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 (for frosting)
- Pinch of salt (for frosting)
- Optional: extra cocoa powder or chocolate shavings for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- 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.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- 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.
- In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar in batches, mixing on low. Once incorporated, mix in instant espresso powder and brewed espresso. Beat until light and fluffy.
- Transfer the frosting to a piping bag and frost cooled cupcakes. Garnish with chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, or coffee beans if desired.
Notes
For a richer flavor, consider adding chocolate chips to the batter or using flavored frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg