So I’ve made Mocha Cake a good few times now,and I get asked to make it again and again!But…I’m not really a fan of baking the same cake over and over again,particularly when it isn’t something I like.I mean,how do I know if its any good or not?! (Even though I get told,it isn’t quite the same is it?!)I’m not a big coffee fan,unless its a Costa latte that is! Which brings me to my compromise. I agreed to make coffee cupcakes instead and oh my!The looks on my cupcake tasters faces said it all!
For the cupcakes150g slightly salted butter,softened150g caster sugar175g self raising flour3 eggs1tsp vanilla extractapprox 30ml very strong coffeeNote: now the amount of coffee you use is really up to you and your own taste.I added 2 heaped tablespoons of coffee to approx 30ml of boiled water and used slightly less than all of it.That may seem too strong,but it was just right!For the coffee topping125g unsalted butter,softened250g icing sugar,siftedCoffee as for the cakes,adding a very small amount at a time until it comes together the right consistency.Preheat the oven to 180 or gas mark 4 and line a tin with 12 paper cases.Beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy,then add the eggs 1 at a time beating between each 1. Add the vanilla and then sift in the flour and alternating with the coffee a little at a time. Mix it all together until it has all combined.
Now divide it between the cupcake cases.
Bake in the oven for 15-20minutes (mine took 18, I know my oven well so check yours after 15)
Whilst the cupcakes are cooling on a rack,whip up the buttercream by beating the butter and icing sugar together. Whip it with an electric whisk if you have 1,its much quicker and easier on the arm..!Again adding a little coffee. Careful not to add too much or it will become too runny.If it does,sift in a little more icing sugar and it will come back together.I tend to beat it for around 3-5 minutes,on high speed.Itll come really smooth!
You can if you wish,spread it onto the cupcakes with a knife or a spatula.I wanted to practice piping,so I used a disposable piping bag and this tip/nozzle…
This is from a great set that I bought from Lakeland and I use it all the time.
I piped a cute swirl onto each cupcake and although I thought they looked fab just like that,I bashed up a Cadbury’s Flake and sprinkled just a little over the top.
I wonder how many times ill be bribed into making these!! 🙂
