If you are a coffee lover and enjoy treats that pair beautifully with your morning brew, Espresso Cupcakes are an absolute must-try. These cupcakes bring a perfect balance of deep espresso flavor and sweet, tender cake, beautifully elevated by a luscious espresso buttercream frosting. Every bite bursts with that invigorating coffee essence, making Espresso Cupcakes a delightful pick-me-up dessert for any time of day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these ingredients is straightforward, yet each one plays a vital role in creating the ultimate espresso cupcake experience. From the rich butter that keeps the cake moist to the espresso powder that infuses that unmistakable coffee flavor, every element counts towards the perfect texture, taste, and aroma.

Unsalted butter (1/2 cup melted): Adds richness and moisture for a tender crumb.
Light brown sugar (1/2 cup): Brings a subtle caramel note that complements espresso wonderfully.
Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Provides sweetness and helps with the cake’s light structure.
Large eggs (2, room temperature): Build structure and contribute to the cupcake’s lift.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor complexity.
Cake flour (1 1/2 cups, can substitute all-purpose): Keeps the crumb soft and delicate.
Espresso powder (1 tablespoon): The star ingredient that delivers bold coffee flavor.
Baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoons): Ensures your cupcakes rise beautifully.
Kosher salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances depth of flavor.
Brewed espresso or coffee (1/2 cup, substitute whole milk if needed): Infuses moistness and a subtle coffee undertone in the batter.
Unsalted butter (1 cup, room temperature) for frosting: Creates a smooth, creamy base for the buttercream.
Powdered sugar (3 cups): Sweetens and thickens the buttercream frosting.
Espresso powder (2 teaspoons) for frosting: Intensifies the coffee flavor in the frosting.
Heavy cream (2 tablespoons, as needed): Thins and lightens the buttercream to perfect fluffiness.
Chocolate covered espresso beans (optional): A crunchy, decorative garnish doubling the coffee goodness.

How to Make Espresso Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Batter Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and line a 12-cup cupcake pan with liners. This sets the stage for even baking and easy cleanup. Next, whisk together the dry ingredients: cake flour, baking powder, espresso powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening and espresso flavor is evenly dispersed throughout the batter.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter with both sugars until smooth, then whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract. This mixture brings together the fat and sugars that create a tender crumb and rich flavor. Incorporating the eggs last helps with emulsification, locking in moisture.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Espresso

Add half of your dry flour mix to the wet ingredients and stir gently, preventing overmixing which can toughen cupcakes. Then fold in the brewed espresso, which imparts a moist texture along with a subtle coffee depth, before adding the remaining flour mix. Stir until everything is combined and smooth, your batter is ready to shine.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Divide the batter evenly, about ¼ cup per cupcake liner, filling halfway. This prevents overflowing and gives you cupcakes with a perfect dome. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a cake tester inserted comes out clean. Once baked, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely—this step is key for smooth frosting application.

Step 5: Make the Espresso Buttercream

Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the softened butter with powdered sugar and espresso powder until silky and smooth. Add heavy cream a tablespoon at a time to get the right consistency—light and fluffy but still sturdy enough to hold shape when piped. Beat for 4-5 minutes for that luscious texture that melts in your mouth.

Step 6: Frost and Decorate

Once the cupcakes are fully cooled, frost them generously using your preferred piping tip. The classic Wilton 1M tip creates beautiful swirls perfect for showcasing the espresso buttercream. For a final flourish, top each cupcake with a chocolate covered espresso bean and a sprinkle of espresso powder to elevate both flavor and presentation.

How to Serve Espresso Cupcakes

Garnishes

Chocolate covered espresso beans are the ultimate garnish for these cupcakes, adding a delightful crunch and extra coffee punch. You can also dust a bit of cocoa powder or finely grated dark chocolate for a classy finish that complements the espresso flavor beautifully.

