Brownie Cupcakes with Coffee Frosting (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Brownie Cupcake Base
01 -
1/2 cup unsalted butter
02 -
1 cup granulated sugar
03 -
2 large eggs
04 -
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 -
1/4 cup milk
→ Dry Ingredients
06 -
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
07 -
1/3 cup cocoa powder (use high quality for best results)
08 -
1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
09 -
1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Coffee Buttercream
10 -
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
11 -
2 cups powdered sugar
12 -
1 tablespoon instant espresso powder dissolved in 1 tablespoon hot water
13 -
1-2 tablespoons milk, as needed for consistency
→ Optional Toppings
14 -
Crushed chocolate-covered espresso beans
15 -
Cocoa powder for dusting
16 -
Chocolate sprinkles or shavings
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. Get all your ingredients measured and ready to go.
02 -
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Take it off the heat, add the sugar, and stir until well mixed. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
03 -
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and espresso powder until well combined.
04 -
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into your butter mixture, then stir in the milk until smooth. Divide the batter between your cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
05 -
Bake for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center. Let them cool completely before frosting.
06 -
Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until smooth. Mix in the dissolved espresso and milk until you get a silky, spreadable consistency.
07 -
Once cupcakes are completely cool, pipe or spread on the coffee buttercream. Top with your choice of garnishes like espresso beans, cocoa powder, or chocolate shavings.
# Notes:
01 -
For extra coffee kick, brush cooled cupcakes with brewed espresso before frosting
02 -
Chill buttercream for 10 minutes before piping for better shape holding
03 -
Can be made a day ahead - store in an airtight container