Alright, baking enthusiasts, let's dive into the rich and robust world of Coffee Buttercream! This frosting is perfect for giving your cakes and pastries a delightful coffee kick. Here's how you can make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 tsp instant coffee or espresso powder
- 1 1/2 Tbsp whole milk, room temperature
- 1 Cup (226g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3 1/2 Cups (420g) powdered sugar
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Steps:
1. Warm Up Your Equipment: First, let's get your mixer prepped. Whether you're using a stand mixer or a handheld mixer, make sure it's running smoothly and your utensils are clean.
2. Soften the Butter: Place it in the mixer and beat it for about 5 minutes. This will make it nice, fluffy, and ready to whip up with powdered sugar.
3. Combine the Sugar: While the butter is beating, sift the powdered sugar to ensure no lumps. Then, add half of the sugar to the butter and mix on low speed until fully incorporated. After that, switch to high speed and mix for another 5 minutes.
4. Introduce the Cream: Now, it's time to add that coffee essence. Mix the instant coffee with the whole milk in a small bowl until it's well combined. Then, slowly pour this coffee mixture into the buttercream mix on low speed, scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well blended.
5. Finish Up: Continue to beat the buttercream on high speed for another 3 minutes. This will give you that shiny, smooth texture that's oh-so-important for a great frosting.
6. Vanilla and Salt: Add the vanilla extract and pinch of salt to the buttercream. Stir gently to combine and give it a final check to ensure everything is well mixed.
7. Storage: Once you've got your frosting looking and feeling good, store it in the fridge for up to 7 days. Before you use it, let it come to room temperature and mix it a bit to refresh it.
And there you have it! A classic Coffee Buttercream that's sure to impress your guests with its deep, earthy flavor and velvety texture. Enjoy your baking adventures and happy frosting!