Fudgy Brownies with Mocha Buttercream

December 16, 2011
This recipe today comes courtesy of Amanda from the food blog Fake Ginger.
I seriously love these brownies! I have made them three times already, which, if I say so myself, is quite a feat considering this recipe was posted on her blog on November 30th. Guess I have been in a brownie kind of mood lately!
The best statement to describe these brownies was said by my brother’s girlfriend: “They taste like Gloria Jean’s smells!”
Coffee and chocolate – a match made in heaven.

Ingredients
For the Brownies:
½ Cup of Butter
1 Cup of Sugar
2 Eggs
1 Teaspoon of Vanilla
1/3 Cup ofCocoaPowder
½ Cup of Flour
¼ Teaspoon of Salt
¼ Teaspoon of Baking Powder
For the Mocha Buttercream:
½ Cup Unsalted Butter, softened
1 Tablespoon of HOT Water
1 Heaping Teaspoon of Instant Coffee*
1 Tablespoon ofCocoaPowder
1 Teaspoon of Vanilla
1 Cup of Powdered Sugar
*I really liked the kick from a good heaping teaspoon of Starbucks Via Mocha flavored instant coffee. I also may have put more than a teaspoon into the mix. I really like coffee ok!
To Make the Brownies:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8 inch square pan with parchment paper. Melt the butter. Let the butter cool slightly before adding in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Beat in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Spread batter into prepared pan. Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick stuck directly into the center comes out clean.
To Make the Frosting:
Beat the butter until light and fluffy. Dissolve the coffee in the hot water. Add to the butter, along with the vanilla and cocoa powder. Beat until combined. Start adding the powdered sugar, ¼ cup at a time, beating after each addition until it reaches the desired consistency. (You can use more powdered sugar if you prefer a stiffer buttercream).
Wait until the brownies have completely cooled before adding the buttercream. Otherwise, you are going to end up with coffee soup on top of your lovely brownies! (Trust me, I made that mistake the first time I baked these.)
Have a fantastic Friday and a wonderful weekend everybody!

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  • Janet@FCTC
    December 16, 2011 at 11:00 pm

    These look great. I just want to stick my face in that frosting!