Table of contents
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Hello, tiramisu fans! If you love the classic Italian dessert but are looking for a fun twist, these Tiramisu Cupcakes are perfect. Each cupcake is infused with espresso, brushed with a coffee soak, and topped with creamy mascarpone frosting. It’s the best of tiramisu and cupcakes in one delightful bite-sized treat!
Introduction
These Tiramisu Cupcakes capture all the flavors of traditional tiramisu in a convenient cupcake form. The espresso-soaked vanilla cupcakes are topped with a light, airy mascarpone frosting and finished with a dusting of cocoa powder and chocolate curls. They’re perfect for any occasion and sure to be a hit with coffee and dessert lovers alike.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup espresso or strong brewed coffee, cooled
Coffee Soak:
- 1/2 cup espresso or strong brewed coffee
- 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)
For the Mascarpone Frosting:
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Garnish:
- Cocoa powder
- Chocolate curls or grated chocolate
Optional Additions:
- Add a teaspoon of rum to the coffee soak for a richer flavor.
- Use a vanilla bean instead of extract for an extra touch of vanilla in the frosting.
How to Make Tiramisu Cupcakes
Follow these steps to make delicious Tiramisu Cupcakes:
- Prepare the Cupcakes:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the sugar and butter together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add Sour Cream and Espresso:
- Mix in the sour cream and espresso until smooth.
- Combine and Bake:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fill each cupcake liner about 3/4 full with batter.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely.
- Prepare the Coffee Soak:
- In a small bowl, combine the espresso and coffee liqueur (if using).
- Use a fork to pierce the top of each cooled cupcake several times, then brush each one with the coffee soak to infuse them with flavor.
- Make the Mascarpone Frosting:
- In a medium bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In another bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream to stiff peaks, then gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until smooth and airy.
- Decorate and Serve:
- Pipe or spread the mascarpone frosting onto each cupcake.
- Dust with cocoa powder and garnish with chocolate curls or grated chocolate for a beautiful finish.
Pro Tip: For the best texture, allow the mascarpone frosting to chill in the refrigerator for a few minutes before piping.
Helpful Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter, eggs, and mascarpone are at room temperature for a smooth batter and frosting.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cupcakes to avoid overbaking, which can make them dry.
Serving Suggestions
These Tiramisu Cupcakes are delicious on their own but pair wonderfully with:
- Fresh coffee or a cappuccino for an extra coffee kick
- Dessert wine or a glass of Bailey’s for a grown-up treat
Nutritional Information
Calories: 370 kcal per cupcake | Servings: 12 cupcakes
Nutritional Information (per cupcake)
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Potassium: 105mg
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 22g
- Vitamin A: 20% DV
- Vitamin C: 0% DV
- Calcium: 6% DV
- Iron: 8% DV
Storage and Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost when ready to serve.
Leftover Idea: If you have extra frosting, use it as a dip for fresh berries or a filling for sandwich cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make these cupcakes alcohol-free?
A: Yes! Simply skip the coffee liqueur in the coffee soak, and the cupcakes will still be delicious.
Q: Can I substitute mascarpone with cream cheese?
A: Yes, but the flavor will be tangier. For a more traditional tiramisu taste, mascarpone is recommended.
Q: Can I make these cupcakes in advance?
A: Absolutely! Bake the cupcakes a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. Frost and garnish just before serving.
Related Recipes
For more Italian-inspired desserts, check out:
- Classic Tiramisu
- Espresso Chocolate Cake
- Cannoli Cupcakes with Ricotta Frosting
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy these Tiramisu Cupcakes as much as we do! With their soft, coffee-infused base and rich mascarpone frosting, they’re a unique and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of tiramisu. Let us know how they turn out, and feel free to share your own twists on this recipe. Buon appetito!