Description
Indulgent tiramisu cupcakes blend Italian dessert magic with classic American baking charm. Rich espresso-soaked sponge and silky mascarpone frosting create a luxurious bite that whisks you straight to a charming café in Rome.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 12 ounces (340 grams) mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Leavening and Seasoning:
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Flavor Enhancers and Garnish:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee
- 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- Cocoa powder, for dusting
- Chocolate shavings or coffee beans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and arrange cupcake liners in a muffin tin, ensuring even spacing.
- Combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, whisking flour, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly integrated.
- Cream butter and sugar in a separate bowl, creating a light and fluffy mixture that transforms the texture.
- Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, ensuring complete blending after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
- Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk to maintain a smooth, consistent batter without overmixing.
- Distribute batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each approximately two-thirds full for optimal rising.
- Bake cupcakes for 18-20 minutes, watching for a golden top and inserting a toothpick to confirm doneness. Allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare espresso soak by combining freshly brewed espresso and coffee liqueur in a small bowl.
- Using a pastry brush, generously apply espresso mixture over the cooled cupcakes, allowing liquid to absorb into the cake.
- Whip mascarpone cheese with heavy cream, gradually adding powdered sugar and vanilla until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Transfer frosting to a piping bag and create elegant swirls atop each cupcake, covering the entire surface.
- Finish by delicately dusting cocoa powder over the frosted cupcakes and add optional garnishes for visual appeal.
Notes
- Swap whole milk for dairy-free alternatives like almond or oat milk to create a vegan-friendly version of these delightful cupcakes.
- Reduce sugar content by using a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit for a lower-calorie dessert option.
- Toast cocoa powder before dusting to enhance its rich, deep flavor profile and add a subtle nutty undertone to the cupcakes.
- Experiment with different coffee liqueurs or use strong brewed coffee for a more intense espresso kick that elevates the classic tiramisu essence.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg