Description
Delight in these Tiramisu Cupcakes that perfectly capture the flavors of the classic Italian dessert in a moist vanilla and espresso layered cake topped with a luscious mascarpone cream frosting and a dusting of cocoa powder. These cupcakes are ideal for coffee lovers and make a sophisticated yet approachable treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cupcakes
- 1 1/2 cups (213g) all-purpose flour (scoop and level to measure)
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 8 Tbsp (113g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup + 2 Tbsp (175g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 large egg yolks, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (80ml) milk, room temperature
- 1/3 cup (80ml) buttermilk, room temperature
- 1 1/2 Tbsp instant espresso powder (I like Medaglia D’oro brand)
Frosting
- 8 oz. mascarpone cheese (I use BelGioioso for consistency)
- 2/3 cup (80g) powdered sugar
- 1 cup (235ml) heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 Tbsp cocoa powder, Dutch process or regular unsweetened
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Muffin Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup standard muffin pan with cupcake liners to ensure easy removal and even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, then set aside to combine evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, blend the room temperature butter and granulated sugar on low speed until just combined, then increase to high speed and whip for about 3 minutes until pale and fluffy. Scrape down the bowl to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Blend in the whole egg first, then the egg yolks and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly and scraping down the bowl again to ensure an even mixture.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Liquids in Stages: Add one-third of the flour mixture on low speed until just combined, then mix in the milk. Repeat this alternating process by adding another one-third of the flour followed by the buttermilk, and finally the remaining flour mixture, mixing gently to avoid overworking the batter.
- Divide Batter and Add Espresso Powder: Scrape down the bowl and fold with a rubber spatula to evenly incorporate all ingredients. Transfer about half of the batter (approximately 12 oz) into a separate bowl and fold in the instant espresso powder thoroughly; it may not fully dissolve at this stage but will during baking.
- Assemble Cupcakes: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the plain vanilla batter into each cupcake liner, spreading it slightly. Then add about 2 tablespoons of the espresso-flavored batter on top of the vanilla base, layering each cupcake.
- Bake the Cupcakes: Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Mascarpone Frosting: In a large bowl, use an electric hand mixer to blend mascarpone cheese and powdered sugar until just combined, ensuring a smooth base for the frosting.
- Whip Heavy Cream: Gradually add the heavy cream to the mascarpone mixture. Begin mixing on medium-low speed and gradually increase to high speed, whipping until medium-stiff peaks form. Add vanilla extract and continue whipping until very stiff peaks form, creating a light yet stable frosting.
- Frost the Cupcakes: Pipe or spread the mascarpone frosting generously over the cooled cupcakes for a luscious finish.
- Garnish and Store: Dust the frosted cupcakes with unsweetened cocoa powder for a classic tiramisu look and flavor. Store the cupcakes in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh and firm until serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for the best cake texture and rise.
- Instant espresso powder can be substituted with strong brewed espresso concentrated to reduce bitterness.
- Ensure cupcakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting the mascarpone frosting.
- Store cupcakes refrigerated and consume within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
- For a stronger coffee flavor, brush the vanilla layer with espresso syrup before adding the espresso batter.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American