mocha

Mocha Brownie Ice Cream Cake

Mocha Brownie Ice Cream Cake by Wood and Spoon. This is a no churn ice cream cake with a slab of box brownie, espresso ice cream, and chocolate frozen dessert. The whole thing is topped with whipped cream and can be garnished with chocolate cookie crumbs, cacao nibs or caramel! Find the how to on this make ahead freezer dessert on thewoodandspoon.com

We need more hope. With all the loss, worry, loneliness, and inconvenience that riddles this new world we’re in, we need something of substance to set our hearts on. What are those positive truths, the bits of foundational goodness, swishing around your brain? What are the gentle reminders you can post at the forefront of your mind and hold onto when things feel uncertain?. I’ll be honest- I’m really grasping for straws here lately.

I’ve discovered so much sweetness while sifting through the unfamiliar minutes of this time, but I also find myself intensely ready for a change of scenery. I want time to create and be still and to absorb the sound of my own thoughts. This is hard stuff we’re working through. I’ve seen so many blessings and rich opportunities coming out from the ashes of what was, but I also feel the weight of it all. It’s uncomfortable and foreign, and whether you’re celebrating the beauty of it all or seriously struggling, I want you to know that I hear you. Solidarity, y’all.

Mocha Brownie Ice Cream Cake by Wood and Spoon. This is a no churn ice cream cake with a slab of box brownie, espresso ice cream, and chocolate frozen dessert. The whole thing is topped with whipped cream and can be garnished with chocolate cookie crumbs, cacao nibs or caramel! Find the how to on this make ahead freezer dessert on thewoodandspoon.com

So here’s my social distanced hug- a smidge of love from one human to another. A reminder that we haven’t shared our last meal with friends or hired our last babysitter for a night out with our spouses. We haven’t walked into an office or stadium or church for the last time, and it won’t be long until we shake hands with colleagues or bump shoulders with strangers. We’ll soon be reminded of the smell of our best friend’s hair and our child’s classroom.

My word to you this morning is the same one I hound myself with daily: this is all going to be okay. Our hope isn’t in a vaccine or a can of Lysol- we have so much more to set our sights on. Be gentle with yourself in the coming days and know you’ve got a friend here. And this friend just so happens to want to serve you mocha brownie ice cream cake.

Mocha Brownie Ice Cream Cake by Wood and Spoon. This is a no churn ice cream cake with a slab of box brownie, espresso ice cream, and chocolate frozen dessert. The whole thing is topped with whipped cream and can be garnished with chocolate cookie crumbs, cacao nibs or caramel! Find the how to on this make ahead freezer dessert on thewoodandspoon.com

Mocha Brownie Ice Cream Cake

I made this cake forever ago and have been waiting for warmer weather in which to share it. It stays ice cream weather in Alabama, but I totally get that my friends in Canada, Michigan, and wherever else are maybe not so keen on frozen desserts when it’s frozen outside. So here it is finally: a no-churn ice cream cake layered with brownies, sweet espresso-flavored cream, and a simple make-ahead method that literally anyone can do. It’s super easy, and I can’t wait for you to try it for yourself.

Mocha Brownie Ice Cream Cake by Wood and Spoon. This is a no churn ice cream cake with a slab of box brownie, espresso ice cream, and chocolate frozen dessert. The whole thing is topped with whipped cream and can be garnished with chocolate cookie crumbs, cacao nibs or caramel! Find the how to on this make ahead freezer dessert on thewoodandspoon.com

To make this mocha brownie ice cream cake, we start with our brownies. Eggs and sugar combine with butter, cocoa, and flour and are baked in a pan. Once cooled, prep your no-churn ice creams. Start by whipping cream and sweetened condensed milk together. Add cocoa powder to the chocolate and espresso powder is dissolved into the coffee ice cream. Chocolate chips or bits are folded into the coffee ice cream and then the cake gets assembled. I decided to make my cake in a loaf pan. This means I ended up with an extra batch of brownies to save for later. I’ve also provided instructions for making a larger cake in a 9″ springform pan. Either works great!

Mocha Brownie Ice Cream Cake by Wood and Spoon. This is a no churn ice cream cake with a slab of box brownie, espresso ice cream, and chocolate frozen dessert. The whole thing is topped with whipped cream and can be garnished with chocolate cookie crumbs, cacao nibs or caramel! Find the how to on this make ahead freezer dessert on thewoodandspoon.com


Mocha Brownie Ice Cream Cake by Wood and Spoon. This is a no churn ice cream cake with a slab of box brownie, espresso ice cream, and chocolate frozen dessert. The whole thing is topped with whipped cream and can be garnished with chocolate cookie crumbs, cacao nibs or caramel! Find the how to on this make ahead freezer dessert on thewoodandspoon.com

This mocha brownie ice cream cake is a great treat for these warming days. Aren’t you so excited for a new season, like, in every sense of the phrase? Hang in there, keep calm, and make cake, okay? Happy Thursday, friends!

Mocha Brownie Ice Cream Cake by Wood and Spoon. This is a no churn ice cream cake with a slab of box brownie, espresso ice cream, and chocolate frozen dessert. The whole thing is topped with whipped cream and can be garnished with chocolate cookie crumbs, cacao nibs or caramel! Find the how to on this make ahead freezer dessert on thewoodandspoon.com

If you like this recipe you should try:

Mocha Macarons
Jamocha Popsicles
Mocha Cookies
Hazelnut Mocha Cream Pie
No-Churn Mocha Brownie Fudge Ice Cream

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Mocha Brownie Ice Cream Cake

This mocha brownie ice cream cake is layered with homemade brownies and two flavors of no-churn ice cream!

