Irresistibly Smooth & Creamy Coffee Frosting: The Ultimate Homemade Recipe for Cakes & Cupcakes

Prepare to elevate your baking with this incredible homemade Coffee Frosting! It’s an absolute game-changer for coffee enthusiasts and dessert lovers alike. This frosting boasts an exceptionally smooth and creamy texture, making it a delight to work with and even more delightful to taste. The coffee flavor is wonderfully distinct, yet perfectly balanced – never overpowering, just a harmonious blend that captures the essence of your favorite morning brew. Whether you’re decorating a celebratory cake, a batch of charming cupcakes, delicate cookies, or even a simple brownie, this versatile coffee buttercream is guaranteed to impress.

For those who adore the rich aroma and invigorating taste of coffee, this frosting is truly a dream come true. It strikes the ideal balance of sweetness and bold coffee notes, transforming any dessert into an extraordinary treat. What’s the secret to its intense coffee flavor without compromising texture? The answer lies in using instant coffee. Unlike freshly brewed coffee, instant coffee granules pack a powerful flavor punch without adding excess liquid, which could thin out the frosting and make it watery. This ensures your coffee frosting remains thick, rich, and perfectly pipeable.

Beyond its fantastic flavor, this coffee buttercream frosting is incredibly versatile. It pairs beautifully with a wide array of desserts. Imagine it crowning a rich chocolate cake, adorning a batch of moist chocolate cupcakes, or adding an exquisite touch to chewy blondies. Even if you’re not typically a coffee drinker, we guarantee you’ll fall in love with the nuanced and delicious flavor profile of this unique recipe. It’s truly a taste sensation that everyone can appreciate.

Key Ingredients for the Best Coffee Frosting

Crafting the perfect coffee frosting requires a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving that creamy texture and delightful flavor. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why:

• Instant Coffee: This is the star ingredient for our coffee-flavored frosting. We specifically use instant coffee (such as Folgers classic roast) because it delivers concentrated coffee flavor without introducing additional liquid that would thin out the buttercream. Feel free to use your preferred brand of instant coffee or even high-quality instant espresso powder for a deeper, more intense flavor. Ensure it’s granulated for best dissolution.
• Heavy Cream: Heavy cream is essential for creating an exceptionally creamy, rich, and luscious frosting. Its high-fat content contributes significantly to the smooth texture and luxurious mouthfeel. If heavy cream isn’t available, you can substitute it with an equal amount of whole milk or half-and-half, though the frosting might be slightly less rich.
• Unsalted Butter: As with most baking recipes, unsalted butter is highly recommended. Using unsalted butter gives you complete control over the overall saltiness of your frosting, allowing the other flavors to shine. It’s crucial that the butter is softened to room temperature before you begin – this ensures it whips up light and fluffy, incorporating air easily and creating a smooth, lump-free base for your coffee buttercream.
• Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this ingredient is vital for both sweetening and thickening the frosting. Its fine texture dissolves readily into the butter, resulting in a perfectly smooth, silky frosting without any gritty feel. While I typically don’t sift mine, if your powdered sugar appears lumpy or has been stored for a while, a quick run through a fine-mesh sieve will ensure the smoothest possible consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of pure vanilla extract might seem surprising in a coffee frosting, but it plays a significant role in enhancing and rounding out the coffee flavor. It adds a subtle complexity and warmth, preventing the coffee taste from being one-dimensional and creating a more nuanced, sophisticated flavor profile.
• Salt: Just a pinch of table salt is a secret weapon in many dessert recipes, and this coffee frosting is no exception. Salt acts as a flavor enhancer, balancing the sweetness of the sugar and intensifying the rich coffee notes, making them even more pronounced and delicious.

