Frosted Mocha Brownies with Instant Coffee

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 for a very indulgent dessert! The brownie is just a bit gooey, perfectly fudge-like with a rich texture.

Update Disclosure: This post has been updated for one or more of the following reasons: easier reading, updated photos, clearer instructions, and just plain ol' improvements to the recipe (as noted).

Jump to:

• Why Mocha Brownies?
• Ingredients
• Substitutes
• Recipe Tips
• How to Make Mocha Brownies
• How to Serve
• Frosted Mocha Brownies with Instant Coffee
• Have You Tried This Recipe?

Why Mocha Brownies?

These brownies are different because they have a strong coffee flavor from the instant coffee powder. The buttercream icing is also a blend of coffee and cocoa powder. But don't take it the wrong way: these brownies are just as packed with chocolate flavor as any other brownie!

It's also not too sweet. So if you are looking for a different brownie recipe, this mocha version is a wonderful option.

Ingredients

All of the ingredients for this mocha brownie recipe are easy to find. When it comes to 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: These will make the brownies creamy while also ensuring a soft 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.
  
  
• Sugar: If we don't use sugar, this mocha brownie would be very bitter! 
  
  
• Flour: We need a bit of flour in this recipe to 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't forget the salt! It helps to enhance all the flavors packed into this recipe.

Substitutes

• Cream: You can use evaporated milk or whole milk instead of cream.

Recipe Tips

• Completely Dissolve the Instant Coffee: Doing this will help create a smooth consistency for the brownie and avoid large pockets of bitter coffee.
  
  
• Do Not Over Bake: Check on your brownie as it bakes and look for that little wiggle in the center. This will ensure that you get the fudgy texture.

How to Make Mocha Brownies

You will need to make the brownie and frosting separately. The instructions are easy to follow, but make sure the brownie is cool enough to add the frosting on top. 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 will end up with a thick, 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 wiggles just a bit.
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 of 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 brownies in the fridge. Overnight the flavors will mellow each other out.