Gourmet Tiramisu Cupcakes
Indulge in the luxurious flavors of Italy with these Gourmet Tiramisu Cupcakes, featuring a decadent mascarpone filling and a luscious cream cheese frosting. These delightful treats are surprisingly easy to prepare, utilizing a boxed cake mix for the cupcake base. Perfect for any special occasion, including brunches, bridal showers, or just a well-deserved treat for yourself, these cupcakes blend the classic flavors of tiramisu into an elegant dessert form. Enhanced with the rich notes of coffee and Kahlua, each bite is an exquisite experience. Don't forget to take the time to chill the mascarpone filling overnight for the best flavor infusion.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
White cake mix
1 package (18 1/4 ounces) (follow package instructions)
Eggs
3 (large eggs)
Oil
1/3 cup (vegetable oil)
Water
1 1/4 cups (room temperature)
Boiling water
2/3 cup (boil in microwave or stove)
Confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup (for liquid coffee)
Instant coffee
1 1/2 tablespoons (for liquid coffee)
Mascarpone cheese
1 cup (from a tub)
Kahlua (or coffee extract)
3 tablespoons (for filling)
Sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup (from a can)
French vanilla Cool Whip
1 (8 ounce) container (ready to use)
Cream cheese
1 package (8 ounces) (softened)
Butter
1/2 cup (softened)
Confectioners' sugar
2 cups (for frosting)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (for frosting)
Chocolate shavings
to garnish (use dark chocolate bar and cheese grater)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the mascarpone filling first to ensure it has time to chill. In a mixing bowl, beat together the mascarpone cheese, Kahlua, and sweetened condensed milk until the mixture is well blended. Gently fold in the French vanilla Cool Whip until fully combined. Cover and refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours or overnight.
2
Preheat your oven and prepare the cupcakes according to the instructions on the white cake mix box, then bake as directed. While the cupcakes are baking, prepare the liquid coffee by bringing 2/3 cup of water to a boil in either the microwave or on the stove. Once boiling, stir in the instant coffee, then add the confectioners' sugar. Allow this mixture to cool to a tepid temperature.
3
After the cupcakes are baked and have cooled slightly, use a fork to poke 3 holes in the center of each cupcake to allow for the absorption of the liquid coffee. Using a silicone brush or a spoon, generously brush each cupcake with the cooled liquid coffee, ensuring they absorb all the flavor.
4
Next, if you want to fill the cupcakes, fill a pastry or icing bag with the chilled mascarpone filling. Carefully inject about a tablespoon into the top-center of each cupcake. If you prefer a simpler method, skip this step and layer the filling on top instead.
5
To make the cream cheese buttercream frosting, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese in a mixing bowl until creamy. Gradually add the confectioners' sugar, scraping down the sides as needed. Once combined, stir in the vanilla extract and increase the mixer speed to medium, beating until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.
6
Frost each cupcake generously with the cream cheese buttercream and finish off with a sprinkle of chocolate shavings for an elegant presentation.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Gourmet Tiramisu Cupcakes?
Gourmet Tiramisu Cupcakes are an elegant dessert featuring a white cake base, a rich mascarpone filling, a coffee-infused soak, and a luscious cream cheese frosting.
What is the primary shortcut used in this recipe?
The recipe utilizes a boxed white cake mix for the cupcake base to make the preparation process easier and more consistent.
How is the mascarpone filling prepared?
The filling is made by beating together mascarpone cheese, Kahlua, and sweetened condensed milk, then gently folding in French vanilla Cool Whip.
How long should the mascarpone filling chill?
The filling should be refrigerated for at least 4 to 6 hours, though chilling it overnight is recommended for the best flavor infusion.
What ingredients are used for the liquid coffee soak?
The soak consists of boiling water, instant coffee, and 1/2 cup of confectioners' sugar.
When should I poke holes in the cupcakes?
You should use a fork to poke 3 holes in the center of each cupcake after they have baked and cooled slightly.
What is the purpose of poking holes in the cupcakes?
Poking holes allows the liquid coffee mixture to be absorbed deep into the cake, giving it the traditional tiramisu flavor.
How is the coffee soak applied to the cupcakes?
The liquid coffee can be applied using a silicone brush or a spoon to generously coat each cupcake.
Can I use an alternative to Kahlua in the filling?
Yes, you can substitute coffee extract for Kahlua if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
How do you fill the cupcakes with the mascarpone mixture?
Fill a pastry or icing bag with the chilled filling and inject approximately one tablespoon into the top-center of each cupcake.
What if I don't want to inject the filling?
If you prefer a simpler method, you can skip the injection step and layer the mascarpone filling on top of the cupcake instead.
What are the ingredients for the cream cheese buttercream frosting?
The frosting consists of softened butter, cream cheese, confectioners' sugar, and vanilla extract.
How do I make the cream cheese frosting fluffy?
After combining the ingredients, increase the mixer speed to medium and beat the mixture until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.
What is the recommended garnish for these cupcakes?
Finish the cupcakes with a sprinkle of chocolate shavings for an elegant and professional presentation.
How should I make the chocolate shavings?
You can use a dark chocolate bar and a cheese grater to create fresh chocolate shavings.
What temperature should the coffee soak be when applied?
The coffee mixture should be allowed to cool to a tepid temperature before brushing it onto the cupcakes.
How many eggs are required for the cake base?
The recipe calls for 3 large eggs to be used with the cake mix.
How much instant coffee is needed for the recipe?
The recipe requires 1 and a half tablespoons of instant coffee.
What type of Cool Whip is used in the filling?
The recipe specifies an 8-ounce container of French vanilla Cool Whip.
Is the cream cheese used in the frosting softened?
Yes, both the cream cheese and the butter should be softened to ensure a creamy, lump-free frosting.
How much confectioners' sugar is used in the frosting?
The buttercream frosting requires 2 cups of confectioners' sugar.
Can these cupcakes be served at a brunch?
Absolutely, these cupcakes are perfect for special occasions like brunches, bridal showers, or parties.
What is the volume of the mascarpone cheese needed?
You will need 1 cup of mascarpone cheese, typically found in a tub.
How much sweetened condensed milk is required?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of sweetened condensed milk for the mascarpone filling.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 16 ingredients in total, including the garnish and cake mix components.
What kind of oil should be used for the cake mix?
Vegetable oil is the recommended choice for preparing the cupcake base.
Should the water for the cake mix be a specific temperature?
The recipe suggests using 1 1/4 cups of room temperature water for the cake mix.
How much vanilla extract is in the frosting?
The frosting recipe includes 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Does the recipe provide nutritional facts?
No, the provided data shows that calories, fat, and other nutritional values are not currently calculated.
What is the first step in making these cupcakes?
The first step is preparing the mascarpone filling so it has sufficient time to chill in the refrigerator.