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Home » Dessert

Espresso Buttercream

Published: Mar 6, 2022 · Modified: Mar 14, 2023 by Ali

Jump to Recipe

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 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.

Jump to:
  • Why This Is The Best Espresso Buttercream
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • FAQ
  • Expert Tips
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 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.
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📖 Recipe

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

Espresso Buttercream


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 5 reviews

  • 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

Leave a comment if you tried this recipe!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. dana

    August 07, 2023 at 1:39 pm

    Absolutely love this. I mean, any recipe that incorporates coffee or espresso is a win in my books. This turns out so lovely!

    Reply
  2. Jersey Girl Cooks

    August 07, 2023 at 1:21 pm

    I love anything coffee especially if it's sweet. This buttercream is fabulous!

    Reply
  3. Beth

    August 07, 2023 at 11:34 am

    I have a killer chocolate cake that I use espresso in, and I think this frosting is perfect for it!

    Reply
  4. Julie

    June 07, 2023 at 5:08 pm

    Love that it is only 5 ingredients. It looks absolutely scrumptious

    Reply
  5. Kathleen

    June 07, 2023 at 4:54 pm

    I could eat this delicious espresso buttercream straight from the bowl.

    Reply

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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! More about me —>

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