Tiramisu Cupcakes

These elegant Tiramisu Cupcakes transform the classic Italian dessert into a convenient handheld treat. Light vanilla cupcakes are soaked with coffee syrup, topped with mascarpone frosting, and dusted with cocoa powder for an authentic tiramisu experience in cupcake form. Total preparation and baking time is approximately 2 hours, including cooling. Yields 12 cupcakes.

Equipment

• Standard 12-cup muffin tin
• Cupcake liners
• Electric mixer (stand or handheld)
• Mixing bowls (various sizes)
• Whisk
• Sifter or fine-mesh strainer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Piping bag with large round or star tip (optional)
• Small pastry brush
• Coffee maker or espresso machine

Ingredients

For the Vanilla Cupcakes:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ cup whole milk, room temperature

For the Coffee Soaking Syrup:

• ½ cup strongly brewed espresso or coffee
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa), optional

For the Mascarpone Frosting:

• 8 oz mascarpone cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
• ⅓ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• Chocolate-covered espresso beans (optional)
• Dark chocolate shavings (optional)

Instructions

For the Vanilla Cupcakes:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla extract.
5. Reduce mixer speed to low. Add flour mixture in three parts, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Mix just until combined.
6. Divide batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Allow cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Coffee Soaking Syrup:

1. While the cupcakes are cooling, combine hot espresso and sugar in a small bowl, stirring until sugar dissolves.
2. Stir in coffee liqueur if using.
3. Let cool to room temperature.

For the Mascarpone Frosting:

1. In a medium bowl, beat mascarpone cheese until smooth.
2. In a separate large bowl, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
3. Gently fold the whipped cream mixture into the mascarpone until smooth and well combined.

Assembly:

1. Once cupcakes are completely cool, use a skewer or fork to poke several holes in the top of each cupcake.
2. Using a pastry brush, gently brush each cupcake with the coffee soaking syrup, allowing it to soak in. Apply 2-3 coats, giving each coat time to absorb.
3. Transfer the mascarpone frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large round or star tip. Pipe frosting onto each cupcake. Alternatively, simply spoon a generous dollop on each cupcake.
4. Dust the tops with cocoa powder using a fine-mesh strainer or sifter.
5. Garnish with chocolate-covered espresso beans or chocolate shavings if desired.
6. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to develop.

Notes

• For the best flavor, use freshly brewed espresso or very strong coffee.
• Make sure mascarpone cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps in the frosting.
• The cupcakes can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Tips for Success

• Don’t overmix the cupcake batter as this can result in dense cupcakes.
• Apply the coffee syrup gradually, allowing it to soak in before adding more.
• Keep the heavy cream cold before whipping for the best volume in your frosting.
• If the mascarpone frosting becomes too soft, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before piping.
• For extra flavor complexity, try using different coffee varieties or add a splash of marsala wine to the soaking syrup.

Additional Tips and Variations

• Boozy Version: Increase the amount of coffee liqueur in the soaking syrup or add 1 tablespoon of rum to the frosting.
• Chocolate Lover’s Version: Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the cupcake batter and mix mini chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
• Mini Tiramisu Cupcakes: Use a mini muffin tin to create bite-sized versions, reducing the baking time to 10-12 minutes.
• Layered Approach: Cut fully cooled cupcakes in half horizontally, brush both cut sides with coffee syrup, and place a thin layer of frosting between halves before reassembling and topping with more frosting.
• Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter, milk, and eggs substitutes for the cupcakes, and coconut cream mixed with vegan cream cheese for the frosting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I make these cupcakes without coffee? A: While coffee is a signature flavor in tiramisu, you could substitute the coffee soaking syrup with a vanilla or almond-flavored syrup for a different twist.

Q: What can I use instead of mascarpone cheese? A: If mascarpone is unavailable, you can substitute with 8 oz cream cheese mixed with 2 tablespoons of sour cream and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream.

Q: Why did my mascarpone frosting curdle? A: This usually happens when the mascarpone is too cold. Always use room temperature mascarpone and fold it gently with the whipped cream.

Q: How far in advance can I make these cupcakes? A: The unfrosted cupcakes can be made 1-2 days ahead. The assembled cupcakes are best when made no more than 24 hours in advance.

Q: Can these cupcakes be frozen? A: The unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before soaking and frosting. The mascarpone frosting does not freeze well.

Conclusion

These Tiramisu Cupcakes offer all the sophisticated flavor of traditional tiramisu in a charming, individual format. The coffee-soaked vanilla cupcakes provide the perfect base for the light, creamy mascarpone frosting, while the dusting of cocoa powder adds that classic tiramisu finish. Whether served at a dinner party, afternoon tea, or special celebration, these cupcakes are sure to impress with their elegant appearance and complex flavors. Enjoy the perfect balance of coffee, cream, and subtle sweetness in every bite!