Football Pull-Apart Chocolate Cupcakes with Mocha Frosting - Valerie Bertinelli

Ingredients

• 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon instant espresso or coffee powder
• 3 sticks (1 1/2 cups) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• Two 16-ounce boxes confectioners’ sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup milk
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• Green candy-coated chocolate candies, such as M&Ms, for garnishing the platter, optional