Mar 03 2010
Cappuccino Brownies.
I am not a coffee drinker, unless said coffee is filled with lots of rubbish that is not ideal for daily drinking – think enormous amounts of sugar, heavy cream, syrups, and fabulous whipped toppings.
But, that doesn’t mean I’ll pass up coffee-flavored baked goods or ice cream. Those things are probably healthier than my choice of coffee-flavored beverage. So of course, I will indulge.
I made my from-scratch brownie recipe this weekend, without even thinking about adding a frosting. I usually don’t like my brownies frosted. I prefer the flaky, lightly crisp crust that forms on the top – it is the best part.
I have a jar of Trader Joe’s instant coffee. Don’t ask why. Just know that it is because I am infamous for buying things that I don’t need and will never use. Things like running shoes, a french press, and skinny jeans.
But I want to like coffee. All the cool kids like it. Why can’t I?
I decided the best way to start liking it would be to top these brownies with coffee-flavored frosting.
It ended up tasting more like a cappuccino, which is even better in my book.
This is the same brownie recipe that I used for the bailey’s brownies, and I don’t think it is even possible to choose a winner. They are both so delicious. What would be even more amazing is making the bailey’s brownies and topping them with this frosting.
So incredibly indulgent.
The best part of these brownies is that Mr. Moustache does share my dislike for coffee, but doesn’t share my love for coffee-flavored goodies, which meant he refused these.
I was actually in the process of making them on Sunday when he was upstairs lanscaping that gosh-awful thing on his face.
See, the world works in mysterious ways – I was already cooking things that he dislikes. It’s called karma.
Brownies
1 stick unsalted butter
2-3 squares baking chocolate
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 350.
Melt butter and baking sqaures in a microwave safe bowl. In the mixing bowl, cream melted butter and chocolate mixture. Add in sugar and vanilla and beat until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add in eggs, beating one at a time. Add flour and stir just until combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
Pour into greased 9 x 13 baking dish (I used a 10 x 10 square cake pan). Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until just barely done. Cool before frosting.
Cappuccino Frosting
2 sticks of butter, softened
1 lb powdered sugar (or more if you want it thicker)
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 tablespoon instant coffee powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cream butter in an electric mixer. Add sugar, cocoa, and coffee gradually, until desired consistency is reached. Stir in vanilla extract. If frosting is too thick, add milk in 1 tablespoon increments to thin it out. If it is too thin, add more powdered sugar.
Spread on brownies once they have cooled.
Last night, in a voice that only resembled one of a 5-year old, Mr. Moustache opened the fridge and said ‘but…how do I make…things?’
He tried to bribe me with the promise of daily, 20-minute back massages, but I didn’t cave. He may act like a toddler at times, but his arthritic hands resemble those of an 80-year old. I knew that promise wouldn’t hold up.
Then he tried to remind me that he would starve. I thought I was the dramatic one in the family.
For now, I’m enjoying propping my feet up and watching mindless trash on TV while he makes dinners from bags after a long day of work. He must really love that ‘stache.
Ooooh those are so luscious. Love that yummy frosting on top of the deep-dark brownies!
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Wow, these look wonderful. Ha! Your hubs is funny-he can’t give that stache up, huh?
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I don’t like coffee either, but I enjoy smelling it and eating it in desserts…like this one!
PS – I tagged you on my blog today:)
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I rarely make homemade brownies because the box is so easy and my hubby thinks the box is amazing but these are so amazing looking. I’ve made espresso brownies and they are amazing too!
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That frosting sounds SO GOOD. Last year I had a cake that was vanilla with a chocolate buttercream frosting. I literally ate a few thousand calories of it in one night. And it was more than worth it.
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I’m the same way with coffee… I love the smell, but in order to actually drink a cup, I would have to add so much sugar and milk that it would no longer even resemble coffee. So, I just pass on the sugar-laden drink and enjoy cappuccino flavored things, like these brownies. Hmm, also sugar-laden, oh well, yum!
A few years ago, I made cappuccino rice krispy treats… oh yeah, they were good.
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I’m pretty sure I would just plow through that frosting with a spoon (or possibly just my hands)
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As always, these look fantastic! I don’t drink coffee anymore but I love coffee flavored ice cream and other sweet treats.
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I’m one of those who LOVES LOVES LOVES coffee!!! I honestly don’t think I can live without it!
I think coffee brings out the flavor of brownies/chocolate!
When I make my brownies instead of adding water, I add leftover coffee that was brewed from the morning. It doesn’t even taste like coffee, but really brings out the chocolate flavor! YUM!
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Ohhh frosting.
On cupcakes, cakes, brownies, straight out of the bowl – I’ll take it however I can get it!
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I would like to clarify that it is not just a ginger ‘stache. It has tints of blonde and platinum in it. A picture will be posted later this week. I get my hair cut on Friday. Right now my hair simply is not fit to be posted.
In addition to those that are praying for me during my fight with The Evil Empire, I’d like to thank Sam’s Club for their frozen food selection. Between salmon burgers and general tso’s and parmesan encrusted tilapia, I can keep up the battle.
If anyone wants to get an idea of what my ‘stache looks like, please google the late, great stock car driver Davey Allison. Between the Texaco Havoline sponsorship and the mustache, this man is a legend.
And sweetheart, neither I nor my ‘stache will stand down!
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i AM a coffee drinker and also love cappucinos! love this recipe!! it looks like just chocolate but I can only imagine the flavors when you taste it like coffee!!
LOL I want to be in the kitchen with you and your hubby, i love hearing about your convo’s!
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bahahaha, this cracks me up! he’s really holding in there, isn’t he?! those brownies sound amazing…you know, i have my treat day at work coming up tomorrow…and some instant coffee (don’t know why…) in my pantry…
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These look insanely delicious. Must make immediately!
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Brownies are pretty much the only thing I can bake. As long at they’re the just add water & an egg kind
I do really want to try your cappaccino icing! One of these days I’m going to spend an entire weekend baking recipes from your blog 
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I’m just like you – I don’t like coffee, but I love things that are coffee flavored. These sound great!
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Did I miss that it was mustache march somewhere? Yeah, my hubby thinks it’s hilarious to grow a Lester the molester mustache too. I don’t get it, and b/c of that he doesn’t get any either until after he shaves it off!
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I love how you just whip up these delectable treats like it’s nothing! Everything you make looks SO amazing. Seriously, I don’t think you’ve baked/cooked one dish that has looked unappealing to me. Love your blog!
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I feel like my comments to you are always the same thing: “YUM!!! THAT LOOKS SO GOOD!!!”
But it’s always true!
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You’ve impressed me once again with your gourmet-like dessert. I need to find the motivation to attempt one of these recipes!
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Nicole @ Geek Turned Athlete,
please do not give the wife any ideas. if my ‘stache and I could figure out a way to give you a 30 day commenting suspension, we would do it.
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I was going to say the same thing – top the Bailey’s with this frosting. Luckily I can eat very rich things
I’ve been thinking about you and hope you are doing well
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my good buddy just asked me if i thought people just like us for our mustaches or for the individuals we are? i responded with “i think they like us for who we are but respect us for the mustaches.”
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Jessica Reply:
March 3rd, 2010 at 9:22 am
I do not respect your moustache.
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mr. how sweet eats good buddy: “Would you rather have people fear or love the mustache?”
mr. how sweet eats: “Personally I want people to be afraid of how much they love our mustaches.”
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We are so similar in some things! I’m also not a coffee drinker except if I can add all the things you listed in my coffee!
and my bf says it’s not coffee after that anymore.. hmh.. it IS, it just has a lot of other things too, hehe.
I fell in love with the pictures of your brownies, now I know what will be my baking challenge this weekend (I’m not a very good or keen baker, but instead I love to cook)
thanks for the idea!
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“how do I make…things” haha, sounds about right. When my boyfriend grows a mustache, it’s a range of reddish-brown and blond colors that is quite cheetah-like. So at least there is no mustache.
