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–+ servings
Mocha brownies with frosting and sprinkles.
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5 from 1 vote

Mocha Brownies

Fancy up your favorite brownie mix by adding espresso powder and chocolate chips. Top it with espresso flavored butter cream frosting and you have mocha brownies, an irresistible dessert!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Cooling Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 35 minutes
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Servings: 16
Author: Rachel Gurk

Ingredients

For Brownies

  • 1 box brownie mix, prepared as directed (make sure you select a mix that makes a 9×13 inch pan)
  • oil, egg, water as directed on package
  • 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

For Frosting

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons milk (add in increments, as needed for right consistency)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325°F (or as directed on box mix). Spray a 9 x 13 inch pan lightly with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Mix espresso powder into the dry mix until blended. Continue preparing brownies as instructed on box. Fold chocolate chips into batter. Spread batter evenly in prepared pan.
    1 box brownie mix, prepared as directed, oil, egg, water as directed on package, 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder, 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • Bake for 25 minutes or as directed on box. Place pan on wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
  • The frosting is optional. The brownies taste great even without it. If you'd like to add frosting, cream butter with electric mixer until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, cocoa, and espresso powder gradually. Mix in vanilla and milk in 1 tablespoon increments until the frosting is desired consistency.
    ½ cup unsalted butter, softened, 4 cups powdered sugar, ¼ cup cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder, 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract, 3 tablespoons milk
  • Spread frosting on completely cooled bars. Add sprinkles or mini chocolate chips, if desired. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

  1. Brownie mix: Be sure you select a mix that makes a 9 ×1 3 inch pan (family-size), or use two smaller boxes (for 8 x 8 inch pans). 
  2. Espresso powder: You can usually find espresso powder with instant coffee products. To amp up the coffee flavor, add more espresso powder. If you prefer, the espresso powder can be omitted. You'll have to give your brownies a different name though!
  3. Storage: Store brownies in an airtight container. They're best if you eat them within a day or two. I usually store frosted brownies in the refrigerator so the frosting doesn't get too soft.

Nutrition

Serving: 1brownie | Calories: 386kcal | Carbohydrates: 62g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 26mg | Sodium: 101mg | Potassium: 117mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 50g | Vitamin A: 201IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 2mg

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