Irresistibly Decadent Chocolate Tiramisu (Printable Version)

Rich chocolate cupcakes filled with coffee syrup and creamy mascarpone frosting for an Italian-inspired delight.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chocolate Cupcakes

01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
03 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
05 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
06 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
07 - 1 cup granulated sugar
08 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
09 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
10 - 1/2 cup whole milk
11 - 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled

→ Coffee Syrup

12 - 1/2 cup strong brewed espresso or coffee
13 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
14 - 1 tablespoon coffee liqueur, optional

→ Mascarpone Frosting

15 - 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
16 - 8 ounces mascarpone cheese, cold
17 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted
18 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Assembly

19 - Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
20 - Dark chocolate shavings, optional

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
02 - Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
03 - Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla extract.
04 - Mix in half the dry ingredients, then milk and coffee. Fold in remaining dry ingredients until just combined.
05 - Divide batter evenly among liners. Bake for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
06 - Let cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
07 - Dissolve sugar in hot espresso. Stir in coffee liqueur if using. Set aside to cool.
08 - Whip cold cream to soft peaks. Beat mascarpone with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Fold in whipped cream until combined. Refrigerate until use.
09 - Poke several holes in each cooled cupcake with a skewer. Brush or spoon coffee syrup generously over each cupcake.
10 - Pipe or spread frosting onto cupcakes. Dust with cocoa powder and add chocolate shavings if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The coffee syrup keeps cupcakes incredibly moist for days unlike traditional cupcakes that dry out
  • You get all the sophisticated flavors of tiramisu in handheld form that's easier to serve
  • The mascarpone frosting is lighter than buttercream but still rich enough to feel indulgent
02 -
  • Don't skip poking holes in the cupcakes before adding syrup or the coffee won't penetrate properly
  • The mascarpone frosting can turn grainy if overmixed so fold the whipped cream in gently
  • These cupcakes actually taste better after chilling for a few hours as flavors meld together
03 -
  • Use a piping bag with a large open star tip for that professional bakery look
  • Invest in good quality cocoa powder since it's the main flavor profile of this dessert

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