Espresso Brownie Cupcakes – Coffee Buttercream Perfection
Espresso Brownie Cupcakes with Coffee Buttercream Frosting combine the rich, fudgy texture of brownies infused with bold espresso and a smooth, creamy coffee-flavored buttercream. Perfect for coffee lovers seeking a decadent treat, these cupcakes offer deep chocolate and coffee flavors in a convenient, delicious portion size.
- Author: James
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Brownie Cupcakes
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons espresso powder
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Coffee Buttercream Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons brewed strong coffee or espresso
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners to ensure easy removal and perfect shape.
- Melt the Butter and Add Espresso: Gently melt unsalted butter in a saucepan or microwave, then stir in espresso powder and cocoa powder until fully combined, creating a smooth, aromatic base.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: In one bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt. In another, beat eggs and vanilla extract, then gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet, folding gently until just combined.
- Fill the Cupcake Liners: Scoop the batter evenly into the liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising without spilling over.
- Bake and Cool: Bake the cupcakes for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Whip the Coffee Buttercream: Beat softened butter with powdered sugar, then gradually add brewed strong coffee or espresso and heavy cream until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable.
- Frost and Decorate: Pipe or spread the buttercream over each cooled cupcake for a stunning finish that’s as delicious as it looks.
Notes
- Use fresh espresso powder for a vibrant, pure coffee flavor.
- Gently fold ingredients to keep cupcakes tender, avoid overmixing.
- Bring eggs and butter to room temperature for a smoother batter and frosting consistency.
- If frosting gets too soft, chill it in the fridge for 10 minutes before piping.
- Test cupcake doneness with a toothpick slightly before the suggested bake time to avoid dryness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: espresso, brownie cupcakes, coffee buttercream, chocolate cupcakes, coffee dessert, fudgy cupcakes