Dark Chocolate Espresso Cupcakes

Today I came to the realization that... my birthday is tomorrow. 
Is this what it is like to be an adult? To be so busy I forget my own birthday?
The constant, never-changing schedule of everyday life just drains me of real life. That's why I must do everything I can to break the cycle. 

In celebration of my birthday, I would love to share a delicious recipe for... 
Dark Chocolate Espresso Cupcakes!

I've made these before for my boyfriend's birthday, and they are to die for!

Espresso Chocolate Cupcakes

1/3 cup butter

1/2 tsp vanilla

1.3 cups flour

.4 cups cocoa powder

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

1 cup sugar

1 large egg

.4 cup hot strong coffee

.6  cups buttermilk

Frosting

1.1 cups chocolate

1 cup + 5 tbsp butter

1.5 cups 

1.5 cups powdered sugar

.6 coco powder

2 tbsp espresso

1/2 tsp vanilla

CupCake Directions:

Preheat oven to 350

Melt butter, add vanilla, and let it cool. Then sift flour cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and sugar into a large bowl. Whip the egg with the buttermilk. Mix coffee with butter and then add all liquid ingredients to the dry ones and mix the batter until smooth. Then fill cupcake liners about 2/3 full. Bake for 17- 20 minutes. 

Frosting Directions:

Melt chocolate and then leave to cool. Whip butter until white and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder and mix until smooth. Add the melted chocolate and whip together. Add espresso and vanilla and mix until frosting is smooth and fluffy. 

Found the recipe here. :)

http://call-me-cupcake.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/perfect-chocolate-espresso-cupcakes.html#.U9g6dY1dVQU