I’ve always been a bit of a coffee addict, and brownies? Well, they’re my ultimate comfort food. So, naturally, I had to find a way to combine these two loves into one delicious treat. After lots of experimenting in the Delish Script kitchen, I’m so excited to finally share my Frosted Coffee Brownies recipe with you! These brownies are the perfect blend of rich, fudgy chocolate and bold coffee flavor, topped with a dreamy coffee-infused frosting. From start to finish, this recipe only takes about an hour, including prep and cooling time. I know you’re going to love these as much as I do!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe
- Intense Coffee Flavor: The instant coffee granules in both the brownie and frosting give these brownies a rich, coffee flavor that perfectly complements the chocolate.
- Fudgy Texture: These brownies are dense, moist, and incredibly fudgy, just the way I like them!
- Easy Frosting: The coffee frosting is simple to make and adds the perfect amount of sweetness and creamy texture.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these ingredients in your pantry!
What Makes a Brownie a Brownie?
What is it that really makes a brownie a brownie? Well, there are a few key characteristics! Brownies can generally be broken down into three categories: fudgy, cakey, and chewy. Fudgy brownies, like my Frosted Coffee Brownies, have a high fat-to-flour ratio. Cakey brownies have more flour and often include baking powder, giving them a lighter, more airy texture.
Chewy brownies usually have a higher sugar content and sometimes include melted chocolate along with cocoa powder. The balance of ingredients is key to achieving the perfect brownie texture!
If you’re a fan of this texture, you might also enjoy this recipe for an Amazing Fudgy Chewy Brookies Recipe.
Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe Ingredients
Brownies
- 1 stick vegetable shortening
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1.5 tsp instant coffee granules
Coffee Frosting
- 2-4 tbsp heavy whipping cream
- 1/3 cup vegetable shortening
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Ingredient Notes for the Best Frosted Coffee Brownies
For this recipe, I use granulated sugar because it helps create a slightly chewier texture and adds a subtle sweetness that balances the bitterness of the cocoa and coffee. As for the coffee, I prefer instant coffee granules because they dissolve easily and add a concentrated coffee flavor, but you could experiment with espresso powder for a more intense taste.
I would suggest sticking with instant coffee for the frosting however, as it melts the best into the heavy cream.
Be sure to explore our bakes & sweets category for other amazing sweet treats!
How to Make Frosted Coffee Brownies: Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and prepare an 8-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper and spray with the non-stick spray.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the vegetable shortening in the microwave.
- In a large bowl, add the melted vegetable shortening, sugar, eggs, vanilla, cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder and stir until well combined.
- Spread the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Allow the brownies to cool and then prepare the frosting.
- Mix the instant coffee into the heavy cream and set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the vegetable shortening until it’s light and fluffy. Slowly add the powdered sugar and keep adding until everything is well combined. Add in 2 tbsp of the heavy cream/coffee combo and mix well. Continue adding cream 1 tbsp at a time until the desired consistency has been reached.
- Frost the brownies, slice, and enjoy!
- Store brownies in an airtight container or freeze them.
Recipe Tips and Variations for Your Frosted Coffee Brownies
Want to jazz up your brownies? I love swirling caramel into the batter before baking. You can also add a layer of chocolate ganache on top for extra decadence. For a different flavor profile, try adding a few drops of peppermint extract to the brownie batter. Chocolate chips are always a welcome addition, and if you’re a peanut butter fan, swirl some peanut butter into the batter for a delicious twist!
To get the perfect brownie texture, avoid overbaking. Brownies should be slightly soft in the center when you take them out of the oven. Remember, they’ll continue to set as they cool.
Troubleshooting Common Brownie Baking Problems
One of the most common mistakes is overmixing the batter. This can lead to tough brownies. Mix the ingredients until just combined. Also, make sure your oven temperature is accurate.
If your oven runs hot, your brownies may bake too quickly and become dry. An oven thermometer can help!
How to Store Frosted Coffee Brownies
To keep your frosted coffee brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just make sure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these brownies without coffee extract?
Yes! If you don’t have coffee extract, you can use instant coffee granules, espresso powder, or even a strong coffee concentrate. Adding 1.5 teaspoons of instant coffee granules to the batter will still deliver that delicious coffee flavor.
What happens if you add coffee to brownies?
Adding coffee to brownies enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a subtle bitterness that balances the sweetness. It creates a more complex and rich taste that many people find irresistible!
The addition of coffee or espresso powder enhances the natural flavor of the chocolate.
Are brownies better with butter or oil?
I prefer vegetable shortening in this recipe. Vegetable shortening creates a fudgier, moister brownie, while butter can sometimes result in a cakier texture.
What makes brownies more moist?
To make moist brownies, avoid overbaking and use vegetable shortening. Adding a little extra vegetable shortening can also help!
Conclusion
These Frosted Coffee Brownies are a delightful treat that combines the best of both worlds: rich chocolate and bold coffee flavor. With their fudgy texture and easy-to-make frosting, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.
I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and let me know how they turn out! Don’t forget to leave a comment below with any questions or share your baking results. Happy baking!
If this Pumpkin Coffee Cake made your kitchen smell like fall, follow us on Pinterest for even more seasonal treats, cozy casseroles, and soul-soothing recipes.
Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe You Need
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and prepare an 8-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper and spray with the non-stick spray.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the vegetable shortening in the microwave.
- In a large bowl, add the melted vegetable shortening, sugar, eggs, vanilla, cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder and stir until well combined.
- Spread the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Allow the brownies to cool and then prepare the frosting.
- Mix the instant coffee into the heavy cream and set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the vegetable shortening until it’s light and fluffy. Slowly add the powdered sugar and keep adding until everything is well combined. Add in 2 tbsp of the heavy cream/coffee combo and mix well. Continue adding cream 1 tbsp at a time until the desired consistency has been reached.
- Frost the brownies, slice, and enjoy!
- Store brownies in an airtight container or freeze them.
