Tiramisu Cupcakes

Ingredients:

For the Cupcakes:

1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup sour cream

1/4 cup espresso or strong brewed coffee, cooled

For the Coffee Soak:

1/2 cup espresso or strong brewed coffee

2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)

For the Mascarpone Frosting:

1 cup mascarpone cheese

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup heavy whipping cream

Garnish:

Cocoa powder

Chocolate curls or grated chocolate

Directions:

Prepare the cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Cream together sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla. Mix in sour cream and espresso. Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Bake: Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full with batter. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.

Make the coffee soak: Combine espresso and coffee liqueur. Pierce the top of each cupcake several times with a fork and brush with coffee soak.

Prepare the frosting: Beat mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. In another bowl, whip heavy cream to stiff peaks. Fold whipped cream into mascarpone mixture.

Decorate and serve: Pipe or spread frosting on each cupcake. Dust with cocoa powder and garnish with chocolate curls.