Notes
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For deeper flavor, use a dark roast coffee.
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Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped walnuts to the batter if desired.
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Brownies can be stored at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
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Freeze frosted brownies in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes