Mocha Cupcakes with Coffee Buttercream

Mocha Cupcakes
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cococa powder
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 1/4 cups sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 tbsp instant coffee powder
3/4 cup water

Preheat oven to 350F. Line 12 muffin cups with paper liners.
In a medium bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
In a large bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract and instant coffee power until completely combined. Whisk in one third of the flour mixture, followed by half of the water. Whisk in an additional third of the flour mixture, followed by the remaining water. Stir in all of the remaining flour, mixing until no streaks of dry ingredients remain and batter is uniform.
Divide evenly into prepared muffin pan.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, until cupcakes spring back when lightly pressed and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack.
When cupcakes are cool, top them with coffee buttercream. Dust with cocoa powder for a “mocha” look, if desired. Store in an airtight container.

Makes 12.

Coffee Buttercream
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1 tbsp instant coffee powder
2 tbsp milk, room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/2 – 3 cups confectioners’ sugar

In a small bowl, dissolve the instant coffee powder in milk and vanilla extract.
In a large bowl, beat together butter, instant coffee mixture and 2 cups confectioners’ sugar. Gradually blend in more confectioners’ sugar until frosting is smooth, thick and fluffy.
Spread or pipe onto cooled cupcakes.