Side Dishes

Espresso Cupcakes pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream to balance the rich coffee notes. Fresh berries or a small fruit salad can add a refreshing contrast to the decadent flavor, perfect for a balanced dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, serve the cupcakes on a tiered cake stand to make a stunning coffee-themed display. Wrapping each cupcake with a decorative coffee cup sleeve or placing them alongside a freshly brewed cup of espresso enhances the experience and makes for a charming treat to share.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Espresso Cupcakes covered tightly in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to store them longer, refrigerated storage works well, though you might want to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

These cupcakes freeze wonderfully. Freeze the unfrosted cupcakes in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag or container for up to three months. For best results, freeze the frosting separately in a sealed container, and frost after thawing.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy these cupcakes warm, remove any frosting and microwave a single cupcake for about 10-15 seconds, just enough to warm the cake. Then reapply frosting, or heat gently in the oven wrapped in foil if you prefer them less soft.

FAQs

Can I substitute instant coffee for espresso powder in Espresso Cupcakes?

Yes, instant coffee can work as a substitute, but espresso powder offers a more intense and richer coffee flavor. If you use instant coffee, try to use less since it can be more bitter or weak, depending on the brand.

Can I make Espresso Cupcakes dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute butter with a dairy-free spread and use plant-based milk instead of brewed coffee if needed. The espresso powder remains naturally dairy-free, so your cupcakes will still have that delicious coffee kick.

How do I prevent the espresso flavor from becoming too bitter in the cupcakes?

Balancing the espresso powder with both the sugars and the richness of the butter is key. Using brewed espresso or coffee rather than extra espresso powder in the batter can mellow bitterness. Also, the sweet buttercream frosting offsets any strong bitter notes perfectly.

Can I double this recipe for a larger batch of Espresso Cupcakes?

Yes, doubling the recipe works great. Just make sure to mix dry and wet ingredients separately before combining, and watch baking time as it might vary slightly depending on your oven and pan size.

What is the best way to pipe the espresso buttercream on cupcakes?

The Wilton 1M piping tip creates classic, elegant swirls that hold their shape nicely. Start piping from the outside edge in a circular motion and spiral upwards for a professional look everyone will admire.

Final Thoughts

Espresso Cupcakes are truly a joy to make and an even bigger delight to share. The combination of rich coffee flavor with tender cake and creamy buttercream feels like a warm hug in dessert form. Once you try these, I’m sure they’ll become a beloved favorite, perfect for quiet afternoons or lively gatherings. So go ahead, bake a batch, put on your favorite coffee playlist, and savor every delicious bite!

Espresso Cupcakes Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 26 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Espresso Cupcakes are a perfect blend of rich coffee flavor and moist, tender cake, topped with a luscious espresso buttercream frosting. Ideal for coffee lovers, they combine the boldness of espresso with the sweetness of buttercream for an indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup cupcake pan with cupcake liners to prepare for baking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, espresso powder, and kosher salt until well combined to ensure even distribution of leavening and espresso flavor.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
Incorporate Ingredients: Add about half of the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients and stir gently. Then stir in the brewed espresso or coffee, followed by the remaining flour mixture. Mix just until all ingredients are well blended without overmixing.
Fill Cupcake Liners: Pour approximately 1/4 cup of batter into each prepared cupcake liner, filling them about halfway to allow room for rising.
Bake the Cupcakes: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the Cupcakes: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare Espresso Buttercream: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter, powdered sugar, and espresso powder together until smooth and creamy.
Adjust Frosting Consistency: Add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream as needed to thin the buttercream to your desired consistency, then beat on high speed for 4-5 minutes until light and fluffy.
Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes have fully cooled, frost them generously with the espresso buttercream using a piping bag fitted with a Wilton 1M tip or a spatula.
Garnish and Serve: Optionally, top each cupcake with a chocolate covered espresso bean and a light sprinkle of espresso powder for an elegant and flavorful finish.

Notes

Allow the eggs to come to room temperature for better batter consistency.
Espresso powder intensifies the coffee flavor; adjust quantity to taste.
Brewed espresso or strong coffee can be substituted with whole milk for a milder flavor.
Make sure cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Bring refrigerated cupcakes to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American