Mocha Brownies with Café Latte Frosting Recipe

If you are craving a dessert that brings together the intense richness of chocolate and the invigorating kick of coffee, these Mocha Brownies with Café Latte Frosting are your dream come true. Combining the deep flavors of espresso-infused chocolate brownies with a luxuriously smooth café latte frosting, this recipe creates a perfect harmony of indulgence and sophistication. Each bite melts with moist chocolate and is complemented by a creamy coffee-flavored frosting that will make you want to savor every morsel slowly, or maybe not at all because they disappear fast!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because of its straightforward yet carefully chosen ingredients. Every component plays an important role in marrying texture, bold mocha flavor, and that irresistible café latte frosting that elevates these brownies above the ordinary.

• Unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and keeps the brownies moist and tender.
• Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and structure to the brownies.
• Light brown sugar, packed: Offers a deeper, caramel-like sweetness and chewiness.
• Large eggs: Bind ingredients and give structure while contributing to a fudgy texture.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm sweetness.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: The backbone of chocolate flavor for rich, intense brownies.
• Instant espresso powder: Infuses a bold coffee essence to boost the chocolate.
• All-purpose flour: Provides the necessary foundation for the batter.
• Salt: Perfectly balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melt into pockets of gooey chocolate, taking every bite to the next level.
• Unsalted butter, softened: Key for creating a creamy, smooth frosting base.
• Heavy cream or milk: Lightens and smooths out the frosting for perfect spreadability.
• Instant coffee or espresso powder: Adds that signature coffee depth to the frosting.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to silky perfection.
• Vanilla extract: A little extra warmth that makes the frosting irresistible.
• Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder: Optional finishing touch for a beautiful and mocha-rich presentation.

How to Make Mocha Brownies with Café Latte Frosting

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to ensure your brownies come out easily after baking. This simple first step sets the stage for the perfect bake.

Step 2: Mix the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until you get a smooth, glossy mixture. This combination lays down the sweetness and richness that will carry through every bite of your brownies.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract. This process helps incorporate air, resulting in brownies with a tender, fudgy texture that feels decadent but not heavy.

Step 4: Incorporate Cocoa and Espresso Powders

Whisk the unsweetened cocoa powder and instant espresso powder into your mixture until everything is combined perfectly. This step enhances the chocolate’s depth with that bold mocha flavor you love.

Step 5: Fold in Dry Ingredients and Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the all-purpose flour, salt, and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Be careful not to overmix here—stir just until everything is combined to keep your brownies irresistibly fudgy and just the right consistency.

Step 6: Bake Those Brownies

Pour your luscious batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs. This ensures the brownies are cooked perfectly, with a soft center and slightly crisp edges.

Step 7: Cool Completely Before Frosting

Allow the brownies to cool thoroughly in the pan. Trust me, patience here pays off because the frosting will glide on smoothly and stay perfectly intact, giving you that gorgeous layered look and taste.

Step 8: Make the Café Latte Frosting

In a small bowl, dissolve the instant coffee or espresso powder in the heavy cream or milk. Meanwhile, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the coffee-cream mixture, then the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating everything until fluffy and spreadable. This luscious frosting brings the signature ‘café latte’ vibe that completes this dessert.

Step 9: Frost and Finish

Spread the café latte frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. For an elegant and extra touch of mocha goodness, dust with cocoa powder or sprinkle chocolate shavings. Then slice into squares and get ready to indulge!

How to Serve Mocha Brownies with Café Latte Frosting

Garnishes

While these brownies are stunning on their own, a little garnish can take them from great to unforgettable. Freshly grated chocolate or a light dusting of cocoa powder adds visual appeal and an extra mocha punch. If you’re feeling adventurous, a few espresso beans on top offer a delightful crunch and aroma.

Side Dishes

Serving your Mocha Brownies with Café Latte Frosting alongside a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream can make a sensational dessert experience. If you want to keep it lighter, a side of fresh berries adds a refreshing contrast, balancing the depth of chocolate and coffee flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, try layering cut brownie squares in a clear glass or trifle bowl with whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa powder for a visually impressive and delicious mocha parfait. Alternatively, serve small brownie bites on decorative plates with a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce for a fun party treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your brownies are frosted, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to keep them soft and flavorful. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration is fine but bring them to room temperature before serving to let that frosting shine.

Freezing

You can freeze these brownies unfrosted for up to three months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight, then frost right before serving to maintain that perfect café latte frosting texture and flavor.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy warmed brownies, heat individual unfrosted pieces for about 10 seconds in the microwave. Alternatively, place the whole unfrosted slab in a warm oven for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving frosted brownies to keep the frosting’s creaminess intact.

FAQs

Can I substitute regular coffee for instant espresso powder in the recipe?

Instant espresso powder is preferable because it dissolves easily and delivers intense coffee flavor without extra liquid. Regular brewed coffee could affect the batter’s consistency, so if using regular coffee, reduce other liquids accordingly and expect a milder coffee taste.

How do I make the frosting less sweet?

To reduce sweetness in the café latte frosting, you can decrease the powdered sugar slightly or add a pinch of salt to balance the flavors. Tasting as you go is key—adjust until the frosting suits your palate perfectly.

Are these brownies gluten-free?

No, this recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking, but the texture might vary slightly from the classic fudgy brownies.

Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?

Absolutely! Using dark chocolate chips will make your Mocha Brownies with Café Latte Frosting even richer with a slightly less sweet, more intense chocolate flavor. It’s a great choice if you prefer deeper chocolate notes.

What’s the best way to cut these brownies for neat squares?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts to prevent smearing the frosting. Chilling the brownies for a little while before slicing also helps achieve clean edges, making the presentation as delightful as the taste.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend enough trying these Mocha Brownies with Café Latte Frosting if you want to treat yourself or impress friends with a chocolate-coffee delight that feels both decadent and comforting. The luscious blend of flavors and textures makes every bite pure joy. Get ready for your new favorite dessert that’s destined to become a classic in your kitchen!

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