Espresso Buttercream Frosting 🧁 Bold, Creamy, and Built for Coffee Lovers

— Your Frosting Just Got Caffeinated

This Espresso Buttercream Frosting delivers smooth sweetness with a strong coffee backbone — silky enough to pipe, firm enough to hold shape, and bold enough to make vanilla and chocolate cupcakes sit up straight. It’s simple to make, rich in flavor, and wildly addictive.

Ingredients (Frosts 12 cupcakes or 1 layered 8″ cake)

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2½–3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1–2 tbsp instant espresso powder or very strong brewed espresso, cooled
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: 1 tbsp heavy cream or milk for texture adjustment

Want it bolder? Use more espresso. Want it lighter? Whip longer and add a splash of cream.

Instructions

Step 1: Beat the Butter

1. In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, beat softened butter on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy — about 2–3 minutes.

Step 2: Add Espresso & Vanilla

1. Dissolve instant espresso in 1–2 teaspoons of hot water (or use brewed espresso).
2. Add espresso mixture and vanilla extract to the butter and beat until smooth.

Step 3: Add Powdered Sugar

1. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, ½ cup at a time.
2. Beat on low until combined, then whip on high for 1–2 minutes until light and creamy.

Step 4: Adjust Consistency

1. Add a pinch of salt to balance sweetness.
2. Add a splash of milk or cream if frosting is too stiff, or more sugar if too soft.

Flavor Variations

• Mocha Buttercream – Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder for chocolate-espresso flavor
• Salted Caramel Espresso Frosting – Swirl in caramel sauce and flaky sea salt
• Cinnamon Espresso – Add ½ tsp cinnamon for cozy café vibes
• Hazelnut Espresso – Sub vanilla with hazelnut extract for a Nutella-adjacent twist

Use It On

• Chocolate cupcakes
• Vanilla layer cakes
• Espresso brownies
• Coffee macarons
• Sandwich cookies
• Or straight off the spoon — no shame

Pro Tips

• For ultra-smooth frosting, sift powdered sugar and use room-temp butter
• Want it pipeable and tall? Chill it for 10–15 minutes before decorating
• Taste as you go — espresso strength varies, and boldness is personal

Final Thoughts

Espresso Buttercream Frosting is like your favorite café in frosting form — creamy, rich, and buzzing with flavor. It’s simple, sophisticated, and makes any bake feel instantly elevated.

Whip it bold. Pipe it high. Frost like a barista. 🧁☕🔥

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