Vanilla Latte Cupcakes

INGREDIENTS

For the cupcakes:

3/4 cup

unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 1/2 cups

sugar

large eggs

2 cups

all-purpose flour

1 tsp

baking powder

1/4 tsp

salt

1 tbsp

espresso powder*

1/2 cup

strong brewed coffee

1/4 cup

buttermilk

2 tbsp

coffee-flavored liqueur (or additional buttermilk)

For the frosting:

large egg whites

1/2 cup

sugar

vanilla bean, split lengthwise

3/4 cup

unsalted butter, at room temperature

2 tsp

espresso powder

2 tsp

very hot water

Chocolate-covered espresso beans, for garnish