Create Ladyfinger-Inspired Cupcakes

• Ladyfingers are a basic sponge cake, similar to most vanilla-flavored cakes. The simplest way to replicate ladyfingers is to prepare a basic vanilla cake mix. You can also prepare ladyfinger batter and bake it in cupcake liners. Traditional ladyfinger batter starts with egg yolks and sugar beaten together until the pale yellow mixture falls from the beaters in smooth ribbons. Then, you add vanilla extract, sifted cake flour or all-purpose flour, and cream of tartar.

Incorporate Espresso

• To make traditional tiramisu, you soak the ladyfingers in espresso. But that isn’t a viable option for making cupcakes. To incorporate espresso flavor into cupcakes, add about 3 tablespoons of dry instant coffee or brewed espresso to the batter. It is critical you use instant coffee if you opt for the dry ingredient. Instant coffee dissolves in cake batter, while ground coffee beans do not. If you add regular ground coffee to the batter, your cupcakes will contain the gritty coffee grounds. Adjust the other liquids if you use brewed espresso.

Prepare a Filling, If Desired

• A tiramisu cupcake should have mascarpone cheese in a filling, in the frosting or in both. To prepare a luscious mascarpone filling, blend softened mascarpone with granulated or powdered sugar to taste until the mixture has a smooth, almost puddinglike consistency. Add 1 tablespoon of coffee to the mixture, if you wish. Alternatively, you can craft a filling that mirrors other flavors of the original dessert. Espresso-flavored chocolate mousse would integrate other traditional tiramisu flavors into your cupcake recreation. For a simple cupcake that requires less work, you can always leave the cupcake unfilled.

How to Fill a Cupcake

• A piping bag with a metal decorating tip is the best tool for filling cupcakes. Scoop filling into the piping bag, then insert the metal tip into the top of a baked cupcake. Gently pull the tip out of the cupcake as you squeeze, filling into the center. Stop squeezing when the filling is level with the top of the cupcake. The cupcake topping will cover any visible filling.

Add a Creamy Topping

• A cupcake with an espresso-chocolate filling or an unfilled cupcake needs mascarpone frosting to accurately recreate the complete flavor of tiramisu. Whip softened mascarpone with powdered sugar to make a simple but rich frosting -- like cream cheese frosting. You have more options for a mascarpone-filled cupcake because you’ve already included all of the requisite flavors in the cupcake. Double the mascarpone by using a whipped mascarpone frosting. Or, prepare a lighter whipped cream topping and flavor it with vanilla or cocoa powder.

Garnish with Chocolate

• The final but indispensable component of tiramisu is the cocoa powder topping. Sprinkle the topped cupcake generously with unsweetened cocoa powder, chocolate shavings or small chocolate curls to finish the dessert.