Picture this: a cozy evening at home, the kind that beckons for something sweet to accompany your favorite cup of coffee. That’s when I stumbled upon my new obsession: Mocha Brownies with Café Latte Frosting. With every bite, these fudgy brownies hit the perfect balance of rich dark chocolate and strong coffee, mixed together to create a dessert that easily rivals your favorite café treat.
To my delight, whipping up these mocha-infused delights is as simple as it is rewarding. The secret lies in using high-quality dark chocolate and a hint of instant coffee that transforms the ordinary into something extraordinary. Best of all, you won’t be trapped in a kitchen for hours—this recipe takes just over an hour from start to finish, including baking!
So, whether you’re looking to impress guests at your next gathering or simply want a pick-me-up after a long day, these brownies are sure to please. Let’s dive into the recipe and bring a little café magic to your home!
Why love Mocha Brownies with Café Latte Frosting?
Decadence Awaits: These brownies are a rich blend of dark chocolate and coffee, creating an irresistible taste sensation.
Effortless Preparation: You don’t have to be a baking expert; the simple steps make this recipe approachable for everyone.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in, they are bound to impress friends and family alike.
Versatile Treat: Serve them as an indulgent dessert or with your morning coffee for a delightful twist.
Quick and Convenient: With just over an hour to prepare and bake, you can satisfy your sweet tooth without losing time.
Elevate your dessert game with these scrumptious brownies, and don’t forget to check out our tips for perfectly baking brownies!
Mocha Brownies with Café Latte Frosting Ingredients
For the Brownies
• Dark Chocolate – finely chopped (60% – 75% cocoa) for a rich, deep flavor.
• Unsalted Butter – brings a creamy texture; ensure it’s at room temperature for easier mixing.
• Instant Coffee Powder – enhances the chocolate flavor; feel free to adjust for your taste.
• Granulated Sugar – adds sweetness and helps create that chewy texture.
• Vanilla Extract – elevates the overall flavor profile for balanced sweetness.
• Large Eggs – provide structure; whisk well for a fluffier brownie.
• Salt – a pinch enhances all the flavors in the brownies.
• All-Purpose Flour – use spooned & leveled for accurate measurement and optimal texture.
For the Café Latte Frosting
• Instant Coffee Powder – dissolved in boiling water to infuse a strong coffee flavor.
• Unsalted Butter – softened to room temperature for a smooth frosting consistency.
• Powdered Sugar – sifted to avoid lumps, adjust the amount based on desired sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract – boosts the flavor of the frosting delightful.
• Salt – balances sweetness in the frosting.
• Whipping Cream – add this if needed, for a creamier frosting consistency.
Indulge in the rich delight of these Mocha Brownies with Café Latte Frosting, and prepare to impress!
How to Make Mocha Brownies with Café Latte Frosting
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, and lightly grease it for easy brownie removal.
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Melt the chocolate, butter, and instant coffee in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 45-second intervals on medium power, stirring until completely melted and smooth, or alternatively, use a double boiler over low heat.
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Mix in the sugar, whisked eggs, and vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture. Stir well until everything is combined and smooth.
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Combine the flour and salt into the chocolate mixture. Gently fold to ensure no dry bits remain, maintaining a thick batter consistency.
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Spread the batter in your prepared pan, smoothing it out with a spatula. Bake for 23-28 minutes, or until the top is set and a toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist brownie crumbs.
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Cool the brownies in the pan on a wire rack before frosting them. This allows the texture to firm up before the rich layer of frosting.
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Dissolve the instant coffee in boiling water. Whisk it until fully incorporated and allow it to cool completely before using it in the frosting.
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Beat the softened butter in a large bowl for about 1 minute until it’s light and fluffy. Slowly mix in 1 cup of powdered sugar, along with vanilla and salt, on low speed.
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Incorporate the cooled coffee mixture into the butter mixture carefully. Ensure the coffee isn’t warm to avoid melting the frosting.
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Add the rest of the powdered sugar gradually (about 1/2 cup at a time), mixing until you achieve your desired sweetness and consistency. If needed, add a tablespoon of cream for extra creaminess.
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Frost the cooled brownies using a flat-edge knife for an even layer. Lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment overhang and slice them with a sharp knife for perfect portions.
Optional: Sprinkle with cocoa powder for a lovely finish.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Mocha Brownies with Café Latte Frosting
- Quality Matters: Use high-quality dark chocolate (60%-75% cocoa) for the most intense flavor; don’t skimp, as it’s the star of this recipe.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter, helping the brownies rise evenly without dense spots.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix until just combined when incorporating flour; overmixing can lead to tougher brownies instead of that lovely fudgy texture.
- Check for Doneness: Bake until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs—not completely clean—to keep them chewy; each oven may vary slightly in timing.
- Cool Completely: Allow brownies to cool fully before frosting; this prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a beautiful presentation.
- Customize Your Frosting: Feel free to adjust the instant coffee in the frosting according to your taste; a bolder coffee flavor can really elevate the Mocha Brownies with Café Latte Frosting!
Mocha Brownies with Café Latte Frosting Variations
Feel free to get creative with these brownies and adapt them to suit your taste buds!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a deliciously inclusive treat.
- Nutty Twist: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for an extra crunchy contrast. The nuts will provide a delightful texture and complement the rich chocolate beautifully.
- Spicy Kick: For a surprise heat, sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder. It adds a subtle warmth that’ll excite your palate!
- Minty Delight: Incorporate 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract instead of vanilla for a refreshing holiday twist. You could even top with crushed peppermint candies for added festive flair.
- Coffee Lovers’ Dream: Use espresso powder in place of instant coffee for a more robust flavor kick. It takes the mocha experience up a notch, enticing true coffee aficionados!
- Caramel Drizzle: Before serving, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the frosted brownies for a rich and gooey indulgence. The combination of flavors is simply heavenly.
- Vegan Option: Swap eggs for 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce and use plant-based butter and dark chocolate to make this a vegan-friendly dessert. Many guests will appreciate this thoughtful twist!
- Flavorful Frosting: Experiment with flavored extracts, like hazelnut or almond, in the frosting to complement the mocha flavor. A subtle change can create an entirely new experience!
What to Serve with Mocha Brownies with Café Latte Frosting?
Embrace the pleasure of pairing these delectable brownies with delightful accompaniments that enhance their rich chocolatey and coffee-flavored essence.
- Rich Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that contrasts beautifully with the dense brownies, elevating every bite with creamy sweetness.
- Espresso: The bold flavor of a shot of espresso intensifies the coffee notes in the frosting, creating a sophisticated dessert experience.
- Fresh Berries: Strawberries or raspberries provide a refreshing burst of tartness, balancing the sweetness and richness of the brownies.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of whipped cream adds a wonderful texture and a touch of sweetness to every slice.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce on top creates an indulgent layer, perfect for chocoholics looking for an extra treat.
- Chai Latte: The spicy notes of a chai latte contrast wonderfully with the mocha flavors, making for a comforting cozy drink pairing.
- Iced Coffee: Chilling your coffee brings a refreshing twist, ensuring each brownie is savored while keeping you cool.
- Nutty Trail Mix: A crunchy mix can act as a delightful textural contrast to the fudgy brownies, adding a satisfying crunch to each mouthful.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzling some salted caramel over the brownies creates an unforgettable sweet-and-salty combo that’s utterly irresistible.
- Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips: These crispy, sweet bites provide a unique twist, enhancing the dessert experience with flavor and texture variety.
Make Ahead Options
These Mocha Brownies with Café Latte Frosting are perfect for busy cooks looking to save time in the kitchen! You can prepare the brownie batter up to 24 hours in advance by mixing it and refrigerating it in an airtight container. The frosting can be made ahead too; just store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply pour the cold batter into your prepared pan and bake as directed. For the frosting, let it sit at room temperature for a bit to soften before spreading it on the cooled brownies. This way, you’ll enjoy these delightful treats fresh and just as delicious, with minimal effort on serving day!
How to Store and Freeze Mocha Brownies with Café Latte Frosting
Room Temperature: Keep brownies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain their fudgy texture and flavor.
Fridge: For longer freshness, store the brownies in the fridge for up to 1 week; ensure they’re wrapped well to avoid drying out.
Freezer: Freeze brownies wrapped in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating: To revive their fudgy goodness, microwave a slice for 10-15 seconds or enjoy them chilled for a refreshing treat!
Mocha Brownies with Café Latte Frosting Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right dark chocolate for the brownies?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, opt for high-quality dark chocolate with a cocoa content of 60% to 75%. This range provides a rich, intense chocolate flavor that beautifully complements the coffee, ensuring every bite is decadent.
How should I store the brownies after baking?
To keep your brownies fresh and fudgy, store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, place them in the fridge for up to a week, ensuring they are tightly wrapped to prevent drying out.
Can I freeze Mocha Brownies with Café Latte Frosting?
Very! To freeze, wrap the brownies well in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight before indulging in their delightful flavors once again.
What do I do if the brownies come out too dry or cakey?
If your brownies turn out dry or overly cakey, this can often be attributed to overbaking or overmixing the batter. For next time, reduce baking time slightly—check for doneness with a toothpick when it has moist crumbs rather than clean. Also, keep mixing to a minimum when adding flour; just fold until combined.
Is there a way to adjust this recipe for dietary restrictions, like gluten-free or dairy-free?
Absolutely! For a gluten-free version, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free options, swap out the unsalted butter for dairy-free alternatives like coconut oil or a plant-based butter. Just make sure to check that all your other ingredients, like the chocolate and powdered sugar, are dairy-free as well!
Can I use decaf coffee instead for a milder flavor?
Absolutely! Using decaf coffee powder is a great idea if you prefer a milder flavor without caffeine. This allows you to enjoy the rich mocha taste without the jitters while still delighting in that coffee essence with the brownies.
Decadent Mocha Brownies with Café Latte Frosting Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, and lightly grease it for easy brownie removal.
- Melt the chocolate, butter, and instant coffee in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 45-second intervals on medium power, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
- Mix in the sugar, whisked eggs, and vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture. Stir well until everything is combined and smooth.
- Combine the flour and salt into the chocolate mixture. Gently fold to ensure no dry bits remain.
- Spread the batter in your prepared pan, smoothing it out with a spatula. Bake for 23-28 minutes, or until the top is set and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool the brownies in the pan on a wire rack before frosting them.
- Dissolve the instant coffee in boiling water. Whisk it until fully incorporated and allow it to cool completely before using it in the frosting.
- Beat the softened butter in a large bowl for about 1 minute until it’s light and fluffy. Slowly mix in powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt on low speed.
- Incorporate the cooled coffee mixture into the butter mixture carefully.
- Add the rest of the powdered sugar gradually, mixing until you achieve your desired sweetness and consistency.
- Frost the cooled brownies using a flat-edge knife for an even layer.