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Coffee Cupcakes with Espresso Buttercream Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 54 reviews
  • Author: Amanda
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cupcakes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Deliciously moist coffee cupcakes topped with a rich and silky coffee-flavored buttercream, perfect for coffee lovers looking for a delightful dessert.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Coffee Cupcakes

  • 114 g (1 stick) Unsalted Butter
  • 100 g (½ cup) Granulated Sugar (caster sugar)
  • 110 g (½ cup) Light Brown Sugar
  • 1 Large Egg
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 2 tablespoon Espresso Powder
  • 190 g (1½ cups) All-purpose Flour (plain flour)
  • 120 ml (½ cup) Whole Milk
  • ½ teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Salt

For the Coffee Buttercream

  • 227 g (2 sticks) Unsalted Butter room temperature
  • 396 g (14 oz) Condensed Milk
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • ½ teaspoon Salt
  • 2 teaspoon Espresso Powder


Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F / 180 °C (160°C fan) and line a muffin pan with cupcake liners to prepare for baking.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: Cream the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cupcakes.
  3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully combined, ensuring the batter is smooth and even.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a bowl. Add half of this dry mixture into the batter and gently fold until fully incorporated.
  5. Add Coffee Milk Mixture: Dissolve the espresso powder in the whole milk, then pour this into the batter and mix until well combined.
  6. Combine Remaining Dry Ingredients: Add the remaining flour mixture to the batter and stir until just incorporated, ensuring the batter is smooth but not overmixed.
  7. Bake the Cupcakes: Scoop the batter evenly into the cupcake liners and bake for 18 minutes or until the tops spring back when lightly pressed.
  8. Prepare Buttercream: Whip the room temperature butter on high speed for 5 minutes using a stand or hand mixer until light and silky smooth.
  9. Add Condensed Milk: Gradually drizzle in the condensed milk while mixing on medium speed to avoid splitting, creating a thick and glossy frosting.
  10. Flavor the Buttercream: Dissolve espresso powder in a tablespoon of hot water, then add it along with vanilla extract and salt to the frosting. Whip for another minute to combine flavors thoroughly.
  11. Frost the Cupcakes: Once cupcakes have cooled completely, generously top them with the coffee buttercream. Optionally, decorate with chocolate coffee beans, cocoa powder, or leave plain.

Notes

  • Ensure the butter for the buttercream is at room temperature (around 1 hour out of the fridge) to achieve the correct consistency; too cold or too warm will affect whipping.
  • If your buttercream breaks or appears curdled, try reheating the mixing bowl slightly or adding a teaspoon of cold water and re-whipping.
  • For stronger coffee flavor, increase espresso powder slightly but avoid adding too much as it may affect texture.
  • Use fresh eggs and sift dry ingredients carefully for a light and fluffy cupcake texture.
  • Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the buttercream.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cupcake
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg