Sweeten Up Your Desserts With Coffee Buttercream Frosting
Picture yourself biting into a moist and fluffy cupcake, topped with a layer of silky-smooth buttercream frosting. As you savor the sweet and creamy taste, a bold coffee flavor takes over your taste buds, leaving a lingering aroma in the air. This is what you can expect from my coffee buttercream frosting recipe, which is perfect for enhancing any dessert with a rich and delicious kick of caffeine.
As a barista, I understand the power of coffee to elevate our mood and ignite our senses. Coffee has been used for centuries to bring people together and create moments of joy and connection. This is exactly what I strive to achieve with this recipe – to bring people together around a shared passion for the best coffee buttercream frosting there is.
In this article, I will share with you my easy-to-follow recipe for making heavenly coffee buttercream that will upgrade any dessert to an unforgettable experience. With simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, you can create a sumptuous delight that will impress both yourself and your guests.
Whether you are hosting a dinner party, preparing a birthday cake, or just treating yourself to something special, this coffee buttercream frosting recipe is guaranteed to make your taste buds sing. So let’s dive into the details of this delectable treat and discover how to make coffee buttercream frosting like a pro!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
![Coffee Buttercream Frosting](https://thedrivecoffeebar.com/wp-content/uploads/coffee-buttercream-frosting.jpg)
Are you on the hunt for an easy coffee buttercream frosting recipe that will add a rich, velvety, and aromatic experience to your desserts? Look no further! This coffee buttercream frosting recipe is rich, creamy, and has an intense coffee flavor that is unbeatable.
What sets this recipe apart? To start with, it uses high-quality instant espresso powder to infuse the frosting with the best coffee flavor imaginable. This powder is made from finely ground and roasted espresso beans that dissolve seamlessly and uniformly in frostings. Additionally, we mix in some unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar sifted to make a smooth and velvety texture with a bit of sweetness.
But what does this mean for you? It means that you can have your favorite brewed or instant coffee taste right in your topping sphere without spending lots of time and resources finetuning your recipe. Besides being quick and easy to make compared to other more complicated recipes out there, this buttercream frosting also tastes phenomenal on several desserts such as mocha cupcakes, sponge cakes or even chocolate cake.
In addition to its incredible taste value, this frosting takes less than 15 minutes to prepare – we use room temperature ingredients which blend easily into a homogenous mixture. It’s so simple that even as a beginner baker you can quickly whip up an impeccable batch!
So what are you waiting for? Check out the ingredient list next and start making yourself some of the best coffee buttercream frosting you’ll ever try. Trust us; it’s worth it!
Ingredient List
To make this coffee buttercream frosting recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- Unsalted Butter: It forms the base of the frosting recipe. You will need 2 sticks (1 cup) of unsalted butter at room temperature.
- Confectioners’ sugar: It adds sweetness and structure to the frosting recipe. You will need 4 cups of powdered sugar, sifted.
- Instant espresso powder: It adds coffee flavor and depth to the frosting. You will need 2-3 tablespoons of instant espresso powder or instant coffee granules dissolved in 2-4 tbsp of boiling water.
- Vanilla extract: It enhances the overall taste and aroma of the frosting. You will need 1-2 tsp of pure vanilla extract.
- Salt: It helps balance and enhance the flavors. You will need a pinch of salt.
Make sure all the ingredients are at a proper temperature before mixing them together.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into making our coffee buttercream frosting.
Step 1: Make Coffee
To start off, let’s make some coffee to be used in our frosting. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of instant espresso powder or instant coffee with 3 tablespoons of boiling water. Stir the mixture until the coffee granules dissolve completely. Allow it to cool for a few minutes.
Step 2: Cream The Butter
In another bowl, take one cup of unsalted butter at room temperature and mix it well using a hand mixer or a stand mixer. Beat the butter until it becomes light, fluffy and smooth.
Step 3: Add Sugar And Vanilla
Slowly add 4 cups of powdered sugar sifted over the butter while continuing to beat. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well combined.
Next, add 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract and continue mixing until everything is smooth and silky.
Step 4: Make Coffee Buttercream
Now, it’s time to add the coffee into the mixture. Pour in the cooled coffee mixture into the bowl and continue mixing on low speed until everything is combined.
Then, add an additional 1/4 cup of powdered sugar sifted and 1/2 teaspoon of instant espresso powder or instant coffee into the bowl. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for around 2-3 minutes, stopping occasionally to scrape down any bits that are stuck to the sides of the bowl.
Continue mixing until all ingredients are well combined into a creamy and fluffy consistency.
And that’s it – your easy yet delicious coffee buttercream frosting recipe is ready!
Step 5: Use And Store
Use this buttercream frosting to frost cupcakes or cakes such as mocha cupcakes, coffee cake recipe, chocolate cupcakes, sponge cake, or even chocolate cake! If you have some leftover frosting, store it in an airtight container in refrigeration for up to two weeks or freeze for up to two months. Before use, remove from refrigeration and allow it to soften at room temperature.
Congratulations!
You’ve just learned how easy it is to make coffee-flavored buttercream icing!
Substitutions and Variations
There are several ways to switch up this classic coffee buttercream frosting recipe to cater to your personal preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are some variations to consider:
– Vegan version: Replace the unsalted butter with vegan butter, and skip the Italian meringue mentioned in step 4 of the recipe how-to. Instead, use 1/3 cup of aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) as a substitute for the egg whites in the meringue. Whip it until it forms stiff peaks, then add in the sugar syrup as directed.
– Gluten-free option: All ingredients listed in this recipe are already gluten-free, so there’s no need to make any substitutions if you’re avoiding gluten.
– Chocolate-coffee twist: Simply add 3 tbsp of cocoa powder to the recipe’s ingredient list when you add the powdered sugar in step 2. This will create a delicious chocolate-coffee buttercream frosting that is perfect for chocolate cakes or cupcakes.
– Mocha buttercream: Replace 2 tbsp of confectioners’ sugar with instant espresso powder (you can use decaf if you prefer), and mix it into your frosting ingredients as usual. This variation will result in a creamy mocha-flavored frosting that pairs well with sponge cakes or other coffee-based desserts.
– Whipped cream topping: If you prefer a lighter topping for your cakes or cupcakes, try using whipped cream instead of buttercream frosting. Mix heavy cream and sugar (to taste) together until stiff peaks form, then spread it over your dessert.
No matter which variation you choose, be sure to adjust ingredient measurements and mixing times as necessary to ensure that the consistency is smooth and spreadable. Enjoy experimenting with different options until you find your favorite!
Serving and Pairing
Once you’ve whipped up a batch of our scrumptious coffee buttercream frosting, the fun part begins: serving it up and pairing it with your favorite treats.
First off, this decadent frosting is best served on top of chocolate baked goods like mocha cupcakes or a classic chocolate cake. The rich flavor of the frosting perfectly complements the sweet and velvety taste of chocolate.
Additionally, coffee buttercream also serves as an exceptional topping for a vanilla sponge cake. The balanced taste of vanilla and coffee will make for an unforgettable dessert experience.
For a lighter indulgence, try topping fresh strawberries with the creamy frosting. The combination of juicy berries and coffee buttercream provides a refreshing treat that’s sure to please any palate.
If you’re feeling creative, you can even use coffee buttercream frosting as a filling between layers of cake or to top off your favorite muffins. The possibilities are endless!
But wait – we’re not done yet! For those extra caffeine enthusiasts, enjoy spreading some espresso buttercream over toast or muffins and have it in conjunction with some hot coffee for breakfast.
No matter how you choose to serve it, one thing is certain: our coffee buttercream frosting recipe is sure to become your go-to choice for adding an extra kick of flavor to any dessert.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to making buttercream frosting, preparing it ahead of time can save you time and hassle. Luckily, this coffee buttercream frosting recipe is an ideal candidate for make-ahead preparation. In fact, it’s actually recommended that you make the frosting a day ahead of time if possible, to allow it time to set and the flavors to meld together.
To make the frosting ahead of time, simply follow the recipe instructions as usual and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to use it, allow the frosting to come to room temperature before spreading or piping onto your baked goods.
If you have leftover coffee buttercream frosting after decorating your cakes or cupcakes, don’t throw it away! You can store any remaining frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To use frozen frosting, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before using and allow it to come back to room temperature before rewhipping it for a few minutes until fluffy.
Reheating buttercream frosting after it has been chilled or frozen is not recommended, as this can cause the consistency of the frosting to break down and become grainy or curdled. Instead, plan ahead and only make as much frosting as you need when you need it. This will ensure that your coffee buttercream frosting stays fresh and fluffy and will provide the best results every time.
Tips for Perfect Results
As a barista and experienced baker, I have some tips to ensure that your coffee buttercream frosting turns out perfectly every time.
First, make sure all of your ingredients are at room temperature. This is especially important for the butter as it will cream more easily and incorporate better with the other ingredients when soft.
Next, sift your confectioners’ sugar before adding it to the mixture. This will prevent lumps in your frosting and give you a smooth texture.
When making the coffee component of the frosting, dissolve any coffee granules or instant espresso powder in boiling water before adding them to the mixture. This will help to evenly distribute the coffee flavor throughout the frosting and avoid clumps.
Additionally, be careful not to overbeat your frosting. Once it has reached a creamy consistency and is holding its shape, stop mixing to avoid incorporating too much air and creating a dense or dry final product.
If you want a lighter and fluffier texture in your frosting, consider using an Italian meringue as the base. This will add volume while still maintaining a creamy texture.
Lastly, if you want to add an extra layer of flavor to your coffee buttercream frosting, try enhancing it with some chocolate or vanilla extract. This will complement the coffee flavor and elevate the overall taste of your baked goods.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be on your way to creating the perfect coffee buttercream frosting every time.
FAQ
Now that you’ve made this scrumptious coffee buttercream frosting, you may be wondering some things, such as how to store it, whether it can be made ahead of time and frozen and how to make substitutions. Don’t worry; we’ve got all your questions covered in our FAQ section below. So, let’s dive in!
How do you thicken coffee buttercream?
Adjusting the consistency of the frosting is crucial in achieving the perfect texture. To make it thicker, gradually add more confectioners sugar, around 1/4 cup at a time. On the other hand, if the frosting turns out too thick, slowly add 1/2 tablespoon of milk or cream until it loosens up. Remember, a small amount of liquid can go a long way, so be sure not to add too much at once. Oct 13, 2022.
What is the most difficult buttercream to make?
If you’re ready to take your dessert game to the next level, Italian meringue buttercream (IMBC) is a frosting that’s sure to impress. As the name suggests, this buttercream is made by first creating a batch of Italian meringue, which is then whipped into a velvety frosting. While IMBC is the most stable of buttercreams, mastering the technique can be challenging.
How do you keep coffee buttercream from splitting?
When your buttercream splits and becomes runny, don’t panic! A quick fix for this issue is to add some extra icing sugar into the mix. Doing so can help stabilize the buttercream because icing sugar typically contains a small amount of cornflour. With this simple solution, you can salvage your split buttercream and continue making your delicious desserts without any added stress. Just remember to slowly add in the extra icing sugar and beat it well until it reaches a smooth consistency.
What is the difference between frosting icing and buttercream?
When telling apart frosting from buttercream, it’s important to take note of the ingredients used in each. Although both use powdered sugar, fat, flavouring and perhaps milk or water, frosting does not contain butter like buttercream does. Typically, frosting is created using shortening or cream cheese instead.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this coffee buttercream frosting recipe is the perfect addition to any baked good or sweet treat. Its rich and creamy texture, combined with the bold flavor of coffee, makes it a crowd-pleaser that will have people asking for seconds.
The recipe is easy to follow and allows for substitutions and variations to fit your specific taste preferences. It can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, allowing for stress-free preparation when it is needed.
Whether you are making mocha cupcakes or an espresso buttercream cake, this coffee buttercream frosting recipe is sure to take your desserts to the next level.
So why settle for ordinary frosting when you can have the best coffee buttercream frosting? Give this recipe a try and impress your family and friends with delicious and decadent desserts.
Coffee Buttercream Frosting Recipe
I discovered this recipe in Lee Lee’s Recipe Box : ) I hope you will enjoy it! Cook time includes chilling time.
- 1/2 cup whipping cream
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup strong coffee, hot
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Beat cream, sugar, hot coffee, egg yolks and coffee powder in small saucepan.
- Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and coats back of spoon, about 10 minutes.
- Refrigerate covered until cold, about 30 minutes.
- Cream butter and powdered sugar in small mixer bowl; beat in vanilla.
- Gradually beat in custard; beat until smooth.
- TIP: Remaining frosting can be stored covered in refrigerator up to 3 days.
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