  • Author: Kate Wood
  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 45
  • Total Time: 360
  • Yield: 9 Servings
  • Category: Dessert

Ingredients

For the brownie (Adapted from Alton Brown- see notes for shortcut):

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup sugar, sifted
  • 1 cup brown sugar, sifted
  • 1 cup  (8 ounces) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 1 1/4 cups cocoa, sifted
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup flour, sifted
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

For the ice cream:

  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 21/2 teaspoons espresso powder or instant coffee
  • 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 ounces finely chopped semisweet chocolate or mini chocolate chips
  • 1/3 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the cake topping (see notes for shortcut):

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup crushed chocolate sandwich cookies

Instructions

To prepare the brownies:

  1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees (300 for dark nonstick pans) and spray your light pan with baking spray. This cake can be prepared in an 9” springform pan, or, to prepare a loaf-shaped ice cream cake as I did in my photos, bake the brownie batter in two 9×5″ bread loaf pans. You’ll only use one pan worth of brownies if you opt for the loaf cake, so you can save the rest for later. 🙂
  2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the eggs until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add sugar and brown sugar and beat to combine. Add the remaining ingredients and stir on low just until combined.
  3. Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and bake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Bake time is about 45 minutes but will differ depending on the size of pan. Once a toothpick comes out clean, you’re done! Allow the brownies to cool completely before assembling the cake. You can speed up this process by cooling them in the fridge, or by preparing the day before.

To prepare the coffee ice cream:

  1. Pour 1 cup of the heavy cream into a large bowl and sprinkle in the espresso powder. Stir and allow to dissolve, about 5 minutes. Add half (7 ounces) of the sweetened condensed milk to the mixing bowl beat the mixture until stiff peaks form. Fold in the chocolate and set aside in the fridge while you make the remaining elements. 

To prepare the chocolate ice cream:

  1. Pour half (7 ounces) of the sweetened condensed milk to a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Add the cocoa powder and vanilla and beat until well combined and no lumps remain. Add the remaining one cup of the heavy whipping cream and beat the mixture until stiff peaks form. Set aside in the fridge while you prepare the remaining elements.

To assemble the cake:

  1. Line a loaf pan or an 8” springform pan with plastic wrap, leaving several inches worth of wrap extending over the sides. This will make the removal process easier.
  2. If preparing in a loaf pan, spread the coffee ice cream evenly over the bottom of the pan. Top with a layer of brownie (see notes). Spread the chocolate ice cream over top and smooth out. Cover with a layer of plastic wrap and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight, if possible. When ready to frost, prepare your topping by whipping the cream on medium speed until soft peaks form. Add the powdered sugar and extract and whip until stiff. Remove the cake from the pan to a serving dish. Peel off all the plastic wrap and cover with whipped cream. 
  3. If you want to prepare the cake in a round springform pan, I recommend layering as follows: brownies, coffee ice cream, chocolate ice cream. Then freeze your cake and frost with whipped cream as desired. Really you can assemble the cake in any manner you like, but the cake is easiest to cut when the brownies are toward the bottom. 

Notes

  • Feel free to use boxed brownies or store-bought prepared brownies. I prefer Ghiradelli Dark Chocolate Brownie mix when using boxed brownies. Just remove the big chocolate chips from the powder mix before stirring together as the chocolate chips can make the brownie hard to cut once frozen. 
  • I recommend preparing your brownies in the pan you plan to assemble the cake in so that the brownie is the same size as the cake. However, you can also crumble your prepared brownies into the cake. It won’t make a difference on the final outcome of the cake. 
  • Feel free to use an 8 ounce tub of non-dairy whipped topping in lieu of the homemade whipped cream topping.

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Mocha Macarons

Mocha Macarons by Wood and spoon. Theres are coffee espresso flavored French macaron shells filled with a rich semisweet chocolate ganache scented with coffee! Learn how to make these elegant delicate fancy cookies on thewoodandspoon.com by Kate Wood

I’ve always thought there was something magical about macarons. The dainty French cookies that line bakery cases like colorful little soldiers have always felt fancy, like a special treat reserved for posh ladies with tiny dogs and big sunglasses. Maybe I’m right, maybe I’m delusional, or maybe my inner Francophile is getting away from itself, but either way, I absolutely adore macarons. These mocha macarons are no exception.

I went to France as a junior in college. With stars in my eyes and a mini French dictionary in my pocket, I roamed the streets in terribly uncomfortable shoes (because fashion, duh) doing my best to look like I belonged. Although I’ve heard many people say that they didn’t enjoy their time in France, I found the place to be entirely alluring: the scent of warm butter and pastry wafting out of patisserie doorways; music and the twinkling of wine glasses on cozy bistro street fronts; the elegant faces of countless humans that dripped in an air of effortless cool. The France I discovered that January won my affection immediately, and I have yet to experience a country that has met me with half as much mystery and intrigue.

Mocha Macarons by Wood and spoon. Theres are coffee espresso flavored French macaron shells filled with a rich semisweet chocolate ganache scented with coffee! Learn how to make these elegant delicate fancy cookies on thewoodandspoon.com by Kate Wood

“I didn’t meet a pastry in France that I didn’t love, but none charmed me quite like the macaron.”

Of course I was completely captivated by the cuisine. With my mother and Nana, I visited a number of cafes and restaurants. There wasn’t a creperie, boulangerie, or patisserie that I didn’t attempt to nibble my way through. I inhaled clouds of powdered sugar from shatteringly crispy croissants and licked the warm puddles of Nutella that dripped out of folded crepes and onto my fingers. We taste-tested brioche and palmiers and eclairs and caneles, each bite more sumptuous than the last.

I didn’t meet a pastry in France that I didn’t love, but none charmed me quite like the macaron. At that time, in 2008, mini food was all the rage. Tiny cupcakes, bite-sized burgers, and shot glasses of bisque were everywhere; macarons fit right into that profile. The colorful cookies with surprising flavors and creamy insides seemed to go hand in hand with the meticulous French cuisine that I was discovering, and I couldn’t wait to gobble them up.

Mocha Macarons by Wood and spoon. Theres are coffee espresso flavored French macaron shells filled with a rich semisweet chocolate ganache scented with coffee! Learn how to make these elegant delicate fancy cookies on thewoodandspoon.com by Kate Wood

Once home, I eventually garnered the bravery to attempt macarons on my own, and over the years there have been many batches of macarons, some successful and some not. More recently, after extensive help from Tessa, I was able to nail down a practice that worked best for me, and since then I’ve let my imagination go wild. Nutella raspberry macarons? Cake batter flavored? Toffee peanut? Mint truffle? The possibilities are endless.

Mocha Macarons by Wood and spoon. Theres are coffee espresso flavored French macaron shells filled with a rich semisweet chocolate ganache scented with coffee! Learn how to make these elegant delicate fancy cookies on thewoodandspoon.com by Kate Wood

Mocha Macarons

These mocha macarons capture my first time in Paris. Each cookie is petite and precise, and the flavors of espresso and rich chocolate feel like ones best enjoyed in the city of light. I’m sharing today’s recipe with help from my friends at Nestlé Toll House who are debuting the Artisan Collection- luxurious premium baking chips made with single-origin chocolate from Ghana. Deluxe treats like macarons deserve equally special ingredients, and Nestlé ‘s new chocolate fits the bill. Here’s the lowdown on these mocha macarons:

Mocha Macarons by Wood and spoon. Theres are coffee espresso flavored French macaron shells filled with a rich semisweet chocolate ganache scented with coffee! Learn how to make these elegant delicate fancy cookies on thewoodandspoon.com by Kate Wood

The macaron shells are airy cookies made with whipped egg whites, sifted almond flour, and confectioner’s sugar. I’ve added a touch of espresso powder to the dry ingredients to create a cookie shell that is lightly flavored and speckled with the granules. To double down on the coffee flavor, I added a bit of that same espresso powder to the ganache filling that was prepared using Artisan Collection Extra Semi-Sweet chocolate baking chips by Nestlé Toll House. The sweet chocolate offsets the bitterness in the espresso, and, when combined with warm cream, makes a thick ganache that is fudgy at room temperature. The cookies are simultaneously light and rich, and I found myself eating more than my fair share the first time around because they were just that tempting.

Mocha Macarons by Wood and spoon. Theres are coffee espresso flavored French macaron shells filled with a rich semisweet chocolate ganache scented with coffee! Learn how to make these elegant delicate fancy cookies on thewoodandspoon.com by Kate Wood

I highly recommend you give these mocha macarons and Artisan Collection a try for your next baking adventure. They also offer an Extra Dark variety that has 61% cacao. I tested this chocolate in shortbread cookies, and they were phenomenal. Both options can be used for these mocha macarons, and you won’t be disappointed. I’ll be sharing an additional recipe later this week, so stay tuned. In the meantime, happy baking!

Mocha Macarons by Wood and spoon. Theres are coffee espresso flavored French macaron shells filled with a rich semisweet chocolate ganache scented with coffee! Learn how to make these elegant delicate fancy cookies on thewoodandspoon.com by Kate Wood

If you like these mocha macarons you should check out:

Strawberry Shortcake Macarons

Mocha Cookies 

Hazelnut Mocha Cream Pie

Mocha Brownie Fudge Ice Cream

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Mocha Macarons

These mocha macarons feature an espresso-scented shell and an espresso ganache filling!

  • Author: Kate Wood, Adapted from Tessa Huff
  • Prep Time: 45
  • Cook Time: 20
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 26
  • Category: cookies

Ingredients

For the macaron shells:

  • 11/2 cups (144 gm) almond flour
  • 11/3 cups (145 gm) powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons espresso granules
  • 120 gm room temperature egg whites (from about 34 large eggs)
  • ½ cup plus 1 tablespoon (120 gm) sugar

For the espresso ganache:

  • 5 ounces extra semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped or in morsels (I recommend the Artisan Collection by NESTLÉ TOLL HOUSE® Extra Semi-Sweet variety)
  • 1 teaspoon espresso granules
  • ½ cup heavy whipping cream
  • Additional chocolate, if desired

Instructions

To prepare the macarons:

  1. Line two of three baking sheets with parchment paper templates or silicone baking mats set over the templates and fit a large piping bag with a plain round tip.
  2. In a food processor, combine the almond flour, confectioner’s sugar, and espresso granules and process the mixture for 1-2 minutes, stopping once to scrape down the bowl, until the almond flour is finely ground. Sift the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl. Discard any large chunks left in the sieve or grind again until fine.
  3. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitter with a whisk attachment (make sure both are clean and grease-free!), whisk the room temperature egg whites on low speed until they begin to foam, form small tight bubbles, and turn opaque. Over the course of a couple of minutes, very gradually increase the speed to medium while slowly adding the granulated sugar. Mix on medium-high until stiff peaks form.
  4. Using a flexible rubber spatula, scrape the meringue off the whisk attachment into the bowl with the almond mixture. Begin folding the meringue and almond mixture together, five to ten folds. Scrape in the meringue from the mixer bowl and continue to fold the mixture until incorporated, rotating the bowl as your go. Every so often, gently deflate the meringue by smearing the batter around the side of the bowl. Stop folding once the correct consistency is achieved: the batter should flow very slowly like lava.
  5. Fill the prepared piping bag with the macaron batter. Holding the bag straight down, pipe the macarons. I prefer to use a stencil to ensure the macarons are the same size. Once one baking sheet is full, tap the bottom of the sheet a few times in each corner with the palm of your hang. Set aside and repeat with the remaining prepared baking sheet(s). Set the piped macaron shells aside to rest for 20 to 40 minutes, until a skin forms over the shells and the tops feel dry to the touch.
  6. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees with a rack in the center position.
  7. Bake the macaron shells once sheet at a time for 12 to 14 minutes, until the tops feel secured to the feet but wiggle very slightly when nudged.
  8. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Let the macaron shells cool on the baking sheets for at least 5 minutes. Repeat to bake and cool the remaining shells.

