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A single square slice of a fudgy coffee brownies recipe topped with a thick layer of swirled mocha buttercream on a plate.

Fudgy Chocolate Coffee Brownies Recipe

This coffee brownies recipe delivers intensely rich chocolate bars infused with aromatic instant coffee and topped with a luxurious layer of mocha frosting.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 37 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16 bars

Ingredients
  

For the Brownie Base
  • 1/2 cup approx. 115g unsalted butter, melted and warm
  • 1 cup approx. 200g granulated white sugar
  • 1/4 cup approx. 50g light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1.5 tablespoons approx. 9g instant coffee granules or espresso powder
  • 1 teaspoon approx. 5ml vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup approx. 64g all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup approx. 42g Dutch-process cocoa powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon approx. 1.5g fine sea salt

For the Mocha Frosting
  • 1/2 cup approx. 115g unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 2 cups approx. 240g powdered confectioners' sugar
  • 2 tablespoons approx. 16g Dutch-process cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon approx. 15ml strongly brewed liquid espresso, cooled
  • 1 tablespoon approx. 15ml heavy cream

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your kitchen oven to 350°F (180°C) and line an 8-inch (20cm) square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk the warm melted butter, white granulated sugar, and packed light brown sugar together until completely combined.
  • Add the instant coffee granules and vanilla extract, welcoming them into the warm fat until fully dissolved.
  • Crack in the room-temperature eggs one at a time, beating the mixture aggressively for one full minute until the batter turns thick and shiny.
  • Sift the all-purpose flour, Dutch cocoa powder, and fine sea salt directly into the wet base, then fold gently with a rubber spatula just until the dry spots vanish.
  • Pour the thick chocolate batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly into the corners.
  • Bake for exactly 22 minutes until the edges are set but the center remains slightly soft to the touch.
  • Remove from the oven and let the pan cool completely on a metal wire rack before attempting to frost.
  • To make the frosting, beat the softened butter in a stand mixer for 2 minutes until light and creamy.
  • Gradually add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, cooled brewed espresso, and heavy cream, whipping on high speed until fluffy.
  • Spread the mocha frosting evenly across the cooled brownie slab, slice into 16 squares, and serve.

Notes

  • Coffee Intensity: If you prefer a milder taste, drop the instant coffee granules down to 1 tablespoon in the brownie base.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in a single layer inside an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.