Mocha Walnut Cupcakes Recipes

MOCHA CUPCAKES WITH ESPRESSO BUTTERCREAM FROSTING

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a standard-size muffin tin with paper liners.
• Make the Cupcakes: In a measuring cup, whisk the espresso powder into the brewed coffee until completely dissolved. Add the milk and vanilla extract; set aside.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
• With an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the butter and both sugars until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the egg and beat until combined. Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with two additions of the coffee mixture, mixing each until just combined. Using a rubber spatula, give the batter a final stir to ensure everything is incorporated.
• Fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full with batter. Bake for 17 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting the cupcakes.
• Make the Frosting: In a small bowl, whisk the espresso powder into the vanilla until dissolved; set aside.
• Using the whisk attachment of a stand mixer, whip the butter on medium-high speed for 5 minutes, stopping once to scrape the sides of the bowl. Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the powdered sugar a little at a time, waiting until it is mostly incorporated before adding more. Once all of the powdered sugar has been added, scrape the sides of the bowl and increase the speed to medium-high and whip until fluffy, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add the espresso and vanilla mixture and continue to mix at medium-high speed until it is completely incorporated, scraping the sides as necessary. Frost the cupcakes as desired (I used the Wilton 1M decorating tip).

MOCHA WALNUT CUPCAKES

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F. Place paper baking cup in each of 24 regular-size muffin cups. Place 1 1/2 cups walnut halves in food processor. Cover; process 10 seconds or just until finely ground (do not overprocess).
• In large bowl, beat cake mix, water, oil, eggs, ground walnuts and 1 tablespoon of the coffee powder with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds. Beat on medium speed 2 minutes. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
• Bake 15 to 18 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to cooling racks. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
• In large bowl, beat butter with electric mixer on medium speed until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Beat in melted chocolate, whipping cream, vanilla and remaining 1 tablespoon coffee powder until well blended. Frost cupcakes. Top each with 1 walnut half. Store loosely covered.