Coffee Buttercream

As someone who doesn't even drink coffee, I sure do love coffee-flavored frosting.

This rich and creamy American buttercream frosting is bursting with robust coffee flavor thanks to a combination of brewed coffee with an extra kick of espresso powder. This frosting is both sophisticated and irresistibly delicious, and it's perfect for topping cakes, cupcakes, or even cookies.

Delight coffee-lovers and dessert-enthusiasts alike with this coffee buttercream recipe!

Pro Tip: Use this creamy espresso buttercream to make mocha cupcakes!

Why This Recipe Works

Dissolving espresso powder in coffee amplifies the coffee flavor without us having to add too much liquid to the frosting, which would make its texture too runny. The boosted coffee mixture replaces the milk in a traditional buttercream recipe, and it creates a deliciously smooth and decadent frosting when mixed with butter and confectioners' sugar.

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

See recipe card at the bottom of this post for full ingredient list and measurements.

Butter - I always recommend unsalted butter so that you can control the amount of salt in the frosting. For frosting that's perfectly smooth, be sure that the butter is a cool room temperature before you begin.

Confectioners’ Sugar - Confectioners’ sugar provides both sweetness and structure for the frosting. Don't substitute granulated sugar for confectioners' sugar; you'll end up with a gritty frosting.

Coffee - Coffee is of course a key ingredient in this recipe, adding flavor in the frosting. It replaces the whole milk used in a classic buttercream recipe. Use whatever form of liquid coffee you like or have available, whether it's home brewed, instant coffee dissolved in water, or a cup purchased from a coffee shop.

Espresso Powder - A little bit of espresso powder enhances the coffee flavor without having to add too much liquid to the frosting.

Special Equipment

In addition to essential baking equipment (like a spatula), I recommend some special tools for making this recipe.

• A stand mixer or electric hand mixer, for mixing the frosting.

Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions

See recipe card at the bottom of this post for detailed recipe instructions.

Step 1: Brew a cup of coffee. Dissolve espresso powder into 3 Tablespoons of the hot coffee. Let cool to room temperature or chill.

Step 2: Beat butter, salt, and vanilla until smooth. 

Step 3: Add sugar slowly and scrape the bowl often.

Step 4: Add cooled coffee and beat on high speed until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store buttercream frosting in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. If you plan to refrigerate the frosting before using to decorate a dessert, let the frosting come to room temperature and briefly re-whip it with a stand mixer or electric hand mixer so that it's soft and fluffy before using.

Room Temperature: Cakes or other desserts that have been decorated with American buttercream frosting - like this coffee buttercream - can be stored on a covered cake plate or stand at room temperature for up to 3 days.