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    Home » Desserts

    Espresso Buttercream

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    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.

    Espresso buttercream frosting in a small glass jar, on a white plate.

    This espresso buttercream goes so well with this coffee banana cake.

    However you can use it with any of your favorite baked goods.

    Jump to:
    • Why This Is The Best Espresso Buttercream
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • FAQ
    • Expert Tips
    • Espresso Buttercream
    • Other Dessert Recipes
    Coffee buttercream frosting dangling off the edge of the blades of a handheld mixer.

    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

    Overhead view of the ingredients needed to make espresso buttercream frosting.
    • 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.

    Espresso frosting being mixed with a handheld mixer in a white bowl.

    Add in the espresso and vanilla extract and mix for another minute until light and fluffy. Don’t over mix.

    FAQ

    How do I store leftover frosting?

    Store extra buttercream in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

    What flavor of baked goods does this espresso buttercream go well with?

    This frosting goes especially well with this coffee banana cake. It also goes well on any type of cake or cupcakes.

    Overhead view of a espresso buttercream piped into a small glass container, on a white plate.

    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.
    Print
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    Espresso buttercream frosting in a small glass jar, on a white plate.

    Espresso Buttercream


    • Author: Ali
    • Total Time: 10 minutes
    • Yield: 1 ½ to 2 cups 1x
    • Diet: Vegetarian
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    Description

    This espresso buttercream frosting is made with real espresso for the richest, most authentic espresso flavor.


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 1 cup butter (224g)
    • 3 cups icing sugar (360g)
    • 1 ½ tbsp espresso, chilled
    • ½ tsp vanilla extract

    Instructions

    1. Using an electric mixer, whisk the butter on high for 4-5 minutes until pale and soft.
    2. Reduce the speed to low and gradually add in the icing sugar, mixing until combined.
    3. 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.
    4. 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

    Keywords: espresso, coffee, frosting

    Leave a comment if you tried this recipe!

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    Ali in a white tank top wearing sunglasses, with trees with yellow leaves in the background.

    Hi, I'm Ali! Full-time nurse, lifetime foodie. Join me as I create, eat and drink the most delicious brunch, cocktail & dessert recipes!

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