Espresso Cupcakes

Ingredients

• 1 1/3 c all purpose flour
• 1/3 c unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 c whole milk
• 1/2 c strong brewed coffee
• 1 1/2 - 2 tsp espresso powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 c unsalted butter at room temperature
• 1/2 c sugar
• 1/2 c light brown sugar
• 1 egg at room temperature

ESPRESSO BUTTERCREAM FROSTING

• 1 c unsalted butter at room temperature
• 2 1/2 c powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tsp espresso powder

Directions

1. Mix the espresso powder into the brewed coffee until dissolved; set aside to cool to room temperature.
2. Preheat oven to 350 Line a standard size muffin tin with paper liners.
3. Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
4. Beat the butter and both sugars together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg and beat until combined. In a measuring cup combine the milk, brewed coffee mixture and vanilla. Slowly add the flour mixture, alternating with the coffee mixture, ending with the flour mixture.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the 12 liners. Baking for 17-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of cupcake comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before frosting.
6. FROSTING: Mix the espresso powder into the vanilla until dissolved; set aside.
7. Using the whisk attachment of a stand mixer whip the butter on medium-high speed for 5 minutes, stopping once to scrape the sides of bowl. Reduce mixer speed to low and add the powdered sugar a little at a time, waiting until it is mostly incorporated before adding more. Once all the powdered sugar has been added scrape the sides of the bowl and increase the speed to medium-high and whip until fluffy, about a minute or two. Add the espresso and vanilla mixture and continue to mix at medium- high until it's completely incorporated, scraping the sides as necessary.
8. Frost the completely cooled cupcakes, decorate as desired and be prepared to have your tastebuds wowed

justapinch.com