These Tiramisu Cupcakes combine the rich flavors of classic tiramisu—coffee, mascarpone, and cocoa—into a delightful handheld treat. Soft vanilla cupcakes are soaked in espresso and topped with a creamy mascarpone frosting for a decadent dessert that’s sure to impress!
📋 Ingredients:
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 🌾
- 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder 🌿
- 1/4 teaspoon salt 🧂
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar 🍬
- 2 large eggs 🥚
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🌿
- 1/2 cup whole milk 🥛
For the Coffee Soak:
- 1/2 cup strong brewed espresso or coffee ☕
- 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional) 🍸
- 2 tablespoons sugar 🍬
For the Mascarpone Frosting:
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened 🧀
- 1/2 cup heavy cream 🥛
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar 🍬
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🌿
For Topping:
- Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting 🍫
- Chocolate shavings or chocolate-covered espresso beans (optional) 🍫
📝 Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Make the Cupcakes:
- Mix the dry ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream the butter and sugar:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add eggs and vanilla:
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Combine with dry ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
- Bake:
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
- Cool:
- Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack.
3. Make the Coffee Soak:
- Prepare the soak:
- In a small bowl, mix the brewed espresso or coffee with sugar and coffee liqueur (if using), stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Soak the cupcakes:
- Once the cupcakes are cooled, use a toothpick or skewer to poke small holes on the top of each cupcake. Spoon the coffee mixture over the cupcakes, allowing it to soak in.
4. Make the Mascarpone Frosting:
- Whip the mascarpone:
- In a large bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until light and fluffy.
5. Frost the Cupcakes:
- Frost the cupcakes:
- Pipe or spread the mascarpone frosting generously onto each cupcake.
- Dust with cocoa:
- Dust the tops with unsweetened cocoa powder using a small sieve.
6. Serve:
- Garnish and serve:
- Garnish with chocolate shavings or chocolate-covered espresso beans if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
⏱️ Preparation Time: 20 minutes
⏱️ Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
⏱️ Total Time: 40-45 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 12 cupcakes
🔥 Calories: Approximately 300-350 kcal per cupcake
These Tiramisu Cupcakes are the perfect bite-sized version of the classic Italian dessert, combining the flavors of coffee-soaked cake, creamy mascarpone, and a dusting of cocoa. Perfect for any tiramisu lover! ☕🍫🧁