Espresso Brownie Cupcakes with Coffee Buttercream

Name: Espresso Brownie Cupcakes with Coffee Buttercream
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup melted butter; 2 tsp espresso powder; 2 large eggs (room temperature); 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tbsp coffee extract

Published: May 12, 2025

by Ezra

Why You’ll Love This Espresso Brownie Cupcakes with Coffee Buttercream

For more inspiration, check out this Whole30 Sloppy Joes recipe.

Decadent Flavor Combination: The pairing of rich chocolate brownie with smooth coffee buttercream creates a symphony of flavors that is both indulgent and satisfying.
Perfectly Portion-Controlled: Each cupcake offers a single serving, making it easy to enjoy without overindulging or worrying about slicing a cake.
Impressive Presentation: These cupcakes are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them an attractive addition to any dessert table or celebration.

Ingredients for Espresso Brownie Cupcakes with Coffee Buttercream

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Use high-quality cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor in your brownie base.
Granulated Sugar: This will sweeten the brownies while also contributing to their moist texture.
Butter: Melted butter adds richness and creates a fudgy consistency in the brownies.
Espresso Powder: A key ingredient that intensifies the brownie flavor; choose finely ground espresso for optimal results.
Eggs: Eggs provide structure and moisture; using room temperature eggs will help them incorporate better into the batter.
All-Purpose Flour: This is essential for binding the ingredients together and achieving the right texture.
Powdered Sugar: For the buttercream frosting, powdered sugar dissolves easily for a smooth finish.
Coffee Extract: Adds an extra kick of coffee flavor to the buttercream; ensure it’s pure for the best taste.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Espresso Brownie Cupcakes with Coffee Buttercream

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake tin with paper liners to ensure easy removal after baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Brownie Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, espresso powder, and eggs. Cherry Smoothie Bowl Whisk until smooth and well blended.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in all-purpose flour until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want your brownies to stay fudgy.

Step 4: Divide Batter into Tins

Scoop equal amounts of batter into each cupcake liner, filling them about two-thirds full. Bake in preheated oven for about 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out slightly moist.

Step 5: Make Coffee Buttercream

While cupcakes cool, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and coffee extract, mixing until light and fluffy.

Step 6: Frost Your Cupcakes

Once brownies have cooled completely, use a piping bag or spatula to generously frost each cupcake with coffee buttercream.

Transfer to plates and serve these delightful Espresso Brownie Cupcakes at your next gathering for an unforgettable treat.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow eggs and butter to reach room temperature before mixing for better incorporation.
Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on cooking time; removing them from the oven while slightly underbaked will enhance their fudginess.
Piping Techniques: For beautiful frosting swirls, use different piping tips; practice makes perfect!

How to Serve Espresso Brownie Cupcakes with Coffee Buttercream

This Espresso Brownie Cupcakes with Coffee Buttercream is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture and sweet flavor of vanilla ice cream create a delightful contrast to the rich brownie base.
Fresh Berries: The tartness of berries adds a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the cupcakes, enhancing their overall appeal.
Whipped Cream: A light and airy topping that complements the dense chocolate flavor, making each bite even more indulgent.

Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead: You can prepare the brownie batter up to one day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Prepare the coffee buttercream a few hours before serving for best results.
Storing: Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate them for up to a week. Ensure they are well covered to maintain freshness.
Reheating: If you prefer warm cupcakes, heat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will keep them moist without compromising texture or flavor.

Suggestions for Espresso Brownie Cupcakes with Coffee Buttercream

Overmixing the Batter

When making Espresso Brownie Cupcakes with Coffee Buttercream, it’s crucial to avoid overmixing the batter. Overmixing can lead to dense and tough cupcakes instead of the desired light and fluffy texture. Once you combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, mix just until they are incorporated. A few lumps are perfectly fine; they will bake out during cooking. Remember, the goal is to keep your cupcakes tender and moist, so gentle folding is key!

Using Low-Quality Cocoa Powder

The quality of your cocoa powder significantly affects the flavor of your Espresso Brownie Cupcakes with Coffee Buttercream. Using low-quality cocoa can result in a flat and unappealing taste. Invest in high-quality Dutch-processed or natural cocoa powder for rich chocolate flavor. Additionally, ensure that your espresso powder is also top-notch to enhance the coffee notes in your buttercream. Quality ingredients make all the difference in achieving delicious results.

Skipping Room Temperature Ingredients

One common mistake when baking Espresso Brownie Cupcakes with Coffee Buttercream is using cold ingredients directly from the fridge. Ingredients like eggs, butter, and milk should be at room temperature before mixing. This practice ensures a smooth batter and an even rise during baking. To bring eggs to room temperature quickly, simply place them in warm water for about 10 minutes. This small step can greatly improve your final product.

Not Preheating Your Oven

Failing to preheat your oven is a common mistake that can ruin your Espresso Brownie Cupcakes with Coffee Buttercream. An unheated oven leads to inconsistent baking temperatures, which can cause cupcakes to rise unevenly or not set properly at all. Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe Always preheat your oven according to the recipe instructions before you start baking. This ensures that your cupcakes receive the right amount of heat from the beginning, resulting in perfectly baked treats every time.

FAQs

What makes Espresso Brownie Cupcakes different from regular brownies?

Espresso Brownie Cupcakes stand out from regular brownies due to their unique cupcake form and texture. While traditional brownies have a denser consistency, these cupcakes offer a lighter and fluffier texture while still retaining that rich brownie flavor. The addition of espresso enhances the chocolate flavor, giving it a more complex taste profile that elevates it beyond standard brownies.

Can I make Espresso Brownie Cupcakes without espresso powder?

Yes, you can make Espresso Brownie Cupcakes without espresso powder if you prefer not to use it or can’t find it at local stores. In this case, you could replace it with an equivalent amount of strong brewed coffee or omit it entirely while increasing other flavors like vanilla extract slightly to maintain richness. However, keep in mind that skipping espresso may result in a less intense chocolate flavor.

How can I store leftover Espresso Brownie Cupcakes?

To store leftover Espresso Brownie Cupcakes effectively, first ensure they are completely cooled after baking. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, consider refrigerating them; however, do note that refrigeration may affect their texture slightly. You can also freeze them by wrapping each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil—just remember to thaw them before serving!

Can I customize my Coffee Buttercream for different flavors?

Absolutely! You can easily customize your Coffee Buttercream used on Espresso Brownie Cupcakes with various flavors by adding extracts or spices. For example, try incorporating vanilla extract for sweetness or almond extract for a nutty twist. Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Additionally, you could add flavored syrups like hazelnut or caramel syrup for extra depth and sweetness depending on your preferences!

Conclusion for Espresso Brownie Cupcakes with Coffee Buttercream

In summary, crafting perfect Espresso Brownie Cupcakes with Coffee Buttercream involves avoiding common pitfalls such as overmixing and using low-quality ingredients. Pay attention to details like using room temperature components and preheating your oven for optimal results. These simple yet effective tips help create delightful cupcakes that every dessert lover will enjoy! By customizing flavors and ensuring proper storage methods post-baking, you’ll ensure these treats remain delicious long after they come out of the oven—perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying solo!

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