Kahlúa Cupcakes

Introduction & Inspiration

This Kahlúa Cupcakes recipe is a sophisticated and incredibly delicious treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and coffee with a boozy kick of Kahlúa liqueur. I’ve always loved the combination of coffee and chocolate, and Kahlúa, with its coffee and rum notes, adds a wonderful depth of flavor to baked goods. It’s a grown up treat.

The inspiration came from a desire to create a cupcake that was both elegant and indulgent, something that would be perfect for a special occasion, a dinner party, or just as a decadent treat. I wanted a cupcake that was moist, flavorful, and had a little something extra to make it stand out.

The combination of a Devil’s Food Cake base infused with coffee and Kahlúa, a rich Kahlúa chocolate ganache filling, and a fluffy chocolate-Kahlúa buttercream frosting creates a truly unforgettable cupcake that’s sure to impress.

I’m excited to share this recipe because these cupcakes are always a hit. They’re rich, decadent, and full of flavor, and the Kahlúa adds a wonderful warmth and complexity. They’re also a great way to elevate a simple box cake mix into something truly special.

Nostalgic Appeal

Kahlúa, a coffee-flavored liqueur, often evokes feelings of sophisticated cocktails, after-dinner drinks, and special occasions. It’s a flavor that’s often associated with grown-up indulgence and a touch of elegance.

These Kahlúa Cupcakes tap into that sophisticated appeal, offering a fun and delicious way to enjoy the classic Kahlúa flavor in a cupcake form. They’re a reminder that baking can be both creative and elegant.

The chocolate cupcake base and the rich ganache filling also add to the nostalgic appeal, reminiscent of classic chocolate desserts and decadent treats. It’s a recipe that’s both familiar and exciting, a perfect way to indulge in a beloved flavor combination.

And that’s the beauty of these cupcakes – they combine the familiar comfort of chocolate cake with the sophisticated flavor of Kahlúa, creating a treat that’s both nostalgic (in a grown-up way!) and incredibly satisfying.

Homemade Focus

Semi-homemade and impressive.

Flavor Goal

Chocolate, coffee, and Kahlúa!

Ingredient Insights

Devil’s Food Cake, eggs, vegetable oil, strongly brewed coffee, Kahlúa, chocolate chips, heavy cream, kosher salt, butter, powdered sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, heavy cream, pure vanilla extract, chocolate sprinkles, gold sprinkles.

Essential Equipment

Two cupcake pans, cupcake liners, large bowl, whisk, hand mixer, small saucepan, medium heat-safe bowl, large piping bag fitted with a large, open-star tip.

List of Ingredients with Measurements

For the cupcakes

• 1 box Devil’s Food Cake
• 3 large eggs
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 3/4 cup strongly brewed coffee
• 1/4 cup Kahlúa

For the ganache

• 2 cups chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup Kahlúa
• Pinch of kosher salt

For the frosting

• 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup heavy cream, plus more, if necessary
• 1 Tbsp. Kahlúa
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• Chocolate sprinkles
• Gold sprinkles

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350° and line 2 cupcake pans with cupcake liners. In a large bowl, whisk together cake mix, eggs, oil, coffee, and Kahlúa. Fill each cup about ¾ full and bake until a toothpick inserted into middle of each cupcake comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Let cool.
2. Meanwhile, make ganache filling: Place chocolate chips in a medium heat-safe bowl. In a small saucepan over medium heat, heat heavy cream until it bubbles. Pour cream over chocolate chips and let sit 5 minutes. Add Kahlúa and a pinch of salt and whisk until smooth. Refrigerate while you make frosting.
3. Make frosting: In a large bowl using a hand mixer, beat butter until light and fluffy. Add about half the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt and beat until no lumps remain. Add heavy cream, Kahlúa, and vanilla and beat until smooth, then add remaining powdered sugar and beat until combined. Transfer frosting to a large piping bag fitted with a large, open-star tip.
4. Core, fill and decorate.

Troubleshooting

*Cupcakes sinking in the middle: *Ganache too thick or too thin *Frosting too thick or too thin

Tips and Variations

• Different Cake Mix Flavors:
• Add Espresso Powder:
• Use Different Liqueurs:
• Decorate with Chocolate Curls:

Be creative.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Special occasions, dinner parties, or as a decadent treat.

Nutritional Information

They are cupcakes. Enjoy.

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Recipe Summary and Q&A

Rich, flavorful, and boozy cupcakes.

Q: Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time? A: Yes.

Q: Can I freeze the unfrosted cupcakes? A: yes

Q: Can I use a different type of liqueur instead of Kahlúa? A: Yes.