Coffee Brownies Recipe – Fudgy Chocolate Dessert with Mocha Frosting

A decadent tray of frosted coffee brownies with glossy mocha frosting, cut into squares and garnished with chocolate shavings and espresso beans.
Chocolate + coffee = pure magic. These frosted brownies are a buzz-worthy treat! ☕🍫

Why Frosted Coffee Brownies Are a Bold, Sweet Treat

There’s something undeniably cozy about the combination of chocolate and coffee—rich, bittersweet, and deeply satisfying. Frosted Coffee Brownies bring those flavors together in one decadent dessert: a fudgy chocolate base topped with a creamy coffee-infused frosting that’s perfect for savoring slowly with a hot drink.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, treating yourself after a long day, or sharing with fellow coffee lovers, these brownies deliver a bold flavor punch and a luxurious texture. They’re easy to make, impressive to serve, and guaranteed to disappear fast.

So preheat your oven, grab your espresso powder, and get ready to bake a dessert that’s as comforting as it is indulgent.

What Are Frosted Coffee Brownies?

Frosted Coffee Brownies are a delicious twist on classic brownies, featuring a dense, fudgy chocolate base topped with a coffee-infused frosting that adds a creamy layer of flavor and contrast.

Inspired by mocha desserts and café-style treats, this dessert blends the richness of cocoa with the boldness of coffee, creating a harmonious balance of sweet and bitter. The frosting is typically made with butter, powdered sugar, and instant coffee or espresso powder, whipped until smooth and spreadable.

Popular variations include:

  • Espresso brownies with coffee baked into the batter
  • Mocha glaze for a thinner, glossy topping
  • Whipped coffee frosting for a light, airy finish

Whether you serve them chilled or at room temperature, these brownies are a standout treat for anyone who loves the deep flavors of chocolate and coffee.

Ingredient Breakdown: What You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into making Frosted Coffee Brownies:

Brownie Base

  • ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ tsp salt

Coffee Frosting

  • 1½ cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp instant coffee or espresso powder
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 2–3 tbsp milk or cream
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Optional Add-ins

  • ½ cup chocolate chips or chopped walnuts (for the batter)
  • ½ tsp coffee extract (for stronger flavor)
  • Pinch of cinnamon (for warmth)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Make the Brownie Batter Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan. In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter and sugar. Whisk in eggs and vanilla until smooth.
  2. Add Dry Ingredients Stir in cocoa powder, flour, and salt until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips or nuts if using.
  3. Bake the Brownies Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs. Let cool completely.
  4. Prepare the Frosting In a bowl, beat softened butter with powdered sugar, espresso powder, vanilla, and 2 tbsp milk. Add more milk as needed for a smooth, spreadable consistency.
  5. Frost & Chill Once brownies are cool, spread frosting evenly over the top. Chill for 15–20 minutes to set.
  6. Slice & Serve Cut into squares and serve with coffee, milk, or your favorite dessert drink.

Tip: Let brownies cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure a clean finish.

Taste & Texture Profile

Frosted Coffee Brownies are a decadent delight with layers of flavor and texture:

  • The brownie base is fudgy and dense, with a deep chocolate flavor that’s rich but not overly sweet.
  • The frosting is creamy and smooth, with bold coffee notes that add complexity and balance.
  • The sweetness is tempered by a hint of bitterness, making each bite feel indulgent but not cloying.
  • The contrast between the chewy brownie and the soft frosting creates a satisfying mouthfeel that keeps you coming back for more.

Whether enjoyed as a midday pick-me-up or a dinner party dessert, these brownies are a bold, sweet treat that hits all the right notes.

A decadent tray of frosted coffee brownies with glossy mocha frosting, cut into squares and garnished with chocolate shavings and espresso beans.

Coffee Brownies Recipe – Fudgy Chocolate Dessert with Mocha Frosting

These Frosted Coffee Brownies are a chocolate lover’s dream with a bold espresso twist! Fudgy, rich brownies are infused with brewed coffee for depth and topped with a silky mocha frosting that melts in your mouth. Perfect for dessert tables, potlucks, or an afternoon pick-me-up. Easy to make and packed with flavor, these brownies combine the best of chocolate and coffee in every bite.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Brunch Treat, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American / Café-style
Servings 9 squares (8x8-inch pan)
Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk or electric mixer
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • 8x8 inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Spatula

Ingredients
  

Brownie Base

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ tsp salt

Coffee Frosting

  • 1½ cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp instant espresso powder
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2–3 tbsp milk or cream
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Optional Add-ins

  • ½ cup chocolate chips or chopped nuts
  • ½ tsp coffee extract
  • Pinch of cinnamon or cardamom
  • Flaky sea salt for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare Brownie Batter

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment.In a bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until smooth.

Add Dry Ingredients

  • Stir in cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Fold in chocolate chips or nuts if using.

Bake Brownies

  • Pour batter into pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20–25 minutes until edges are set and center is slightly soft. Cool completely.

Make Frosting

  • Beat softened butter with powdered sugar, espresso powder, vanilla, and 2 tbsp milk. Add more milk as needed for a fluffy, spreadable consistency.

Frost & Chill

  • Spread frosting over cooled brownies. Chill for 15–20 minutes to set.

Slice & Serve

  • Cut into squares. Serve with coffee, milk, or ice cream.

Notes

  • Use room temperature eggs for a smoother batter.
  • Don’t overmix—stir until just combined.
  • For fudgier brownies, reduce flour slightly and avoid overbaking.
  • Use instant espresso powder for bold coffee flavor.
  • Frost just before serving if freezing brownies ahead.
  • Store in airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze unfrosted brownies for up to 2 months.
Keyword chocolate coffee bars, Coffee brownies, espresso frosting, fudgy brownies, mocha dessert