Rich & Fluffy Coffee Cupcakes with Silky Coffee Buttercream

These coffee cupcakes are a dream for anyone who loves coffee’s rich, bold flavor.

They’re easy to make and deliver the perfect balance of sweetness and caffeine.

If you need a quick pick-me-up or want to indulge in a coffee-flavored treat, these cupcakes have you covered.

Each bite combines a moist, fluffy cake with a smooth, coffee-infused buttercream that will satisfy your cravings.

Perfect for any coffee enthusiast!

Here’s how to make these delicious coffee cupcakes at home!

How To Make Coffee Cupcakes: At A Glance

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Mix dry ingredients (flour, espresso powder, and salt) in a bowl.
3. Cream butter, sugar, and oil in a separate bowl, then add eggs one at a time.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients with buttermilk and milk.
5. Divide the batter into the cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes.
6. Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.
7. For the frosting, beat butter, dissolve espresso in water, and mix with powdered sugar until smooth.
8. Pipe or spread the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This coffee cupcake recipe is perfect for anyone who wants a quick, delicious dessert without too much fuss.

It uses basic ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, like flour, sugar, eggs, and instant coffee.

The result is a moist, flavorful cupcake that packs a strong coffee punch, both in the cake and the buttercream frosting.

You can easily adjust the coffee strength by using regular, decaf, or cold brew coffee, making it versatile for different preferences.

These cupcakes are ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a simple afternoon treat or a party dessert.

Plus, they store well, so you can make them in advance or keep leftovers for a few days.

This recipe’s simplicity, bold flavor, and flexibility make it a go-to option for coffee lovers everywhere.

Ingredients Overview

For the Cupcakes

• 2 teaspoons instant coffee powder or espresso powder – Provides bold coffee flavor.
• 165g light brown sugar – Adds rich, caramel-like sweetness to enhance the coffee taste.
• 165g softened butter – Adds structure and richness.
• ½ cup vegetable oil – Keeps the cupcakes moist and soft.
• 3 medium eggs – Helps bind the ingredients and create a light, fluffy texture.
• 150g self-raising flour – Helps the cupcakes rise.
• ⅔ cup buttermilk – Adds moisture and ensures a tender crumb.
• 1½ teaspoons milk – Adds extra moisture.
• ⅛ teaspoon salt – Balances the flavors.

For the Coffee Buttercream Frosting

• 1 cup softened butter – Creates a creamy, smooth base for the frosting.
• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar – Sweetens the frosting and gives it structure.
• 2 teaspoons espresso powder – Infuses the frosting with a strong coffee flavor.
• 2 tablespoons milk – Helps achieve the right frosting consistency.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cupcakes

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners.
2. In a large bowl, sift together the dry ingredients: 150g self-raising flour, 2 teaspoons instant coffee powder, and ⅛ teaspoon salt.
3. In another bowl, cream the butter, oil, and sugar: beat 165g softened butter, 165g light brown sugar, and ½ cup vegetable oil until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
5. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, alternating with ⅔ cup buttermilk and 1½ teaspoons milk. Mix until just combined.
6. Divide the batter evenly into the cupcake liners, filling them about ⅔ of the way full.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Frosting

1. Beat 1 cup softened butter in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
2. Dissolve 2 teaspoons of espresso powder in 1 tablespoon of hot water, then add it to the butter.
3. Gradually mix in 3 ½ cups powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and add 2 tablespoons of milk as needed to reach the desired consistency.
4. Once fully combined and smooth, pipe or spread the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes.

Now, your cupcakes are ready to serve!

Tips for Perfect Coffee Cupcakes

Avoid Overbaking

Overbaking is one of the biggest risks when making coffee cupcakes.

Not only can it lead to a dry texture, but it also weakens the rich coffee flavor.

Make sure to check the cupcakes a couple of minutes before the suggested baking time by inserting a toothpick into the center.

If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cupcakes are done.

Keeping a close eye on the oven will help preserve that bold coffee taste without compromising moisture.

Adjust Coffee Strength

The beauty of these cupcakes is how customizable they are.

If you love a strong coffee flavor, increase the amount of instant coffee or espresso powder in both the batter and frosting.

For those who prefer a milder taste, simply reduce the quantity slightly.

Room Temperature Ingredients

For the best results, always use room-temperature ingredients.

Cold eggs, butter, and milk can cause the batter to become uneven or lumpy, which affects both texture and baking consistency.

Room-temperature ingredients mix more smoothly and help create a light, fluffy cupcake that bakes evenly.

This simple step can make a big difference in the final product.

Variations & Additions

Mocha Version

If you love the combination of coffee and chocolate, try turning your coffee cupcakes into mocha cupcakes.

Simply add a few tablespoons of cocoa powder to the batter.

This adds a subtle chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with the rich coffee notes.

The cocoa enhances the cupcake’s depth without overpowering the coffee, giving you the best of both worlds in one bite.

Alternative Frosting

While coffee buttercream perfectly complements the flavor of these cupcakes, you can easily switch up the frosting to suit your taste.

A caramel frosting can give the cupcakes a sweet, buttery richness, balancing out the strong coffee flavor for a caramel latte-like treat.

If you prefer something lighter, vanilla buttercream is a great alternative.

Its sweetness mellows the coffee notes, making it a milder option for those who aren’t keen on a heavy coffee taste.

Decaf Option

If you’re sensitive to caffeine or making these cupcakes for someone who is, you can still enjoy the bold coffee flavor by using decaf coffee powder.

It provides the same great taste without the caffeine buzz.

This makes the cupcakes accessible to a wider range of people, including those avoiding caffeine but who still want to indulge in a coffee-flavored dessert.

Storage & Freezing Tips

Room Temperature

Frosted coffee cupcakes can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh and prevent the frosting from drying out.

This is perfect if you plan on serving the cupcakes soon or enjoying them over the next couple of days.

However, make sure the cupcakes are fully cooled before sealing them in a container, as warm cupcakes can create moisture, affecting their texture.

Freezing

If you want to prepare your coffee cupcakes ahead of time, you can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months.

To do this, wrap each cooled cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag.

When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw the cupcakes overnight at room temperature.

After thawing, frost them with your coffee buttercream or preferred topping.

This method is a great way to have cupcakes ready for last-minute gatherings.

Conclusion

These coffee cupcakes are the perfect treat for any coffee lover.

The recipe is simple, uses basic ingredients, and is easy to customize to your taste.

Plus, they store well, making them convenient for any occasion.

Give this recipe a try and feel free to experiment with variations—don’t forget to share your results!

FAQs

Can I make these cupcakes without eggs?

Yes, you can make these cupcakes without eggs, but you may need to adjust other ingredients to maintain the right texture.

For example, you might need to add a bit more baking soda or use an egg substitute to help the cupcakes rise properly and stay moist.

How much caffeine is in these cupcakes?

The caffeine content in these cupcakes is minimal, but it can vary based on the type of coffee you use.

If you’re using regular instant coffee or espresso powder, there will be a small amount of caffeine in each cupcake.

However, if you want to avoid caffeine altogether, you can easily switch to decaf coffee powder without affecting the flavor.