Coffee cupcakes are the perfect treat for coffee lovers. Soft, fluffy, and infused with rich coffee flavor, they offer a delicious balance of sweetness and boldness. Whether for a morning boost or an afternoon snack, these cupcakes are a delightful way to enjoy your favorite brew in dessert.
Key Benefits
Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a special gathering, these coffee cupcakes are always a hit!
Rich Coffee Flavor – These cupcakes bring out the deep, bold essence of coffee, making them a dream treat for caffeine lovers.
Soft and Moist Texture – A perfect balance of butter, eggs, and milk keeps them light and fluffy with every bite.
Simple to Make – With basic pantry ingredients and an easy process, these cupcakes are beginner-friendly yet impressive.
Versatile Treat – Enjoy them plain, topped with frosting, or paired with a cup of coffee for an extra indulgence.
Ingredients for coffee cupcakes
Cake flour – Cake flour is essential for a tender texture in coffee cupcakes. Avoid using all-purpose flour as it will make the cupcakes denser.
Leavening – Baking powder is necessary for the recipe and can’t be replaced by baking soda, as they function differently in the recipe.
Unsalted butter – Unsalted butter adds flavor and moisture. If using salted butter, reduce the amount of added salt.
Granulated sugar – Granulated sugar is key for the right sweetness and texture. Substituting with brown sugar may alter the flavor and color.
Vanilla extract – Vanilla extract complements the coffee flavor in coffee cupcakes by adding a sweet, aromatic note.
Eggs – Whole eggs provide structure and moisture, making the coffee cupcakes soft and flavorful.
Coffee – Freshly brewed coffee is the main ingredient that gives coffee cupcakes their rich, bold flavor.
Milk – Whole milk is recommended for its moisture and creaminess, although lower-fat milk can be used with slightly less moisture.
Instructions for coffee cupcakes
Making the Cupcakes:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with liners.
Mix the dry ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream the butter and sugar – In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs and vanilla – Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
Incorporate the coffee and milk – Gradually add the brewed coffee and milk, mixing until smooth.
Combine wet and dry ingredients – Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
Fill the cupcake liners. Divide the batter evenly among the liners, filling each about ¾ full.
Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool completely before frosting.
Making the Coffee Frosting (Optional):
Beat the butter until creamy and smooth.
Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition.
Pour in the brewed coffee and vanilla, beating until fluffy.
Frost the cooled cupcakes as desired, and enjoy!
Pro Tips for coffee cupcakes
Use Strong Coffee – The stronger the brew, the more pronounced the coffee flavor will be. Espresso works great for an intense taste.
Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensure butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for a smoother batter and even baking.
Don’t overmix – Stir the batter until combined to keep the cupcakes light and fluffy. Overmixing can make them dense.
Even Batter Distribution – Use an ice cream scoop to portion the batter evenly, ensuring uniform cupcakes that bake consistently.
Check for Doneness – Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they’re ready.
Cool Before Frosting – Let cupcakes cool completely before adding frosting to prevent it from melting or becoming runny.
Enhance the Coffee Flavor – Add a pinch of instant espresso powder to the batter for an extra boost of coffee intensity.
Variations
These coffee cupcakes are versatile and can be easily customized to fit different tastes. Here are some ideas to elevate your cupcakes even further:
Mocha Cupcakes – Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a rich mocha flavor. The coffee and chocolate combo is a perfect match!
Nutty Twist – Stir in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added texture and flavor. A toasted nut topping works beautifully too.
Caramel Coffee Cupcakes – Drizzle warm caramel sauce on top of your frosted cupcakes for a sweet, buttery finish that pairs perfectly with the coffee flavor.
Dairy-Free – Swap out the butter for dairy-free margarine and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk to make these cupcakes suitable for dairy-free diets.
Vegan Coffee Cupcakes – Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use a non-dairy butter alternative. You can also replace the milk with plant-based options.
Serving Suggestions for Coffee Cupcakes
These coffee cupcakes are not only delicious but versatile, making them perfect for a variety of occasions. Here are some ideas on how to serve and enjoy them:
Perfect for Coffee Lovers – Serve these cupcakes alongside a steaming cup of coffee or espresso for a full caffeine boost. A match made in heaven!
Brunch Treat – These cupcakes are ideal for brunches. Pair them with fresh fruit and yogurt for a delightful spread that balances the richness of the cupcakes.
Dessert Table – Add them to a dessert table at your next party or gathering. Their coffee flavor offers a great contrast to other sweet treats like fruit tarts and cookies.
Top with Whipped Cream – For an extra indulgence, add a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream on top of each cupcake. This adds a lovely, airy texture that complements the rich coffee flavor.
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FAQs about coffee cupcakes
What does coffee do to cupcakes?
Coffee enhances the flavor of cupcakes by intensifying the chocolatey notes in the batter, even if there’s no cocoa added. It adds a rich, deep taste, making your cupcakes more complex and delicious. The slight bitterness of coffee also helps balance out the sweetness of the frosting, creating a more refined dessert experience.
What is the secret to moist cupcakes?
To keep your cupcakes moist, be sure not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to dense, dry cupcakes. Also, using ingredients like buttermilk or sour cream can help retain moisture. Finally, ensure you don’t overbake; cupcakes are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, but moist crumbs cling to it.
Can I make coffee cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes! These cupcakes can be baked and stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to make them even earlier, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just make sure to let them cool completely before wrapping and freezing. When ready to serve, thaw them at room temperature and frost them just before serving.
How can I adjust the coffee flavor in these cupcakes?
If you want a more subtle coffee flavor, you can reduce the amount of coffee or use brewed coffee with a lower intensity. Alternatively, if you love a strong coffee taste, increase the coffee amount or opt for espresso instead of regular brewed coffee for an even more pronounced flavor.
Can I use instant coffee in this recipe?
Yes, you can use instant coffee granules! Just dissolve them in hot water before adding them to the batter. Instant coffee is a convenient way to get the coffee flavor without brewing a fresh pot. If you’re looking for an extra punch, try adding a bit of espresso powder to the mix.
coffee cupcakes
Materials
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups 190g all-purpose flour
- 1 cup 200g granulated sugar
- ½ cup 115g unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup 120ml strong brewed coffee, cooled
- ¼ cup 60ml milk
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Coffee Frosting (Optional):
- 1 cup 230g unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups 250g powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons strong brewed coffee cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Making the Cupcakes:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with liners.
- Whisk the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt) in a bowl.
- Beat softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add brewed coffee and milk, mixing until smooth.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently.
- Fill the cupcake liners ¾ full with the batter.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.
Making the Coffee Frosting (Optional):
- Beat the butter until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing after each addition.
- Mix in brewed coffee and vanilla, and beat until fluffy.
- Frost the cooled cupcakes and enjoy!