Mocha Cupcakes Recipe – Rich, Chocolatey & Coffee-Infused
If you love the rich flavors of coffee and chocolate, this Mocha Cupcakes Recipe is perfect for you. These cupcakes are a delightful fusion of deep, chocolatey goodness and bold espresso flavor, making them an ideal treat for coffee lovers. Moist, fluffy, and topped with a creamy mocha frosting, these cupcakes are perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or simply as an indulgent dessert. With easy-to-follow steps, this recipe ensures you achieve bakery-quality results right at home.
Nutrition & Instructions
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Active Time: 20 minutes
- Resting Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Dessert
- Servings: 12 cupcakes
- Calories per Serving: ~280 kcal
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sifter
- Cupcake liners
- Muffin tin
- Cooling rack
- Piping bag (optional for frosting)
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup brewed coffee or espresso, cooled
- ½ cup whole milk
For the Mocha Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp brewed coffee or espresso, cooled
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This takes about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Alternately add the dry ingredients and the cooled brewed coffee to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Add the milk and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 6: Fill Cupcake Liners
Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full.
Step 7: Bake the Cupcakes
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Prepare the Mocha Frosting
In a bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing until smooth. Pour in the cooled coffee and vanilla extract, and beat until fluffy. Add salt to balance the sweetness.
Step 9: Frost the Cupcakes
Once the cupcakes are completely cool, use a piping bag or a spoon to frost them. Decorate with chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder for an extra touch.
Tips for Best Results
- Use High-Quality Coffee – The better the coffee, the richer the mocha flavor.
- Do Not Overmix – Overmixing the batter can result in dense cupcakes.
- Cool Cupcakes Completely – Frosting will melt if applied to warm cupcakes.
- Enhance the Flavor – A pinch of espresso powder in the frosting intensifies the mocha taste.
Pairing Suggestions
These mocha cupcakes pair well with:
- A fresh cup of coffee or espresso
- Vanilla ice cream for a contrast of flavors
- Whipped cream topping for extra indulgence
Conclusion
This Mocha Cupcakes Recipe is a dream come true for coffee and chocolate lovers. The combination of rich chocolate and bold coffee flavors creates a dessert that is both satisfying and sophisticated. Try this recipe today and impress your friends and family with homemade bakery-style mocha cupcakes!
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.