Enjoy the deep flavors of mocha and espresso in these tasty cupcakes. Great for coffee lovers, these chocolatey, moist cupcakes are topped with a rich espresso buttercream that makes them taste great.

Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour. 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder. 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda. 1/2 teaspoon salt. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened. 1 cup granulated sugar. 2 large eggs. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. 1/2 cup brewed strong coffee, cooled. 1/2 cup buttermilk. 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder. For Espresso Buttercream:. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened. 2 cups confectioners' sugar. 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder dissolved in 2 tablespoons hot water. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Pinch of salt. Chocolate-covered espresso beans for garnish optional.

Instructions: Warm your oven up to 350 F 175C and put paper liners in a cupcake tin. Mix the cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl with a whisk. Put away. Melt the butter and mix it with the sugar in a different bowl. Beat them together for about two to three minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy. One at a time, add the eggs and beat well after each one. Add the vanilla extract and mix well. Mix the instant espresso powder with the brewed coffee in a small bowl until the powder is gone. Start by adding the dry ingredients, then the buttermilk, one after the other. The dry ingredients should come last. Don't mix any further than that. Last, fold in the coffee that has been infused with espresso until the batter is smooth. Fill each cupcake liner about two thirds of the way to the top with batter. It's done when a toothpick stuck in the middle of a cupcake comes out clean after 18 to 20 minutes of baking. First, let the cupcakes cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely. To make the espresso buttercream: Melt the butter and beat it in a bowl until it is smooth and creamy. Mix the espresso powder, vanilla extract, confectioners' sugar, and a pinch of salt together. Mix the buttercream well and beat it until it is fluffy. Put the espresso buttercream on top of each cupcake after it is completely cool. You can pipe or spread it on. For an extra coffee kick, you can decorate with chocolate-covered espresso beans if you want to. Have fun with your tasty Mocha Cupcakes with Espresso Buttercream!

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes