Description
Heavenly Tiramisu Cupcakes blend Italian dessert magic with classic cupcake charm, creating a luxurious treat that dances between espresso-soaked sponge and silky mascarpone cream. Coffee-infused delight awaits when you savor each delicate bite of this irresistible culinary masterpiece.
Ingredients
Scale
Cupcake Base:
- 1 1/4 cups (157 grams) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
Leavening Agents:
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) espresso or strong brewed coffee, cooled
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a muffin tin with cupcake liners, ensuring even spacing for uniform baking.
- Create the cupcake batter by whisking together dry ingredients in a separate bowl, ensuring no lumps remain.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream sugar and butter until the mixture becomes light and airy, creating a smooth base for the cupcakes.
- Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain a consistent texture.
- Blend in vanilla extract, sour cream, and espresso, which will enhance the deep flavor profile of the cupcakes.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to prevent overmixing.
- Distribute the batter evenly into cupcake liners, filling each approximately 3/4 full to allow room for rising during baking.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean when the cupcakes are fully cooked.
- Allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack, which prevents soggy bottoms and prepares them for the coffee soak.
- Prepare the coffee soak by combining espresso and coffee liqueur, creating a rich, intense liquid for moistening the cupcakes.
- Using a fork, gently pierce the top of each cooled cupcake multiple times to create channels for the coffee soak.
- Carefully brush each cupcake with the coffee mixture, ensuring even distribution for maximum flavor absorption.
- Prepare the mascarpone frosting by beating mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream to stiff peaks, creating a light and airy texture.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, maintaining the delicate airiness of the frosting.
- Pipe or spread the frosting generously onto each cupcake, creating elegant peaks and swirls.
- Finish by dusting with cocoa powder and garnishing with delicate chocolate curls for a professional, appetizing presentation.
Notes
- Espresso Intensity: Choose a high-quality, robust espresso to enhance the deep coffee flavor throughout the cupcakes.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Gentle Mixing: Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent tough, dense cupcakes that lose their delicate crumb.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake cupcakes a day in advance and store in an airtight container to develop richer flavors.
- Dietary Modifications: Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version, and use dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and vegan butter.
- Alcohol-Free Option: Replace coffee liqueur with additional espresso or coffee syrup for a non-alcoholic alternative that maintains the classic tiramisu taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 216
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 135 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg