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    Home

    Easy Coffee Buttercream

    June 5, 2023 by stylesweet 4 Comments

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    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    Calling all coffee lovers - this one is for you. Silky and smooth, this coffee buttercream frosting is so good and bursting with creamy coffee flavor. Not that into coffee? I bet this recipe will convince you otherwise.

    A close up of swirls of coffee buttercream

    How to Add Coffee to Buttercream

    It is so easy to add coffee to buttercream for a delicious, creaming frosting. All you have to do is dissolve instant coffee in water and add it to your favorite buttercream frosting.

    A glass bowl with whipped butter and powdered sugar inside

    Whip softened butter and powdered sugar together until creamy.

    Coffee buttercream mixed together in a glass bowl

    Add the vanilla and dissolved coffee and whip until smooth.

    Hint: add about half of the powdered sugar to the butter to start and mix until smooth, then add the coffee to loosen it up. Add the remaining sugar to thicken and whip to the desired texture.

    A close up of a swirl of coffee buttercream and edible flower on top

    The Best Coffee Frosting

    This sweet, creamy coffee buttercream taste just like your favorite latte. Even if you think you don't like coffee, I bet you will find many ways to enjoy this buttercream, these Coffee Cupcakes included.

    Coffee buttercream pairs perfectly with so many different cake flavors - both expected and unique. Spread it over moist chocolate cake layers for a mocha combination or even pumpkin cupcakes for some PSL vibes.

    What I love about this coffee buttercream frosting recipe is that the flavor is as mild or strong as you want it to be. We are using instant coffee granules dissolved in water to make a coffee concentrate to balance out the sweetness of whipped buttercream frosting.

    The Best Way to Add Coffee to Buttercream

    Instant coffee and instant espresso are both workhorses in any baker's pantry. Simply dissolve in water and add to cake batters, frostings, pastry cream, and much more.

    Using coffee granules means that you can make a concentrated amount of coffee or espresso by mixing them with a small amount of water to create a slurry. This adds so much flavor without too much additional liquid that can alter the texture of the original recipe.

    Ingredients

    This coffee buttercream comes together with just 4 ingredients!

    The ingredients for coffee buttercream set out in bowls on a white table
    • Instant coffee granules - dissolving instant coffee into a small amount of water makes a concentrated coffee to add to whipped buttercream frosting
    • Unsalted butter - make sure to remove the butter from the refrigerator with plenty of time to soften but not melt.
    • Powdered sugar - sifted, as needed
    • Vanilla extract

    See recipe card for quantities.

    Tools Need to Make Coffee Buttercream

    I always recommend using an electric mixer to make fluffy buttercream frosting. It is nearly impossible to whip enough air into the butter mixture by hand and end up with a smooth yet light texture.

    Use a hand or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. If in the end the buttercream is not smooth enough or has too many air bubbles, stir it vigorously with a wooden spoon or stiff rubber spatula.

    Serving and Storage

    Spread or pipe buttercream on your favorite baked treats.

    This coffee buttercream frosting can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for one week or freezer for up to three months. 

    If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. When ready to use, allow the frosting to come to room temperature (10 to 20 minutes), then stir until spreadable.

    a close up of smooth coffee buttercream in a glass bowl

    Variations

    Mocha - Make it mocha by adding ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder with the powdered sugar, like in these Mocha Cupcakes.

    Espresso Powder - You can easy substitute espresso powder for the instant coffee granules.

    Coffee Buttercream Recipe FAQs

    What is the best way to thicken runny buttercream icing?

    Before you start adding too much powdered sugar, try putting soft buttercream in the refrigerator. The butter might have been too warm and chilling in the refrigerator may help it firm up.

    Why is my buttercream frosting grainy?

    Make sure to sift powdered sugar to remove any lumps before mixing. Allow enough time for the butter and sugar to whip together to help the sugar dissolve into the buttercream frosting.

    Why does my coffee buttercream curdle?

    If you add regular brewed coffee to buttercream, it can split and curdle from too much liquid. Use instant coffee dissolved into a small amount of water instead.

    What to Pair with Coffee Buttercream Frosting

    Coffee pairs well with so many flavors! Pick something neutral like chocolate or vanilla for mocha and cappuccino flavor profiles. Or go bold and mix with pumpkin, gingerbread, or even passion fruit!

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    Recipe

    A close up of swirls of coffee buttercream
    Print Recipe
    5 from 2 votes

    Easy Coffee Buttercream

    This sweet, creamy coffee buttercream taste just like your favorite latte.
    Prep Time1 minute min
    Total Time5 minutes mins
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: coffee buttercream, easy frosting recipe, espresso, mocha

    Ingredients

    • 2 to 4 tea instand coffee or espresso
    • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
    • 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
    • 1 tea vanilla extract

    Instructions

    • Mix the instant coffee with a tablespoon or two of warm water to create a slurry. Set aside.
    • Use an electric mixer to mix the softened butter until smooth.
    • Add about half the powder sugar and mix on low until combined. Increase the speed and mix until smooth.
    • Add the coffee slurry and mix until smooth.
    • Add the remaining powdered sugar and mix on low until incorporated. Increase the speed and mix on medium until light and smooth.
    • Use to ice your favorite cakes and cupcakes!
    « Easy Homemade Chocolate Whipped Cream
    Moist and Fluffy Blueberry Cupcakes »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lou

      June 06, 2023 at 4:14 pm

      5 stars
      I made these last night and they're TO DIE FOR. Especially with a morning cup o joe

      Reply
    2. Hannah

      June 27, 2023 at 3:00 pm

      5 stars
      I love coffee everything and this frosting is absolutely amazing. I used it on chocolate sheet cake for my own birthday cake, hehe. It was great!!

      Reply
    3. Bernice Leeder

      November 22, 2023 at 12:18 am

      Hi, was just wondering if you can use butter instead of unsalted butter as I don't have unsalted butter.

      Reply
      • stylesweet

        November 22, 2023 at 3:22 am

        Hi! You can, but it may taste a bit salty. There's plenty of sugar and the coffee might balance the salt, but still. Salted butter in baking is mostly okay, but it's a little riskier when making a buttercream where butter is such a huge component of the recipe.

        Reply

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    Tessa Huff

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