Tiramisu Cupcakes (or Cake)

FILLING

Step 1: In a medium bowl, beat the mascarpone or cream cheese until smooth. Add the sweetened condensed milk and mix until smooth. Add the coffee liqueur and mix until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped topping until thoroughly combined. Cover and refrigerate for 4-6 hours.

CUPCAKES/CAKE

Step 2: Make the cupcakes by preparing the cake mix per the package directions. If making a cake, use a 9x13 pan. Let cool.

Step 3: Make the coffee "sauce" by bringing the water to a boil, then add the coffee granules and the powdered sugar. Stir until all is dissolved and let cool to room temperature while the cupcakes bake.

Step 4: When the cupcakes (or the cake) are cool, use a chopstick or skewer to poke holes all over the surface of the cake. The more the better. Then, brush the liquid coffee onto the cupcakes or cake with a silicone brush. The cake will absorb the liquid, so keep brushing. Make sure there are holes close to the sides of the cupcakes or cake.

Step 5: If making cupcakes, fill a pastry bag with the mascarpone filling. Inject about a tablespoon of filling directly into the center of each cupcake. If making a cake, simply spread the filling over the top of the cake or inject in the center of each "serving".

FROSTING (if using)

Step 6: With a mixer, beat the butter and cream cheese on low speed until creamy. Slowly add the powdered sugar, occasionally scraping down the sides of the bowl. Add the vanilla and increase mixer speed to medium. Blend until the frosting is fluffy.

Step 7: Frost each cupcake or the cake with the icing.

Step 8: Sift unsweetened cocoa over each cupcake or the cake. Garnish with chocolate shavings. Keep refrigerated until right before serving time.

NOTE: I usually don't use the frosting on the cake, just the filling spread over the top, followed by cocoa and shavings. To make EASY cupcakes, don't make the filling and just pipe the icing in swirls over each cupcake, followed by cocoa and shavings. In this case, you can also add a few tablespoons coffee liqueur to the frosting and slightly increase the powdered sugar.