Decadent Chocolate Espresso Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Indulge in the rich and luxurious taste of our Chocolate Espresso Cupcakes. These cupcakes blend the deep flavors of cocoa and the aromatic essence of espresso, making them an irresistible treat for coffee and chocolate lovers alike. Topped with a velvety cream cheese frosting that’s subtly infused with dark chocolate, each bite offers a delightful balance of flavors. Garnished with fresh mixed berries, these cupcakes are not only delicious but also visually appealing. Perfect for a special occasion or as a sophisticated addition to your dessert table, these Chocolate Espresso Cupcakes are sure to impress.

Ingredients:

• For the Cupcakes:
  • 150g melted butter
  • 180g sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 100g milk
  • 1 shot hot espresso
  • 150g flour
  • 40g cocoa powder
  • 10g baking powder
  • 6g baking soda
• For the Frosting:
  • 200g cream cheese (room temperature)
  • 150g butter (room temperature)
  • 180g icing sugar
  • 70g melted dark chocolate
  • 1 tbsp cocoa powder
  • Fresh mixed berries for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare Cupcake Batter:
   • Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F). Line a muffin tray with 12 paper cups.
   • In a bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar together.
   • Add eggs and whisk again. Then, mix in milk and half of the dry ingredients (flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda).
   • Stir in the hot espresso.
   • Sift in the remaining dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
   • Fill the paper cups with the batter until almost full.
2. Bake Cupcakes:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
   • Let the cupcakes cool down completely at room temperature.
3. Make Frosting:
   • In a mixing bowl, cream together room temperature cream cheese, melted dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and icing sugar using an electric mixer.
   • Add butter and mix again.
   • Chill the frosting in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to firm up slightly, optionally whisking again before use.
4. Decorate Cupcakes:
   • Pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes using a star tip.
   • Garnish each cupcake with fresh mixed berries.

Enjoy these Chocolate Espresso Cupcakes, a delightful treat that combines the richness of chocolate with the boldness of espresso, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting and fresh berries. 🍫☕🧁🍓🫐✨