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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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