Cupcakes for Grown-Ups

Made my own birthday cupcakes today, with a bit of help, of course. I didn't mind, though -- at least I get what I want, and this year I wanted to try this recipe*:


Tiramisu Cupcakes

1 box white cake mix
1 cup water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup brandy**
3 egg whites
3 tablespoons instant espresso coffee granules or powder
1/3 cup boiling water
2 tablespoons corn syrup
1 sm. package (4 oz.) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 cup whipping cream
unsweetened baking cocoa powder
chocolate covered espresso beans

1. Pre-heat oven to 350F (325F for dark or nonstick pans). Place paper backing cup in each of 24 regular-size muffin cups. In large bowl, beat cake mix, water, oil, brandy and eggs with electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium speed 2 minutes. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups. Bake 16-21 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

2. In small bowl stir espresso granules and boiling water. Stir in corn syrup. Cool 10 minutes. Pierce top of warm cupcakes with large-tined fork. Slowly spoon about 1 teasponn espresso mixture over top of each cupcake, allowing it to soak into holes. Cool completely. Remove cupcakes from pans.

3. In medium bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar with electric mixer on low speed until mixed. Beat on high speed until smooth. On high speed, gradually beat in whipping cream until stiff peaks form, about 2 minutes. Dollop whipped cream on cupcakes. Sprinkle with cocoa and top with espresso beans if desired.



*Definitely a keeper.

**My father-in-law and I wholeheartedly agreed that these cupcakes could use more liquor. Maybe drizzled over the top with the espresso mixture?