Ingredients
Scale
Brownies
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon espresso powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Coffee Frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese or 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons strong brewed coffee or espresso, adjust to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Measure all ingredients carefully for balanced flavor and texture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, espresso powder, and a pinch of salt to evenly distribute the coffee and chocolate flavors.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, creating a tender structure for the brownies.
- Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract for aromatic depth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep brownies fudgy rather than cakey.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs but no wet batter.
- Prepare the Coffee Frosting: While brownies cool, beat together cream cheese or butter, powdered sugar, and strong brewed coffee or espresso until smooth and creamy. Adjust coffee strength to desired taste.
- Frost and Serve: Once completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the brownies. Cut into squares and enjoy the balanced chocolate and coffee flavors.
Notes
- Use fresh espresso powder for the richest coffee flavor.
- Do not overbake to maintain fudgy, soft texture.
- Cool brownies completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Adjust coffee strength in frosting by tasting as you go.
- Chill frosted brownies for 30 minutes before slicing to avoid smudging.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with substitution)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (1/16 of pan)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: coffee brownies, espresso brownies, coffee frosting, fudgy brownies, chocolate coffee dessert