Indulge in the enchanting world of desserts with Tiramisu Cupcakes, a delightful twist on the classic Italian treat. These miniature delights combine the rich flavors of coffee-soaked cake, luscious mascarpone frosting, and a dusting of cocoa—a symphony of tastes that will transport you to the romantic streets of Italy. Join us as we explore the art of crafting these heavenly Tiramisu Cupcakes, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth’s most decadent cravings.
Ingredients:
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee, cooled
For the Mascarpone Frosting:
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish:
- Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
- Chocolate-covered coffee beans (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare Cupcake Pans:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line cupcake pans with paper liners.
- Sift Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients:
- Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the whole milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
- Incorporate Coffee:
- Gently fold in the brewed espresso or coffee until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fill Cupcake Liners:
- Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake and Cool:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely.
- Prepare Mascarpone Frosting:
- In a mixing bowl, beat mascarpone cheese until smooth and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gradually fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone, then add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Frost Cupcakes:
- Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, pipe or spread the mascarpone frosting over the tops.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Dust the frosted cupcakes with unsweetened cocoa powder and garnish with chocolate-covered coffee beans if desired.
Cook Notes:
- Espresso Substitute: If you don’t have espresso or coffee, you can use instant coffee dissolved in water.
- Cupcake Consistency: Be cautious not to overmix the batter to maintain a light and fluffy cupcake texture.
- Frosting Texture: Ensure the mascarpone and heavy cream are well chilled for a stable and creamy frosting.
- Storage: Store Tiramisu Cupcakes in the refrigerator due to the mascarpone frosting. Bring them to room temperature before serving.
Variations:
Coffee Liqueur Kick:
- Add a tablespoon of coffee liqueur to the cupcake batter for an extra kick of flavor.
Chocolate Chip Delight:
- Fold in mini chocolate chips into the cupcake batter for a delightful chocolate surprise.
Amaretto Twist:
- Substitute a portion of the vanilla extract in the frosting with amaretto liqueur for a subtle almond flavor.
Keto Version:
- Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour in the cupcake batter.
- Use a keto-friendly sweetener in place of granulated sugar in both the cupcake batter and mascarpone frosting.
- Opt for heavy cream and mascarpone cheese in the frosting for a keto-friendly option.
Low-Carb Version:
- Substitute almond flour for a portion of the all-purpose flour in the cupcake batter.
- Use a low-carb sweetener in both the cupcake batter and mascarpone frosting.
- Ensure the cocoa powder used for dusting is unsweetened and low in carbs.
Tiramisu Cupcakes are not just a dessert; they are a journey to the heart of Italy’s culinary magic. With the perfect balance of coffee-infused cake and velvety mascarpone frosting, these cupcakes are a celebration of sweet indulgence. Whether shared with loved ones or savored in solitary bliss, Tiramisu Cupcakes promise to satisfy your sweet tooth’s most exquisite desires. So, answer the call of your sweet tooth and embark on a journey of flavor with these decadent and delightful Tiramisu Cupcakes tonight.
