Tiramisu Cupcakes

by Judith
(Canada)

I have recently been given this recipe by a friend. I have already made them several times and served as a dessert. I hope you enjoy them as well.

You need 12 Vanilla cupcakes (sometimes I've cheated and bought cupcakes but you can make your own using any recipe). Cut a cone shape out of the top of each cupcake. Brush the sides and bottom of the opening with coffee syrup (use approx 2 tablespoons per cupcake).

Fill the opening with the cream cheese mixture. Brush the bottom of each cone with a little coffee syrup and place one back on top of each cupcake. Top cupcakes with another small amount of frosting. Sprinkle the tops with cocoa powder or chocolate shavings. A chocolate coated coffee bean also looks good on top.

Leave the cupcakes in the fridge for about an hour before eating so that the coffee syrup can soak into the cupcake.

Coffee Syrup
1 tablespoon instant coffee powder
1/2 cup water
3 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons dark rum, amaretto, kahlua or brandy

Stir the coffee powder, water and sugar together in a small saucepan and bring to the boil. Stir in your choice of alcohol and allow to coool.

Cream Cheese Filling
6oz (180g) cream cheese
3 tablespoons heavy cream (thickened cream)
1 tablespoon dark rum
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup powdered (icing) sugar

In a mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add the cream and continue beating until blended. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar. Add vanilla and beat 1-2 minutes. As the frosting needs to be firm place in the fridge until ready.