Indulge in Delightful Coffee Cupcakes Today
For coffee aficionados and dessert lovers alike, this recipe will be a game changer. Introducing a delectable treat that combines the beloved flavors of coffee and cupcakes in a way that will leave you craving more. These easy-to-make, 3-ingredient coffee cupcakes with coffee icing will impress your friends and family without requiring much effort on your part.
As a barista, I know my way around coffee, and what better way is there to enjoy our favorite beverage than in cupcake form? In just six simple steps, using ingredients you most probably already have at home, you can make these scrumptiously unforgettable cupcakes.
Whether you’re a busy student or an experienced baker, this recipe is designed to be quick and easy regardless of your lifestyle or skill level in the kitchen. Keep reading to discover why you should consider baking these cupcakes right away (besides the fact that they taste amazing).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Attention coffee lovers! Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that perfectly captures the rich and robust flavor of your favorite beverage? Look no further than these 3 ingredient coffee cupcakes with silky coffee buttercream frosting!
Here’s why you’ll love this recipe: First and foremost, it is incredibly easy to make. With just three simple ingredients, these delectable treats can be whipped up in no time. In fact, you probably already have most of the ingredients on hand in your pantry or fridge.
Secondly, the flavor is simply outstanding. The combination of rich espresso powder with unsweetened cocoa powder and granulated sugar creates a deep and satisfying coffee flavor that pairs perfectly with the light and fluffy texture of the cupcakes.
And let’s not forget about the silky smooth coffee buttercream frosting that sits atop each cupcake. Made with just two ingredients – unsalted butter and instant espresso powder – this velvety topping adds a touch of sophistication to this already impressive dessert.
Finally, these cupcakes are highly versatile, perfect for any occasion from a casual afternoon snack to an elegant dinner party dessert. They can easily be tailored to suit your personal preferences by swapping out ingredients or adjusting quantities to create different flavors such as mocha, chocolate or Baileys Irish cream.
So why not indulge your taste buds with these scrumptious and easy-to-make 3 ingredient coffee cupcakes? We guarantee they will satisfy your caffeine cravings!
Ingredient List
Here are the 3 simple and easy-to-find ingredients you’ll need to make these delightful coffee cupcakes with rich coffee icing:
- 1 box of cake mix, any flavor
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup of strongly brewed coffee or espresso
For the mocha buttercream frosting, you’ll need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder or instant coffee granules
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Pinch of salt
All these ingredients can be found in your local grocery store, making it easy and convenient to whip up a batch of these delicious cupcakes.
The Recipe How-To
Brew a fresh cup of espresso or strong coffee and allow it to cool completely. As a barista, I highly recommend using high-quality freshly brewed coffee. You can also use instant espresso powder dissolved in hot water if you find it convenient.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). It’s essential to preheat your oven before baking these cupcakes.
Mix ingredients together until well combined. First, add the cake mix in a large mixing bowl. Add 3/4 cup cooled brewed coffee or espresso, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, and 3 large eggs, then mix on low speed for 30 seconds. After that, increase the speed to medium for about 2 minutes until well combined and no lumps in the batter.
Bake cupcakes for 18-20 minutes until they spring back when touched. Distribute the batter evenly into 24 lined muffin cups, about 2/3 full each. Place them in middle rack of your oven and bake them for about 18-20 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.
Make Coffee Buttercream Frosting:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature) with an electric mixer.
- Add in 2 tablespoons of cooled brewed coffee or espresso powder, and mix for another minute.
- Slowly sift in 3 cups powdered sugar, stirring slowly with each addition so that the powdered sugar doesn’t fly everywhere.
- Beat on high speed for two more additional minutes. Add extra sugar if the buttercream is too loose or extra milk if it’s too thick.
Decorate Your Cupcakes: Once your cupcakes have completely cooled down, you are ready to decorate them – either by yourself or with friends! Using a piping bag and tip, pipe icing onto each cupcake. You can also choose different piping techniques depending on your mood!
Enjoy Your Delicious Coffee Cupcakes with family and friends over a cup of nice warm coffee or tea.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about cooking and baking is the ability to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create unique variations on classic recipes. Here are some substitutions and variations to try with this 3 Ingredient Coffee Cupcakes with Coffee Icing Recipe:
1. Chocolate Mocha Cupcakes: If you love chocolate and coffee together, add 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder to the cupcake batter in Step 2 for a rich chocolate flavor. For the frosting, make a mocha buttercream by adding 2 tablespoons of instant espresso powder or strong brewed coffee to the frosting recipe in Step 4.
2. Baileys Irish Cream Cupcakes: Want to take your coffee cupcakes up a notch? Add 1/4-1/2 cup Baileys Irish Cream liqueur to the batter in Step 2 for a deliciously boozy treat. For the frosting, add 1-2 tablespoons of Baileys instead of coffee.
3. High Altitude Adjustments: For those baking above sea level, adjust the recipe by increasing the amount of flour by 1-2 tablespoons and reducing the amount of sugar by 1-2 tablespoons. Also, increase the oven temperature by 25°F.
4. Cake Mix Hack: You can use boxed cake mix instead of making the cupcake batter from scratch. Simply substitute 1 box (16 oz.) of coffee flavored cake mix for the dry ingredients in Step 2.
5. Frosting Flavor Swap: Instead of making coffee buttercream icing, try making silky chocolate or cream cheese frosting. For chocolate, add cocoa powder to taste and for cream cheese, substitute half or all of the butter with softened cream cheese.
