ADVERTISEMENT
1. **Make the Cupcakes:**
– Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
– In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
– In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
– Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
– Alternate adding the dry ingredients (flour mixture) and milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
– Gently fold in the cooled brewed coffee until fully incorporated.
– Divide the batter evenly into the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 of the way full.
– Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
– Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. **Prepare the Espresso Soak:**
– While the cupcakes are cooling, make the espresso soak by combining the cooled brewed coffee and coffee liqueur (if using) in a small bowl.
– Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, use a fork or toothpick to poke holes in the top of each cupcake. This will allow the coffee soak to absorb into the cake.
4. **Assemble the Cupcakes:**
– Once the cupcakes are fully cooled and poked with holes, drizzle the espresso soak evenly over the top of each cupcake, allowing the liquid to absorb into the cake.
– Pipe or spread the mascarpone frosting on top of each cupcake. You can use a piping bag with a large star tip for a decorative touch or simply spread it with a spatula.
– Once frosted, dust the top of each cupcake lightly with unsweetened cocoa powder, and garnish with chocolate shavings or espresso beans for an extra special touch.
5. **Serve and Enjoy:**
– Serve the Tiramisu Cupcakes immediately or store them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. These cupcakes will continue to soak up the coffee flavor and develop even more deliciousness as they chill.
– **Espresso Flavor:** For a stronger coffee flavor, you can replace some of the milk in the cupcake batter with coffee or use a combination of brewed coffee and coffee liqueur for the espresso soak.
– **Mascarpone Substitute:** If you can’t find mascarpone cheese, you can substitute it with a mixture of cream cheese and heavy cream for a similar texture and flavor.
– **Make-Ahead:** These cupcakes can be made ahead of time. They actually taste even better after resting in the fridge for a few hours as the flavors meld together.
– **Decorating Tips:** For a more authentic tiramisu look, you can layer the cupcakes with a bit of ladyfingers (cut to fit the cupcake liners) before adding the frosting, just like a traditional tiramisu.
Tiramisu Cupcakes are the perfect combination of rich, creamy, and coffee-flavored goodness—all in a convenient, handheld form. The moist, coffee-soaked sponge cake paired with the smooth mascarpone frosting creates a balanced bite of sweetness and depth. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be customized with your favorite coffee liqueur or toppings.
So, whether you’re craving a coffee-infused treat or want to impress your guests with something special, these Tiramisu Cupcakes are an irresistible choice!
