Easy and Delicious Mocha Buttercream Frosting Recipe

You are going to love this mocha buttercream frosting recipe. It’s easy to make and adds a depth of flavor to your standard chocolate buttercream recipe. 

Give it a try the next time you want to add something special to your celebrations. 

Jump to Recipe

I stumbled upon this recipe by accident while making a birthday cake for my mom. I wanted a moist vanilla cake with a rich chocolate buttercream frosting.

As I was whipping up this frosting, I thought about adding coffee to the frosting.

Adding coffee to chocolate always gives it more depth, so I decided to give it a try. Let me tell you it was the most delicious mocha buttercream frosting I have ever tasted. You’re going to love this chocolate frosting with a hint of coffee flavor

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Frosting Recipe

It’s a rich, decadent chocolate icing. This icing takes a standard chocolate icing to the next level. 

It’s made using ingredients you have on hand. You can whip this icing up very quickly when you need a last-minute dessert. 

It’s easy to make. This icing takes some time to whip, but it’s very simple to make. Even experienced cooks can make this yummy mocha buttercream frosting. 

More Recipes To Try

• Old Fashioned Chocolate Cherry Thumbprint Cookies  
• Amazing Fig Preserve Cake 
• Old Fashioned Southern Style Chess Pie 
• Simple Brown Sugar Pound Cake 

What You’ll Need To Make The Mocha Frosting Recipe

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• Stand mixer with whisk or paddle attachment 
• Measuring cups and spoons 
• Spatula 

You can also use an electric mixer if you don’t have a stand mixer. Pay attention to the texture of the frosting if you’re using one. It will incorporate more air than a stand mixer.

Ingredients

• 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened 
• 3 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
• ¾ cup Cocoa Powder, sifted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract 
• ¼ tsp salt 
• ¼ cup heavy cream 
• 1 tsp instant coffee 
• 2 tbsp warm water 

How to Make Mocha Buttercream Frosting

1. Begin by combining 1 tsp instant coffee granules, and 2 tbsp hot water in a small bowl. Allow the coffee to dissolve while you make the icing. 
2. Place 1 cup butter in the bowl of your stand mixer. Use the whisk of the mixer to whip the butter at medium speed.
3. While the butter is whipping, slowly add 3 cups of powdered sugar 1 cup at a time. Make sure to stop the mixer and scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl until everything is incorporated. 
4. Once all the sugar has been added, continue whipping the butter mixture on high speed for around 5 minutes. You want the mixture to be light and fluffy.
5. Slowly add ¾ cup cocoa powder and whip until it is completely combined. 
6. Add 1 tsp vanilla extract. Slowly add ¼ cup of heavy cream to the icing. 
7. Slowly drizzle the coffee into the frosting. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is combined. 
8. Increase the speed to high and whip the frosting for 5 minutes to get the right consistency. You want it to be light and fluffy!
9. Use the frosting immediately, or store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

For the perfect frosting texture be careful not to underwhip or overwhip the frosting. Over-whipping will make the frosting too soft and grainy. Follow the directions above for a light and fluffy texture. 

Spread the finished buttercream over your cake or cupcakes and enjoy!

Helpful Tips

Make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature before making the frosting. This will ensure the flavors combine well. 

If you don’t have instant coffee, you can use cold, strong-brewed coffee instead. Replace the heavy cream in the recipe with the coffee. 

Be sure to sift the sugar prior to making the frosting. Sifting it will make the frosting smooth. 

Substitute salted butter for unsalted butter in this recipe. Just omit the salt if you choose to use it. 

FAQs

How can mocha buttercream frosting be stored?

Buttercream frosting can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days. You can also store buttercream frosting in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Allow the frosting to return to room temperature before using it. 

Can mocha buttercream frosting be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze buttercream frosting in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. 

How much frosting does this recipe make?

This recipe makes around 3 cups of frosting. That quantity is enough for 15-18 cupcakes, a triple-layer 6-inch cake, or a double-layer 8-inch cake. I also like baking in a 9×13 dish instead of a layer cake. spread the frosting in a thick layer. 

Can decaf coffee be used to make mocha buttercream frosting?

Yes, you can use decaf coffee instead. It still makes a delicious frosting.

Final Thoughts on This Delicious Mocha Buttercream Frosting Recipe

You are going to love this mocha buttercream frosting recipe. It’s easy to make, has the perfect silky texture, and a delicious mocha flavor. It’s a great addition to a variety of desserts. Give it a try the next time you want a special dessert for your family and friends. It will soon become one of your favorite frosting recipes! 

If you enjoyed this mocha buttercream frosting recipe, please share it! 

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