Coffee Buttercream
If you’re a coffee lover and a dessert enthusiast, you’re in for a treat. Coffee Buttercream is the perfect marriage of bold espresso flavor and silky-smooth sweetness, making it the ideal frosting for cakes, cupcakes, macarons, and more.
Coffee buttercream is a flavored variation of traditional buttercream frosting, made by incorporating espresso or instant coffee into a classic buttercream base.
The result is a creamy, rich, and aromatic topping that adds depth and sophistication to your baked goods.
Unlike overly sweet frostings, coffee buttercream balances sweetness with a slightly bitter edge, enhancing flavors rather than overpowering them. It pairs beautifully with Easy Chocolate Cupcakes, Chocolate Vanilla Cupcakes, banana or mocha cupcakes, or even as a filling for cookies and French macarons.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Bold Coffee Flavor – Made with real espresso or instant coffee for a strong, authentic taste
✅ Perfectly Smooth Texture – Whipped to fluffy perfection
✅ Versatile – Use it as frosting, filling, or even as a decadent layer in trifles
✅ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, big flavor payoff
Making Coffee Buttercream
Start by mixing the espresso granules with the milk in a small bowl. Set this aside while the granules dissolve.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, beat the butter until light and fluffy.
Then, with the beaters on LOW, add the powdered sugar in batches alternating with the espresso mixture.
Scrape the sides as necessary to insure all the good stuff gets in there.
Once the powdered sugar has been incorporated with the butter and espresso, add in the vanilla and salt.
Increase the beater speed and whip up the frosting, and that’s it. Time to frost that dessert.
Pro Tips for the Best Coffee Buttercream
- Use quality coffee: A rich, dark roast or espresso powder delivers the deepest flavor.
- Make ahead: Coffee buttercream stores well in the fridge for up to a week. Just bring it to room temperature and re-whip before using.
If you tried and love this recipe, please leave a 5-star rating on the recipe card and consider leaving a comment below. Thank you so much.
Coffee Buttercream
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tsp. instant espresso granules
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. milk or cream, room temperature
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp. salt
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the espresso and milk. Set aside.
- In large bowl, beat butter until light and fluffy. Reduce speed on beaters and add in powdered sugar alternating with the espresso mixture. Scrape sides as necessary. Add in vanilla and salt, increase speed to whip up the frosting. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Final Thoughts
Coffee buttercream isn’t just a frosting — it’s a flavor experience. Its smooth, rich texture and bold espresso notes bring sophistication to every bite. Whether you’re making a coffee lover’s dream birthday cake or simply elevating your cupcake game, this coffee buttercream recipe is a must-try.
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