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I loved this simple, easy brownie recipe with that lovely looking coffee frosting. Beauty!
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Yum…coffee and chocolate…best combination ever!
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I love the way coffee smells, but not so much the taste. I did discover, however, that I really like it mixed with sugar-free cocoa mix. YUM. The brownies look fantastic!
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First off, I would like those brownies to travel with you to Baltimore for Fitbloggin. Thanks..
And second, you two are so hilarious. I can’t wait to see the pic!
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I love a good brownie, a good cup of coffee and well a good mustache! Those brownies look delicious. My husband shares my love of coffee, so these are going on my list of things to make!
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LOL stickin to your guns! I love it!
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Love the very liberal amount of icing you put on each brownie, practically dripping off the sides!
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Oh.My.Gosh! I can’t believe how good those look. I’m not a huge brownie fan but these looks A-mazing. For some reason it is reminding me of the Jamoco shakes at Arby’s, so good!
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Famous mustaches in history:
Ghandi
Tom Selleck
Richard Petty – actually all stock car drivers from the 80′s
Cap’n Crunch
Alex Trebek – Canadian, not dead
Wyatt & Virgil Earp and Doc Holliday
Albert Einstein
Ned Flanders from The Simpsons
Hulk Hogan
Tim McGraw – actually all country singers from the 90′s
Cheech Mari – though contrary to popular belief, he did not use the mustache to hide his weed
Burt Reynolds
what I’m trying to say here is that powerful and influential men grow mustaches.
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I’m not usually an icing fan, but this one is making me change my mind!
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I add instant coffee to my coffee brownies and it seems to work! I never add frosting though…something to consider.
Oh Mr. How Sweet- how fabulous!
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I deifnitely know what you mean about needing the loads of sugar, creamer and whipped goodness to make a coffee drink ‘good’! But holy yum, I wouldn’t have a problem eating these.
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Just discovered your blog! Love, love, love it!! Those brownies look phenomenal…the frosting…*drool*!
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I don’t even like cappuccino and these look AMAZING!!!!!!!
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oooooh they look so good!!Will have to give them a try for sure!
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Oh my. Ohhh my. Those look amazing. I shouldn’t come here when I’m hungry!
Oh, and ” He may act like a toddler at times, but his arthritic hands resemble those of an 80-year old.” had me ROLLING! LOL
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Is it bad that I ADORE coffee… black, straight from the pot. Or in an IV, whatever. But I don’t like coffee flavored things?? Coffee especially. Weirds me out.
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Swoooooooooooooooooon! Those brownies look fantastic
I’m the same way, I don’t drink coffee unless it’s loaded with yumminess lol. I do love coffee ice cream and tiramisu though! And I also buy a ton of stuff that I’ll never use, but keep around “just in case.” LOL
I think I have to make these brownies, they are calling, no, screaming for me.
Jenn
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Oooh I’m do glad I found your blog! All of your recipes look so yum
Coffee flavored desserts are always good!
It’s so funny about the mustache! My fiance has grown one before and I hated it. I found a crumb of food in it once and immediately made him shave it. He recently told me he wanted to grow one again, just for the fun of it. I threatened not to cook for him if he went through with it and thankfully it worked!
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Why do you always do this to me? Unless you plan to move to NYC and bake for me, I ask that you stop posting such ludicrous food porn.
Except not really
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Holy moly!! This is positively mouth watering.
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butter sugar chocolate coffee…holy mouthgasm Jessica! Wow…I want to move in
This: Things like running shoes, a french press, and skinny jeans.
LOL!!!
Seriously i love coffee and i dont have a french press…it’s on my to-buy list. AS IF i need more gadgets though
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Those look SO freakin’ moist!! I love anything with the coffee/ chocolate combination.
I am not joking. Friday is dedicated to making some of your recipes!! I am so excited!!
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That frosting sounds fantastic! Love your blog
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I happen to be a cool kid who likes coffee… but I think I’d like one of those cupcakes more!
