Description
These Kahlua Chocolate Cupcakes are rich, moist, and infused with deep chocolate and coffee flavors. Made with cocoa powder, brewed coffee, and Kahlua liqueur, they deliver a soft, tender crumb topped with a creamy mocha buttercream frosting—perfect for an indulgent dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup Kahlua (coffee liqueur)
- 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee (cooled)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting)
- 2 tablespoons Kahlua (for frosting)
- 2 tablespoons strong brewed coffee (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, Kahlua, and brewed coffee until smooth.
- Gradually combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Divide batter evenly into cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack.
- To make frosting, beat softened butter until creamy, then gradually mix in powdered sugar and cocoa powder.
- Add Kahlua and brewed coffee, beating until light and fluffy.
- Frost the cooled cupcakes using a piping bag or spatula and serve.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter and even baking.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep cupcakes soft and fluffy.
- You can substitute Kahlua with coffee syrup for a non-alcoholic version.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature or 5 days in the refrigerator.
- For extra flavor, brush a small amount of Kahlua over the cupcakes before frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg