Ingredients
Scale
Cupcake Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp instant espresso powder
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup milk
Soaking Liquid
- 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
Mascarpone Frosting
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese, chilled
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
Garnish
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
- Optional: freshly grated dark chocolate or coffee beans for decoration
Instructions
- Prepare the Coffee-Soaked Sponge: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy. Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour and instant espresso powder, folding gently to incorporate without deflating the batter. Add melted butter and milk, mixing just until combined. Divide the batter into lined cupcake tins and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Once baked, brush each cupcake generously with the cooled strong brewed coffee to soak in the flavor.
- Make the Mascarpone Frosting: While the cupcakes cool completely, whip the mascarpone cheese together with the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until smooth, thick, and spreadable. Chill the frosting to help it hold its shape for decorating.
- Assemble and Decorate: Using a piping bag or a spatula, spread the mascarpone frosting evenly over each coffee-soaked cupcake. Finish by dusting the tops with unsweetened cocoa powder using a fine mesh sieve for an even, professional appearance. Optionally, garnish with freshly grated dark chocolate or a few coffee beans for an elegant touch.
Notes
- Use freshly brewed espresso or very strong coffee for best flavor infusion.
- Keep the mascarpone frosting chilled to maintain its shape when piping.
- Fold dry ingredients gently into the batter to keep cupcakes light and fluffy.
- Use a fine mesh sieve for an even cocoa powder dusting without clumps.
- Bring ingredients to room temperature to ensure even mixing and fluffy texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated up to 3 days.
- Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months; thaw completely before frosting.
- Do not reheat cupcakes; tiramisu flavors are best enjoyed chilled.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: tiramisu cupcakes, coffee cupcakes, mascarpone frosting, Italian dessert, cupcake recipe, coffee dessert, easy tiramisu