Mocha Brownies with Cafe Latte Frosting Recipe

Easy Mocha Brownies with Cafe Latte Frosting Recipe That Wows

Rich mocha brownies blend the robust intensity of coffee with decadent chocolate depths.

Intense flavors merge seamlessly in this delightful dessert experience.

Smooth textures and complex taste profiles create an irresistible treat for passionate chocolate enthusiasts.

Carefully selected ingredients reinvent ordinary brownies into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Coffee lovers will appreciate the sophisticated balance between deep espresso notes and sweet chocolatey undertones.

Layers of complexity unfold with each delectable bite, promising a sensory journey that tantalizes taste buds.

Indulgent and sophisticated, these brownies elevate the classic chocolate dessert to new gourmet heights.

Mocha Brownies with Cafe Latte Frosting for Coffee and Chocolate Lovers

  • Brew-tiful Coffee Flavor Explosion: Infuse rich, deep coffee notes into both brownie batter and frosting, creating a double-shot of mocha magic that coffee lovers will absolutely adore.
  • Decadent Texture Delight: Achieve that perfect fudgy brownie interior with a slightly crisp top, complemented by silky-smooth cafe latte buttercream that melts beautifully in your mouth.
  • Quick and Easy Cafe Indulgence: Prepare this gourmet dessert in under an hour with simple microwave and mixer techniques, making it an accessible treat for both novice and experienced bakers wanting a sophisticated chocolate-coffee experience.

Ingredients to Blend Chocolate, Espresso, and Creamy Frosting

Mocha Base Ingredients:
  • Chocolate: Rich, dark chocolate provides deep flavor and smooth texture; choose high-quality baking chocolate for best results.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create fudgy brownie texture; use unsalted butter for better control of saltiness.
Dry Ingredients:
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create crisp brownie top; pure white sugar works best.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to brownies; use fresh, sifted flour for smooth batter.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness; fine table salt recommended.
Moisture and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients and create tender texture; use room temperature eggs for better mixing.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity to chocolate flavor; pure vanilla extract preferred over imitation.
  • Instant Coffee Powder: Intensifies chocolate flavor and adds subtle coffee note; choose finely ground instant coffee.
Frosting Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet frosting; sift to remove lumps.
  • Butter: Provides creamy base for frosting; softened to room temperature.
  • Whipping Cream: Adjusts frosting consistency; adds light, smooth texture.
Frosting Flavor Enhancers:
  • Instant Coffee: Creates cafe latte flavor; dissolve completely for smooth frosting.
  • Vanilla Extract: Complements coffee flavor; pure extract recommended.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness in frosting; use fine salt.

How to Bake Rich Mocha Brownies with a Latte Finish

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Station

Grab an 8×8 inch pan and line it with parchment paper. Let the edges hang over for easy lifting later. Set your oven to warm up at 350°F.

Step 2: Create Chocolate Base

Gather your ingredients:
  • Chocolate (chopped)
  • Butter
  • Instant coffee powder

Melt these together in a microwave or double boiler. Stir until smooth and glossy.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Whisk in:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract

Blend until everything looks silky and combined.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in flour and salt. Don’t overmix- keep the batter light and airy.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Pour batter into prepared pan. Spread evenly and slide into preheated oven. Bake for 23-28 minutes until top looks set and a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Craft Cafe Latte Frosting

Dissolve instant coffee in boiling water. Let it cool completely.

Step 7: Whip Buttercream

In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Salt
  • Cooled coffee mixture

Blend until smooth and spreadable.

Step 8: Frost And Serve

Once brownies have cooled, lift them out using parchment paper. Spread frosting with a flat knife. Slice into squares and enjoy your coffee-infused treat!

Tips for Getting the Perfect Swirl of Coffee Flavor

  • Melt Chocolate Carefully: Use medium power in the microwave and stir frequently to prevent burning, ensuring a smooth chocolate base for rich, creamy brownies.
  • Check Brownies Early: Start testing at 23 minutes to avoid overbaking; moist crumbs on the toothpick indicate perfectly baked brownies with a fudgy texture.
  • Chill Coffee Quickly: Speed up coffee cooling by placing the mixture in the freezer for 5-10 minutes, which helps maintain the frosting's ideal consistency.
  • Soften Butter Perfectly: Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing, creating a smooth, lump-free buttercream frosting.
  • Slice Cleanly: Wipe your knife with a hot, damp cloth between cuts to create clean, precise brownie edges and prevent crumbling.

Reheat and Store Mocha Brownies Without Losing Texture

  • Refrigerate: Carefully place brownies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Reheat: Warm brownies gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to soften the frosting and restore their delicious texture.

