Decadent Frosted Coffee Brownies (Better Than Your Favorite Bakery!)
Decadent fudgy brownies infused with espresso and topped with silky mocha buttercream frosting. These bakery-style treats come together in one bowl and deliver rich chocolate-coffee flavor that's absolutely irresistible!
Ingredients
Brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs room temperature
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips optional
Coffee Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar sifted
- 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder
- 3 tablespoons hot water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides.
- Melt butter and let cool slightly. Whisk in sugar until combined. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each. Stir in espresso powder and vanilla.
- Sift cocoa powder over wet ingredients. Add flour and salt. Fold gently with a spatula until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
- Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 28-32 minutes until a toothpick inserted 2 inches from edge has moist crumbs. Cool completely in pan, about 1 hour.
- Make frosting: Beat softened butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar. Dissolve espresso powder in hot water and cool. Add cooled coffee mixture and vanilla. Beat 3-4 minutes. Add cream until spreadable.
- Spread frosting over cooled brownies. Cut into 24 squares. Serve at room temperature for best flavor.
Notes
Substitutions: No espresso powder? Use 2 tablespoons strong brewed coffee in brownies and 3 tablespoons in frosting (reduce cream to 1 tablespoon). For less coffee flavor, halve the espresso powder amounts.
Pro Tip: These taste even better the next day as flavors meld. For clean cuts, wipe knife between slices and chill brownies 30 minutes before cutting.
Texture Tip: Don't overbake! Brownies should look slightly underdone in center when removed from oven. They continue cooking as they cool.
Serving Suggestion: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Pairs perfectly with hot coffee or cold milk.