1/2 cup espresso or strong brewed coffee
2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)
For the Mascarpone Frosting:
1 cup mascarpone cheese
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup heavy whipping cream
Garnish:
Cocoa powder
Chocolate curls or grated chocolate
Directions:
Prepare the cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Cream together sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla. Mix in sour cream and espresso. Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Bake: Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full with batter. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
Make the coffee soak: Combine espresso and coffee liqueur. Pierce the top of each cupcake several times with a fork and brush with coffee soak.
Prepare the frosting: Beat mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. In another bowl, whip heavy cream to stiff peaks. Fold whipped cream into mascarpone mixture.
Decorate and serve: Pipe or spread frosting on each cupcake. Dust with cocoa powder and garnish with chocolate curls.
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 370 kcal | Servings: 12 cupcakes
Serving Tips:
Dust with Cocoa Powder: Just before serving, dust the tops of the Tiramisu Cupcakes with a light sprinkling of cocoa powder. This adds a touch of elegance and enhances the visual appeal of the cupcakes, mimicking the classic tiramisu dessert.
Garnish with Chocolate Shavings: For an extra indulgent touch, garnish each Tiramisu Cupcake with delicate chocolate shavings. Use a vegetable peeler to create thin curls of chocolate from a chocolate bar, and gently place them on top of the frosting.
Serve Chilled: Tiramisu Cupcakes are best enjoyed chilled, as this allows the flavors to meld together and the frosting to set slightly. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve, and remove them about 15-20 minutes before serving to allow them to come to room temperature slightly.
Pair with Espresso: Serve Tiramisu Cupcakes alongside a freshly brewed espresso or a shot of espresso liqueur for an authentic Italian experience. The bold flavor of the espresso complements the rich flavors of the cupcakes, creating a harmonious pairing.
Use Elegant Serveware: When serving Tiramisu Cupcakes, opt for elegant serveware such as a tiered dessert stand or a decorative platter. Arrange the cupcakes in a visually appealing manner, and consider adding fresh berries or mint leaves as a garnish for an extra pop of color.
Storage Tips:
