Espresso Cupcakes with Espresso Frosting : Bold & Sweet Recipe
Delight in these rich Espresso Cupcakes topped with a velvety Espresso Frosting. Perfect for coffee lovers, these cupcakes combine the bold flavor of espresso with the sweetness of cocoa, offering a moist and flavorful treat that’s ideal for any occasion.
- Author: Emma
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Espresso Cupcakes:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
- ½ cup brewed espresso or strong coffee, cooled
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Espresso Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
- 1 tablespoon brewed espresso, cooled
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: extra cocoa powder or chocolate shavings for garnish
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners to ensure easy removal and cleanup.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and instant espresso powder, followed by the brewed espresso to infuse a rich coffee flavor.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to combine the dry ingredients evenly.
- Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently just until all ingredients are incorporated. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender crumb.
- Bake: Spoon the batter evenly into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 16–18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar gradually, mixing on low speed to prevent a sugar cloud. Once combined, mix in the instant espresso powder and brewed espresso. Beat the frosting until it’s light and fluffy, adjusting consistency with extra powdered sugar or a few drops of espresso as needed.
- Frost and Garnish: Transfer the espresso frosting to a piping bag and decorate the cooled cupcakes. Garnish with chocolate shavings, a dusting of cocoa powder, or coffee beans for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better batter emulsification.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid dense cupcakes.
- Use freshly brewed espresso for the best coffee flavor.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- For a stronger coffee flavor, add an additional teaspoon of espresso powder to the frosting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: espresso cupcakes, espresso frosting, coffee cupcakes, chocolate espresso cupcakes, moist cupcakes, baked espresso treats