Creamy Coffee Butter Frosting

Name: Creamy Coffee Butter Frosting
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature); 3 1/2 cups icing sugar (sifted); 2 tbsp instant coffee granules; 2 tbsp hot water; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tbsp milk (or as needed)

10 min 12 servings Easy

All Recipes

This rich and creamy coffee butter frosting is perfect for cakes and cupcakes, offering a delightful coffee flavour that enhances any dessert.

Prep

10 min

Total

10 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Coffee butter frosting is a luscious topping that brings the bold taste of coffee to your favourite desserts. Perfect for coffee lovers, this frosting elevates cakes and cupcakes with its rich and creamy texture. This version of coffee butter frosting uses instant coffee granules to infuse the buttercream with a robust coffee flavour. It's simple to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it a go-to recipe for those seeking to add a coffee twist to their baked goods. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or just craving a sweet treat, this coffee butter frosting is sure to impress both family and friends with its delightful taste and creamy consistency.

Instructions

Dissolve coffee

In a small bowl, dissolve the instant coffee granules in hot water. Set aside to cool slightly.

Pro tip: Ensure coffee granules are fully dissolved for a smooth frosting.

Beat butter

In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter on medium speed until creamy and smooth, about 2 minutes.

Pro tip: Use room temperature butter for best results.

Add icing sugar

Gradually add sifted icing sugar to the butter, beating on low speed until combined.

Pro tip: Increase speed to medium-high once sugar is incorporated to avoid a sugar cloud.

Incorporate coffee

Add the dissolved coffee mixture and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat on medium speed until well combined.

Pro tip: Adjust coffee amount to taste for stronger or milder flavour.

Adjust consistency

Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, beating until the frosting reaches desired consistency.

Pro tip: For thicker frosting, add more icing sugar; for thinner, add more milk.

Frosting is ready

Use the frosting immediately on your favourite cake or cupcakes.

Pro tip: If not using immediately, store in the fridge and re-whip before using.

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Tips & Tricks

Use instant coffee granules for a strong coffee flavour.
Ensure butter is at room temperature for smooth mixing.
Adjust coffee intensity by varying the amount of granules.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make coffee butter frosting?

To make coffee butter frosting, dissolve coffee granules in hot water, beat butter until creamy, add icing sugar, and mix in coffee and vanilla.

Can I use brewed coffee in frosting?

Brewed coffee can be used, but instant coffee granules provide a stronger flavour without adding extra liquid.

How long does coffee butter frosting last?

The frosting can last for up to 1 week in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.

Can coffee butter frosting be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze coffee butter frosting for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and re-whip before using.

What cakes pair well with coffee butter frosting?

Coffee butter frosting pairs well with chocolate, vanilla, and spice cakes, enhancing their flavours with a coffee twist.

Serving Suggestions

This coffee butter frosting pairs beautifully with chocolate or vanilla cakes, complementing their flavours with its aromatic coffee notes. For make-ahead convenience, prepare the frosting up to two days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature and re-whip briefly before using to achieve perfect consistency.