What to Sip with Mocha Cafe Latte Brownies

  • Pair Creamy Cafe Latte Frosting with Bold Red Wine: Rich, dark chocolate brownies complement a robust cabernet sauvignon, balancing the intense coffee and chocolate flavors with wine's tannic complexity.
  • Serve Alongside Hazelnut Liqueur: Drizzle amaretto or frangelico over brownies to enhance the coffee undertones, creating a decadent dessert experience that highlights nutty, smooth liqueur notes.
  • Complement with Cold Brew Coffee: Chilled, smooth cold brew provides a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, fudgy brownies, intensifying the recipe's coffee essence while offering a crisp drink pairing.
  • Add Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Scoop: Creamy, cold vanilla ice cream melts luxuriously against warm brownies, creating a temperature and flavor contrast that elevates the dessert's richness.

Variations to Try with Your Next Coffee Brownie Batch

  • Java Java Jive: Swap instant coffee with freshly brewed espresso for a more robust, complex coffee flavor. Use dark roast beans to enhance the mocha undertones and create a richer brownie experience.
  • Nutty Mocha Magic: Incorporate chopped almonds or hazelnuts into the brownie batter for added crunch and depth. Sprinkle toasted nuts on top of the cafe latte frosting for extra texture and nutty warmth.
  • Chocolate Chili Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ground chili to the brownie batter for a subtle spicy edge. The heat will complement the coffee's bold notes and create an unexpected flavor profile that tingles the taste buds.
  • Salted Caramel Coffee Dream: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce over the frosted brownies. The sweet-salty combination will elevate the mocha brownie from delicious to extraordinary, creating a complex and indulgent dessert experience.
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Mocha Brownies with Cafe Latte Frosting Recipe

Mocha Brownies with Cafe Latte Frosting Recipe


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4.8 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 16 1x

Description

Indulgent mocha brownies crowned with silky cafe latte frosting deliver rich chocolate and coffee magic. Chocolate enthusiasts and caffeine lovers discover pure bliss in this elegant dessert that merges intense flavor with creamy sophistication.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Chocolate and Coffee Ingredients:

  • 5.5 ounces (155 grams) dark chocolate, finely chopped (60% – 75% cocoa)
  • 1 tablespoon instant coffee powder
  • 1 tablespoon boiling water (for frosting)

Butter and Sugar Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (112 grams) unsalted butter
  • ½ cup (112 grams) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 ½2 cups (165–220 grams) powdered sugar, sifted

Baking and Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs, whisked
  • ¾ cup (84 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (for frosting)
  • 1 tablespoon whipping cream (if needed)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking workspace by positioning an oven rack in the center and warming it to 350°F. Create a non-stick surface in an 8×8 inch pan using parchment paper with extended edges for easy extraction.
  2. Craft the chocolate base by combining chopped chocolate, butter, and instant coffee in a microwave-safe vessel. Gradually melt the mixture using short intervals, stirring between each heating cycle to ensure smooth incorporation.
  3. Allow the melted chocolate mixture to cool slightly, then introduce granulated sugar, whisked eggs, and vanilla extract. Blend thoroughly using a whisk to create a uniform, glossy composition.
  4. Gently integrate flour and salt into the liquid mixture, folding with minimal stirring to maintain a delicate texture. Avoid overmixing to prevent dense brownies.
  5. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, distributing evenly with a spatula. Bake for 23-28 minutes until the surface appears set and a testing implement reveals minimal moisture.
  6. Remove from the oven and allow complete cooling on a wire rack, maintaining the brownies in the original pan.
  7. Prepare the coffee essence by dissolving instant coffee in boiling water, then chill rapidly to room temperature.
  8. Whip softened butter until creamy and light, using an electric mixer at medium speed.
  9. Gradually introduce powdered sugar, beginning with one cup. Incorporate vanilla extract and salt while mixing at low speed.
  10. Blend the cooled coffee mixture into the buttercream, ensuring complete integration.
  11. Continue adding remaining powdered sugar incrementally, adjusting consistency with whipping cream if needed.
  12. Once brownies have cooled completely, lift from the pan using parchment paper edges and transfer to a cutting surface.
  13. Apply cafe latte frosting using a flat-edge knife, creating an even, smooth layer across the brownie surface.
  14. Slice into precise squares and serve at room temperature.

Notes

  • Optimal chocolate melting requires careful microwave intervals or a double boiler technique to prevent burning.
  • Coffee-infused brownies demand precise baking time to maintain a fudgy, moist texture without overcooking.
  • Buttercream frosting’s consistency depends on gradual sugar incorporation and potential cream adjustment for smooth spreading.
  • Parchment paper or foil lining ensures effortless brownie removal and clean cutting.
  • Cooling brownies completely before frosting prevents melting and maintains structural integrity.
  • Room temperature ingredients help create a more uniform and smoother brownie batter and frosting.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks, Drinks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 16
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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