How To Make Perfectly Creamy Coffee Frosting

Making this coffee frosting is straightforward and yields incredibly delicious results. Follow these steps for a smooth, coffee-infused buttercream:

1. Whisk the instant coffee and heavy cream together: This initial step might seem unconventional, as we’re mixing instant coffee into cold or room temperature heavy cream. However, trust the process! This method has been perfected to ensure the instant coffee granules dissolve completely and efficiently, avoiding the need to introduce additional water or hot liquids that could negatively impact the frosting’s consistency. Stir thoroughly for about 10-15 seconds until the coffee is well combined and mostly dissolved. Set this mixture aside.
2. Beat the butter until smooth and fluffy: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or using a large mixing bowl with a handheld electric mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter on medium speed. Continue mixing for several minutes until the butter becomes noticeably light in color, smooth, and fluffy. This aeration process is crucial for creating a light and airy buttercream texture.

3. Gradually add the powdered sugar to the beaten butter: With the mixer on low speed, begin adding the powdered sugar, about 1 cup (120 grams) at a time. This gradual addition prevents a cloud of sugar from erupting in your kitchen and allows for thorough incorporation into the butter. Mix each addition until just combined before adding the next. Once all but the last ½ cup of powdered sugar is added, you can increase the speed slightly to ensure everything is well mixed. Finally, add the remaining ½ cup (60 grams) until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure no dry pockets remain.
4. Incorporate the coffee mixture, vanilla, and salt: Before adding, give the coffee and cream mixture one last quick stir to confirm all instant coffee granules have completely dissolved. Pour the coffee mixture into the butter and sugar mixture. Add the vanilla extract and salt. Mix on low speed initially to combine everything without splatters, then gradually increase to medium speed and beat for another 2-3 minutes. This final beating process will make the frosting incredibly light, fluffy, and smooth. Stop the mixer occasionally to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly mixed. Once beautifully combined and fluffy, your delicious coffee frosting is ready to be used!

Delicious Ways to Use This Coffee Frosting

This incredibly flavorful coffee buttercream is remarkably versatile and pairs exceptionally well with a variety of desserts. Its rich, balanced coffee notes are particularly complementary to chocolate, vanilla, and even peanut butter flavors. Here are some of my favorite recipes and ideas to pair it with:

• Vanilla Cake & Cupcakes: The subtle sweetness of a classic vanilla cake or fluffy vanilla cupcakes creates a beautiful canvas for the bold coffee flavor.
• Marble Cake: Enhance the swirling chocolate and vanilla flavors of a marble cake with a layer of coffee frosting for an extra dimension of taste.
• Banana Cupcakes: The natural sweetness of banana in cupcakes finds a fantastic counterpoint in the robust coffee flavor, creating a delightful pairing.
• Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Cake: The creamy coffee frosting cuts through the richness of peanut butter, adding a sophisticated touch to this indulgent dessert.
• Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: A layer of this coffee frosting turns simple cookie bars into an elevated dessert experience.
• Brownie Bites: Top your favorite fudgy brownie bites with a dollop of coffee frosting for a rich, mocha-like treat.
• Whoopie Pies: Use it as a decadent filling for chocolate or vanilla whoopie pies.
• Macarons: This coffee buttercream makes an exquisite filling for homemade macaron shells, especially chocolate or coffee-flavored ones.
• As a Dip: Serve it as a unique dip for fresh fruit, pretzels, or plain cookies for an unexpected dessert idea.

Coffee Frosting

Prep Time: 15 minutes mins

Total Time: 15 minutes mins

Homemade coffee frosting is incredibly smooth and creamy. It tastes distinctly of coffee, but the flavor is well-balanced and not too strong! Pair the frosting with your favorite cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and more!

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Ingredients

Servings: 12 servings

• ▢ 1 ½ tablespoons instant coffee (7 grams; I used Folgers classic roast, or your preferred brand)
• ▢ 3 tablespoons heavy cream (45 ml; can substitute with whole milk or half-and-half)
• ▢ 1 cup unsalted butter softened (2 sticks; 230 grams, at room temperature)
• ▢ 3 ½ cups powdered sugar (420 grams; sifted if lumpy)
• ▢ 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ▢ ⅛ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

 

