Chocolate-Coffee Buttercream Filling

Ingredients

• 0.7 cup butter softened
• 1 tablespoon cocoa 
• 2 teaspoons rum / brandy / coffee liqueur 
• 2 teaspoons coffee granules instant
• 2.5 cups powdered sugar 
• 0.5 cup whipping cream 

Equipment

• hand mixer
• microwave

Directions

1. Beat first 3 ingredients at medium speed with an electric mixer until fluffy.
2. Microwave whipping cream at MEDIUM (50% power) until warm (do not boil). Stir together warm cream and coffee granules until dissolved; cool.
3. Add whipping cream mixture and liqueur to butter mixture, beating until smooth.
4. *Note: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract may be substituted for liqueur.