Indulge in the Best Ever Mocha Buttercream Brownies Recipe
Picture this: you’ve had a long day at work, your feet ache, and you’re in desperate need of a pick-me-up. You walk into your kitchen and the smell of freshly baked brownies hits you like a warm hug. But not just any brownies, oh no. These are mocha buttercream brownies – fudgy chocolate brownies spiked with a triple hit of espresso, topped with creamy mocha buttercream frosting.
As a barista, I know a thing or two about coffee, and I’m telling you that these brownies are the ultimate caffeine and sugar fix. The recipe is simple to follow, but the results are extraordinary. Trust me when I say that one bite of these babies will transport you to your favorite cafe, sipping on your go-to caffeinated beverage.
So, whether you need an indulgent dessert to impress your friends or simply want to treat yourself on a lazy Sunday afternoon, these mocha buttercream brownies are the answer. Get ready to sink your teeth into pure chocolatey bliss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a coffee lover in search of a decadent treat? Look no further than these Mocha Buttercream Brownies! This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves the rich flavor of chocolate combined with the bold, energizing taste of coffee.
If you’re a fan of mocha lattes or chocolate-covered espresso beans, these brownies are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. The fudgy chocolate base is spiked with instant espresso, giving you a super moist and ultra-rich experience that will have you coming back for more.
But it doesn’t stop there – topped with a creamy mocha buttercream frosting, these brownies are taken to the next level. Made with unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and hot water mixed with instant coffee powder and ground cardamom or cinnamon, this frosting is the perfect complement to the chocolatey goodness underneath it all.
These Mocha Buttercream Brownies are sure to impress at any gathering or event. Not only do they taste incredible, but they’re also super easy to make. Plus, you can easily switch things up by adding your favourite toppings like chocolate chips, cocoa powder, or whipped cream.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker looking to expand your repertoire of delicious treats or just someone in search of a sweet pick-me-up after a long day at work, these Mocha Buttercream Brownies won’t disappoint. So grab your apron and get ready to indulge in one of the most heavenly desserts out there!
Ingredient List
Let’s start by gathering all the ingredients needed to make these indulgent Mocha Buttercream Brownies! This recipe has two main components: the fudgy chocolate brownies and the decadent mocha buttercream frosting. Make sure to have all the ingredients on hand before starting to bake.
For the Brownies:
- Butter 1 ½ sticks (or ¾ cup) unsalted, softened
- Granulated sugar 1 ¾ cups
- Cocoa powder 1 cup
- Instant espresso powder 2 teaspoons mixed with ¼ cup hot water
- Eggs 2 large
- Water â…” cup
- All-purpose flour 1 â…“ cups
- Ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon
- Ground cardamom 1 teaspoon
For the Mocha Buttercream Frosting:
- Unsalted butter 2 sticks (or 1 cup), softened
- Powdered sugar 4 cups
- Instant coffee granules or instant espresso powder, dissolved in hot water -1 tablespoon
- Heavy whipping cream â…“ cup
- A pinch of salt
Be ready to indulge in some serious chocolate and coffee flavors!
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s turn our attention to the most important part of this recipe article: The Recipe How-To. Below is a detailed set of instructions that will guide you through making these Mocha Buttercream Brownies with ease.
Prep Time
Before diving in, it’s essential to prep all your ingredients and equipment. Here’s a quick rundown of everything you’ll need:
Equipment:
- 9×9-inch square baking dish
- Medium bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or hand mixer
Ingredients for Brownies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp hot water
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Ingredients for Mocha Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- â…“ cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons instant coffee granules
Keep in mind; you don’t have to follow this recipe precisely. Insection five, you will find some substitutions and variations if you want to make a few tweaks.
Let’s Get Started
Step by step, we will show you how to make fudgy mocha brownies with velvety mocha frosting in just an hour.
Step One: Make the Brownies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Grease a baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar, cocoa powder, instant espresso powder, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Add soft butter to sugar mixture to make a paste.
