Step 1: Prepare the Cupcakes
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding flour and milk: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Coffee Soak
- Prepare the coffee soak: In a small bowl, combine the cooled strong brewed coffee and coffee liqueur (if using).
- Soak the cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, use a pastry brush to generously brush the tops of the cupcakes with the coffee soak.
Step 3: Prepare the Mascarpone Frosting
- Whip the cream: In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- Combine mascarpone and sugar: In another mixing bowl, beat the softened mascarpone cheese with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in the whipped cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until well combined and smooth.
Step 4: Frost the Cupcakes
- Frost the cupcakes: Use a spatula or a piping bag fitted with a large round tip to frost the cupcakes with the mascarpone frosting.
- Dust with cocoa: Lightly dust the tops of the frosted cupcakes with unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Garnish: Decorate with chocolate shavings or curls if desired.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve chilled: Chill the cupcakes in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Enjoy: Enjoy these delicious tiramisu cupcakes with your family and friends!
Tips for Perfect Tiramisu Cupcakes
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh, high-quality ingredients will enhance the flavor and texture of the cupcakes.
- Do not overmix: Be careful not to overmix the batter to ensure light and fluffy cupcakes.
- Chill the frosting: Keep the frosting ingredients cold to ensure a stable and creamy frosting.
Conclusion
Tiramisu cupcakes are a delightful and elegant dessert that combines the classic flavors of tiramisu in a portable, single-serving form. This recipe ensures moist cupcakes soaked in coffee, topped with a rich and creamy mascarpone frosting, and finished with a dusting of cocoa. Enjoy making and savoring these exquisite cupcakes with your loved ones!