Frosted Mocha Brownies

These mocha brownies created with instant coffee and topped with a fluffy mocha frosting are about as delectable as you can get. I warn you this mocha brownie recipe makes one indulgent dessert, the perfect treat for special occasions. The brownie is not quite gooey yet perfectly fudge-like with a rich texture, and the mocha icing is light and flavorful. 

Why Mocha Brownies?

These brownies are different because they have a strong coffee flavor. The mocha brownie recipe uses instant coffee as the flavoring. The buttercream icing is mixed with coffee and cocoa powder. But don't take it the wrong way. These brownies are just as packed with chocolate flavor as any other great brownies! 

It's also not too sweet, without an overpowering coffee flavor. So if you are looking for a different brownie recipe, this mocha version is a wonderful option. It is a wonderful complement to a mug of chocolatey, black coffee - a tasty treat.

Ingredients For Mocha Brownies

All of the ingredients for this mocha brownie recipe are easy to find. You need to go out and get the cocoa powder and instant coffee powder. When it comes to the texture these brownies lean more towards a fudge-like consistency. In order to achieve this, I added a lot of fat in the form of heavy cream and butter.

• Unsalted Butter: You will add the first batch of fat to the brownie mix! Melt it with the chocolate bars.
• Milk and Dark Chocolate Bars: Make sure the dark chocolate you select is at least 70% to add a deeper flavor.
• Heavy Cream: The second fatty ingredient to add to the mix, these will make the brownies creamy while also ensuring a moist texture. You will also need this for the buttercream frosting.
• Cocoa Powder: You will use cocoa powder for the brownie and the frosting to create a more intense chocolate taste.
• Instant Coffee Powder: This key ingredient is a feature in both the frosting and brownie recipes. Make sure the granules you use are dissolvable. 
• Sugar: If we don't use sugar, this mocha brownie would be very bitter! 
• Flour: We need a bit of flour in this recipe, so create some structure but not too much so that it becomes cakey. 
• Powdered Sugar: It's an ingredient for the buttercream frosting to achieve a light and sweet taste.
• Salt: We can forget the salt! It helps to enhance all the flavors packed into this recipe.

How to Make Mocha Brownies

You will need to make the brownie and frosting separately. Both recipes are easy to follow, but make sure the brownie is cool enough to add the frosting to it. Before you do any of the steps below, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

Make the Brownies

1. In a large bowl, add the flour, salt, and sugar. Mix the ingredients together with a whisk and set the bowl aside.
2. Add the chopped chocolate, butter, coffee powder, cocoa powder, and heavy whipping cream in a heatproof bowl. 
3. Heat the bowl of chocolate in the microwave for about thirty seconds, then pull it out to mix it. Repeat the step until the chocolate is completely melted and all the ingredients are incorporated. You end will up with a thick, almost pudding-like consistency.
4. Pour the chocolate mix into the bowl with the flour mixture. Use an electric beater to mix everything together. 
5. Add the eggs two at a time and beat them into the mix until well incorporated. Repeat this step two more times to use all the eggs.
6. Line a 33x22 cm (13x9 in) baking dish with parchment paper and pour the mocha batter into it. 
7. Bake in the oven for twenty minutes, then pull the pan out and bang it on the countertop several times until you see some cracks appear.
8. Place it back in the oven to bake for fifteen more minutes until it is puffy, but the middle has a tiny wiggle.
9. Remove from the oven and let the mocha brownies cool to room temperature.

Make the Buttercream Mocha Frosting

1. Cream the butter in a bowl, then add the cocoa powder and instant coffee powder. Beat together with an electric mixer.
2. Then add the heavy cream and mix it with the electric beater. 
3. Add a quarter cup of the powdered sugar and mix until well incorporated. Repeat this step until you use all the powdered sugar.
4. You should have a thick buttercream frosting as a result! Spread it on top of the cooled mocha brownies. You'll have a thin layer of frosting packed with mocha flavor. 
5. Gently remove the frosted mocha brownie from the baking dish and cut it into your desired pieces.

How to Serve

These frosted mocha brownies are great with coffee or dark tea. You can also make them ahead of time and place the frosted brownie in the fridge. Overnight the flavors will mellow each other out.