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Coffee Cupcakes with Espresso Buttercream Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 10 reviews
  • Author: Madison
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Delight in these rich and moist Coffee Cupcakes topped with a silky smooth Coffee Russian Buttercream. Perfect for coffee lovers, these cupcakes combine espresso flavor with a tender crumb and a luscious frosting that’s simple to make and incredibly satisfying.


Ingredients

Scale

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

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 Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) or 160°C fan. Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners to prepare for baking.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base for the cupcakes.
  3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully combined with the butter and sugar mixture.
  4. Sift Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a separate bowl to remove lumps and evenly distribute the leavening agents.
  5. Combine Flour Mixture Part 1: Pour half of the sifted flour mixture into the batter and mix slowly until fully incorporated to maintain a tender texture.
  6. Dissolve Espresso: Dissolve the espresso powder in the whole milk, ensuring there are no clumps, then gradually pour this into the batter and mix well.
  7. Incorporate Remaining Flour Mixture: Add the remaining flour mixture and stir until just combined, being careful not to over-mix to keep cupcakes moist.
  8. Bake Cupcakes: Scoop the batter evenly into the prepared cupcake liners and bake in the preheated oven for 18 minutes, or until the tops spring back lightly when pressed.
  9. Make Buttercream: Using a stand or hand mixer, whip the unsalted butter on high for 5 minutes until it becomes lighter in color and silky smooth.
  10. Add Condensed Milk Slowly: Gradually drizzle in the condensed milk while whipping on medium speed to prevent the frosting from splitting, ensuring a thick and glossy finish.
  11. Mix in Flavorings: Dissolve the espresso powder in a tablespoon of hot water, then add this along with vanilla extract and salt to the buttercream. Whip for an additional minute until well blended.
  12. Assemble Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes have fully cooled, generously top each with the coffee buttercream. Optionally, decorate with chocolate coffee beans, cocoa powder, or leave plain as desired.

Notes

  • Ensure the butter for the frosting is at room temperature (about 1 hour out of the fridge) to achieve a smooth and fluffy texture.
  • Do not rush adding the condensed milk to the buttercream to avoid splitting; add it slowly while whipping.
  • If the buttercream does split or curdle, gently warm it slightly and whip again to fix the texture.
  • Feel free to decorate the cupcakes with chocolate coffee beans or a light dusting of cocoa powder for an elegant finish.
  • Use fresh espresso powder for the best coffee flavor in both the cupcakes and the frosting.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cupcake
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 28 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg