This espresso buttercream frosting is made with real espresso for the richest, most authentic espresso flavor. Made with only 4 ingredients: espresso, butter, icing sugar and vanilla.
This espresso buttercream goes so well with this coffee banana cake or these coffee brownies.
However you can use it with any of your favorite baked goods.
For other creative buttercream recipes, try this hazelnut buttercream recipe or this pistachio buttercream.
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Why This Is The Best Espresso Buttercream
- It uses real espresso. Other espresso frosting recipes use instant espresso powder, but this recipe uses real espresso for the best flavor.
- It takes 10 minutes to make. This is a very simple frosting recipe and you probably already have the ingredients you need on hand.
- It goes well with so many baked goods. Use this frosting for cupcakes, this breakfast coffee cake, macaron filling, or just eat it as is!
Ingredients
- Espresso: The espresso flavor comes through quite strongly. Use a high quality espresso that tastes good.
Instructions
Use an electric mixer to whisk the butter for 4-5 minutes until light and pale.
Continue to whisk while adding in the icing sugar a little bit at a time.
Add in the espresso and vanilla extract and mix for another minute until light and fluffy. Don’t over mix.
FAQ
Store extra buttercream in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
This frosting goes especially well with this coffee banana cake. It also goes well on any type of cake or cupcakes.
Expert Tips
- Use a kitchen scale. It is hard to accurately measure the icing sugar without a kitchen scale. Measuring ingredients by weight is always the most accurate way to bake.
- Adjust the powdered sugar. If you want a slightly firmer frosting, add in an extra few tablespoons of icing sugar. Note that the more icing sugar, the weaker the coffee flavor.
📖 Recipe
Espresso Buttercream
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 ½ to 2 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This espresso buttercream frosting is made with real espresso for the richest, most authentic espresso flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter (224g)
- 3 cups icing sugar (360g)
- 1 ½ tbsp espresso, chilled
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Using an electric mixer, whisk the butter on high for 4-5 minutes until pale and soft.
- Reduce the speed to low and gradually add in the icing sugar, mixing until combined.
- Add in the espresso and vanilla extract. Increase the speed slightly and continue to whisk for a minute until the frosting is light and fluffy. Do not overmix.
- Frost baked goods as desired.
Notes
- Use a kitchen scale. It is hard to accurately measure the icing sugar without a kitchen scale. Measuring ingredients by weight is always the most accurate way to bake.
- Storage: Store extra frosting in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Icing
- Method: Mixed
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp
- Calories: 253
- Sugar: 29.4g
- Sodium: 123mg
- Fat: 15.3g
- Saturated Fat: 9.8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.6g
- Trans Fat: 0.6g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0.2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
dana
Absolutely love this. I mean, any recipe that incorporates coffee or espresso is a win in my books. This turns out so lovely!
Jersey Girl Cooks
I love anything coffee especially if it's sweet. This buttercream is fabulous!
Beth
I have a killer chocolate cake that I use espresso in, and I think this frosting is perfect for it!
Julie
Love that it is only 5 ingredients. It looks absolutely scrumptious
Kathleen
I could eat this delicious espresso buttercream straight from the bowl.