- Beat in eggs, one at a time until they are well incorporated into the batter.
- Pour the hot water into the vanilla extract and mix them together before adding it to the batter.
- Add flour on top of the mixture and whisk it lightly until everything is combined.
- Pour the batter into the greased baking dish
- Bake for around 30-35 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean while inserting it in the center.
Step Two: Make Mocha Buttercream Frosting
- While brownies cool, make mocha buttercream frosting by combining powdered sugar, softened unsalted butter, instant coffee granules, vanilla, and whipping cream. You can use either an electric mixer or a whisk to do this job.
- Beat all ingredients until you get a smooth and fluffy consistency.
Step Three: Assemble Brownies with Frosting
- Once brownies have cooled completely, spread frosting over the top using an offset spatula or butter knife.
- You can
Substitutions and Variations
Now, let’s talk about Substitutions and Variations. I understand that not everyone has the exact ingredients listed on hand, or may want to put their own spin on a recipe. So fear not! Here are some ideas for making this recipe your own.
If you don’t have instant espresso or instant coffee powder, you can use regular coffee grounds. However, keep in mind that the flavor may be less concentrated than with instant coffee.
For those who want a little extra spice in their life, try adding 1/2 teaspoon each of ground cardamom and ground cinnamon to the brownie batter. This will give the brownies a warm and exotic twist.
Are you a fan of café lattes? Why not transform these brownies into café latte brownies by using milk instead of water. Simply mix together 1/2 cup of milk with 1 1/2 teaspoons of instant coffee granules and add this mixture to the brownie batter along with the eggs.
For those who prefer to avoid caffeine, you can easily swap out the espresso powder for something like cocoa powder or even red velvet cake mix to create a delicious variation that’s just as tasty.
Looking for more frosting options? You could try a mocha cream cheese frosting or make a simple chocolate ganache instead of buttercream frosting. The possibilities are endless!
Lastly, if you’re feeling experimental, why not try spiking the brownies with more flavors? For example, you could add some chopped hazelnuts or white chocolate chips to the batter before baking. Or maybe even a sprinkle of sea salt to balance out all that sweetness.
No matter what substitution or variation you choose, don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen!
Serving and Pairing
Welcome to our section on serving and pairing for our delicious Mocha Buttercream Brownies Recipe! These brownies have a rich, fudgy texture with a distinct mocha flavor that will beg to be savored with a warm cup of coffee. But why stop there? Here are some ideas to create the perfect indulgent pairing:
Serving Suggestions:
– For an extra luxurious touch, melt some high-quality chocolate and drizzle it on top.
– Make it a la mode by adding a scoop or two of your favorite ice cream on the side.
– Don’t forget to dust the brownies with some cocoa powder, powdered sugar or cinnamon.
Pairing Ideas:
– Keep it classic and pair with your favorite coffee or tea, it’ll bring out its mocha notes.
– A glass of milk will cut through the richness and balance out these sweet and gooey brownies.
– If you’re feeling daring, serve these brownies alongside a small glass of Bailey’s Irish Cream – this will be sure to elevate your dessert game!
Now that we’ve given you some inspiration, take these treats to the next level by indulging in one (or all!) of our suggested pairings. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As much as we love these mocha buttercream brownies fresh and warm out of the oven, it is practical to store leftovers for longer enjoyment. These rich fudgy chocolate brownies spiked with espresso flavor taste even better after a day or two in the fridge. In fact, you can prepare them up to 2-3 days ahead, and they will still be deliciously moist and chewy.
To store the brownies, simply let them cool to room temperature, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You may also transfer them into an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days, or in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
If you need to reheat the brownies before serving, preheat your oven to 325 F (160 C). Remove the wrapping and place the brownies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you may reheat individual servings in the microwave on high power for 10-15 seconds per piece.
