Tiramisu Cupcakes

### Instructions

1. **Make the Cupcakes:**
– Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
– In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
– In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
– Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
– Alternate adding the dry ingredients (flour mixture) and milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
– Gently fold in the cooled brewed coffee until fully incorporated.
– Divide the batter evenly into the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 of the way full.
– Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
– Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. **Prepare the Espresso Soak:**
– While the cupcakes are cooling, make the espresso soak by combining the cooled brewed coffee and coffee liqueur (if using) in a small bowl.
– Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, use a fork or toothpick to poke holes in the top of each cupcake. This will allow the coffee soak to absorb into the cake.

3. **Make the Mascarpone Frosting:**
– In a large bowl, beat the chilled heavy cream and powdered sugar on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. This can take about 3-4 minutes.
– In a separate bowl, whisk together the mascarpone cheese and vanilla extract until smooth.
– Gently fold the mascarpone mixture into the whipped cream until combined, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream.
– If you’d like a stronger coffee flavor, fold in the coffee liqueur at this stage.

4. **Assemble the Cupcakes:**
– Once the cupcakes are fully cooled and poked with holes, drizzle the espresso soak evenly over the top of each cupcake, allowing the liquid to absorb into the cake.
– Pipe or spread the mascarpone frosting on top of each cupcake. You can use a piping bag with a large star tip for a decorative touch or simply spread it with a spatula.
– Once frosted, dust the top of each cupcake lightly with unsweetened cocoa powder, and garnish with chocolate shavings or espresso beans for an extra special touch.

5. **Serve and Enjoy:**
– Serve the Tiramisu Cupcakes immediately or store them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. These cupcakes will continue to soak up the coffee flavor and develop even more deliciousness as they chill.

### Tips for the Best Tiramisu Cupcakes:

– **Espresso Flavor:** For a stronger coffee flavor, you can replace some of the milk in the cupcake batter with coffee or use a combination of brewed coffee and coffee liqueur for the espresso soak.
– **Mascarpone Substitute:** If you can’t find mascarpone cheese, you can substitute it with a mixture of cream cheese and heavy cream for a similar texture and flavor.
– **Make-Ahead:** These cupcakes can be made ahead of time. They actually taste even better after resting in the fridge for a few hours as the flavors meld together.
– **Decorating Tips:** For a more authentic tiramisu look, you can layer the cupcakes with a bit of ladyfingers (cut to fit the cupcake liners) before adding the frosting, just like a traditional tiramisu.

### Why You’ll Love These Tiramisu Cupcakes

Tiramisu Cupcakes are the perfect combination of rich, creamy, and coffee-flavored goodness—all in a convenient, handheld form. The moist, coffee-soaked sponge cake paired with the smooth mascarpone frosting creates a balanced bite of sweetness and depth. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be customized with your favorite coffee liqueur or toppings.

This twist on a classic dessert is sure to be a hit at any gathering, from casual family dinners to sophisticated dinner parties. Each bite will transport you to Italy, making you fall in love with tiramisu all over again in the form of these delightful cupcakes.

So, whether you’re craving a coffee-infused treat or want to impress your guests with something special, these Tiramisu Cupcakes are an irresistible choice!