Delicious Mocha Cupcake with Irresistible Frosting Recipe
Imagine biting into a delicious, moist cupcake infused with the rich flavors of chocolate and espresso. Paired with a velvety, buttery frosting that perfectly complements the sweetness of the cupcake. It’s a tantalizing treat that will leave you wanting more.
Today, I’m proud to share with you my recipe for Mocha Cupcakes with Frosting. This recipe is the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors that are sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re a lover of all things chocolate or a dedicated coffee enthusiast, these cupcakes are sure to please your taste buds.
I developed this recipe after many trials and errors to find the perfect balance of ingredients. I made sure to include easy-to-find ingredients so that you can make them at home without any hassle. Don’t be intimidated by baking — with my detailed instructions, even a beginner can create these delectable cupcakes.
So grab your apron, preheat your oven, and let’s get started on making some amazing mocha cupcakes with frosting!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a coffee addict and can’t get enough of mocha, this recipe is for you! These decadent mocha cupcakes with mocha buttercream frosting are a perfect blend of the rich flavors of chocolate and coffee. Trust me; you’ll love every bite of it.
These cupcakes are super moist, soft, fluffy, and have just the right amount of sweetness to keep you satisfied throughout the day. They are perfect for special occasions or as a quick morning snack. Plus, they’re easy to make and require only a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can substitute ingredients to make it gluten-free or refine sugar-free, depending on your dietary restrictions. The frosting can be made with cream cheese instead of buttercream for a more tangy flavor, or you can add some salted caramel in the buttercream for an extra layer of richness.
Another reason why you’ll love this recipe is that it yields about 18-20 cupcakes, making it the perfect dessert to share with family and friends. You can bake these ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze them for up to two weeks.
Finally, who doesn’t love mocha? It’s the perfect combination of flavors that tantalize your taste buds in all the right ways. The rich aroma of cocoa powder blended with the smooth taste of brewed coffee is a match made in heaven. These cupcakes are sure to become your go-to recipe whenever you crave something sweet yet satisfying.
So go ahead and give this recipe a try. Trust me; you won’t regret it. With its decadent flavors and simple preparation process, this recipe is sure to become a hit with your family and friends. Don’t forget to pin it for later so that you can enjoy these delicious cupcakes anytime you want!
Ingredient List
Dry ingredients:
- 2 cups cake flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup instant espresso granules
- 1 cup cold brewed coffee
- ½ cup whole milk
Ingredients for The Mocha Buttercream Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 4 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (sifted)
- 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder (dissolved in ½ tablespoon of hot water)
- 3 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Making Your Own Mocha Cupcake with Frosting
To make the most delicious mocha cupcakes, you will need high-quality ingredients. Before you start, make sure you have all the items on the ingredient list. All-purpose flour can be a substitute for cake flour if you cannot find it nearby. It is important to use unsweetened cocoa powder and not sweetened chocolate drink mixes.
The recipe uses instant coffee granules and brewed coffee to give the cupcakes that rich, deep flavor. You may try substituting regular coffee or even decaf coffee depending on your preference. Remember that we want our cupcakes to be moist, so use room temperature ingredients when mixing.
On to the frosting ingredients! We will be making our own mocha buttercream frosting here, and I guarantee it is worth it. The key to good buttercream frosting is to have butter at room temperature. We will also be using unsweetened cocoa powder and instant espresso powder to get that chocolate mocha flavor. Dissolve the instant espresso powder first to better incorporate it into the frosting.
Make sure you have enough powdered sugar, heavy cream and vanilla extract on hand. Adding a pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness of the frosting.
Get ready, we will be making some scrumptious cupcakes!
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners.
Step 2: Make the Cupcake Batter
In a mixing bowl, add 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter at room temperature and 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar. Cream the butter and sugar together until it becomes light and fluffy.
Next, add 2 eggs (one at a time), then mix well.
In another bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups (187g) cake flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda, and then set aside.
Combine 3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder with 1/4 cup (60 ml) of hot water in a small bowl or cup. Whisk it until smooth. Then add it to the butter mixture.
