Mama Mia Mocha Cupcakes With Espresso Frosting

Ingredients

Cupcakes

• 1 (18 ounce) box devil's food cake mix (not pudding in mix)
• 1/2 cup oil
• 4 eggs
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• 1 fluid ounce of strong espresso (1.5 oz.)
• 1 teaspoon instant espresso

frosting

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (4 oz.)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 ounces strong espresso
• 1 teaspoon ground espresso (not instant)
• 2-3 cups confectioners' sugar

Directions

1. 1

   Cupcakes:preheat oven to 350.

2. 2

   stir instant espresso into the espresso shot.

3. 3

   in mixer bowl, oil, eggs, cake mix, and buttermilk.

4. 4

   mix until moistened for 30 seconds or so.

5. 5

   add espresso.

6. 6

   beat on high until thickened and smooth a few minutes.

7. 7

   fill lined muffin pans 2/3 full.

8. 8

   bake 15-20 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.

9. 9

   remove from pans and allow to cool completely before topping.

10. 10

    frosting:.

11. 11

    add brewed espresso and ground espresso and vanilla to milk.

12. 12

    beat butter in mixer with 1 cup confectioner's sugar.

13. 13

    add coffee mixture.

14. 14

    add the rest of the sugar until smooth, creamy--don't forget to scrape down your bowl, and don't whip at too high a speed for too long.

15. 15

    decorate as desired!