Mocha Brownies with Café Latte Frosting Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These mocha brownies strike the perfect balance between rich chocolate and aromatic coffee. The brownies themselves are dense and fudgy, offering a deep cocoa flavor with the subtle kick of espresso powder. The café latte frosting adds a creamy, coffee-infused sweetness that complements the chocolate perfectly. Plus, it’s easy to make, and with just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this treat for any occasion. Topped with chocolate shavings or a sprinkle of cocoa powder, these brownies are as delicious as they are beautiful.

Ingredients

Mocha Brownies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1½ cups granulated sugar

• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed

• 4 large eggs

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Café Latte Frosting:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2 tablespoon heavy cream or milk

• 1 tablespoon instant coffee or espresso powder

• 1½ cups powdered sugar

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Topping:

• Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for dusting

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Make the Mocha Brownies:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.

2. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until the mixture is light and glossy.

3. Whisk in cocoa powder and espresso powder until fully combined.

4. Fold in flour, salt, and chocolate chips until just mixed—do not overmix.

5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.

Bake:

1. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs.

2. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before frosting.

Make the Café Latte Frosting:

1. Dissolve the instant coffee or espresso powder in the cream (or milk).

2. In a bowl, beat softened butter until creamy.

3. Add the coffee-cream mixture and beat until smooth.

4. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.

Frost and Serve:

1. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies.

2. Sprinkle with chocolate shavings or dust with cocoa powder, if desired.

3. Cut into squares and serve.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 35 minutes

• Chill Time: 1 hour (cooling + frosting set)

• Yield: 16 brownies

Variations

1. Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter for extra crunch.

2. Chocolate Frosting: If you prefer a more traditional topping, replace the café latte frosting with a classic chocolate ganache.

3. Flavor Swap: For a different coffee flavor, try using flavored coffee powder (like caramel or hazelnut) in the frosting.

4. Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend.

5. Vegan Version: Use vegan butter, a dairy-free milk alternative, and a flaxseed egg substitute for a vegan-friendly treat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.

• Reheating: To enjoy them warm, microwave individual squares for 10–15 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

How long do mocha brownies last?

Mocha brownies can last up to 3 days at room temperature in an airtight container or up to a week in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze mocha brownies?

Yes, you can freeze the brownies! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Can I make these brownies without espresso powder?

Yes, you can substitute espresso powder with instant coffee or omit it entirely for a more subtle chocolate flavor.

What can I use instead of heavy cream in the frosting?

You can substitute heavy cream with milk or a non-dairy milk alternative like almond or oat milk.

Can I use salted butter for the frosting?

It’s best to use unsalted butter for the frosting to control the salt content. If you use salted butter, omit the additional salt in the frosting.

How can I make the frosting fluffier?

To achieve a lighter, fluffier frosting, beat the mixture for a longer period of time after adding the powdered sugar.

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the frosting ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Let it come to room temperature before spreading it on the brownies.

Is it necessary to cool the brownies before frosting?

Yes, letting the brownies cool completely before adding the frosting ensures that the frosting doesn’t melt and slide off.

Can I add more chocolate chips to the brownie batter?

Absolutely! Feel free to add extra chocolate chips or even chunks of your favorite chocolate bar for a more decadent treat.

Can I use a different size baking pan?

Yes, you can use a different size pan, but the baking time may change. If using a smaller pan, the brownies may need a longer baking time, and if using a larger pan, they may bake faster.

Conclusion

Mocha brownies with café latte frosting are the perfect dessert for coffee lovers and chocolate aficionados alike. The combination of rich, fudgy brownies and creamy, coffee-infused frosting creates a treat that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Whether served at a gathering or enjoyed as a personal treat, these brownies are sure to be a hit every time!