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Mocha Cupcakes

Print Recipe
A plate of chocolate cupcakes with swirled frosting and chocolate toppings, surrounded by coffee cups and coffee beans on a table.
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:16 minutes
Total Time:36 minutes

Ingredients

For the cupcakes

  • 2 ½ c sugar
  • 3 c flour
  • ½ c cocoa powder
  • 1 t salt
  • 2 t baking soda
  • 1 ½ t baking powder
  • ½ c sour cream
  • 1 c buttermilk or milk w/ 1 T vinegar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 ½ c fresh brewed coffee or cold brew
  • ½ c oil

For the frosting

  • 1 c unsalted butter softened
  • 4 c powdered sugar
  • 2 T cocoa powder
  • 1 T espresso powder
  • 1 t vanilla
  • 2-3 T coffee room temp or cold
  • ½ t salt
  • Chocolate covered coffee beans to decorate

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line standard muffin tins with cupcake liners, set aside.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Whisk to combine.
  • Add in the eggs, coffee, sour cream, buttermilk and oil.
  • Mix on low until combined, scraping the sides often.
  • Divide the batter between each of the cupcake liners, filling each about ½ full.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 14-16 minutes or until the center is set. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before decorating.
  • For the frosting - in the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the softened butter, about half of the powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, espresso powder and cocoa powder.
  • Mix on low until combined.
  • Add in the remaining powdered sugar and the brewed coffee. Mix on low until combined.
  • Bump up the speed to medium and whip until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
  • Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
  • Once the cupcakes are cool, pipe a dollop of frosting on top of each cupcake and decorate with a chocolate covered coffee bean.

Notes

Storage: Cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Servings: 36 cupcakes