Name: Coffee and Mocha Buttercreams
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: Makes about 5 cups coffee-flavored and 2 1/2 cups mocha flavored
Ingredients: 2 cups sugar, divided; 3/4 cup water; 6 large egg whites at room temperature 30 minutes; 2 tablspoons plus 1 teaspoon instant-espresso powder; 1 tablspoon pure vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 6 sticks (1 1/2 pounds) unsalted butter, cut into tablspoon pieces and softened; 6 ounces fine-quality 60%-cacao bittersweet chocolate, melted and cooled to lukewarm; Equipment: a candy thermometer; a stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment; a stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment

How to make frosting lemon buttercream whipped in a stand mixer.

Photo by Chelsea Kyle, food styling by Katherine Sacks

This is called a meringue buttercream because its foundation is egg whites, not the more traditional yolks. That makes it very light, satiny, and easy to spread—a plus if you're making a many-layered cake like the one in the preceding recipe. The base for this buttercream yields two different-flavored frostings: espresso coffee and bittersweet-chocolate mocha.

Cooks notes:

•If buttercream looks soupy after some butter is added, meringue is too warm: Chill bottom of bowl in an ice bath for a few seconds before continuing to beat in remaining butter.
•Buttercreams can be made 1 week ahead and chilled or 1 month ahead and frozen. Bring to room temperature (do not use a microwave), about 2 hours, and beat with an electric mixer until spreadable.
•The egg whites in this recipe are not fully cooked.

Recipe notes

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

There's a Huge KitchenAid Mixer Sale Going On Right Now
Better act fast.

Chocolate Guinness Cake

A generous glug of stout gives this snackable loaf a malty depth.

Super Seedy Power Cookies

As energizing as an energy bar, with a much simpler ingredient list.

Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon

This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

One-Pot Chicken Thighs With Cilantro Rice and Beans

This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.

Recipe notes

There's a Huge KitchenAid Mixer Sale Going On Right Now