Description
Espresso Brownie Cupcakes are a decadent dessert that perfectly blends the bold, aromatic flavor of espresso with rich, fudgy chocolate. Moist and indulgent, these cupcakes deliver a unique gourmet experience with minimal ingredients and effort, ideal for impressing guests or treating yourself.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for gluten-free option)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp espresso powder or 2 tbsp strong brewed espresso
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil for vegan option)
- 2 large eggs (or flax eggs/applesauce for vegan option)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins & Toppings
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Mini chocolate chips (optional)
- Chocolate ganache or espresso-infused buttercream frosting for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with liners. Measure out and gather all your dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, espresso powder, salt, and baking powder.
- Melt Butter and Mix with Espresso: Gently melt the butter and stir in the espresso powder (or brewed espresso) until fully combined. This mixture forms the coffee-infused base that enriches the cupcakes.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder to distribute the leavening agents and flavors evenly.
- Blend Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and slightly frothy, incorporating air for a light texture.
- Combine and Fold: Slowly add the espresso-butter mixture into the eggs and sugar, then gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined, taking care not to overmix to maintain fudginess.
- Fill and Bake: Spoon the batter evenly into the cupcake liners. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs but no raw batter.
- Cool and Decorate: Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, frost or garnish as desired, such as with chocolate ganache, powdered sugar, or espresso buttercream.
Notes
- Use high-quality cocoa powder and espresso powder for the best flavor and aroma.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid cakey or tough cupcakes.
- Use room temperature eggs and butter for better texture and easier mixing.
- Check cupcakes a few minutes before the recommended bake time to prevent overbaking and dryness.
- Enhance espresso flavor by adding a coffee liqueur or a shot of cold espresso to the batter, if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Espresso, Brownie, Cupcakes, Coffee dessert, Chocolate dessert, Fudgy cupcakes, Gluten-free option