With these variations, the possibilities are endless when it comes to enjoying this tasty recipe.
Serving and Pairing
As a barista and a seasoned baker, I always love pairing my coffee cupcakes with a good cup of coffee. It is the ultimate treat to savor the delicious coffee flavor that infuses from your cupcake and your coffee. The silky smooth texture of the cupcake contrasts perfectly with the bold, strong flavor of your morning cuppa.
For those who prefer a sweeter complement, you can also pair your coffee cupcakes with cold milk or hot chocolate. The sweetness balances out the earthy undertones delivered by the coffee-infused dessert. If you want something indulgent, why not add a dollop of whipped cream and some cocoa powder on top of your cupcakes?
If you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different flavors of frosting to pair your cupcakes with. A mocha buttercream, for example, would add more depth to your coffee dessert, while a Baileys Irish Cream frosting would elevate it with a fun boozy twist.
Coffee cupcakes are versatile desserts that can complement any meal or snack time. They are perfect for family gatherings, birthday parties or as a sweet snack in between breaks. Pair the sweet, strong taste of this melt-in-your-mouth dessert treat with different drinks for ultimate satisfaction no matter how you serve them.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once you’ve whipped up a batch of these divine 3 Ingredient Coffee Cupcakes with Coffee Icing, it’s only natural to want to enjoy them for as long as possible. Whether you’ve made a surplus to have plenty of leftovers or simply want to prepare them in advance, this section will provide guidance on how to properly store and reheat your coffee-infused treats.
If you’re keen on making ahead, the good news is that these cupcakes are an excellent option for this, as their texture and taste remain impeccable even as they sit for a few days (if they last that long!). To do so, let the cupcakes cool completely and then transfer them into an airtight container. Be sure to avoid stacking them on top of one another, as this can lead to icing smearing and damaging the delicate sponge cake. They can be stored at room temperature or in the fridge for up to 4 days.
However, if you’re looking to freeze them for extended durability, make sure you use plastic wrap to individually cover each cupcake before placing them in an airtight container. These cupcakes can be frozen for up to three months. When reheating the cupcakes, allow them to thaw in the fridge overnight and bring them up to room temperature before serving.
Alternatively, if you want your cupcakes warm with a freshly-iced topping, it is best practice to frost them just before serving. If reheating leftovers from the refrigerator, microwave each cupcake for around 10 seconds until they reach ready-to-eat temperature.
In conclusion, with these tips in mind, your scrumptious 3 Ingredient Coffee Cupcakes with Coffee Icing will taste delightful even days after making them!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you’re familiar with the ingredients and steps to make delicious 3 Ingredient Coffee Cupcakes with Coffee Icing, here are some extra tips to ensure perfect results every time.
Firstly, make sure your butter is at room temperature before starting. This will help to create a silky coffee buttercream that’s easy to spread over the cupcakes. Leaving it at room temperature for around an hour should be enough.
Secondly, use high-quality instant espresso powder. The taste of the coffee in these cupcakes relies heavily on the quality of the espresso powder used. We recommend using a brand you trust or checking out reviews online before purchasing.
Thirdly, sift your dry ingredients before mixing them in with the wet ingredients. This will not only ensure there are no lumps in your batter, but also create a smooth texture overall.
Another tip is to avoid overmixing your batter. Overmixing can result in tough, dry cupcakes. Mix until just combined – this will create a light and fluffy texture.
For those who live in high altitude areas, consider adjusting the recipe accordingly. High altitude can affect baking times and temperatures. You may need to increase the oven temperature by 25 degrees or adjust baking times as necessary for perfect results.
Lastly, feel free to experiment with different flavor combinations! You could try adding Baileys Irish cream or chocolate to your buttercream icing for a delicious twist on this classic recipe.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making perfect 3 Ingredient Coffee Cupcakes with Coffee Icing every time you bake them. Enjoy and savor every delectable bite of your homemade treat!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, these 3 ingredient coffee cupcakes with coffee icing will satisfy your caffeine cravings and sweet tooth. With the perfect balance of coffee and sweetness, you cannot resist having a bite or two. Whether it is for an intimate gathering or a special occasion, these easy and delicious cupcakes will surely impress your guests.
Moreover, you can customize these cupcakes according to your preference by adding different flavors to the frosting such as mocha or chocolate. You can also substitute some of the ingredients to make it more suitable for dietary restrictions.
Lastly, do not forget to follow the tips and recommendations to achieve perfect results. From using room temperature ingredients to adding instant espresso powder, all these small details will make a huge difference in the final outcome.
In summary, this recipe is ideal for those who love coffee and want to have a quick and easy dessert option. So go ahead and give it a try, I guarantee that you will not regret making it!
3 Ingredient Coffee Cupcakes With Coffee Icing Recipe
Ingredients
- 18 1/4 ounces cake mix (I used yellow, use your preference)
- 10 -12 ounces coffee (any flavor will do)
- 6 ounces white decorating icing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 (or as directed on box).
- In a small bowl mix dry cake mix and 8 to 10 ounces of coffee.
- Do not add eggs, oil, or water.
- Mix well. If you have to use more coffee--that is fine. It should look like a normal batter.
- Line a cupcake tray with cupcake liners and fill each one to the 3/4 mark on the liner.
- Cook until toothpick in middle of cake comes out clean--19 to 23 minutes.
- Put half a can of frosting in a small bowl and slowly add in coffee (around 4 ounces). You want to lightly flavor the frosting and mix until well combined.
- Frost each cupcake when they are cooled and enjoy.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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