To make the mocha flavor, add 3 teaspoons of instant coffee granules or espresso powder to the whisked cocoa mixture, then stir well to combine.
Then alternate adding the flour mixture and 3/4 cup (180ml) of milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Stir gently between each addition; just until blended.
Pro Tip: Don’t overmix the batter – it can result in dry cupcakes.
Step 3: Bake The Cupcakes
Using an ice cream scoop, spoon the batter evenly into the prepared cupcake liners. Fill about 2/3 full. Bake for approximately 18-20 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Transfer it to a wire rack to cool down completely before frosting them.
Step 4: Make The Mocha Buttercream Frosting
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 and 1/2 cups (345g) unsalted butter (at room temperature) and 6 cups (720g) powdered sugar. Beat with a mixer for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
Add in 4 tablespoons (20ml) of cold brewed coffee, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon honey. Mix well.
Then, add 3 teaspoons of instant espresso powder or strong coffee to create the mocha frosting. Mix until smooth.
Step 5: Frost And Decorate The Cupcakes
Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, use an offset spatula and generously frost the cupcakes with the mocha buttercream frosting. Decorate it according to your liking. You can sprinkle extra cocoa powder, top it with chocolate chips, or drizzle caramel sauce on top.
Enjoy your delicious mocha cupcake with frosting that’s perfect for any occasion! Don’t forget to PIN IT for later!
Substitutions and Variations
Sometimes we don’t have all the ingredients that a recipe calls for, or perhaps we want to tweak it a bit to create something unique. That is why I’ve compiled some substitutions and variations you can try with this mocha cupcake recipe.
– Gluten-Free Option: Swap the cake flour for gluten-free all-purpose flour and make sure to use gluten-free baking powder.
– Espresso Buttercream Frosting: For an extra kick of coffee flavour, add 2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder to the buttercream frosting recipe. This will add an intense espresso-like flavour to your cupcakes.
– Salted Caramel Mocha Cupcakes: Drizzle some homemade salted caramel sauce over the mocha cupcakes before you frost them. The combination of sweet and salty flavours along with the rich chocolate mocha flavour is absolutely divine!
– Chocolate Coffee Cupcakes: If you’re not a fan of frosting, skip it altogether and sprinkle some chocolate chips on top of your cupcakes before baking them. You can also substitute half of the cocoa powder in this recipe with melted dark chocolate to lend a fudgier texture to your cupcakes.
– Cream Cheese Frosting: Instead of using butter in the frosting, use cream cheese softened at room temperature for a tangy and creamier frosting.
– Whipped Cream Topping: Top your mocha cupcakes with some whipped cream right before serving. This adds a lightness that balances out the richness of the chocolate and coffee flavours.
Remember, substitutions can result in different textures, tastes and colours so be open-minded! Get creative and experiment until you find what works best for you.
Serving and Pairing
There are few pleasures in life that compare to enjoying a freshly baked cupcake. And these moist mocha cupcakes with rich, creamy buttercream frosting made from powdered sugar and instant coffee granules are sure to hit the spot. When it comes to serving and pairing these delectable treats, there are plenty of options to consider.
One great way to serve mocha cupcakes is as a dessert after dinner. The rich chocolate and coffee flavors in the cupcakes make them the perfect end to a meal. They can be paired with a wide range of beverages, such as a hot cup of coffee, tea or milk. Alternatively, you can also make an iced coffee drink and serve it along with the cupcakes.
Another option is to serve them as part of an afternoon tea get-together where you can pair them with some scones or other baked goods. You could even try adding some fresh berries or whipped cream on top for a touch of elegance.
Mocha cupcakes also make great gifts for birthdays and other special occasions. You can wrap them up in pretty boxes or baking bags, tie it up with ribbon, and present them as homemade gifts to your loved ones.
No matter how you choose to enjoy them, these mocha cupcakes are sure to please everyone who tastes them. So go ahead and indulge in the chocolate and coffee goodness without any guilt!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Making the perfect mocha cupcakes with frosting is certainly a labor of love, and requires meticulous attention to detail. Often, people are hesitant to try baking their own cupcakes, because they worry that the end result will not be as good as they would hope. However, with this recipe, you can be confident that your mocha cupcakes will turn out moist, delicious, and impressive!
To make life easier, you can prepare the cupcakes ahead of time and store them until you’re ready to frost and serve them. Once baked, allow your cupcakes to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. You can store the cupcakes in room temperature for up to three days or freeze them for up to three months.
When it’s time to frost your cupcakes, make sure your buttercream frosting is at room temperature or slightly soft. If your frosting has been refrigerated or frozen, allow it to sit at room temperature or pop into microwave for a few seconds, then stir until smooth.
If you have leftover frosted cupcakes or want to store any unfinished ones, remember not to refrigerate the cupcakes as they might get dry. An ideal way of storing it is by keeping it in an air-tight container at room temperature. The frosting will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Reheating your cold refrigerated cupcakes may cause your perfectly garnished frosting to melt and slide off. Hence it is advisable not to put the cupcake in an oven or a microwave; however, if you were thinking of doing so with the unfrosted ones, place it in an oven under low heat or in a microwave for about 10 seconds before serving it warm.
These mocha cupcakes are irresistible on their own but pairs well with espresso or coffee-flavored ice cream. You can also use these delightful treats as a base for other desserts such as crumbled over ice cream or used as part of a trifle dessert for an added twist. Be creative, use your imagination and indulge!
Tips for Perfect Results
As a barista, I have tested countless recipes and experimented with various ingredients and techniques to perfect the art of coffee making. When it comes to baking mocha cupcakes with frosting, there are some tips and tricks that can help you achieve the best results. Here are my top tips for perfecting your mocha cupcake game:
1. Use quality ingredients
The key to making delicious mocha cupcakes is using quality ingredients. Use fresh eggs, unsalted butter at room temperature, high-quality cocoa powder, instant coffee granules and dark chocolate for best results.
2. Measure accurately
Baking is a science, and it requires precise measurements. Make sure you measure your ingredients accurately using measuring cups and spoons.
3. Follow instructions carefully
It’s important to follow the recipe instructions carefully and in order. Don’t skip steps or change the sequence of mixing ingredients.
4. Sift dry ingredients
Sifting the dry ingredients like cocoa powder, flour, baking soda will remove lumps, which can prevent the batter from being smooth.
5. Don’t over-mix the batter
Over-mixing can result in dense and tough cupcakes. Mix just until all ingredients are incorporated.
6. Bake at the right temperature
Baking cupcakes at the correct temperature is crucial for achieving a soft spongy texture inside while maintaining a crispy exterior on top. Preheat your oven before baking and follow instructions regarding temperature requirements accordingly.
7. Test for doneness before removing
Insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake if it comes out clean; it means they’re ready to come out of the oven.
8. Let cool before frosting
It’s important to let cupcakes cool down completely before frosting them. Room temperature cupcakes make frosting spread easier without melting away.
By following these tips for perfecting your mocha cupcakes along with your own creativity and flair, you’ll be sure to deliver some delicious Mocha Cupcakes that will be a treat for your taste buds.
FAQ
In this section, I will address some common questions that you may have regarding the preparation of these delicious mocha cupcakes with frosting. Don’t worry if you have any uncertainties or concerns, as I am here to clarify them for you. I’ve received many queries about substitutions and recipe variations, storage tips, and ways to perfect the recipe. Keep reading to find the answers to your most pressing questions.
How to make mocha cupcakes from scratch?
For this recipe, we’ll need a cup of sugar, half a cup of cold-brewed coffee, half a cup of canola oil, two large eggs at room temperature, three teaspoons of cider vinegar, and three teaspoons of vanilla extract. To make the batter, we also require one and a half cups of all-purpose flour and one-third cup of baking cocoa.
What is mocha frosting made of?
To create a delectable mocha frosting, you’ll need a list of key ingredients that include butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, espresso powder, heavy cream, salt, and vanilla extract.
What is the secret to super moist cupcakes?
Achieving fluffy and moist cupcakes lies in your ability to create the perfect air pockets in your batter, which will then expand beautifully in the oven. Overworking the batter, however, will lead to the bursting of those bubbles, resulting in a dense and disappointing cake. So, to avoid this cake catastrophe, it’s best to mix the ingredients on low speed, stopping just as they blend together.
