Rich and Moist Chocolate Coffee Cupcakes with Bold Flavor

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Hey there, coffee lovers! If you’re anything like me, there’s nothing quite like waking up to the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee. But what if I told you there’s a way to enhance that morning coffee ritual? We’re not an advocate for dessert for breakfast, but sometimes…you just can’t help yourself! Enter Rich and Moist Chocolate Coffee Cupcakes—a delightful combination of bold chocolate flavor and the robust essence of coffee that’s sure to make your day extra special. Picture this: a fluffy coffee cupcake paired with your morning coffee. Can you think of anything better?

Jump to Recipe

Why These Cupcakes Are a Must-Try

These cupcakes are the ultimate coffee lover’s dream. They are easy to whip up and deliver a moist, fluffy texture thanks to the perfect blend of sour cream, eggs, vanilla and freshly brewed coffee. To amp up the coffee flavor, we’re using Folger’s classic roast instant coffee granules, making it accessible for everyone. And let’s not forget about the mini chocolate chips sprinkled on top of the frosting—talk about a match made in heaven!

These cupcakes are perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or as a sweet treat after dinner, they are bound to put a smile on your face. Plus, they’re an excellent way to impress friends and family with minimal effort.

Full List of Ingredients

Before we get started, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for these delicious cupcakes:

For the Chocolate Coffee Cupcakes:

• 1 cup cake flour (or all-purpose flour)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs (just the egg yolks)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons Folger’s classic roast instant coffee granules
• 1/2 cup hot water

For the Coffee Buttercream Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon cold brew coffee or brewed coffee (cooled)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon Medaglia D’oro espresso instant coffee powder (optional, but highly recommended for extra flavor)
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (to sprinkle on top of frosting)

NOTE: The coffee buttercream recipe above is perfect for frosting the top of 12 cupcakes. The ingredients need to be doubled if using a piping bag to pipe a decorative frosting as shown in the photos.

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making these delightful cupcakes!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Cupcakes

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Cupcake Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While that’s heating up, grab a cupcake pan and line it with cupcake liners. This will help keep your cupcakes from sticking and make for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cake flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Use a whisk or a wooden spoon to mix everything together until it’s well blended. This dry mixture will form the base of your cupcake batter, so you want it to be nicely combined.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the egg yolks, sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. In a small bowl, dissolve the instant coffee granules in hot water. Then, add this coffee mixture to the wet ingredients and mix well. This is where the rich coffee flavor starts to shine through!

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. You want to be careful not to overmix; we’re aiming for fluffy coffee cupcakes that are soft and airy.

Step 5: Fill the Cupcake Pan

Using a spoon or a small measuring cup, fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with the cupcake batter. This gives the cupcakes room to rise without overflowing. You want to ensure each liner has an even amount of batter for consistent baking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pop the cupcake pan in the oven at 425°F (220°C), for about 5 minutes then reduce temperature to 350°F for an additional 13-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them! They’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You want the top of the muffin to bounce back when you touch it.

Step 7: Let Them Cool

Once they’re out of the oven, let the cupcakes cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This is the hardest part—waiting for them to cool down before diving in!

Making the Coffee Buttercream Frosting

While your cupcakes cool, let’s whip up that delicious coffee buttercream frosting! While this recipe makes enough coffee buttercream to frost 12 cupcakes you might consider doubling this recipe if you like to piping a fancy layer of frosting on your cupcakes.

Step 1: Beat the Butter

In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened butter until it’s creamy and smooth. This should only take about 2-3 minutes. It’s the perfect base for your frosting.

Step 2: Gradually Add the Powdered Sugar

Next, slowly add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until it’s all incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is blended together nicely.

Step 3: Add Coffee Flavor

Pour in the cold brew coffee and vanilla extract, mixing on medium speed until the frosting is light and fluffy. If you’re a true coffee aficionado, mix in the instant espresso powder for an extra kick of flavor.

Step 4: Frost Your Cupcakes

Once your cupcakes are completely cool, it’s time to frost them! You can use a piping bag for a fancy look or just a spatula for a more relaxed vibe. Either way, don’t be shy—give them a generous swirl of that luscious frosting.

Storing Your Rich and Moist Chocolate Coffee Cupcakes

If you happen to have any leftovers (though I doubt that will be the case), you can store them in freezer bags or an airtight container at room temperature. These cupcakes stay moist and delicious for several days, so feel free to enjoy them throughout the week!

Alternative Coffee Options

While this recipe focuses on Folger’s classic roast instant coffee, feel free to experiment with other coffee options! If you prefer a stronger flavor, dark roast or instant espresso powder can elevate these cupcakes even more. You can also try using cold brew coffee for a smoother taste; it’s perfect in both the cupcakes and the frosting.

The Perfect Pairing

These chocolate coffee cupcakes are best enjoyed with a cup of your favorite coffee. Whether it’s a steaming cup of morning coffee, an iced latte, or even a rich mocha, these cupcakes will enhance your coffee experience and add a touch of sweetness to your day.

Conclusion

So, the next time you’re in the mood for something sweet, why not treat yourself to these Rich and Moist Chocolate Coffee Cupcakes? They’re simple to make and perfect for any occasion, a great dessert to pair with one of our dinner recipes. With their fluffy texture, rich chocolate flavor, and delightful coffee notes, they’re sure to become a favorite in your home. Happy baking!