Description of this recipe
These Tiramisu Cupcakes bring the beloved flavors of the classic Italian dessert, tiramisu, into a convenient, handheld form. Each cupcake is infused with coffee, topped with a luscious mascarpone frosting, and dusted with cocoa powder, creating a delightful treat that captures the essence of tiramisu without the need for layering or complicated assembly. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or a special indulgence, these cupcakes are an elegant and easy-to-make dessert that will impress your guests.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Classic Flavors: Enjoy the rich, harmonious blend of coffee, mascarpone, and cocoa that defines traditional tiramisu in a perfectly portioned cupcake.
Easy to Make: This recipe simplifies the classic dessert into easy-to-follow steps, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. No need to worry about complicated layering techniques – just bake, soak, frost, and enjoy!
Impressive Presentation: These cupcakes are visually stunning, making them ideal for parties, gatherings, or a special treat. The cocoa powder dusting and optional chocolate shavings add a touch of elegance that will impress your guests.
Perfectly Portioned: Each cupcake provides a satisfying serving size, making it easy to control portions and enjoy the dessert without feeling overly indulgent.
Make-Ahead Convenience: These cupcakes can be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. They are perfect for entertaining when you want to get ahead on your dessert preparations.
Ingredients:
For the Cupcakes:
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (150g): Provides the structure for the cupcakes.
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Leavening agent that helps the cupcakes rise.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (113g): Adds richness and moisture to the cupcakes.
3/4 cup granulated sugar (150g): Sweetens the cupcakes and helps to create a tender crumb.
2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
1/2 cup milk (120ml): Adds moisture to the cupcakes.
1/4 cup brewed coffee, cooled (60ml): Infuses the cupcakes with a hint of coffee flavor, complementing the tiramisu theme.
For the Coffee Soak:
1/3 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee (80ml): Provides the intense coffee flavor that is characteristic of tiramisu.
2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional): Enhances the coffee flavor and adds a subtle kick. Can be omitted for an alcohol-free version.
1 tablespoon sugar: Balances the bitterness of the coffee and adds a touch of sweetness.
For the Mascarpone Frosting:
1 cup mascarpone cheese, chilled (227g): Provides the creamy, slightly tangy flavor that is essential to tiramisu.
1 cup heavy cream, chilled (240ml): Adds richness and helps to create a light and fluffy frosting.
1/2 cup powdered sugar (60g): Sweetens the frosting and gives it a smooth texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the frosting.
For Topping:
Cocoa powder, for dusting: Adds a bitter-sweet flavor and a classic tiramisu look.
Chocolate shavings (optional): Provides an extra touch of elegance and chocolate flavor.
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Cupcakes
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. This ensures the cupcakes bake evenly and prevents them from sticking to the pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, resulting in a consistent texture in the cupcakes.
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer for best results. This process, known as creaming, incorporates air into the mixture, which contributes to the cupcakes’ light and airy texture. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beating well after each egg ensures that they are fully incorporated and that the batter remains smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. This method prevents the gluten in the flour from developing too much, which can result in tough cupcakes. Mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense, chewy cupcakes, so be careful not to overdo it.
Fold in the cooled coffee gently. This step infuses the cupcakes with a subtle coffee flavor, enhancing the tiramisu theme. Be careful not to overmix, as this can deflate the batter.
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners. Fill each liner about two-thirds full. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. A clean toothpick indicates that the cupcakes are fully baked. Let the cupcakes cool completely. Cooling the cupcakes completely prevents the frosting from melting.
Step 2: Make the Coffee Soak
In a small bowl, whisk together the espresso, coffee liqueur (if using), and sugar until dissolved. This mixture will be used to soak the cupcakes, infusing them with a rich coffee flavor. The coffee liqueur adds an extra layer of flavor but can be omitted for an alcohol-free version.
Using a skewer or toothpick, poke several holes into the top of each cooled cupcake. This allows the coffee soak to penetrate the cupcakes more evenly.
Spoon about 1–2 teaspoons of the coffee soak over each cupcake, allowing it to seep in. Be careful not to oversaturate the cupcakes, as this can make them soggy.
Step 3: Prepare the Mascarpone Frosting
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form. Use an electric mixer for best results. Be careful not to overbeat. Overbeating can cause the frosting to become grainy or curdled. Ensure both the mascarpone and heavy cream are well chilled to achieve the best frosting consistency.
