This is the best espresso buttercream frosting and only requires just 5 ingredients in order to make! Coffee lovers will absolutely love putting this on these easy espresso cupcakes, chocolate cake, and even vanilla cupcakes.
This coffee frosting is super smooth, creamy, and has rich espresso flavors. It also has a fluffy texture that will elevate any dessert you put it on!
The frosting starts out as a typical American buttercream but is then infused with instant espresso powder and a touch of vanilla.
I recommend topping these moist chocolate cupcakes or even triple fudge chocolate brownies with this espresso frosting.
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Why You'll Love This Buttercream
- It's easy to make.
- You only need 5 ingredients.
- It has a strong coffee flavor.
- You can pipe it onto cupcakes or frost a layer cake.
- It tastes exactly like your favorite cup of coffee!
For even more rich flavored frostings, I also have this homemade caramel buttercream and this cinnamon spice cream cheese frosting!
Ingredients for Coffee Frosting
Here are some notes on the ingredients we'll be using. For the full ingredients list, look at the recipe card below.
- Butter: I recommend using unsalted butter, that way you are in control of the salt level.
- Powdered Sugar: Also called confectioners sugar.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: You can also use heavy cream or milk if you don't have this ingredient on hand.
- Espresso Powder: Here is the one I used. Just be sure to not use instant coffee.
How to Make Espresso Buttercream Frosting
Here are the step by step instructions on how to make this coffee buttercream recipe.
Step 1: Cream the butter. In the large bowl of a stand mixer using the paddle attachment (you could also use a hand mixer), beat the butter together on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Add the other ingredients. Add the powdered sugar, espresso powder, heavy whipping cream, and vanilla extract and mix on low speed just until it all starts to clump together.
Step 3: Increase speed. Then, increase the speed to high and beat for another 1-2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
Storage Tips
If you plan on using this frosting within 1-2 days, you can keep it stored in an airtight container on the counter.
Otherwise, you can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Just pull it out at least 30 minutes before you want to use it so it's not cold.
You could also rewhip it in an electric mixer for 30 seconds to make it light and fluffy again.
Ways To Use This Frosting
This recipe makes enough to frost 12 cupcakes (or one dozen).
The coffee flavor would pair so well with these simple chocolate brownies or even this one banana bread recipe.
The combination of chocolate and coffee are like a dessert marriage, so anything with chocolate will compliment this frosting!
If you want to layer a cake with it, I recommend 1.5x the recipe for any 2 or 3 layered cake. If making a sheet cake, there's no need to make extra.
If you want to make a one layer cake, then I'd recommend cutting the recipe in half (unless you want extra frosting).
Expert Baking Tips
- Espresso Powder: Do not substitute this ingredient with instant coffee powder or instant coffee granules. The flavor will ruin the frosting. You can find espresso powder at your local grocery store or online.
- Light & Fluffy Texture: Adding just a bit of heavy whipping cream will make your frosting super smooth and creamy. Definitely don't skip this ingredient!
- Room Temperature: The butter needs to be at room temperature in order to create the perfect consistency of buttercream frosting.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, and that would be delicious! Just add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the frosting at the same time as adding the powdered sugar.
Absolutely! I have these easy espresso cupcakes that are topped with this frosting, along with chocolate coffee beans.
If you made this recipe, please leave a comment and star rating below. I love hearing from you! Also, please tag me on Instagram and check out my Pinterest for even more recipe ideas.
It brings me so much joy to see you make my recipes. 🙂
Happy baking!
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📖 Recipe
The Best Espresso Buttercream Frosting
Equipment
- Electric Stand Mixer
- Piping Bag
- Rubber Spatula
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature 2 sticks
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream, can use milk or heavy cream too
- 1 ½ teaspoons espresso powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In the bowl of an electric stand mixer using the paddle attachment, beat the butter on high speed until creamy (about 1-2 minutes). Add the powdered sugar, heavy whipping cream, espresso powder, and vanilla extract and mix on low speed until combined (about 30 seconds).
- Then increase the speed to high and beat for another 1-2 minutes (frosting should be light and creamy).
- Use it to frost your cupcakes, cake, or even brownies!
Notes:
- Espresso Powder: Do not substitute this ingredient with instant coffee powder or instant coffee granules. The flavor will ruin the frosting. You can find espresso powder at your local grocery store or online.
- Light & Fluffy Texture: Adding just a bit of heavy whipping cream will make your frosting super smooth and creamy. Definitely don't skip this ingredient!
- Room Temperature: The butter needs to be at room temperature in order to create the perfect consistency of buttercream frosting.
Espresso in buttercream is a game changer!! Such a rich coffee flavor that pairs so well on chocolate cupcakes!