Description
Delight in these luscious Tiramisu Cupcakes that capture the classic Italian dessert’s flavors in a convenient, handheld form. Moist coffee-soaked cupcakes are topped with a creamy mascarpone frosting and finished with a dusting of cocoa powder and optional chocolate shavings, perfect for elegant gatherings or an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cupcake Batter
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Soaking Liquid
- 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
Mascarpone Frosting
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)
Garnish
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
- Dark chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners to prepare for baking.
- Prepare the cupcake batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to combine the dry ingredients evenly.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, and stir in the vanilla extract for aroma.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the whole milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined to keep the batter tender.
- Bake the cupcakes: Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow cupcakes to cool completely.
- Prepare the mascarpone frosting: In a large mixing bowl, whip together the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. If desired, fold in coffee liqueur for an extra coffee kick.
- Soak the cupcakes: Once cooled, gently drizzle the cooled strong brewed coffee over the tops of the cupcakes, allowing them to soak in the rich coffee flavor for a few minutes.
- Frost the cupcakes: After the cupcakes have absorbed the coffee, spread a generous layer of mascarpone frosting over each cupcake using a spatula or pipe it decoratively using a piping bag.
- Dust with cocoa powder: Using a fine mesh sieve, dust the tops of the frosted cupcakes with unsweetened cocoa powder. Add dark chocolate shavings on top for an elegant finishing touch, if desired.
- Serve: Allow the frosted cupcakes to set for about 30 minutes to firm up the frosting before serving. Enjoy your delightful tiramisu-inspired treat!
Notes
- Make sure the cupcakes are completely cool before soaking and frosting to prevent melting or sogginess.
- The coffee liqueur in the frosting is optional but adds an authentic tiramisu flavor.
- For a stronger coffee taste, you can increase the amount of brewed coffee used for soaking slightly.
- The cupcakes can be made a day ahead and refrigerated; allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
