If you love coffee, these mocha cupcakes definitely belong on your baking list. The soft chocolate cupcakes are made with coffee, filled with hot fudge, and topped with a swirl of creamy espresso buttercream. It's the perfect dessert for coffee lovers.
If baking with coffee is your thing, you might also enjoy this salted caramel mocha bundt cake or these mocha brownies.
These mocha fudge cupcakes were first published in April 2013. I took new photos and updated the text, then it was republished in March 2026.
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Coffee is definitely my go-to drink. Every morning starts with a hot cup, then in the afternoon, I make an iced latte for a little pick-me-up.
So, it's no surprise that my love for coffee also finds its way into my baking. Some of my favorite coffee desserts are espresso brownies and this coffee bundt cake.
Recently, I baked cupcakes using a chocolate cake mix, but I replaced the water with brewed coffee for a richer flavor. Then I made them even better by filling the centers with hot fudge before adding espresso frosting!
Chocolate and coffee belong together, and these mocha cupcakes prove it. One bite, and you will wonder where they have been all your life!
Why Mocha Fudge Cupcakes Are the Best
- Chocolate and coffee are always a good idea. Using brewed coffee in the batter enhances the chocolate flavor and gives the cupcakes a classic mocha taste.
- A little hot fudge surprise inside. The centers of each cake have a hot fudge pocket, so every bite has a gooey chocolate surprise.
- Espresso frosting on top. The homemade coffee buttercream is light and fluffy with a smooth coffee flavor.
- Bakery-style cupcakes at home. The big swirl of frosting, a sprinkle of espresso powder, and a chocolate-covered coffee bean make them look extra fancy.
Ingredients Needed
Here are the basic ingredients you will need to make this mocha cupcake recipe. Scroll down to the recipe card to find the exact amounts and full instructions.
- Dark Chocolate Cake Mix: A store-bought mix saves time in the kitchen. Feel free to use your favorite homemade chocolate cupcake recipe.
- Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix: Gives the baked goods a delicious, moist texture.
- Coffee: Use any regular or decaf coffee you like. Brew it extra strong, then let the hot coffee cool before adding it to the dry ingredients. You can also use instant coffee granules and hot water.
- Eggs and Vegetable Oil: Choose large eggs and a neutral oil to add moisture.
- Espresso Frosting: A tasty twist on my vanilla buttercream frosting recipe. It uses instant espresso dissolved in cream.
- Toppings: A sprinkle of espresso powder and a chocolate-covered coffee bean add a fun finish.
Fun Variations
If you want to switch things up, here are a few fun ideas for the chocolate mocha cupcakes.
- Use a vanilla cake mix, like in these frappuccino cupcakes.
- Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips to the batter before baking.
- Fill the centers with caramel instead of hot fudge.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the frosting.
- Make mocha coconut cupcakes by decorating with coconut frosting and toasted coconut.
How To Make Mocha Cupcakes
These fudge-filled mocha cupcakes look impressive but are surprisingly easy to make. Follow our easy step-by-step instructions, and you will be snacking on glorious cupcakes in no time.
- Bake the cupcakes. Place the cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, oil, and brewed coffee in a large bowl and mix until combined. Place 24 cupcake liners in a muffin tin and evenly fill each one. Bake until done, then place on a wire rack to cool completely.
- Add the hot fudge filling. Use a cupcake corer or small knife to remove the center of each mini cake. Spoon or pipe hot fudge sauce into the center of each one.
- Make the espresso frosting. Beat the butter until creamy. Dissolve the espresso powder in the cream. Slowly mix in the coffee mixture, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Decorate and serve. Fill a piping bag fitted with a 1M icing tip, then swirl onto each cupcake. Sprinkle with espresso powder and top with chocolate coffee beans.
Skip the frosting and serve the cupcakes topped with a scoop of coffee ice cream.
BruCrew Tips
- Use a very strong brewed coffee for the best flavor. A darker roaster will make the chocolate taste richer.
- I love using a cookie scoop to fill the cupcake liners evenly.
- Make sure the cupcakes are completely cool before adding the filling and frosting.
- Use a cupcake corer to cut the centers out perfectly. A spoon, paring knife, melon corer, or the bottom of a round icing tip will also work.
- If you want bakery-style swirls, use a piping bag and a large 1M icing tip when frosting the cupcakes.
Storing and Freezing
Counter. Once the cupcakes are frosted, keep them in an airtight container on the counter for 2-3 days.
Refrigerator. Keep the container of cupcakes in the fridge for 4-5 days. Let refrigerated cupcakes sit at room temperature for a bit before serving so the frosting can soften.
Freezer. Wrap unfrosted cupcakes in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer bag, then freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight before adding frosting and toppings.
More Coffee-Inspired Desserts
- Mocha Cookie Crumble Cupcakes
- Coffee Brownies
- Salted Caramel Chocolate Cupcakes
- Hot Fudge Mocha Milkshake
- Salted Caramel Coffee Float
Do you love a recipe you tried from Inside BruCrew Life?
Please leave a 5-star ⭐️ rating and a review in the comments section below.
Recipe
Mocha Cupcakes with Espresso Frosting
If you love coffee, these mocha cupcakes definitely belong on your baking list. The soft chocolate cupcakes are made with coffee for extra mocha flavor, filled with hot fudge, and topped with a swirl of creamy espresso buttercream. It's the perfect dessert for coffee lovers.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes
- 1 (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant chocolate pudding
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup canola oil
- ½ cup hot fudge
For the Espresso Buttercream
- 2cups unsalted butter, softened
- 4 tablespoons instant espresso granules
- 10 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 2 teaspoon2 vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon table salt
- 8 cups powdered sugar
- 24 chocolate covered coffee beans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Place 24 liners in two pans.
- Add cake mix, pudding mix, cooled coffee, eggs, and oil to a large mixing bowl. Beat until combined. Spoon evenly into the prepared liners.
- Bake 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Remove and place on a wire rack to cool completely.
- After cupcakes have cooled, scoop out the center of the cupcake. Fill with a spoonful of hot fudge.
- In a mixing bowl, cream the butter for 2-3 minutes. Dissolve the espresso granules in the cream while you are waiting.
- Add the cream, vanilla, and salt to the creamed butter and beat again. Slowly add the powdered sugar until all of it has been added.
- Beat the frosting for another 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy. Spread or pipe onto the cooled cupcakes. Sprinkle with espresso powder and top with a chocolate coffee bean.
Notes
- Use a very strong brewed coffee for the best flavor. A darker roaster will make the chocolate taste richer.
- I love using a cookie scoop to fill the cupcake liners evenly.
- Make sure the cupcakes are completely cool before adding the filling and frosting.
- Use a cupcake corer to cut the centers out perfectly. A spoon, paring knife, melon corer, or the bottom of a round icing tip will also work.
- If you want bakery-style swirls, use a piping bag and a large 1M icing tip when frosting the cupcakes.
- This frosting recipe makes enough for a large swirl on top of the cupcakes. If you pipe smaller swirls, you will have leftovers.
Variations
- Use a vanilla cake mix, like in these frappuccino cupcakes.
- Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips to the batter before baking.
- Fill the centers with caramel instead of hot fudge.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the frosting.
- Make mocha coconut cupcakes by decorating with coconut frosting and toasted coconut.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 24 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 374Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 8gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 59mgSodium: 110mgCarbohydrates: 50gFiber: 0gSugar: 46gProtein: 2g
Nutrition facts are an estimate and are not guaranteed to be accurate. If you need special diet advice, please see a registered dietician.
Brenda@sweetsimplestuff says
Tech troubles ... Yuck! I am waiting for a new computer to arrive because mine died. I am operating on an ipad which I don't understand, but I'm grateful to have. I need tech support to come live with me ... I'll make your cupcakes for them 😉
Jocelyn Brubaker says
I could use a 24 hr tech support too! I hope your computer gets there soon!!!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Oh Jocelyn! These cupcakes are just gorgeous! I want one RIGHT. NOW. Yum!
Jocelyn Brubaker says
Thank you so much Trish!!!
Hayley @ The Domestic Rebel says
LOOK AT THAT FUDGE CENTER! Oh em gee, Jocelyn, that is the business right there! I love fudgy things (well, who doesn't?) but fudge centers happen to be my fave! I can't resist that fudgy center of a Drumstick, and I can't resist these cupcakes either! So gorgeous and delicious.
Jocelyn Brubaker says
Yes, maam! The fudge was seriously so good in these! I love hidden pockets of goodness!!!
Annie @ Annie's Noms says
I'm exactly the same with technology!! It sucks, I'm always like "I want it to do this, why can't I make that happen, why is it so difficult Arghhhhhh?!?!?!" Then I go and eat cake. Anyway, I'm incredibly lucky as my boyfriend is an IT geek so although I get cross during the day, he can usually calm me down in the evening and once I've explained myself clearly enough, which I also struggle with as I know what I want it to look like in my head, he can usually fix it! What would we do without tech guys?! And these cupcakes look great, I've only recently discovered how much I love mocha flavoured things so these definitely need to be made 🙂
Jocelyn Brubaker says
Technology totally sucks!!! I don't get it ever!!! At least you have someone close to help you out...I am at the mercy of online designers and support! I think I need another cupcake batch 🙂
Ari @ Ari's Menu says
That hot fudge in the center totally takes these cupcakes to the next level! I was in love just with the coffee and the chocolate, but after the picture of the cupcake cut in half, I am downright smitten!
Jocelyn Brubaker says
I knew you guys had to see that yummy fudgey center to know what a delicious recipe this was 🙂
Dixie n Dottie says
These look absolutely delish! I'm sure they helped with all of the tech. issues! 🙂
Jocelyn Brubaker says
Cupcakes always help no matter what the problem is!
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says
Oh man, I do not do well with technical issues... I had my share over the weekend when all of the WP sites were being attacked... A good host is a must! These cupcakes are seriously adorable! I love the piping and the fudgy center! Pinned!
Jocelyn Brubaker says
Tech stuff and I just don't get along. I hope your site is ok after all that weekend stuff. I can't believe how many people were affected from it. Thank you for pinning!!!
Tanya says
What an ordeal Jocelyn!!! I'm not tech savvy either and if it makes you feel better, I am terrible about saving passwords! These cupcakes are awesome! Love the centers!
Jocelyn Brubaker says
I started writing down all my passwords just for this very reason. It does help out...most times!!!
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust says
Oh no Jocelyn! I'm sorry about the server. BOO! Over the weekend I learned that if a PR or a media company is looking to hire you, if your site doesn't load in less than 10 seconds, they aren't hiring. That's my #1 priority now! You're going to love it after you switch!
These cupcakes rock!!
Jocelyn Brubaker says
Well, that sure explains a lot to me then. I wondered why I wasn't hearing anything back from PR companies.
Sarah @ Miss CandiQuik says
The page loaded fast! :). I wish I knew more about all of that "stuff", too. Maybe you could bargain with these people - cupcakes for tech support. 🙂
Jocelyn Brubaker says
It is good to hear that the page is loading better now. I hope it stays that way...fingers and toes are crossed!!! I like how you think...I would bake all the cupcakes in the world for people to just help me do the tech stuff!
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious says
I always have mini heart attacks when my blog is down! But dude, these cupcakes would definitely have me forget my woes.
Jocelyn Brubaker says
I think my heart dropped out of my chest the day my site was down for so long! I needed some serious chocolate that day too!!!
Gloria @ Simply Gloria says
So funny, Jocelyn! Those kinds of phone calls are exhausting! This recipe is well deserved! Looks so pretty, too!
Jocelyn Brubaker says
I agree with you...these phone calls wipe me out completely!!! At least all my woes make for a funny story huh?
Tieghan says
I feel you on the blog tech stuff!! Gosh is it such a pain!!1 Many tears have been shed. Many.
Mocha Fudge! Wow!! These look so so good!1 I love the center. wow!
Jocelyn Brubaker says
I am sure many more tears are to come too...I better stay stocked in chocolate goodies huh? 🙂
Kim Beaulieu says
Oh you poor dear, nothing worse than dealing with support people sometimes. Luckily you have these gorgeous beauties to soften a bad day.
Jocelyn Brubaker says
The cupcakes did help out tremendously!!!
Carol says
Ugh. Sorry you've been through all of that. I spent way too much time this weekend migrating my work computer. Not fun at all and it's still not done! These look incredible as always!
Jocelyn Brubaker says
I agree...not fun at all!!! I would much rather eat cupcakes than do techy stuff!!!
Nancy P.@thebittersideofsweet says
OMG! Seriously, you sound how like my last few weeks have been. Trying to switch servers and doing the site manually! (I can't afford to pay anyone to do it) I have spent many a nights lately reading and trying to teach myself how to redesign a website. Not easy stuff. Can I come over for a cupcake? These look like they would do the trick!
Jocelyn Brubaker says
I can't even imagine doing it all myself. I have to pay others to do these things because I seriously can't do it at all...not even after reading things 10 times!!! I would totally share cupcakes with you !!!
Becca @ Crumbs and Chaos says
Gahhh...some website things are simple and some should definitely be left to the pros. I love coffee and I love cupcakes and I love that you put a spoonful of fudge in the middle of these beauties 🙂
Jocelyn Brubaker says
I am willing to leave all that techy stuff to the pros...it just tends to get expensive that way.
Kate says
Yuck! Dealing with tech support is one of my least favorite things to do! These cupcakes are so pretty, though! The frosting is just beautiful!! Also, your stay up to date section at the end of your post is such a great idea!! =)
Jocelyn Brubaker says
Thanks Kate! I agree, dealing with support is my least favorite part of blogging!
Maggie says
Ugh I hate when the person on the other end of the line makes you feel bad for something you don't know...but I hope the chocolate made you feel better! 🙂
Jocelyn Brubaker says
The chocolate definitely helped me feel much better about the meanie!!!
YinMom YangMom Allie says
I think you and I have a lot in common, lol! I am an absolute tech dummy. I can come up with content all day long, and I love the photography part, but the behind-the-scenes stuff paralyzes me with fear. I wish I could take a class or something! Well, congratulations on being Miss Popularity (you deserve it! ;)), and on those fabulous cupcakes! I'm seriously drooling!
Jocelyn Brubaker says
All this tech stuff is very paralyzing...it makes me want to eat chocolate all day long 🙂