Chocolate Mocha Cupcakes

I am completely hooked on foodnetwork shows like Cupcake Wars...Kid in a Candy Store, Unwrapped etc....they all have such creative, tasty ideas! Inspired by Cupcake Wars I have created my very first mocha cupcake with a coffee buttercream frosting.

Chocolate Mocha Cupcake

1 1/2 c. cake flour

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 c. sugar

2/3 c. cocoa

1/2 c. butter - melted

2/3 c. buttermilk
2 whole eggs

2 egg whites

4 tsp vanilla

6 tbsp strong coffee (I used 6 Tbsp hot water mixed with 2 Tbsp instant mocha coffee)

Whisk the first 6 ingredients listed in a bowl. In stand mixer (I love my KitchenAid stand mixer!) beat egg and egg whites, stir in buttermilk, vanilla, melted butter and coffee. Slowing add dry ingredients until mixed well.

In a "Mini Muffin Pan" fill each cupcake 3/4 full of batter and bake at 350 for 10 minutes. Cool completely.

Coffee Buttercream Frosting
1 stick of butter - softened

4 tbsp warm water

2 tbsp instant coffee

2 tsp vanilla

6 c powdered sugar

Dissolve the coffee in warm water and set aside. In stand mixer whip butter until it is fluffy. Add vanilla and coffee water. Slowing add powdered sugar and mix well. Add a couple drops of milk if needed to make the frosting spreadable.

Lastly, pipe the frosting onto the cupcakes. I kept the decorations very simple but a chocolate covered coffee bean or a plain coffee bean on the top of the piped frosting looks and tastes great!

This recipe makes 96 mini cupcakes!
Enjoy!