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Your blog is like crack to me. I see my future…and it is me in the kitchen, in my apron, trying not to lick the bowl clean before these brownies go into the oven!!! Or trying not to eat all of the frosting before frosting these bad boys. Where do you come up with this stuff?!?!?
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Ooh these look wonderful!
If you’re looking for another coffee flavored treat to make… I made Pioneer Woman’s Coffee Cake Literally not so long ago: http://foodologie.com/2010/02/14/wake-up-and-smell-the-coffee-cake/
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I made some cappucino brownies a few weeks ago and they were really crappy, but these look fantastic.
I hate coffee in general too, but like any food that is coffee flavored.
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Oooohh! Those look so good! I love coffee, I love chocolate, and I like them even better together. What’s the texture of your brownies? Fudgy, chewy…?
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Oh wow!! These brownies contain all my favourite things, particularly if I add a little Baileys
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Its 6am and now I am craving a brownie! Its going to be a long day
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Ha ha! I love it. Maybe he’ll get so hungry he’ll cave. =)
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Those brownies would be lovely with the big cup of coffee I’m drinking right now. I’ll be right over!
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omg, those look so delish. i feel my butt growing just looking at them!
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I love everything coffee, so I am sold on these brownies! I actually do have instant TJ’s coffee in my house ’cause when I am up in 4am I can’t make ANY noise in the house. As a lover of fine coffee, I cringe to admit that I use my TJ’s instant. It wakes me up and gives me what I need for the 1st cup of the day!
I can’t imagine drinking my steamy cup with one or two of these brownies!
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These look awesome. Oh, how I love frosting!!!
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[...] Cappuccino Brownies. [...]
This mustache business is really engaging. I look forward to opening your blog and seeing if he shaved it or not…I love the way you’re boycotting. If my husband ever grows up and develops the ability to grow that beard that he so badly wants, I will use your strategy.
By the way, those brownies look like heaven in my book. Anything coffee flavored gets my vote.
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[...] Cappuccino Brownies. | How Sweet It Is [...]
These brownies look unbelieveable! I am going to try these this weekend. I LOVE coffee but have a hard time drinking and this will be a PERFECT alternative to get my coffee fix.
Thanks sooo much for the recipe.
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Got to make these! Anything with coffee has got me REVVED UP!
Thanks!
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These look beyond delicious!!!
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Girl you did out did yourself again. Seriously these looks great! YUMMY xoxo
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omg reading this post is giving me a flashback of us getting cappuccinos and wondering if we should go to the hospital because we couldn’t control the jitters.
and i guess i’ve been busier than i thought, i had no clue eddie was growing a ginger mustache, i think we need to see pics! haha
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I’m not really a fan of brownies but this frosting look so decadent mmmmm :p
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[...] a far cry from what it was earlier today…let me explain. It started off really well with the most incredible cappuccino brownies [...]
ive decided that since these are coffeey and coffee tends to be a morning treat (although as you know, i love my coffee ALL TIMES of the day) that these are acceptable breakfast food.
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What I wouldn’t give for one of these right now!
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I am making these as soon as Lent is over! And, I’m from Pittsburgh, too. LOVE the blog. Are you a fan of Dozen?!
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Yum… I love coffee, and these cappuccino brownies look incredible.
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[...] Cappuccino Brownies. [...]
[...] Cappuccino brownies make all right in the world. [...]
first time visiting your blog, like your recipes, you got alot of muffins recipes, yummiii. just wanna ask about the 3 squares baking chocolate, how much in grams, and i can use usual dark tablets?! thank you.
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Jessica Reply:
July 16th, 2010 at 5:39 am
I am not quite sure what dark tablets are? I have never heard of them? And I believe that each square is 1 ounce.
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fragolina Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 1:06 am
Thank you, I meant by dark tablets, the dark chocolate we usually eat.
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[...] for the frosting. A while back Jessica posted a recipe for Cappuccino Brownies. I (obviously) promptly made them and fell madly in love with them. So when it came to [...]