How do you make cupcakes look professional?
As a barista, I have come to realize that making coffee is an art form that requires passion, imagination and attention to detail. There are different ways of making coffee, and each technique yields a unique result. In this recipe article, I will be providing detailed instructions, tips and recommendations on how to make different types of coffee. By following these guidelines, you will be able to create a lovely cup of coffee that will leave your taste buds tingling. So, let’s dive right in!
When it comes to coffee, the quality of the beans is a major factor in the taste. Always go for freshly roasted and ground coffee beans. Skip the box mix and make your coffee from scratch. It’s the little details that count, and the quality of the beans will make a significant difference.
To make your coffee extra special, consider making your own frothing. Don’t just settle for store-bought frosting. Use a piping bag to create unique designs and patterns that will wow your guests. This is an excellent way to show off your creativity and make your coffee stand out.
A crucial aspect of making great coffee is baking properly. Ensure that the coffee is roasted to perfection with the right temperature and duration. If the coffee is under-roasted or over-roasted, then you may not be able to achieve the desired taste. Uniformity is key when it comes to baking coffee.
If you want to take your coffee to another level, try using a filling. This is a great way to add an extra layer of taste to your coffee. You can use flavored syrups, fruits, nuts, or chocolate for this. Experiment with different fillings to find your favorite.
Don’t be afraid to experiment when making coffee. Coffee making is all about trying new things to figure out what works best for you. You can create a unique blend by mixing different types of beans, and then experiment with different roasting and brewing techniques. The possibilities are endless.
Finally, give your coffee a decadent description. In other words, sell your coffee. Make your guest’s mouth water with a flowery description of the taste, texture, and aroma of your coffee. Be creative with your words and use literary devices to make your coffee sound rich and luxurious.
In conclusion, making coffee is an art form that requires creativity, attention to detail, and imagination. By following these guidelines, you will be able to create a unique and memorable cup of coffee that will leave your guests wanting more. Enjoy the process, experiment, and most importantly, have fun with it.
Bottom Line
To conclude, this mocha cupcake recipe is a must-try for coffee and chocolate lovers. The combination of cocoa, espresso powder, and brewed coffee creates the perfect balance of flavors that will undoubtedly satisfy your sweet tooth. The moist cupcakes and buttercream frosting made with butter and powdered sugar make for a sinful indulgence that is worth every calorie.
Not only is this recipe deliciously decadent, but it’s also versatile. You can easily switch up ingredients to create variations that fit your taste preferences, such as using gluten-free flour or substituting cream cheese frosting for the mocha buttercream.
In my opinion, what sets this recipe apart from other cupcake recipes is the attention to detail in the instructions. By including key tips and step-by-step photos, even beginners can be confident in making these cupcakes. Plus, make-ahead and storage tips ensure you can enjoy these treats at any time.
Overall, I would highly recommend giving this mocha cupcake recipe a try. You won’t regret it! So go ahead, whip up a batch, and indulge in the decadent goodness of these chocolatey, coffee-infused cupcakes paired with a hot cup of brewed coffee or milk. Don’t forget to PIN IT for later too!
Mocha Cupcake With Frosting Recipe
Ingredients
Cupcake
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee granules
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 3/8 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 cup water
- 1 5/8 cups cake flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
Frosting
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2/3 cup shortening
- 2 egg whites
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 cup nuts, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Put 20 paper baking cases in 2 muffin pans.
- Put the coffee granules, butter, sugar, honey, and water in a pan and heat gently, stirring, until the sugar has dissolved. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer for 5 minutes. Pour into a large heatproof bowl and let cool.
- When the mixture has cooled, add flour and cocoa. Dissolve baking soda in the milk, then add to the mixture with the egg and beat together until smooth. Spoon the batter into paper cases.
- Bake the cupcakes in the preheated over for 15-20 minutes, or until well risen and firm to the touch. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
- For frosting, beat all ingredients, except nuts with a mixer until fluffy. Spread frosting to each cooled cake, and top with nuts.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
None found
