Cupcakes with mascarpone

Enjoy an unforgettable kitchen experience with this delicious mascarpone muffin recipe. These fluffy muffins, full of flavor and sophistication, are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a special breakfast, a sweet snack, or an elegant dessert.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5-10 minutes
Number of servings: 12 muffins

Necessary ingredients

For the muffins:
- 250 g sugar
- 200 g flour
- 450 ml milk
- 70 g cocoa powder
- 30 ml oil
- 1 teaspoon baking powder

For the mascarpone cream:
- 50 ml milk
- 50 g white chocolate
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 packet of gelatin
- 250 g mascarpone
- 250 ml liquid cream
- 100 g sugar

A bit of history

Muffins, known as "brioșe" in many cultures, have a long tradition as a sweet snack. These delights are versatile and can be made in countless variations, from fruity to chocolatey. The combination with mascarpone and white chocolate adds a sophisticated touch and a creamy texture, transforming ordinary muffins into an unforgettable dessert.

Step by step for mascarpone muffins

1. Preparing the ingredients
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature to achieve a uniform mixture. Measure the ingredients accurately, as this will influence the final texture of the muffins.

2. Mixing the muffin ingredients
In a large bowl, combine sugar, flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder. Mix the dry ingredients well to ensure even distribution of the baking powder. In another bowl, mix the milk and oil, then add them to the dry ingredients. Use a whisk to mix until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. Do not overmix, as this will make the muffins dense.

3. Preparing the muffin molds
Preheat the oven to 160 degrees Celsius. Grease the muffin molds with a little oil to prevent sticking. You can use silicone or metal muffin molds, each having its advantages.

4. Filling the molds
Fill each muffin mold with the obtained mixture, leaving about 1 cm space to the edge to allow the muffins to rise beautifully.

5. Baking the muffins
Place the molds in the preheated oven and bake for 30-45 minutes. Check with a tester (a toothpick) to ensure they are baked; if it comes out clean, the muffins are ready. Allow them to cool in the molds for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a rack to cool completely.

Preparing the mascarpone cream

1. Cooking the cream
In a small saucepan, beat the egg yolks with half of the sugar until creamy. Add the milk and grated white chocolate. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the cream thickens (about 5-7 minutes). Be careful not to boil the cream, as the chocolate may burn.

2. Preparing the gelatin
In a small bowl, add the gelatin to 3 tablespoons of cold water and let it hydrate for 5 minutes. After the cream has thickened, remove it from the heat and add the hydrated gelatin, mixing well to incorporate it.

3. Adding the mascarpone
Once the cream has cooled slightly, add the mascarpone and the remaining sugar. Mix gently so that the cream remains fluffy. Finally, fold in the whipped liquid cream, mixing carefully to maintain the aeration.

4. Cooling the cream
Refrigerate the mascarpone cream for about 1 hour. It will become firmer and easier to use for filling the muffins.

Assembling the muffins

1. Preparing the muffins for filling
After the muffins have cooled completely, gently cut the "lids" off each muffin, being careful not to detach them completely.

2. Filling the muffins
Use a piping bag or a spoon to fill each muffin with the mascarpone cream. You can be generous, but be careful not to exceed the edge.

3. Finishing the muffins
Place the lids on top and, if desired, you can sprinkle a little cocoa or powdered sugar for an elegant look.

Serving suggestions and combinations

These mascarpone muffins are delicious served plain, but you can also add a berry sauce or chocolate sauce for an extra flavor boost. Additionally, you can accompany the muffins with a cup of aromatic coffee or a fruit tea for a moment of indulgence.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I replace the mascarpone?
Yes, you can use Philadelphia cheese or another type of creamy cheese, but the taste will be different.

2. How can I make the muffins less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe or use dark chocolate with a high cocoa content, which is less sweet.

3. How can I store the muffins?
These muffins are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you keep them longer, it is recommended to refrigerate them.

Nutritional benefits

These muffins are rich in nutrients due to the mascarpone, which contains protein and calcium, while cocoa provides antioxidants. However, be aware of the sugar and fat content, so enjoy them in moderation!

Possible variations

If you want to experiment, you can add dried fruits or nuts to the muffin mixture. You can also use dark or milk chocolate instead of white chocolate for a more intense flavor.

Personal note

For a festive look, I recommend decorating the muffins with a few fresh fruits on top of the cream, such as raspberries or blueberries. This detail will not only add a splash of color but will also make the dessert more appealing!

I hope this mascarpone muffin recipe inspires you to unleash your creativity in the kitchen. Enjoy!