Espresso Mini Cakes Recipes

MINI ESPRESSO CAKES WITH PEANUT BUTTER FROSTING

Steps:

• Special equipment: Stand mixer and 4 (3/8-pound) mini loaf pans
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Butter and flour mini loaf pans. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Mix together the sour cream and espresso until dissolved.
• In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla and mix until well incorporated. On low speed, add half the flour mixture. Mix until just combined. Add half the sour cream and mix until combined. Repeat with remaining flour and sour cream. Pour into prepared loaf pans filling halfway with batter. Bake 40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center. Cool in pans 10 minutes. Remove from pans and cool on racks.
• For the frosting: In stand mixer, mix together butter and peanut butter over medium high speed until smooth. Add confectioners' sugar and mix until smooth.
• Top mini loaves with peanut butter frosting.

COFFEE LOVER'S MINI CHEESECAKES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325°. Line 24 muffin cups with foil liners. Mix wafer crumbs and sugar; stir in butter and espresso. Press by tablespoonfuls onto bottoms of liners. , For filling, melt chocolate in a microwave; stir in espresso until blended. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth; slowly stir in condensed milk until blended. Stir chocolate mixture into cream cheese mixture until combined. Add eggs; beat just until blended., Fill prepared cups with 1/4 cup cheesecake batter. Bake until centers are almost set, 17-20 minutes. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely. Refrigerate overnight, covering when completely cooled., To serve, top with whipped topping and chocolate-covered coffee beans; if desired, dust with baking cocoa.

ESPRESSO CHOCOLATE CHIP CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease three 8-inch cake pans, line with parchment paper rounds, then grease the parchment paper. Parchment paper helps the cakes seamlessly release from the pans. (If it's helpful, see this parchment paper rounds for cakes video & post.)
• Whisk the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together. Set aside.
• Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, beat the butter, espresso powder, and sugar together on medium-high speed until combined and creamy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. Beat in the egg whites until combined, and then add the sour cream and vanilla extract. Beat until combined. Mixture may look curdled as a result of the varying textures and solid butter combining. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl as needed. Pour in the dry ingredients, turn the mixer on low speed and with the mixer running, slowly pour in the milk and coffee. Beat on low speed until combined, and then beat in the chocolate chips just until combined. Whisk it all by hand to make sure there are no butter lumps at the bottom of the bowl. The batter will be slightly thick. Do not overmix.
• Pour batter evenly into cake pans. Bake for around 25-28 minutes or until the cakes are baked through. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, it's done. Allow cakes to cool in the pans set on a wire rack for 30 minutes. Run a knife around the edges and then remove from pans. Allow cakes to cool completely set on a wire rack. The cakes must be completely cool before frosting and assembling.
• In a large bowl using a hand-held mixer or stand mixer fitted with a whisk or paddle attachment, beat the butter and espresso powder together on medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes. Add confectioners' sugar, cream/milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds and then switch to high speed and beat for 2 minutes. Taste and beat in more espresso powder to taste if desired. I usually add another 1/4 teaspoon for more flavor. Yields about 4 cups frosting.
• If your cakes are domed on top, very carefully use a large serrated knife to slice a thin layer off the tops to create a flat surface. Discard (or crumble over ice cream!). Place 1 cake layer on your cake stand, cake turntable, or serving plate. Evenly cover the top with about 3/4 cup frosting. I use and recommend an icing spatula to apply the frosting. Top with 2nd cake layer and spread about 3/4 cup frosting on top. Place 3rd layer on top and frost the sides and top with remaining frosting. A bench scraper is helpful to smooth the sides and feel free to pipe any frosting on top- I used Ateco 849 piping tip to pipe a border around the pictured cake.
• Refrigerate cake for 10-20 minutes before slicing. This helps the cake hold its shape when cutting.
• Cover leftover cake tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

ESPRESSO MINI CAKES

Steps:

• Prepare cake mix as directed on package, substituting coffee for the water. Spoon batter evenly into 24 paper-lined medium muffin cups, filling each cup about 1/2 full.
• Bake as directed on package for cupcakes. Cool.
• Frost with Espresso Pudding Frosting. Store in refrigerator.