Espresso Martini Cupcakes Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder dissolved in 1/4 cup hot water
• 1/4 cup vodka
• 1/4 cup Kahlúa or other coffee liqueur

For the Espresso Martini Buttercream:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder dissolved in 1/4 cup hot water
• 2 tablespoons vodka
• 2 tablespoons Kahlúa or other coffee liqueur
• Espresso beans or chocolate-covered coffee beans for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

For the Cupcakes:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In another bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add the sugar and continue to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
5. Mix the dissolved instant espresso powder, vodka, and Kahlúa into the wet ingredients.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the liquid mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
7. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Espresso Martini Buttercream:

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to beat until well combined.
3. Mix in the dissolved instant espresso powder, vodka, and Kahlúa until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.

Assembly:

1. Once the cupcakes are completely cool, use a knife or cupcake corer to create a small well in the center of each cupcake.
2. Fill the wells with a spoonful of the Espresso Martini buttercream.
3. Pipe the Espresso Martini buttercream on top of the cupcakes using your preferred decorating tip.
4. Optionally, garnish with espresso beans or chocolate-covered coffee beans for a sophisticated and delicious touch.

These Espresso Martini Cupcakes are the perfect treat for coffee and cocktail enthusiasts alike. They blend the rich flavors of espresso and the sophistication of a martini into a delightful dessert. Enjoy!