Irish Coffee Cupcakes
I’m finally getting into the swing of things with Baby Clara and have been spending more time in the kitchen. We stayed up late a couple nights ago to make these cupcakes, and doing so already has me looking forward to the days when she can be my little sous chef. Though I haven’t been around much the past two weeks, I do have some recipes to share next week. Until then, here’s a short post in case you’re still searching for something to make for St. Patrick’s Day.
I’ve never been one to celebrate small holidays, that is until I started cooking and baking. Now, I’ll use anything as an excuse to make something delicious. I’ve had this recipe saved for quite some time, and St. Patrick’s Day is obviously the perfect time to make it. These cupcakes are essentially a dessert version of the classic Irish coffee drink. Sure, they aren’t green and they’re not made with beer. However, I don’t think you’ll miss those things. Why? Because these cupcakes are moist and delicious, infused with strong coffee and the rich, caramelized flavor of brown sugar. They’re topped with a light and airy whipped cream that’s got just enough whiskey for you to know it’s there. If you enjoy coffee as much as I do, I guarantee that you will love these anytime of year.
- COOK TIME:
- YIELD: 15 cupcakes
For the cupcakes:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup boiling water
2 tablespoons instant-espresso powder
¼ cup whole milk
½ cup (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, room temperature
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup packed light-brown sugar
2 large eggs
For the frosting:
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar
1 tablespoon whiskey
Instant-espresso powder, for dusting
- 1
Heat oven to 350º and line two cupcake tins with paper cups.
To make the cupcakes, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt together in a Make the cupcakes: Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Combine the water and espresso powder and set aside to cool slightly, then pour into the milk.
- 2
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugars on medium for about 3 minutes, until pale and fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat the flour mixture in 3 additions, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour.
- 3
Fill the cups about ¾ full and bake for 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool slightly in the pans, and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- 4
While the cupcakes are cooling, make the frosting. Use an electric mixer to whip the cream and sugar until medium peaks form. Add the whiskey and continue whisking until slightly stiffer peaks form. Top each cupcake with the frosting and then dust with espresso powder.
I was so happy to see a new St Patty’s day style cupcake! 🙂 These sound delicious!
These look really yummy. I love coffee in baked goods ~ I’m unsure about the whiskey since I don’t know if I’ve ever tasted that in something baked. Love the fluffy frosting though. Glad to see everything is going well with baby C and you were able to bake something for St. Patty’s Day.
These are my dream! Love it!
So glad to hear that things are going well with the new little one 🙂 I can only imagine how much baking you & she will do over the years together. Such great memories to be made 🙂
These looks fantastic! I hope to make a batch tonight for my co-workers if I have time. We are doing an overtime shift tomorrow and I think these would be such a great treat for everyone & help in celebrating St.Patty’s day 🙂
Have a great weekend!
I do love coffee and I can’t wait to make these!
These cupcakes look fantastic! Glad to see you are getting back to the kitchen. When our little guy was born (almost a year ago now!) he really knocked us on our bottoms. But how quickly you adapt, learn, and grow. And you are going to love cooking with your little one. Our boy is already so inquisitive, he loves to watch me add ingredients to the stand mixer, and watch it go. Fun days ahead. Enjoy. 🙂
You know how I feel about coffee desserts – I will definitely be making these soon! 🙂