chocolate espresso cupcakes and dark chocolate frosting

Ingredients For chocolate espresso cupcakes and dark chocolate frosting

• CUPCAKE
• 2 c

  granulated sugar
• 1 3/4 c

  all-purpose flour
• 3/4 c

  dark chocolate unsweetened cocoa
• 1 1/2 tsp

  baking powder
• 1 1/2 tsp

  baking soda
• 1 tsp

  salt
• 2 lg

  eggs
• 1 c

  whole milk
• 1/2 c

  vegetable oil
• 2 tsp

  vanilla extract
• 1 c

  boiling water
• 1 Tbsp

  instant espresso
• FROSTING
• 1 c

  unsalted butter, softened
• 8 oz

  cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 c

  vegetable shortening
• 1/2 tsp

  salt
• 1/4 tsp

  meringue powder
• 2 tsp

  vanilla extract
• 1/2 c

  dark chocolate unsweetened cocoa
• 2 lb

  confectioners' sugar
• 4 Tbsp

  cream or half and half