Here’s a delicious recipe for Tiramisu Cupcakes, inspired by the classic Italian dessert. These cupcakes combine the rich flavors of coffee, mascarpone, and cocoa, all in a convenient cupcake form!
Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee (cooled)
For the Mascarpone Frosting:
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp espresso or strong coffee (optional)
For the Soaking Syrup:
- 1/4 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee (cooled)
- 2 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional, like Kahlúa)
- 1 tbsp sugar
For Garnish:
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Dark chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cupcakes:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper 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 sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes) using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Add half of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until combined. Add half of the milk and mix again. Repeat with the remaining dry ingredients and milk, alternating between the two, until the batter is smooth.
- Stir in the cooled espresso or coffee until combined.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Make the Soaking Syrup:
- In a small bowl, combine the cooled espresso, coffee liqueur (if using), and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Set aside.
3. Make the Mascarpone Frosting:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese with a hand mixer until smooth.
- Add the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, and beat until the frosting is thick and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- If you like, you can mix in 1 tablespoon of espresso for added coffee flavor.
- Chill the frosting in the fridge while the cupcakes cool.
4. Assemble the Cupcakes:
- Once the cupcakes have cooled, use a skewer or a knife to poke a few small holes in the top of each cupcake.
- Brush each cupcake with the coffee soaking syrup to soak them lightly. You don’t want them to be soggy, just a gentle soaking.
- Pipe or spread the mascarpone frosting onto the cupcakes using a piping bag or spatula.
5. Garnish and Serve:
- Dust the frosted cupcakes with unsweetened cocoa powder using a fine-mesh sieve.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle with dark chocolate shavings.
- Serve and enjoy the creamy, coffee-flavored goodness!