Keep in mind that excessive reheating may cause your mocha buttercream frosting to melt or lose its shape, so it’s best to enjoy the brownies at room temperature or chilled. They make an excellent breakfast treat with hot coffee or cafe latte, or a decadent dessert paired with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Don’t forget to label your brownies with dates and names to avoid confusion in storage. If you’re planning to share your mocha brownies with friends, you can easily double the recipe and cut them into smaller bite-sized squares. They are perfect for potlucks, bake sales, birthdays, office parties or any occasions that call for something indulgent and comforting.
With these storing and reheating tips, you can definitely satisfy your cravings for mocha buttercream brownies any time of the day or night!
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve perfection in your Mocha Buttercream Brownies recipe, follow these helpful tips and tricks that I have learned through my years in the coffee industry.
Firstly, do not overmix the brownie batter. It’s crucial to mix it until everything is just combined, or else the brownies will become tough and dry. I recommend mixing the batter by hand instead of using an electric mixer to have more control over the texture of your brownies.
Secondly, ensure that you use room temperature butter when making both the brownies and frosting. The softened butter will easily combine with other ingredients, helping you achieve a smooth texture.
Thirdly, chose a good-quality cocoa powder for your brownies. High-quality cocoa powder has more chocolate solids and has had less fat removed than lower-quality cocoa, ensuring a rich flavor that harmonizes the coffee notes.
Fourthly, Do not over-bake! Brownies are best when they’re fudgy and moist, not dry and crumbly. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the brownies. If it comes out clean or with only a few crumbs still sticking to it, then they are ready!
Fifthly, if you want your mocha buttercream frosting to be extra fluffy, whip the butter first before adding the powdered sugar. And make sure to sift the powdered sugar; those annoying lumps can ruin your smooth creamy frosting consistency.
Lastly, let them chill in the fridge before cutting them into squares. Cooling allows your mocha buttercream to set nicely. Plus, chilled Mocha Buttercream Brownies are delightful with hot beverages like tea or cafe latte.
Follow these easy but efficient tips to guarantee scrumptious Mocha Buttercream Brownies that everyone in your family will crave!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, making these mocha buttercream brownies is a perfect way to impress your friends and family. The combination of the fudgy chocolate brownies spiked with espresso and topped with mocha buttercream frosting is simply irresistible. These brownies are super moist and have a deep, rich flavor that will satisfy your cravings for something sweet and decadent.
What’s more, this recipe comes with various substitutions and variations to fit every taste and occasion. Whether you prefer triple chocolate or red velvet brownies, or want to make a chocolate hazelnut or white chocolate cake, you can easily adapt this recipe to suit your needs.
So why not take the leap and try out these mocha buttercream brownies recipe? With just a few ingredients and some simple steps, you can elevate your homemade brownies to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Remember to follow the tips for perfect results and make-ahead, storing, and reheating directions to get the best results every time. And don’t hesitate to consult the FAQ section if you encounter any difficulties or have any questions.
In the end, the key is to have fun experimenting with different variations and making this recipe your own. So grab a mixing bowl and get started on creating your own frosted mocha masterpiece!
Mocha Buttercream Brownies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (19 7/8 ounce) package brownie mix
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso or 1 tablespoon instant coffee powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
Mocha Buttercream Frosting
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso or 1 tablespoon instant coffee powder
- 4 teaspoons hot water
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- Position oven rack in lower third of the oven.
- Spray the bottom only of an 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a bowl, mix the brownie mix, oil, water, eggs, espresso powder, cinnamon, and cardamom with a wooden spoon until just blended and all dry ingredients are moistened.
- Spread batter into prepared pan.
- Bake 40-44 minutes or until toothpick inserted 2 inches from side of pan comes out clean or almost clean.
- Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.
- Frosting--in a large bowl dissolve instant espresso in the hot water.
- Add powdered sugar, cocoa, and softened butter; beat with electric mixer on medium until smooth.
- Spread frosting over cooled brownies.
- Refrigerate at least 1 hour or until frosting is set.
- Cut into squares; store in refrigerator.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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