Chocolate cupcakes with espresso buttercream—because sometimes chocolate alone just isn’t enough. You need that rich, decadent frosting that packs a punch. The intense espresso adds just enough sophistication to keep you awake while devouring these beauties. Imagine this: fluffy, indulgent cupcakes that bring together the best of both worlds—chocolate and coffee. A combo that screams “I know what I’m doing in the kitchen,” yet won’t make you break a sweat. This dessert is for those who appreciate both caffeine and decadence in one bite. Ready to impress, or at least give the illusion of having your life together?

Chocolate Cupcakes with Espresso Buttercream
Rich chocolate cupcakes topped with creamy espresso buttercream. The perfect bite of indulgence with a caffeinated twist.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup hot water
- 1 tbsp espresso powder
For the Espresso Buttercream:
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp brewed espresso cooled
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp heavy cream optional for consistency
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Wet Ingredients: Beat together sugar, egg, milk, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with hot water. Add espresso powder.
- Bake: Fill each liner 2/3 full with batter and bake for 18-20 minutes. Cool completely.
- Make Frosting: Beat softened butter, powdered sugar, brewed espresso, and vanilla until fluffy. Add cream for desired consistency.
- Frost: Once cupcakes are cool, pipe the frosting onto each cupcake.
Notes
Nutritional Values (Per Serving)
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Total Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
Vitamins and Minerals (Per Serving)
- Vitamin A: 4%
- Iron: 5%
- Calcium: 2%
- Vitamin C: 1%
- Magnesium: 3%
Additional Notes/Tips
- For an extra jolt, add more espresso powder to the batter.
- Frosting too thick? Thin it out with a bit more cream.
- These cupcakes pair perfectly with your afternoon coffee, or when pretending to have your life together.
- Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.