Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of chocolate and espresso with these decadent Chocolate Espresso Cupcakes topped with a luscious Salted Caramel Buttercream. Perfect for any occasion, these gourmet cupcakes will impress even the most discerning palates.
Ingredients
Scale
For the cupcakes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup hot brewed coffee
For the salted caramel buttercream:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 1/2–3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the cupcake liners: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Prepare the cupcake batter: Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, eggs, sugars, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then stir in the hot coffee. Divide batter into liners and bake.
- Make the salted caramel buttercream: Beat softened butter until creamy. Mix in salted caramel sauce, then gradually add powdered sugar and sea salt until light and fluffy.
- Decorate the cupcakes: Pipe or spread the buttercream onto cooled cupcakes and drizzle with extra caramel if desired.
Notes
- For homemade salted caramel, melt sugar over medium heat, add butter, stir in heavy cream and salt, then let cool completely.
- For extra espresso flavor, top with chocolate-covered espresso beans.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
