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Why Make This Recipe

Espresso Cupcakes with Espresso Frosting are the perfect treat for coffee lovers and those who enjoy a little sweetness. These cupcakes pack a bold espresso flavor balanced with a sweet and creamy frosting. They are great for any occasion, from birthdays to casual gatherings, and they are sure to impress your guests. If you love the rich aroma of coffee and a small kiss of chocolate, this recipe is made just for you!

How to Make Espresso Cupcakes with Espresso Frosting

Ingredients:

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 (for frosting)
Pinch of salt (for frosting)
Optional: extra cocoa powder or chocolate shavings for garnish

Directions:

Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and instant espresso powder, followed by the brewed espresso.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix—just enough to incorporate everything smoothly.
Bake: Spoon the batter evenly into the cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full. Bake for 16–18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Make the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar in batches, mixing on low to avoid a sugar cloud. Once incorporated, mix in instant espresso powder and brewed espresso. Beat until light and fluffy. If needed, adjust consistency with more powdered sugar or a few drops of espresso.
Frost and Garnish: Transfer the frosting to a piping bag and frost cooled cupcakes. Garnish with chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, or coffee beans if desired.

How to Serve Espresso Cupcakes with Espresso Frosting

Serve these delicious espresso cupcakes at room temperature. You can add a dusting of cocoa powder or sprinkle some chocolate shavings on top for extra flair. Pair them with a nice cup of coffee or a glass of milk to enjoy the full flavor experience!

How to Store Espresso Cupcakes with Espresso Frosting

Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you wish to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week. Just bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best taste.

Tips to Make Espresso Cupcakes with Espresso Frosting

Make sure your ingredients, especially eggs and butter, are at room temperature for better mixing.
Don’t overmix the batter; this will keep the cupcakes light and fluffy.
For even more coffee flavor, you can steep espresso beans in the milk you use in the recipe.
If you want to make more cupcakes, simply double the recipe!

Variation

You can experiment by adding chocolate chips into the batter for extra chocolatey richness. Another variation is to use flavored frosting, such as chocolate or caramel, for a different twist!

FAQs

Can I use decaf espresso for this recipe?
Yes, you can use decaf espresso if you prefer to keep the caffeine content low.

What can I use instead of unsalted butter?
You can use margarine or any dairy-free butter alternative in place of unsalted butter.

How can I make the frosting less sweet?
To make the frosting less sweet, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar and add a bit more brewed espresso to balance the flavors.