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Italian Dessert Made into Perfect Little Bites
After years of making traditional tiramisu I decided to turn my favorite dessert into cupcakes. The result was even better than I imagined soft coffee infused cakes topped with creamy mascarpone frosting. Now they're my go to dessert when I want something special but easier to serve than a full tiramisu.
The Perfect Sweet Bite
What I love about these cupcakes is how they keep all those classic tiramisu flavors but in a fun portable form. They're perfect for parties since everyone gets their own little dessert. Plus they look so elegant with that dusting of cocoa on top.
What You Need
Start with your favorite vanilla cupcakes. I brew strong coffee and mix it with a splash of coffee liqueur for soaking. The frosting is pure luxury a mix of mascarpone cheese heavy cream and just enough powdered sugar. Don't forget cocoa powder for that classic finish.
Let's Make Some Magic
Once your cupcakes are cooled poke them with a skewer and brush on that coffee mixture. The mascarpone frosting is my favorite part whip it until it's perfectly smooth then pipe it high on each cake. A light dusting of cocoa powder on top makes them look just like mini tiramisus.
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Ready to Share
These cupcakes always steal the show at dinner parties. I love serving them with fresh coffee or sometimes a glass of dessert wine. Everyone gets so excited when they see that classic cocoa dusted topping.
My Baking Secrets
The key is patience. Let those cupcakes cool completely before adding the coffee soak. I like to chill my frosting for about 15 minutes before piping it makes such pretty swirls. And always save the cocoa dusting for right before serving.
Mix It Up
Sometimes I use chocolate cupcakes as the base or add a surprise chocolate ganache center. My friend loves when I add a tiny bit of hazelnut extract to the frosting it tastes amazing.
Keep Them Fresh
These beauties stay perfect in the fridge for three days. If I'm planning ahead I'll bake and soak the cupcakes early then frost them just before the party. They always taste best when the frosting is fresh.
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Make Them Your Way
For my non coffee drinking friends I make an alcohol free version that's just as delicious. You can play around with different extracts too almond extract gives them a lovely nutty twist.
Perfect for Everything
I've made these for birthday parties fancy dinners even a wedding once. They work for any celebration because they look fancy but they're so easy to serve. No plates or forks needed just grab and enjoy.
Worth Every Bite
These cupcakes have become my signature dessert. Everyone loves the surprise of biting into what looks like a regular cupcake and getting that amazing tiramisu flavor. They're always the first dessert to disappear.
Simple But Special
What I love most about this recipe is how it turns a classic dessert into something new. Even if you've never made tiramisu before you can make these cupcakes. They're the perfect way to bring a touch of Italian elegance to any occasion.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these ahead?
Yes, prepare cupcakes and soak up to a day ahead, but frost just before serving for best texture.
- → Why use room temperature ingredients?
Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly and create a better texture in both cake and frosting.
- → Can I skip the coffee liqueur?
Yes, substitute with additional brewed coffee for an alcohol-free version.
- → Why dust with cocoa at the end?
The cocoa dusting is traditional for tiramisu and adds both flavor and visual appeal.