To prepare and use the filling:

  1. Place the chocolate in a medium heat-safe bowl. Warm the cream on the stove or in the microwave until just barely steaming or about to bubble.
  2. Pour the cream into the chocolate and add the espresso granules. Whisk until the chocolate is smooth and feel free to microwave in 15 second increments until the chocolate has melted.
  3. Allow the mixture to set up slightly, either on the counter or in the fridge while stirring often, until it is a slightly thickened fudgy consistency that will move through a piping bag.
  4. Fit a piping bag with a round tip and squeeze 1-2 teaspoon sized dollops into the center of half of the macaron shells.
  5. Top with an additional macaron shell and allow to set up. In the meantime, feel free to gently warm and melt a small about (about 1/3 cup) of chocolate and drizzle or piping decorative stripes on top of the sandwich cookies. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Using a macaron stencil is helpful in making sure your macaron shells are uniform in size.
  • Instant coffee granules can be used in a pinch.

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Jamocha Popsicles (& Introducing Baby Charlie!)

Bananas Bailey's and Coconut Popsicles Recipe by The Wood and Spoon Blog by kate Wood. This is a boozy, creamy popsicle made from Bailey's Irish cream, bananas, and cream of coconut. This frozen dessert take on the tropical beach drink is the perfect summer poptail. Boozy desserts have never been so fun and easy to make! Dip the popsicle in a magic chocolate shell and toasted coconut for a festive pretty take on these popsicles. Find the recipe and how to make homemade popsicles on thewoodandspoon.com

Popsicles and babies. Two of the world’s cutest // nom-able things. Of course I’m excited to share a new recipe for jamocha popsicles with you today, but can we just slow clap for the cuteness that is my newborn bun from the oven? A month ago we welcomed a baby boy into the world, and it fills my heart to no end to be able to introduce you to the healthy, happy snuggler that I get to call my own. Thank you in advance for letting me Mom all over this blog for a minute before we dive into the chocolate/ coffee/popsicle situation.

Let’s Start at the Beginning

To start the story, let’s go back. Like, 500 years back to the end of January. I was about 20 weeks pregnant, we were gearing up for #MonthofChocolate on this site, and Brett and I were on the verge of hosting a gender reveal for our third baby. Remember this post when we announced it was a baby girl? Yes, we popped balloons, there was pink confetti stuck to the bottom of my shoes for a month, and we began preparing our toddlers for life with a new little sister. Let’s pause for a big LOL break, because the joke was on us.

Last month, I went in for my 39-week check-up and my OBGYN confirmed that we could induce labor since the baby was practically falling out. (Sorry, TMI.) I waddled myself right over to the hospital, strapped on that pantsless tarp that they call a “hospital gown,” and in less than 3 hours I was ready to push. The delivery was seamless, and with my husband, Mom, and BFF photographer at my bedside, we heard baby buddy’s first cries within a matter of minutes. Even after birthing two other children, there’s still nothing like the rattle of that first cry. It’s such a miracle every time, and even just the thought of it takes my breath away. Let’s take a quick cry break for the hormonal ones in the crowd (raises hand).

It’s A….

Long story short, the doctor called the time of delivery and announced we had a boy. Shocked isn’t even the word. This was a full-blown, brain-exploding, inexplicable bomb of joy that would later take me days to process and fully grasp. Brett was elated by the surprise, Aimee was thrilled to claim her spot as Mama’s only girl, and George quickly decided he wanted his “baby brudder” to be named… George. Our two days in the hospital were mostly spent deliberating on a name, and we finally landed on Charlie, a name that, ironically, means “Man.” Nothing girly about this kid.

So back to present day. We’re a month in, and I’m happy to report that the transition has been more than sweet. We’ve been getting relatively good sleep, Aimee and George adore their new sibling, and our family has been on the receiving end of so much love, help, and support from friends and family alike. Charlie is easy to soothe, a great eater, and mostly smells likes all those cozy clean new baby smells we all know and love. Thank God for this enormously surprising and joyful blessing we get to call our own!

I’m so grateful for this addition and friends like you to share it with, so let’s cut to the chase and check out a few more cute baby pictures, ok?  Sidenote, my lifelong friend Jesse Walsh of Dreamtown Co. is the photographer behind these photos. Yes, she’s available for hire, and yes she’s worth every penny. Check out her site here.

Jamocha Popsicles

Now on to these jamocha popsicles. Have you ever had a jamocha shake? You know, the ones from Arby’s? I have zero shame in declaring my adoration for this fast food treat and have long been antsy to turn that brown bag snack into a frozen popsicle that you guys could chill out with at home. I’m really pumped with how these turned out and I think you’ll like them too.

Jamocha Popsicles by wood and spoon blog. Coffee mocha chocolate popsicles with a magic chocolate candy shell. these frozen treats taste like the cream Arby's milkshake copycat and are studded with cacao nibs and cookie crumbs. Find the recipe for this caffeinated homemade treat on thewoodandspoon.com

These jamocha popsicles are seriously simple to make and require only a handful of ingredients. They freeze soft to the tooth and are more creamy than icy. The chocolate shell is completely optional, but I love it for an extra dose of rich chocolate and crunch. I like to keep my popsicles fresh in little twist-tie baggies, but you may find yourself gobbling them up faster than that! Give the recipe a look below and check out my favorite popsicle mold here.

Thank you for sharing in our new baby bliss. I hope you enjoy these jamocha popsicles and give them a try ASAP. Have a great weekend!

If you like these jamocha popsicles you should try:

Strawberry Buttermilk Popsicles

Bailey’s Banana and Coconut Popsicles

Rose Popsicles

Champagne Cocktail Popsicles

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Jamocha Popsicles

These are a coffee and chocolate flavored creamy popsicle with a chocolate shell, cookie crumbs, and cacao nibs!

  • Author: Kate Wood
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 9
  • Category: Dessert

Ingredients

  • 11/2 cups (360 gm) milk
  • 11/2 cups (360 gm) heavy whipping cream
  • 21/2 tablespoons espresso powder
  • 3/4 cup (180 gm) simple syrup (see notes)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips
  • ¼ cup coconut oil, solid
  • Chocolate cookies crumbs or cacao nibs

Instructions

  1. Combine the milk and heavy whipping cream in a bowl with a spout. Add the espresso powder and stir to combine. Allow the espresso powder to dissolve, about 5-10 minutes, whisking frequently to incorporate the powder. Stir in the simple syrup and vanilla extract.
  2. Pour the mixture into your popsicle molds and allow to freeze per the manufacturer’s instructions. You can make bigger or smaller pops than what I made, but keep in mind that your yield may differ.
  3. Once frozen, make your magic shell topping. Combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil and microwave in a bowl in 20 second intervals, whisking afterwards until the chips have melted. Allow to cool for 5 minutes while you remove the pops from the forms. I like the dip to plastic forms in a cup of hot water for 15 seconds and then place the pops on a cold cookie sheet lined with plastic wrap. Pour the magic shell topping into a glass just wide enough to fit the popsicles and dip each popsicle in quickly. Sprinkle with cookie crumbs or cacao nibs if desired. Freeze until you’re ready to enjoy!

Notes

  • You can purchase simple syrup at the store, but I make my own. Combine equal parts water and sugar in a saucepan on the stove over medium heat. Stir occasionally, cooking until the sugar has dissolved. Allow to cool in a heat safe container. I usually cook 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar and store in a mason jar in my fridge.

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Mocha Cookies

Mocha Cookies by Wood and Spoon Blog by Kate Wood. This is a coffee and chocolate lover's dream dessert! Soft and chewy chocolate crinkle cookies scented with espresso and made a little crunchy from the addition of sprinkling/ sanding sugar. This is a great cookie for cookie exchanges and holiday Christmas parties. Find the recipe and the how to for these baked good treats on thewoodandspoon.com

The holidays have got to be the biggest joke we’re playing on kids. Christmas, a time of year that is paraded as fun and joyful, full of love and surprises just might be a giant trick we’re playing on our little ones. 

Mocha Cookies by Wood and Spoon Blog by Kate Wood. This is a coffee and chocolate lover's dream dessert! Soft and chewy chocolate crinkle cookies scented with espresso and made a little crunchy from the addition of sprinkling/ sanding sugar. This is a great cookie for cookie exchanges and holiday Christmas parties. Find the recipe and the how to for these baked good treats on thewoodandspoon.com

Okay, level with me for a minute. Is it not mildly terrifying that a stranger might shimmy down the chimney in the middle of the night? Who wants to be awoken by the sound of live animals on the roof of their home? And what kid is going to be excited about some old fellow breaking into their home and EATING ALL OF THE COOKIES? It’s outrageous. This concept we use to drum up excitement for our children is actually pretty disturbing.

It’s no wonder our kids are bad all year. We tell them, “Oh, Santa Claus won’t come if you don’t finish your vegetables! Santa won’t visit if you hit your sister! No presents from Santa if you flush your Beanie Babies down the toilet!” And what do they do? They protect themselves from the bearded intruder, his wild animals, and his illusive mob of tiny helpers. 

Mocha Cookies by Wood and Spoon Blog by Kate Wood. This is a coffee and chocolate lover's dream dessert! Soft and chewy chocolate crinkle cookies scented with espresso and made a little crunchy from the addition of sprinkling/ sanding sugar. This is a great cookie for cookie exchanges and holiday Christmas parties. Find the recipe and the how to for these baked good treats on thewoodandspoon.com

I think we may be sending our children some mixed messages. We tell our kids not to talk to or take candies from strangers, yet when Christmas rolls around, we bribe them with candy canes to hop on Santa’s lap. We tell them not to feed the animals at the zoo but then proceed to lure reindeer into our homes with carrots and frosted cookies. And let’s be honest: kids aren’t impressed by these magical reinder anyways because they see them for what they are- FLYING BEASTS.  

Mocha Cookies by Wood and Spoon Blog by Kate Wood. This is a coffee and chocolate lover's dream dessert! Soft and chewy chocolate crinkle cookies scented with espresso and made a little crunchy from the addition of sprinkling/ sanding sugar. This is a great cookie for cookie exchanges and holiday Christmas parties. Find the recipe and the how to for these baked good treats on thewoodandspoon.com

Truthfully, I think I’m selling my kids short. There’s no way Aimee didn’t notice the 5 o’clock shadow peeking out from under the mall Santa’s beard. She’s seen the bag of crap that I bought her from Target and there’s not a chance she’s going to believe it came from the North Pole on Christmas morning. These kids are smarter than we give them credit for, so it’s no surprise to me that we wind up with holiday footage like this:

Mocha Cookies by Wood and Spoon Blog by Kate Wood. This is a coffee and chocolate lover's dream dessert! Soft and chewy chocolate crinkle cookies scented with espresso and made a little crunchy from the addition of sprinkling/ sanding sugar. This is a great cookie for cookie exchanges and holiday Christmas parties. Find the recipe and the how to for these baked good treats on thewoodandspoon.com
Aimee: “He’s a fake and I hate this. Also, back off, Rudolph.”

As for me and my house, we will continue to torture our little ones. They are going to be fed nonsense of sugar plum fairies and moonlit sleigh rides until they’re old enough to laugh me in the face. While the true meaning of Christmas- a baby in the manger, redemption for humanity, and God’s fulfilled promises- will always remain at the forefront of our Decembers, I won’t miss the opportunity to rouse wonder and mystery in the imaginations of my little people. Even if it is a little terrifying. 

Mocha Cookies by Wood and Spoon Blog by Kate Wood. This is a coffee and chocolate lover's dream dessert! Soft and chewy chocolate crinkle cookies scented with espresso and made a little crunchy from the addition of sprinkling/ sanding sugar. This is a great cookie for cookie exchanges and holiday Christmas parties. Find the recipe and the how to for these baked good treats on thewoodandspoon.com

So whether you’re on team Santa or not, these mocha cookies are sure to get you in the Christmas spirit. With crispy edges and chewy centers, these coffee-scented chocolate cookies are just the type of treat that Ole St. Nick would try to jank from your cookie jar while the unsuspecting children sleep. They’re just really simple and really good.

To make these mocha cookies, we start with butter. Cream the fat with some sugar until it becomes light and fluffy. Eggs, vanilla and espresso powder come next, stirring in just to combine. Once well integrated, flour, cocoa powder, and the rest of the dry ingredients are added to the batter. Prior to baking the mocha cookies, I like to roll them in some coarse sugar. As the dough bakes, it will melt and barely spread, giving each bite a crackly outside texture. That extra crunch from the sugar makes these easy treats a smidge more festive and way fun to eat.Mocha Cookies by Wood and Spoon Blog by Kate Wood. This is a coffee and chocolate lover's dream dessert! Soft and chewy chocolate crinkle cookies scented with espresso and made a little crunchy from the addition of sprinkling/ sanding sugar. This is a great cookie for cookie exchanges and holiday Christmas parties. Find the recipe and the how to for these baked good treats on thewoodandspoon.com

These mocha cookies are sweet, simple, and sure to be a hit with the man in the red suit on Christmas Eve. Whip some up before the 25th and let me know how you love them! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you wonderful friends. 

Mocha Cookies by Wood and Spoon Blog by Kate Wood. This is a coffee and chocolate lover's dream dessert! Soft and chewy chocolate crinkle cookies scented with espresso and made a little crunchy from the addition of sprinkling/ sanding sugar. This is a great cookie for cookie exchanges and holiday Christmas parties. Find the recipe and the how to for these baked good treats on thewoodandspoon.com

If you like these mocha cookies, be sure to check out:

Hazelnut Mocha Cream Pie

No-Churn Mocha Brownie Fudge Ice Cream

Cookies and Cream Cookies

Espresso Caramel Thumbprint Cookies

Triple Chocolate Chip Cookies

Coconut Almond Chocolate Cookies

 

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Mocha Cookies

These mocha cookies are chewy coffee-scented chocolate crackle cookies with crunchy sugared edges. Perfect for a cookie exchange!

  • Author: Kate Wood
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 20
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 25

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup (170 gm) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 11/2 cups (300 gm) light brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 11/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 11/4 cups (160 gm) all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup (60 gm) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons espresso powder or coffee granules
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup sparkling or turbinado sugar, optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  2. In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the butter and brown sugar on medium speed until integrated and fluffy, about one minute. Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat to combine an additional 30 seconds. Scrape the sides of the bowl and add the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, espresso powder, and salt. Stir on low speed until combined, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed.
  3. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and pour the sparkling sugar into a small bowl. Scoop 1-1/2 teaspoon sized (medium cookie scoop) balls of dough and roll them in your hands. Roll the dough balls in the sugar and place on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for about 9-10 minutes or until the tops have cracked. Allow to cool on a cooling rack before enjoying.

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Hazelnut Mocha Cream Pie

Hazelnut Mocha Cream Pie is a simple, almost no bake pie make with a chocolate cookie crust, and a Nutella cream cheese and whipped cream filling. This is a chocolate lover dessert topped with extra fluffy stiff peak whipped cream and crunchy toasted nuts / hazelnuts. The pie is a great make ahead dessert to feed a crowd. Icebox pie, icebox cake, no bake pie, easy, simple summer recipe by thewoodandspoon.com

Guess what!? It’s still the month of chocolate around these parts, so you’re getting hit with another decadent, chocolatey treat today. This hazelnut mocha cream pie is a simple, cool and creamy treat that is so good, I think it might make your heart skip a beat. 

My heart already had its fair share of excitement this week, given that we celebrated Valentine’s Day on Tuesday. Brett and I drove to Birmingham to attend a pop-up dinner hosted by our good friend Mac Russell of Shindigs Catering. Shindigs turns fresh, local food into tastebud spankin’ Southern inspired dishes, and I knew this special dinner wouldn’t disappoint. While there were multiple highlights throughout the six courses of dining, you have to know my heart exploded during the dessert course: tiramisu with Nutella coffee. Even just typing the words makes my mouth water.

Mocha Hazelnut Cream Pie

Lucky for me, I get a coffee and Nutella fix with this week’s #monthofchocolate dessert. This hazelnut mocha cream pie is officially my new BFF. A cinch to make and inspired by my favorite peanut butter pie, this little fancy has a chocolate graham cracker crust, a hazelnut and espresso cream cheese filling, and is all topped off with espresso whipped cream and crunchy toasted hazelnuts. This pie is cloud-like with layers of fluffy whipped filling, and the rich, creamy flavors of the chocolate hazelnut spread is offset perfectly by the tangy cream cheese and bite from the espresso.
Mocha Hazelnut Cream Pie

To whip up this pie, we start with a quick bake of the chocolate graham cracker crust. You can skip this part and go straight for a store-bought chocolate cookie crust, but it’s so easy to whip one up- why bother!? While the crust cools, we beat together cream cheese, Nutella, and a bit of sugar, and then fold in some whipped cream that we’ve already dissolved a bit of espresso in. The filling gets topped with a few more dollops of espresso whipped cream, a drizzle more of Nutella, and some toasted hazelnuts before chilling to completion in the fridge. 

