Coffee Frosting

If you love the rich taste of coffee paired with sweet frosting, this Coffee Frosting recipe is the perfect addition to your baking repertoire. Made with just four simple ingredients, including instant coffee granules, this buttercream frosting delivers a smooth and flavorful coffee punch. It’s especially delicious on chocolate cakes but works wonderfully with many desserts. Ready in just 7 minutes, it’s quick to whip up whenever you want a coffee-flavored treat.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, room temperature (2 sticks)
• ½ cup (118ml) vegetable shortening (can substitute with butter)
• 2 teaspoons instant coffee granules dissolved in 2 tablespoons milk
• Additional 1-2 teaspoons instant coffee granules
• 2-4 cups (227-454g) powdered sugar

Equipment Needed

• Glass mixing bowl
• Kitchen scale
• Electric mixer (KitchenAid 9-speed or similar)
• Spatula

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter and ½ cup (118ml) vegetable shortening.
2. Beat with an electric mixer until fluffy, about 1 minute.
3. Add 2 teaspoons instant coffee granules dissolved in 2 tablespoons milk. Mix to combine.
4. Gradually add additional instant coffee granules, about 1 teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired coffee flavor.
5. Begin adding powdered sugar, about 1 cup at a time. Stir by hand first, then mix with the electric mixer.
6. Continue adding powdered sugar until the frosting reaches your preferred sweetness and texture.
7. Mix well until frosting is smooth and pipe-able.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Use this coffee frosting to top chocolate cakes, vanilla cupcakes, brownies, or even donuts for a rich coffee twist.
• For an extra touch, sprinkle crushed chocolate-covered espresso beans on top after frosting.
• Store unused frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• When ready to use again, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then re-whip to restore its smooth texture.
• You can also freeze the frosting for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bring to room temperature and re-whip before using.

Variations

Mocha Coffee Frosting
Add 1–2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder while mixing in the powdered sugar to create a rich mocha flavor. This variation pairs beautifully with chocolate cake, brownies, or chocolate cupcakes for a double hit of chocolate and coffee.

Vanilla Coffee Frosting
Stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract after beating the butter and shortening. The vanilla rounds out the coffee flavor and adds a smooth, creamy finish that works well with vanilla or almond cakes.

Espresso Frosting
Use espresso powder instead of regular instant coffee granules for a deeper, bolder coffee flavor. Dissolve 2 teaspoons of espresso powder in 2 tablespoons of milk and proceed with the recipe. Perfect for tiramisu cakes or dark chocolate cupcakes.

Dairy-Free Coffee Frosting
Replace the butter with plant-based butter and use a non-dairy milk such as almond, oat, or soy milk. Be sure the vegetable shortening is also dairy-free. This is a great option for vegan or lactose-intolerant diets.

Salted Caramel Coffee Frosting
Drizzle in 2 tablespoons of homemade or store-bought salted caramel sauce while whipping the frosting. This variation adds a sweet-salty richness that complements chocolate, apple, or pumpkin desserts.

Hazelnut Coffee Frosting
Mix in 1–2 tablespoons of hazelnut spread (such as Nutella) after adding the coffee-milk mixture. This adds a nutty, chocolate-hazelnut twist that’s especially tasty with yellow or chocolate cakes.

Cinnamon Coffee Frosting
Add ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon along with the powdered sugar for a warm, spiced touch. This pairs nicely with spice cakes, banana bread, or fall-themed cupcakes.

Coffee Cream Cheese Frosting
Replace half of the butter with cream cheese (about 4 oz) to create a tangy version with a smooth, rich finish. Ideal for carrot cake, red velvet cake, or cinnamon rolls.

Irish Cream Coffee Frosting
Swap the milk for Irish cream liqueur (such as Baileys) to add a boozy, indulgent twist. Great for holiday desserts or adult birthday cakes.

Chocolate Chip Coffee Frosting
Fold in mini chocolate chips after the frosting is fully whipped and smooth. This gives the frosting a fun texture and is great for cookie sandwiches or piping onto brownies.

FAQs

1. Can I make this coffee frosting ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it up to a week in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, then bring it to room temperature and re-whip before using.

2. Can I use brewed coffee instead of instant coffee granules?
Brewed coffee is not recommended because it adds too much liquid. Instant coffee or espresso powder gives stronger flavor without changing the frosting texture.

3. What cake flavors go best with coffee frosting?
Coffee frosting pairs wonderfully with chocolate, vanilla, mocha, spice, and almond-flavored cakes. It also complements brownies and cinnamon rolls.

4. Can I use only butter and skip the shortening?
Yes, you can use all butter. The shortening helps stabilize the frosting and makes it fluffier, but it’s not essential.

5. How can I make this frosting less sweet?
Start with less powdered sugar and taste as you go. You can also add a pinch of salt or a splash of lemon juice to cut the sweetness slightly.

6. Is this frosting suitable for piping and decorating?
Yes, this frosting is pipeable and holds its shape well, making it ideal for decorating cupcakes, cakes, or cookies.

7. Can I color this frosting?
Yes, but note that coffee gives it a natural tan or mocha shade. If coloring, use gel food coloring for best results without thinning the frosting.

8. Can I freeze this frosting?
Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then let it sit at room temperature and re-whip before using.

9. How much frosting does this recipe make?
It makes approximately 2 cups, which is enough to frost a 2-layer 8-inch cake or about 18–24 cupcakes.

10. Can I use flavored instant coffee?
Yes, flavored instant coffee (like hazelnut or vanilla) can be used to add a unique twist to the frosting. Just make sure it dissolves completely before adding.

This simple and delicious coffee frosting recipe is a must-try for coffee lovers and bakers alike. With minimal ingredients and easy steps, you can elevate your desserts with a smooth, rich coffee flavor in no time. Whether you’re topping a chocolate cake or adding a coffee kick to cupcakes, this frosting is sure to become your new favorite go-to.

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