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Espresso Brownie Cupcakes – Coffee Buttercream Perfection

Espresso Brownie Cupcakes – Coffee Buttercream Perfection


  • Author: Sarah
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour blend)

Description

Espresso Brownie Cupcakes – Coffee Buttercream Perfection combines the bold flavor of espresso with rich, fudgy chocolate in a moist cupcake base topped with smooth, aromatic coffee-infused buttercream. Perfect for dessert lovers seeking a decadent coffee-chocolate treat that’s simple to bake and impressive to serve.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Cupcakes

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for gluten-free option)
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon espresso powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (or plant-based butter for vegan)
  • 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons milk or brewed coffee

For the Coffee Buttercream Frosting

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (or vegan butter)
  • 1 1/2 to 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons espresso powder or strong brewed coffee
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients and Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake tin with paper liners and measure all ingredients accurately for even mixing and baking.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, and salt to evenly distribute flavors and leavening agents.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer, beat softened butter and sugar until light, fluffy, and pale in color; this is key for tender crumb and rich taste.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract, ensuring a smooth and homogenous mixture for a luscious batter base.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk or brewed coffee for moisture. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
  6. Bake the Cupcakes: Distribute batter evenly into cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs, indicating perfect fudginess.
  7. Prepare Coffee Buttercream Frosting: Beat softened butter until creamy, gradually add powdered sugar and espresso powder or brewed coffee until smooth and fluffy. Adjust consistency by adding cream as needed.
  8. Frost and Garnish: Once cupcakes are completely cooled, pipe or spread the coffee buttercream generously on top. Optionally, garnish with chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for an elegant touch.

Notes

  • Use fresh espresso powder for a stronger coffee flavor without bitterness.
  • Do not overmix the batter to keep cupcakes fudgy and tender.
  • Cool cupcakes completely before frosting to prevent buttercream melting.
  • Use room temperature eggs and butter for a consistent batter.
  • Use a piping bag for frosting to achieve a professional look with less mess.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cupcake
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 28 g
  • Sodium: 90 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg

Keywords: espresso brownie cupcakes, coffee buttercream, chocolate espresso cupcakes, fudgy cupcakes, coffee chocolate dessert, mocha cupcakes