Tiramisu Cupcakes

Instructions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. 2
   In a bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. 3
   In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer until pale and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes.
4. 4
   Beat in eggs one at a time, then vanilla extract. Scrape down sides as needed.
5. 5
   Alternate adding flour mixture and milk to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with flour. Mix just until combined.
6. 6
   Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
7. 7
   Bake 17–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cupcakes cool completely.
8. 8
   In a cup, combine espresso (or strong coffee) with coffee liqueur, if using. Brush the cooled cupcakes generously with the coffee mixture.
9. 9
   In a chilled mixing bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
10. 10
    In a separate bowl, blend mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in whipped cream gently.
11. 11
    Frost cupcakes with mascarpone mixture using a piping bag or spatula. Dust generously with cocoa powder before serving.