Coffee Brownies Recipe

If you are a fan of rich, decadent desserts that bring a little extra pep to your step, these Coffee Brownies are going to become your new obsession. Imagine fudgy, moist brownies with just the right touch of coffee’s bold, aromatic flavor woven seamlessly through the chocolate, creating a harmonious dance on your tongue. Topped with a luscious coffee frosting and a silky chocolate glaze, these brownies transform a classic treat into something extraordinary. Whether you’re looking to impress friends or treat yourself, Coffee Brownies offer a perfect balance of comfort and sophistication that makes every bite memorable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind these Coffee Brownies lies in a handful of simple but powerful ingredients. Each one is essential, contributing to the perfect fudgy texture, rich coffee undertone, and beautifully balanced sweetness. Let’s break down what you’ll need.

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Provides a silky richness and keeps the brownies moist and tender.
• ¼ cup dark cocoa powder: Adds deep chocolate flavor and a slight bitterness to complement the coffee.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the brownies and helps create a tender crumb.
• 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder: Infuses the batter with vibrant coffee flavor without overpowering the chocolate.
• 2 large eggs: Act as a binder, adding structure and moisture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor complexity with warm, sweet notes.
• ½ teaspoon table salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate and coffee aroma.
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder: Offers a gentle lift for the right texture.
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour: Creates the body for the brownies, ensuring they’re not too cakey or dense.
• 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream: Used in the coffee frosting for a rich and creamy texture.
• 1 ½ teaspoons instant coffee granules: Delivers a concentrated coffee punch in the frosting.
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened: Essential for the smooth, spreadable coffee frosting.
• ⅛ teaspoon salt: Brings balance to the sweetness in the frosting.
• 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting into its delightful, fluffy consistency.
• ½ cup dark chocolate chips: Needed for the final chocolate topping that adds shine and extra richness.
• 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream: Combined with chocolate chips to create a luscious ganache-like finish.

How to Make Coffee Brownies

Step 1: Preparing the Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees and lining an 8×8 pan with foil, then spray it with a nonstick baking spray to make sure your brownies come out cleanly. Melt the butter and mix it thoroughly with the dark cocoa powder until smooth. This blend forms the chocolatey base that will give your brownies that intense, fudgy flavor.

Step 2: Mixing the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat together granulated sugar, eggs, instant espresso powder, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and full of air bubbles. This step is crucial for a delicate texture and the delightful coffee essence throughout your brownies. Then, fold in the chocolate-butter mixture to marry the chocolate and coffee flavors beautifully.

Step 3: Combining the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together salt, baking powder, and flour. Then, gently fold these into your wet ingredients, taking care not to overmix. This will create a perfectly tender crumb while keeping the brownies dense and fudgy—exactly how you want your Coffee Brownies to be.

Step 4: Baking to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth it out evenly. Bake for about 25 to 28 minutes. You want to remove the brownies when a toothpick poked into the center comes out a little sticky—this means they’re perfectly fudgy and not overbaked. Cool them completely before moving on to frosting.

Step 5: Making the Coffee Frosting

Mix the heavy whipping cream with instant coffee granules until the coffee dissolves completely. In a new bowl, beat softened butter and salt until creamy. Gradually add in powdered sugar and coffee cream mixture, beating the whole time until you get a luscious, fluffy frosting. This is the signature creamy layer that turns your Coffee Brownies into a showstopper.

Step 6: Adding the Chocolate Topping

For that final touch, combine dark chocolate chips and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second increments, stirring until smooth and glossy. This rich chocolate glaze adds shine and a decadent finishing touch to your brownies. Spread it over the coffee frosting and allow it to set before slicing into 16 squares.

How to Serve Coffee Brownies

Garnishes

To amp up the presentation and add a little texture, try dusting your Coffee Brownies with a light sprinkle of cocoa powder or instant espresso powder just before serving. A few chocolate shavings or chopped espresso beans also add an elegant touch and hint at the delicious flavors inside.

Side Dishes

These brownies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, which offer a cool contrast to the intense chocolate and coffee flavors. For a refreshing balance, serve with fresh berries or a simple fruit compote to brighten the palate.

Coffee Brownies Creative Ways to Present

Want to surprise your guests? Cut the brownies into bite-sized squares and serve on fancy toothpicks as coffee brownie bites at your next party. Or layer them in a trifle bowl with whipped cream and chocolate mousse for an irresistible layered dessert. You can even wrap individual brownies in parchment paper and tie with twine for a charming homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted and topped, Coffee Brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them moist and fresh while allowing the flavors to meld even more. If your kitchen is warm, consider refrigerating them to maintain the frosting’s texture, but bring them back to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

These brownies freeze beautifully. Wrap each brownie tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, where they will last for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

If you like your brownies slightly warm, pop a piece in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This brings out the gooey, melt-in-your-mouth sensation that makes Coffee Brownies so irresistible. Just be careful not to overheat, or the frosting might soften too much.

FAQs

Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of instant espresso powder?

While brewed coffee adds moisture and flavor, instant espresso powder gives a more concentrated coffee presence without changing the texture of the brownies. Using brewed coffee may alter the final consistency, so sticking with instant espresso powder is best for these Coffee Brownies.

What if I don’t have dark cocoa powder? Can I use regular cocoa powder?

Regular cocoa powder will work but will produce a milder chocolate flavor. Dark cocoa powder intensifies the richness and pairs better with the coffee notes, so if you can find it, it’s worth using for the best results.

Is it possible to make these brownies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. Just be mindful that the texture might vary slightly, but the flavor of these Coffee Brownies will still shine through.

How strong is the coffee flavor?

The coffee flavor in these brownies is pleasantly noticeable but not overpowering. It’s designed to complement and enhance the chocolate rather than dominate the taste, making them enjoyable even for those who aren’t usually coffee lovers.

Can I skip the chocolate topping?

You can definitely forgo the chocolate glaze if you want a simpler treat. The frosting will still provide plenty of flavor and creaminess, but the chocolate topping adds a lovely shiny and rich finish that makes the brownies extra special.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting and indulgent about these Coffee Brownies, and I can’t recommend them enough for your next baking adventure. They’re simple to make but deliver an incredibly sophisticated flavor that’s sure to delight anyone lucky enough to try them. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to fall in love with brownies all over again.

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