Name: Coffee-infused Brownie Sundaes with Rich Espresso Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup Granulated sugar; 2 large Eggs, room temperature; 1 tsp Vanilla extract; 1/3 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted; 1/2 cup All-purpose flour; 1/4 tsp Salt; 1/4 tsp Baking powder; 2 tbsp Instant espresso powder, dissolved in 1/4 cup hot water; 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, softened; 3 cups Powdered sugar; 2 tbsp Brewed coffee or espresso, cooled; 1 tbsp Instant espresso powder; 1 tsp Vanilla extract; 2–3 tbsp Heavy cream or milk, to achieve spreadable consistency; 1 tbsp Bourbon (optional, adds warmth & depth); 1/2 cup Chocolate chips, for extra richness; 1/2 cup Chopped walnuts, adds crunch; Sea salt flakes, for sprinkling on top before serving

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If you are a dessert lover with a serious soft spot for coffee and chocolate, this Coffee-infused Brownie Sundaes with Rich Espresso Frosting Recipe is about to become your new obsession. It combines the deep, bold flavors of espresso with fudgy, moist brownies topped by a luscious, silky coffee frosting that’s truly heavenly. Each bite bursts with a perfect balance of bittersweet chocolate, invigorating coffee notes, and a hint of warmth from a touch of bourbon. This dessert is more than just a sundae; it’s an experience that elevates your usual brownie game to something spectacular and unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several square brownies with two clear layers. The bottom layer is thick, dark brown, and looks soft and moist. The top layer is smooth, light brown frosting with swirled patterns, spreading evenly over the brownies. The brownies are placed on a white marbled surface, with a few coffee beans scattered around for decoration. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is key, but luckily this recipe calls for simple, everyday staples that work together beautifully to create texture, flavor, and that irresistible coffee kick. Each ingredient plays a special part in transforming basic brownies into a coffee-infused masterpiece.

Unsalted butter: Used twice—melted for the brownie batter and softened for the frosting to provide rich creaminess and moisture.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the brownies perfectly without overpowering the coffee flavor.
Large eggs: Add structure and help create that chewy, fudgy texture.
Vanilla extract: Enhances and rounds out the chocolate and coffee flavors with subtle warmth.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (sifted): Ensures smooth, intense chocolate flavor without lumps.
All-purpose flour: Provides body and the classic brownie bite.
Salt: Balances flavors and intensifies chocolate’s richness.
Baking powder: Gives just enough lift so the brownies aren’t too dense.
Instant espresso powder: Dissolved in hot water for the batter and added again to the frosting, this is the secret for that unmistakable coffee punch.
Hot water: Dissolves espresso powder completely to infuse even flavor storage.
Powdered sugar: Creates the smooth, sweet base of the frosting.
Brewed coffee or espresso: Adds depth and liquid to the frosting for perfect spreadability.
Heavy cream or milk: Adjusts the frosting to a silky consistency, making it easy to spread or pipe.
Bourbon (optional): Infuses extra warmth and complexity in the frosting, enhancing the espresso notes.
Chocolate chips: Optional mix-ins for pockets of melt-in-your-mouth chocolaty goodness.
Chopped walnuts: Adds a delightful crunch contrast to the soft brownies.
Sea salt flakes: A final sprinkle on top to enhance all the rich flavors and add a little texture.

How to Make Coffee-infused Brownie Sundaes with Rich Espresso Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the sides so you can easily lift the brownies out once baked. This simple step makes cleanup and cutting so much easier.

Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter

Dissolve 2 tablespoons of instant espresso powder in 1/4 cup of hot water to get that full-bodied coffee flavor infused deeply into your brownies. In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter with granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla until the mixture is silky and smooth. Next, sift in the unsweetened cocoa powder for a lump-free chocolate texture. Stir in the cooled espresso mixture, then gently fold in the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder until everything just comes together. Resist the urge to overmix; you want tender brownies, not tough ones!

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pour the luscious batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a toothpick inserted in the center to come out with a few moist crumbs, so keep an eye on it towards the end. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before moving on—this ensures the frosting will glide on smoothly without melting.

Step 4: Whip Up the Rich Espresso Frosting

Beat the softened butter until fluffy and light, then gradually add the powdered sugar while continuing to mix. Add 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder, 2 tablespoons of cooled brewed coffee or espresso, and a teaspoon of vanilla extract for aromatic depth. If you want to get a little fancy, stir in 1 tablespoon of bourbon for that warm hint that pairs beautifully with the coffee. Adjust the consistency with 2 to 3 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk until the frosting is spreadable but still silky. Beat everything until it’s airy and impossibly smooth.

Step 5: Frost and Add the Final Touches

Spread the frosting generously over the completely cooled brownies. For an extra flair, gently press in half a cup of chocolate chips and chopped walnuts for texture and bursts of rich flavor. Refrigerate the pan for about 30 minutes to let the frosting set firmly. Finally, lift the brownies out using the parchment overhang and cut into 12 squares. Sprinkle sea salt flakes on top before serving for a magical flavor contrast that keeps you coming back for more.

How to Serve Coffee-infused Brownie Sundaes with Rich Espresso Frosting Recipe

The image shows two stacked dessert squares with two clear layers each. The bottom layer is a thick, dense, dark brown cake with a moist, crumbly texture. On top is a lighter, creamy beige layer with a smooth and slightly swirled finish, suggesting a frosting or mousse. The edges are clean and sharp, showing the contrast between the darker base and the lighter topping. The background is softly blurred with a hint of similar dessert pieces nearby, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of sea salt flakes enhances the bakery-fresh sweetness and deep coffee notes without overwhelming the palate. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream to create a true sundae experience that is absolutely divine.

Side Dishes

Pairing these sundaes with fresh berries like raspberries or blackberries adds a bright, tart counterpoint that balances the rich chocolate and coffee flavors. A glass of cold milk or even a hot cup of brewed espresso turns this into a full sensory indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive gathering, serve the brownies in individual glass jars layered with whipped cream and chocolate shavings to mimic classic sundae layers. Or cut the brownies into bite-sized squares on skewers interspersed with marshmallows or coffee beans for an elegant coffee party treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Coffee-infused Brownie Sundaes with Rich Espresso Frosting Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This helps maintain the freshness of the frosting and prevents the brownies from drying out.

Freezing

If you want to stash some for later, freeze the uncut, frosted brownies wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving to keep the texture just right.

Reheating

For a warm treat, gently microwave an individual brownie square for about 10 to 15 seconds, but be cautious not to overheat and melt the frosting. Enjoy with a scoop of ice cream for the ultimate cozy indulgence.

FAQs

Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of espresso powder?

Yes, you can use brewed coffee, but espresso powder gives a more concentrated coffee flavor without adding extra liquid. If substituting, reduce any other liquid slightly to keep your brownie batter balanced.

Is bourbon necessary for the frosting?

Not at all! Bourbon is optional and adds a nice warmth and depth, but you can skip it if you prefer an alcohol-free dessert. The frosting will still be rich and delicious without it.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking, making sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to help with texture.

How do I prevent the frosting from becoming too runny?

Adjust the amount of heavy cream or milk carefully, adding it slowly while beating. The frosting should be creamy but able to hold its shape without dripping.

Can I add other mix-ins to the brownies?

Absolutely! Chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried cherries make wonderful additions. Just fold them in at the end of the batter mixing stage.

Final Thoughts

This Coffee-infused Brownie Sundaes with Rich Espresso Frosting Recipe is a celebration of the best flavors coffee and chocolate have to offer, wrapped up in a dessert that feels both luxurious and comforting. Whether for a special occasion or simply to brighten your day, these brownies will impress everyone lucky enough to taste them. Grab your apron, and trust me, you’ll keep coming back to this irresistible treat time and time again!