Description
Silky, lightly sweet buttercream infused with bold espresso flavor, perfect for frosting cupcakes, layering cakes, or piping elegant swirls.
Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), softened
- Powdered Sugar: 4 cups, sifted
- Brewed Espresso or Strong Coffee: 3 tablespoons, cooled
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1 pinch
Instructions
- Bring Butter to Room Temperature: Make sure the unsalted butter is soft but not melted, about 1 to 2 hours at room temperature depending on your kitchen.
- Beat the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until creamy and pale, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Incorporate Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar one cup at a time, beating on low to start, then increasing speed to combine until the mixture is smooth before adding more.
- Add Coffee and Vanilla: With the mixer on low, add the cooled brewed espresso or strong coffee and the vanilla extract, then increase speed and beat until fully incorporated.
- Adjust Texture and Flavor: Add a pinch of salt, taste, and if needed adjust sweetness with more powdered sugar or depth with a little more coffee (add coffee sparingly).
- Whip Until Fluffy: Beat the frosting on medium-high for 2 to 4 minutes until light and fluffy, scraping the bowl with a spatula as needed.
- Chill if Needed: If the frosting is too soft for piping, chill briefly for 10 to 20 minutes, then rewhip lightly before using.
- Use: Spread or pipe immediately onto cooled cakes or cupcakes. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- Use cooled coffee: Never add hot coffee, it will melt the butter.
- For stronger coffee flavor: Substitute 1 to 2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder dissolved in the 3 tablespoons of liquid.
- To thin or thicken: Add a teaspoon of milk or more powdered sugar, respectively, until you reach desired consistency.
- Refluffing: If refrigerated, let come to room temperature and rewhip to restore fluffiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approx 2 tablespoons (30g)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 40 g
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0.2 g
- Cholesterol: 41 mg
Keywords: coffee buttercream, espresso buttercream, coffee frosting, frosting recipe, cupcake frosting, buttercream