Ingredients
Scale
Cupcake Batter
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Espresso Soak
- ½ cup brewed espresso or strong coffee, cooled
Mascarpone Frosting
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese, chilled
- ¾ cup heavy cream, chilled
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Decoration
- Cocoa powder, for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the espresso soak: Brew ½ cup of strong espresso or coffee and let it cool completely. This soak will be brushed over the cupcake layers to add deep coffee flavor and moisture reminiscent of classic tiramisu.
- Make the cupcake batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 ¼ cups flour, ¾ cup sugar, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ½ cup softened butter until smooth and creamy. Divide the batter evenly into lined cupcake tins, filling each about two-thirds full for a perfect rise.
- Bake the cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cupcakes for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before proceeding.
- Soak the cupcakes: Using a pastry brush, gently apply the cooled espresso soak to each cupcake, allowing them to absorb the coffee flavor and become perfectly moist without becoming soggy.
- Prepare the mascarpone frosting: In a chilled bowl, beat 8 oz mascarpone cheese with ¾ cup whipped heavy cream and 2 tablespoons powdered sugar until light, fluffy, and smooth. Keep the frosting cold until ready to assemble.
- Assemble and decorate: Pipe or generously spread the mascarpone frosting on top of each soaked cupcake. Finish with a dusting of cocoa powder for that signature tiramisu appearance and flavor.
Notes
- Use freshly brewed espresso for the richest coffee flavor instead of instant coffee.
- Do not over-soak the cupcakes with espresso to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Chill the mascarpone frosting before assembling to maintain its texture and prevent melting.
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smooth batter and well-incorporated frosting.
- Dust the cocoa powder just before serving to maintain a fresh look and prevent clumping or dampness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Can be adapted to Gluten Free and Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: Tiramisu, Cupcakes, Italian dessert, Coffee flavored, Mascarpone, Espresso, Cocoa powder, Easy dessert