Description
Decadent espresso cupcakes paired with creamy espresso frosting, perfect for coffee lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 2½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder (for frosting)
- 1 tablespoon brewed espresso, cooled
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: extra cocoa powder or chocolate shavings for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Mix the softened butter and granulated sugar until 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, then the cooled brewed espresso.
- Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
- Spoon the batter into cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full. Bake for 16-18 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter for the frosting until creamy.
- Add powdered sugar in batches, mixing on low speed and then blend in the instant espresso powder and brewed espresso.
- Frost the cooled cupcakes and garnish with cocoa powder or chocolate shavings.
Notes
Bake the cupcakes a day in advance and frost them on the day of serving for optimal freshness. Store unfrosted in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: espresso cupcakes, chocolate cupcakes, coffee desserts