Hazelnut Mocha Cream Pie

Hazelnut mocha cream pie takes less than 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish, but you wouldn’t believe it by the taste or looks of it. This pie is easy to beautify and even easier to love, as the coffee and Nutella flavors are a favorite to most these days. You can try different variations of this pie by omitting the espresso, using a pastry crust instead of a cookie crust, or even by opting for cookie butter or peanut butter chocolate spread in place of the Nutella. I love testing out different versions of this pie as it almost always turns out rich, fluffy, and sweetened to perfection. If you try out any versions that are especially delicious, let me know in the comments section below!

Next week is a super special week for me, as it will be my one year blogiversary! I could not be more thrilled to celebrate a year writing to you all, and I have just the thing to celebrate with. (Hint: it has to do with chocolate. Shocking, right?) Stay tuned until next week and have a terrific Thursday! Cheers to you! Hazelnut Mocha Cream PieMocha Hazelnut Cream Pie

For another mocha treat, check out this no churn mocha brownie fudge ice cream

no-churn mocha brownie fudge ice cream

 

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Hazelnut Mocha Cream Pie

This hazelnut mocha cream pie is a light and creamy icebox pie flavored with Nutella and espresso. A chocolate cookie crust and coffee whipped cream makes this pie a sweet treat to feed a crowd!

  • Author: Kate Wood
  • Prep Time: 30
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Pie

Ingredients

For the crust

  • 11/2 cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs (I finely crumble 11/2 sleeves of graham crackers)
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup sugar

For the pie filling

  • 11/2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 11/2 teaspoon espresso powder
  • 8 ounces (1 block) cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup hazelnut spread (I use Nutella)
  • 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the topping

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 teaspoon espresso powder
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon hazelnut spread (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon cream or milk (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped hazelnuts, toasted (optional)

Instructions

To prepare the crust

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degress.
  2. Stir all of the crust ingredients together in a bowl, or whiz together in a food processor. Press the crumbs into the bottom and up the sides of a standard 9″ pie plate (note: this recipe will not fill a deep dish pie pan- use the standard sized pan). Bake in the preheated oven for 7 minutes or until the crumbs are set. Set aside to cool completely.

To prepare the pie filling

  1. Combine the heavy cream and espresso powder to allow the powder to dissolve while you prepare the filling.
  2. In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the cream cheese, hazelnut spread, and confectioner’s sugar on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
  3. In a separate medium sized bowl, beat the espresso and cream mixture on low speed until the cream froths. Increase the speed to medium-high, adding the granulated sugar once soft peaks form. Continuing beating just until stiff peaks form.
  4. Fold half of the whipped cream mixture into the cream cheese mixture. Once combined, fold in the remaining whipped cream. Spread the filling into the cooled pie crust.

To prepare the topping

  1. Combine 1 cup of the heavy cream and the espresso powder and allow the powder to dissolve, just as you did before. Once dissolved, whip until stiff peaks form, adding the sugar again at the soft peak stage. Spread the coffee whipped cream on top of the pie filling. If desired, combine the hazelnut spread and 1 teaspoon of cream in a small bowl and then microwave for 8-10 second to melt. Drizzle all over the pie as a garnish and top with the optional toasted hazelnuts.

Notes

Notes

  • Be sure your cream cheese is room temp, otherwise you will have cream cheese clumps in your pie! In a pinch, I slice my cream cheese up into 1 ounce slices and microwave briefly for 10-15 second intervals until it is soft enough. Take care not to cook the cream cheese in the microwave.
  • Espresso powder can be found in the coffee aisle of the grocery store. A high quality instant coffee can be used as well.
  • To toast hazelnuts, put the nuts in a small fry pan over medium low heat. Toss them occasionally. Nuts are toasted when they become fragrant and lightly golden brown.

Did you make this recipe?

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No-Churn Mocha Brownie Fudge Ice Cream

no-churn mocha brownie fudge ice cream recipe by the wood and spoon blog by kate wood. This is a simple ice cream that requires no maker or machine. It's whipped cream and sweetened condensed milk, flavored with brownie mix and filled with dark hot fudge sauce and bits of brownie pieces. Find the recipe for this creamy summertime favorite, best no churn ice cream on thewoodandspoon.com
Pickles and ice cream- the stereotypical pregnancy craving foods. I will validate 50% of this theory because ice cream has definitely been on my radar lately. In fact, if I had to sum up my pregnancy cravings in one food, it just might be today’s recipe: no-churn mocha fudge brownie ice cream. Yeah, I know, it’s a mouthful. But so is this ice cream, so you’re gonna want to stick around for this one.

At the time of writing this, I am 26 weeks pregnant and just days away from entering my third trimester. According to the pregnancy app on my phone, the baby that I’m currently growing is approximately the size of a green onion. Let’s pause here for a minute, because I really need someone to explain this to me.

Pregnancy Woes

How can a green onion cause even small features like my nose and chin to feel bloated? And what about all this heartburn? Does requiring an Alka-Seltzer after eating nothing more than a slice of toast sound like the mischievous workings of a green onion? I don’t think so. Whoever is coming up with these food/baby comparisons (and I’m thinking it’s gotta be a man) should consider modifying this method of measurement and stick with something that is a little more gentle on a mama’s heart. I don’t want to look at the scale and see that I’ve gained X number of pounds, only to be told that my baby is the size of an avocado pit. That is just rude.

no-churn mocha brownie fudge ice cream recipe by the wood and spoon blog by kate wood. This is a simple ice cream that requires no maker or machine. It's whipped cream and sweetened condensed milk, flavored with brownie mix and filled with dark hot fudge sauce and bits of brownie pieces. Find the recipe for this creamy summertime favorite, best no churn ice cream on thewoodandspoon.com

Mocha Brownie Fudge Ice Cream

But let’s not talk about that. Let’s talk about ice cream.
I’m a huge fan of making ice cream the old fashioned way but sometimes you just ain’t got time for that. This no-churn ice cream recipe comes together pretty quickly, requires zero stovetop cooking, and BONUS: BROWNIES. I decided to take easy street on this recipe by using Ghiradelli box brownies, but you could certainly make yours from scratch if you’d like and we will all pat you on the back for being an overachiever.

Making the Ice Cream

We start the ice cream making process by baking up a small pan of good ‘ole boxed brownies with the chic addition of a little bit of espresso, just because. Incidentally, if your toddler eats half of the brownies before you even get started- don’t worry. There will be plenty.
no-churn mocha brownie fudge ice cream recipe by the wood and spoon blog by kate wood. This is a simple ice cream that requires no maker or machine. It's whipped cream and sweetened condensed milk, flavored with brownie mix and filled with dark hot fudge sauce and bits of brownie pieces. Find the recipe for this creamy summertime favorite, best no churn ice cream on thewoodandspoon.com
Once the brownies are cooled and diced, we whip up the rest of the ingredients. Here’s where you will win for being an overachiever: use homemade whipped cream. It’s better that way.  no-churn mocha brownie fudge ice cream recipe by the wood and spoon blog by kate wood. This is a simple ice cream that requires no maker or machine. It's whipped cream and sweetened condensed milk, flavored with brownie mix and filled with dark hot fudge sauce and bits of brownie pieces. Find the recipe for this creamy summertime favorite, best no churn ice cream on thewoodandspoon.com
Add some reserved brownie mix, a bit of Kahlua (because we’re all grown ups here), some hot fudge, and POOF- ice cream.
The hardest part of this process is not actually making the ice cream… it’s waiting for your ice cream to set up in the freezer. You can do like I did and set aside the unfrozen leftovers in the fridge to feed your man friend for dessert. My husband, always the sophisticated palate, said the unfrozen mocha ice cream was “the best thing I’d ever made.” Really? The best thing I’ve ever made is unfrozen ice cream with boxed brownies chopped up in it? [Shakes head]
no-churn mocha brownie fudge ice cream recipe by the wood and spoon blog by kate wood. This is a simple ice cream that requires no maker or machine. It's whipped cream and sweetened condensed milk, flavored with brownie mix and filled with dark hot fudge sauce and bits of brownie pieces. Find the recipe for this creamy summertime favorite, best no churn ice cream on thewoodandspoon.com
The terrific thing about this method of ice cream making is that it’s super adaptable to a number of flavors, and start to finish, this process can take less than an hour. Magic. So give no-churn mocha brownie fudge ice cream a try. I hear green onions really dig ice cream so if you need me, I’ll be camped out by the freezer. You know, for the baby.
no-churn mocha brownie fudge ice cream recipe by the wood and spoon blog by kate wood. This is a simple ice cream that requires no maker or machine. It's whipped cream and sweetened condensed milk, flavored with brownie mix and filled with dark hot fudge sauce and bits of brownie pieces. Find the recipe for this creamy summertime favorite, best no churn ice cream on thewoodandspoon.com

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No-Churn Mocha Brownie Fudge Ice Cream

No-churn mocha brownie fudge ice cream: rich, smooth, no-churn mocha ice cream laced with fudge and brownie pieces.

  • Author: Kate Wood
  • Prep Time: 30
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

For the brownie pieces

  • 1 (20 ounce) box of dark chocolate brownie mix, divided
  • 2 teaspoons instant espresso
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 egg

For the ice cream

  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 tablespoons of coffee liqueur
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 cup hot fudge sauce, melted and cooled slightly

Instructions

To prepare the brownies

  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Lightly spray an 8″ metal baking pan with cooking spray.
  2. Measure out 1-1/4 cups of brownie mix, sifting out any chocolate chips, and set aside. This will be used later in ice cream.
  3. In a bowl, stir together oil, water, and egg until combined. Add the instant espresso and remaining brownie mix, stirring to combine. Pour into the prepared pan and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are barely set and the center still looks barely underbaked. Brownies will continue to cook once taken out of oven. Set aside to cool.

To prepare the ice cream

  1. Cut brownies into 1/2″ squares. Set in freezer while preparing other ingredients to keep cool.
  2. In a medium sized bowl, stir together sweetened condensed milk, coffee liqueur and 1-1/4 cups of the reserved brownie mix.
  3. In a separate bowl, whip the cold, heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
  4. Gently fold 1/3 of the whipped cream into the sweetened condensed milk mixture. Once combined, fold in the remaining whipped cream. Fold in 1-1/2 cups of the brownie pieces until well combined.
  5. Spoon the brownie ice cream mixture into a standard loaf pan until about 1/3 of the way filled. Drizzle in a bit of hot fudge and drop in a few brownies pieces as well. Repeat this process until the loaf pan is filled.
  6. Allow to set up in a freezer for at least 6 hours.

Notes

  • For a stronger brownie flavor, you can use all of the reserved 1-1/2 cups of brownie mix in the ice cream.
  • The addition of the coffee liquor helps to keep the ice cream smooth and from freezing too hard. If you don’t care for the taste, try adding another type of liquor in its place. If you’d prefer not to use alcohol, be sure to set the ice cream out a couple minutes prior to eating to maintain good scoopability.
  • If you do a really good job about folding your ice cream together gently, you will likely have a cup of the mixture that will not fit in the loaf pan. Feel free to set this aside or freeze in another container.

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Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

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