• Add the instant coffee and heavy cream to a small mixing bowl. Stir vigorously for about 10-15 seconds, or until the instant coffee granules appear to be well combined and mostly dissolved. Set this mixture aside for a moment.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or a large mixing bowl with a handheld electric mixer), beat the softened unsalted butter on medium speed for 2-3 minutes. Continue beating until the butter is light in color, smooth, and fluffy. This incorporates air, which is key for a light buttercream.
• With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the powdered sugar. Add about 1 cup (120 grams) at a time, mixing each addition until just incorporated into the butter before adding the next. Once you’ve added the first 3 cups, then mix in the final ½ cup (60 grams) of powdered sugar until fully combined and the frosting starts to thicken. Make sure to stop and scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl periodically to ensure even mixing and prevent lumps.
• Give the reserved coffee and cream mixture one more quick stir to ensure all instant coffee is fully dissolved. Pour this coffee mixture into the butter mixture, then add the vanilla extract and salt. Start mixing on low speed to combine, then increase to medium speed and beat for another 2-3 minutes until the frosting is light, fluffy, and perfectly smooth. Again, scrape down the bowl as needed to achieve a uniform consistency.
• Your rich and creamy coffee frosting is now ready to use! Pipe or spread it generously onto your favorite cupcakes, cakes, cookies, or other desserts.

Notes

Storage Instructions: Leftover coffee frosting can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Before using, allow the frosting to come back to room temperature, then re-whip it with a stand mixer or handheld mixer for a minute or two until it’s light and fluffy again. This helps restore its smooth, spreadable consistency.

Freezing Instructions: This coffee buttercream freezes beautifully! Store it in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw the frosting overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, bring it to room temperature and re-whip it thoroughly before piping or spreading onto your desserts.

Cuisine: American

Course: Dessert

Author: Danielle Rye

Did you make this recipe?Mention @livewellbakeoften on Instagram or tag #livewellbakeoften.

Frequently Asked Questions About Coffee Frosting

Here are answers to some common questions about making and using this delicious coffee buttercream:

• Can I use brewed coffee instead of instant coffee? No, it’s highly recommended to only use instant coffee granules or instant espresso powder for this recipe. Brewed coffee contains too much water, which will thin out the frosting and make it runny and unstable. The concentrated flavor of instant coffee is essential for achieving the desired taste and texture without compromising the buttercream.
• How can I make the coffee flavor stronger or milder? You can easily adjust the intensity of the coffee flavor. For a milder taste, start with 1 tablespoon of instant coffee. For a medium, balanced flavor (as in the recipe), use 1 ½ tablespoons. If you prefer a very bold, robust coffee kick, increase it to 2 tablespoons. Always taste a small amount of the dissolved coffee mixture before adding it all to ensure it meets your preference.
• My frosting seems too thick/thin. How do I fix it? If your frosting is too thick, add heavy cream (or milk) 1 teaspoon at a time, mixing well after each addition until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, gradually add more powdered sugar, 1-2 tablespoons at a time, mixing until it thickens up. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl frequently.
• Can I make this frosting dairy-free? While this recipe relies on butter and heavy cream for its richness, you can experiment with dairy-free alternatives. Use a high-quality plant-based butter substitute (ensure it’s suitable for baking/frosting) and a full-fat dairy-free cream alternative (like full-fat canned coconut cream, chilled, with the liquid discarded, or a dairy-free heavy cream substitute). Results may vary slightly in texture and richness.
• What kind of instant coffee is best for frosting? Any good quality instant coffee granules will work well. Folgers classic roast is a popular and reliable choice. For a more sophisticated flavor, you could use instant espresso powder, which tends to have a deeper, richer coffee flavor with less bitterness than some instant coffees. Ensure the granules are fine and dissolve well.
• Can I add other flavors to this coffee frosting? Absolutely! This coffee frosting is a great base for complementary flavors. A dash of Kahlua or another coffee liqueur can add a boozy depth. A tablespoon of cocoa powder can transform it into a mocha frosting. A tiny pinch of cinnamon can also add a delightful warmth.

Conclusion

This homemade coffee frosting recipe is a delightful addition to any baker’s repertoire. Its smooth, creamy texture and perfectly balanced coffee flavor make it an irresistible topping for a myriad of desserts. Easy to prepare and incredibly versatile, it promises to elevate your cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and more to new heights of deliciousness. Don’t be shy – whip up a batch, experiment with your favorite coffee intensity, and get ready to impress everyone with this fantastic coffee buttercream!