Mocha Cupcakes

These delicious Mocha Cupcakes are the ideal combination of rich chocolate and strong coffee. These delectable, moist sweets combine two well-loved flavors to create a delightfully exquisite tasting experience.

Tasting Notes

The Mocha Cupcakes boast a harmonious balance of chocolate and coffee, providing a satisfyingly sweet and slightly caffeinated experience. The moist texture and velvety frosting make these cupcakes an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons instant coffee granules, dissolved in 1 tablespoon hot water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Mocha Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons strong brewed coffee, cooled
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Chocolate shavings or coffee beans for garnish (optional)

Kitchen Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Cupcake liners
• Cupcake pan
• Cooling rack
• Piping bag and tips (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs and then add the milk, vegetable oil, dissolved instant coffee, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Fill Cupcake Liners: Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with the batter.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool completely on a rack.
7. Prepare Mocha Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add confectioners’ sugar, cocoa powder, brewed coffee, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
8. Frost Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, frost them with the mocha frosting using a spatula or a piping bag.
9. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with chocolate shavings or coffee beans for an extra touch of elegance.

Pro Tips

• For a more intense coffee flavor, add an extra teaspoon of instant coffee to the cupcake batter.
• Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter.

Variations

• Experiment with different types of coffee for a unique twist in the flavor profile.
• Top cupcakes with crushed nuts or drizzle with chocolate syrup for added decadence.

FAQs