Description
Mocha espresso cupcakes are moist, chocolatey treats infused with bold coffee flavor and topped with a creamy espresso frosting. A perfect dessert for coffee and chocolate lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1/2 cup strong brewed espresso (or strong coffee)
- 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
- For the espresso frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp brewed espresso (cooled)
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder (optional, for mocha flavor)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another large bowl, beat granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and oil until smooth.
- Stir in brewed espresso, milk, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Gradually fold in dry ingredients until just mixed. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
- Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- For frosting, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, espresso, and vanilla, beating until smooth and fluffy.
- Frost cooled cupcakes using a piping bag or spatula.
Notes
Use instant espresso powder dissolved in hot water if brewed espresso isn’t available.For richer flavor, use dark cocoa powder.Add a splash of coffee liqueur for an adult twist.Make mini cupcakes by reducing baking time to 10–12 minutes.Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
