Café Mocha Cupcakes

INGREDIENTS

For the Cupcakes

1 3/4 cups

all-purpose flour

2 cups

sugar

3/4 cup

cocoa powder

2 tsp

baking soda

1 tsp

baking powder

1 tsp

kosher salt

1 cup

buttermilk, shaken

1/2 cup

vegetable oil

eggs, at room temperature

1 tsp

pure vanilla extract

1 cup

freshly brewed hot coffee

1 1/2 tsp

instant espresso granules

For the frosting

3 sticks

unsalted butter, softened

fine grain sea salt

2 tsp

pure vanilla extract

2 lb

confectioners’ sugar, sifted

2 tbsp

unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted

1 tbsp

instant espresso granules dissolved in 1 tablespoon warm water

3 tbsp

heavy cream or milk