Step 4: Frost and Decorate
Pipe or spread the mascarpone frosting generously onto each cupcake. A piping bag with a decorative tip can be used for a more elegant presentation.
Dust with cocoa powder and top with chocolate shavings if desired. The cocoa powder adds a classic tiramisu flavor and visual appeal, while the chocolate shavings provide an extra touch of indulgence.
Step 5: Serve
Chill the cupcakes for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Chilling the cupcakes allows the coffee soak to fully penetrate the cake and the frosting to firm up.
Serve with coffee or espresso for a perfect pairing!
COOKING Rating:
Intermediate: While the recipe is relatively straightforward, the use of mascarpone cheese and the need for careful mixing and soaking require some baking experience.
Serving Suggestions:
Coffee or Espresso: The classic pairing that enhances the tiramisu flavors.
Sweet Wine: A dessert wine like Vin Santo or Moscato d’Asti complements the richness of the cupcakes.
Fresh Berries: A side of fresh berries adds a touch of brightness and acidity to balance the sweetness.
Tips:
Make Ahead: The cupcakes can be baked and soaked a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Prepare the frosting and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. Assemble the cupcakes just before serving for the best texture.
Alcohol-Free Option: Omit the coffee liqueur for a kid-friendly version. You can substitute it with an equal amount of strong brewed coffee or a coffee extract for an enhanced coffee flavor.
Even Soaking: Ensure that the coffee soak is evenly distributed over the cupcakes to prevent some areas from being too soggy while others remain dry.
Layered Effect: For extra richness, add a sprinkle of cocoa powder between layers of frosting. This creates a visually appealing layered effect and intensifies the cocoa flavor.
Proper Cooling: Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before soaking and frosting to prevent the frosting from melting and the cupcakes from becoming soggy.
Prep Time:
25 minutes
Cook Time:
20 minutes
Total Time:
45 minutes
Nutritional Information:
Calories: Approximately 350-400 per cupcake (depending on frosting and toppings)
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 150mg
Conclusion
These Tiramisu Cupcakes are a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, bringing the rich and harmonious flavors of tiramisu into an easy-to-make and perfectly portioned cupcake. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving a sweet treat, these cupcakes are sure to impress. The combination of coffee-soaked cake, creamy mascarpone frosting, and a dusting of cocoa powder creates a truly irresistible dessert experience. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and indulge in the decadent pleasure of Tiramisu Cupcakes. ☕🧁✨
5 Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Question 1: Can I make these cupcakes without coffee liqueur?
Answer: Absolutely! If you prefer an alcohol-free version, simply omit the coffee liqueur from the coffee soak. You can replace it with an equal amount of strong brewed coffee or a few drops of coffee extract to enhance the coffee flavor. The cupcakes will still have a delicious tiramisu flavor without the alcohol.
Question 2: How can I prevent the cupcakes from becoming soggy after soaking them in the coffee mixture?
Answer: To prevent sogginess, it’s essential to poke several small holes in the top of each cupcake using a skewer or toothpick before applying the coffee soak. This allows the liquid to penetrate evenly without oversaturating the cake. Also, spoon the coffee soak over each cupcake gradually, allowing it to seep in. Avoid pouring too much liquid at once.
Question 3: Can I use a different type of frosting instead of mascarpone frosting?
Answer: While mascarpone frosting is traditional for tiramisu, you can experiment with other types of frosting. A stabilized whipped cream or a light cream cheese frosting can be good alternatives. However, keep in mind that the mascarpone cheese adds a unique flavor and texture that is characteristic of tiramisu, so the taste will be slightly different with other frostings.
Question 4: How far in advance can I make these cupcakes?
Answer: You can bake and soak the cupcakes a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Prepare the mascarpone frosting and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the cupcakes just before serving to prevent the frosting from softening and the cupcakes from becoming soggy. This make-ahead convenience makes them perfect for parties and gatherings.
Question 5: What is the best way to store leftover Tiramisu Cupcakes?
Answer: Store leftover Tiramisu Cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best consumed within 2-3 days. The cold temperature helps to preserve the freshness of the mascarpone frosting and prevent the cupcakes from becoming too moist. Before serving, allow the cupcakes to sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften the frosting slightly.
