If you’re searching for the perfect fusion of classic Italian flavor and cupcake charm, this Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe is about to become your next obsession. Imagine everything you love about the iconic tiramisu dessert—rich coffee, mascarpone cream, and a dusting of cocoa powder—nested delicately inside a soft, moist cupcake. These little treats are ideal for coffee lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike, blending indulgence and elegance in every bite. Trust me, your kitchen will smell absolutely divine, and your friends will be begging for the secret behind these showstopping sweets.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The true beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each component is carefully chosen to deliver the signature taste, creamy texture, and dreamy aroma that makes tiramisu so special in cupcake form.
- All-purpose flour: Gives structure to the cupcakes while keeping them wonderfully tender.
- Baking powder: Ensures a fluffy, light crumb as the cupcakes rise.
- Salt: Just a touch brings out all the delicate flavors in the cupcake base.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and a luscious depth you don’t get with oil.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps with the texture, ensuring every bite is balanced.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and provide essential structure and lift.
- Vanilla extract: Lifts the overall flavor and keeps things classic.
- Whole milk: Keeps the cupcakes moist without feeling heavy.
- Strong brewed espresso (cooled): Infuses the cupcakes with rich coffee notes—absolutely key for tiramisu!
- Coffee liqueur (optional): For an adult twist, adds depth and warmth to both the syrup and the cupcakes.
- Heavy whipping cream (cold): Whips up to dreamy, cloud-like peaks for the mascarpone frosting.
- Mascarpone cheese (softened): Essential for that authentic, ultra-creamy tiramisu flavor.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and makes it irresistibly silky.
- Brewed espresso (for syrup): Soaks the cupcakes for maximum coffee goodness, just like classic tiramisu.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: A generous dusting on top nods to tiramisu tradition and adds a touch of bitterness to balance the sweetness.
How to Make Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cupcake Batter
First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F and line your muffin pan with cute cupcake liners. In one bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to combine the dry ingredients. In another, beat the softened butter with sugar until it’s pale and fluffy; this creates those tender air pockets in your cupcakes. Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully blended before moving on. Stir in the vanilla extract for that classic touch. Now, alternate adding the dry flour mix and milk to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the flour. Pour in the cooled espresso (and coffee liqueur if you’re using it)—your batter should smell heavenly already! Gently mix just until everything is combined.
Step 2: Bake and Cool
Divide the gorgeous batter evenly among your 12 lined cupcake cups. Pop them in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Set them aside to cool completely; this will keep the mascarpone frosting from melting later.
Step 3: Soak with Espresso Syrup
Combine the brewed espresso and coffee liqueur in a small cup to make the soaking syrup. Take a toothpick and poke several holes in each completely cooled cupcake. Spoon a small amount of syrup over each cupcake, letting it soak in—this is the moment true tiramisu character is born!
Step 4: Whip Up the Mascarpone Frosting
If you’ve never made mascarpone frosting, you’re in for a treat. Start by whipping the cold heavy cream until soft peaks form. In a separate bowl, beat together the mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and indulgent. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream. The result is a fluffy, cloud-like topping that’s impossible to resist.
Step 5: Frost and Finish
Pipe or generously spread the mascarpone frosting on top of each cupcake. For that iconic tiramisu finish, dust the tops with unsweetened cocoa powder—go ahead and add a little chocolate shaving if you’re feeling fancy. Now step back and admire your masterpiece!
How to Serve Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe
Garnishes
Options abound for garnish! A swoosh of cocoa powder is traditional, but don’t be afraid to get creative—try chocolate curls, chocolate-covered espresso beans, or even a sprinkling of finely grated dark chocolate. Each adds a flourish that will delight the eyes as well as the palate.
Side Dishes
Pairing these beauties with the right side dish can elevate the whole experience. Consider serving alongside fresh berries for a pop of tartness, or a scoop of vanilla gelato for extra indulgence. As for beverages, a hot espresso or a glass of dessert wine is a match made in heaven.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not serve these in latte cups or rustic ramekins to echo the coffeehouse vibes of the original tiramisu? If you’re hosting a gathering, arrange the cupcakes on a tiered cake stand, and sprinkle the entire tray with cocoa for maximum wow-factor. Mini flags or edible gold leaf can really take the presentation over the top for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If (and that’s a big if!) you have leftovers, store your tiramisu cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Chilling actually enhances the flavor and helps the cupcakes maintain their signature moistness. They’ll be delicious for up to 3 days.
Freezing
To enjoy these cupcakes in the weeks to come, freeze them unfrosted for best results. Simply wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then frost and finish as usual. If you must freeze them fully decorated, know that the texture of the frosting may change slightly but the flavor will still be top-notch.
Reheating
No reheating required! In fact, this Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe is at its best served slightly chilled, straight from the fridge. If you prefer room temperature, just let them sit out for 15–20 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe without coffee liqueur?
Absolutely! For a kid-friendly or alcohol-free version, simply omit the coffee liqueur from both the cupcake batter and the soaking syrup. The cupcakes will still capture all the classic flavors with just espresso or strong brewed coffee.
Is there a substitute for mascarpone cheese?
If mascarpone is tricky to find, you can substitute with full-fat cream cheese for a similar texture. The taste will be slightly tangier, but still incredibly delicious and creamy in your frosting.
Can I bake these cupcakes ahead for a party?
Yes! This Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe is perfect for prepping a day or two in advance. Bake and soak the cupcakes, then store them covered in the fridge. Frost just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.
How do I know when the cupcakes are done baking?
The best way to check is to insert a toothpick in the center of a cupcake—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, they’re ready to come out of the oven. Avoid overbaking to keep them wonderfully tender.
Can I make mini Tiramisu Cupcakes?
Definitely! Prepare the batter as instructed, but use a mini muffin tin and reduce the baking time to about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as they’ll bake quickly. All the elegance, but bite-sized and extra charming!
Final Thoughts
There’s truly no better way to share the magic of tiramisu than with these delightful cupcakes. Every element, from the aromatic espresso to the decadent mascarpone frosting, shines in this Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe. Give it a try for your next gathering or just because—you deserve a treat that’s this much fun to make and even more fun to eat!
Print
Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of classic tiramisu flavors in cupcake form with these Tiramisu Cupcakes. Moist espresso-infused cupcakes topped with a luscious mascarpone frosting, a dusting of cocoa, and a hint of coffee liqueur for a truly decadent treat.
Ingredients
Cupcake Batter:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup strong brewed espresso (cooled)
- 1 tablespoon coffee liqueur (optional)
Mascarpone Frosting:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (cold)
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Soaking Syrup:
- 1/4 cup brewed espresso
- 1 tablespoon coffee liqueur (optional)
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
Dusting:
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
- Prepare the batter: Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy, then add eggs and vanilla. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk. Divide batter into liners and bake.
- Prepare the cupcakes: Poke holes in cooled cupcakes and soak with espresso syrup.
- Make the frosting: Whip cream until soft peaks form. In a separate bowl, mix mascarpone, sugar, and vanilla. Fold whipped cream into mascarpone mixture.
- Decorate and serve: Pipe or spread frosting on cupcakes and dust with cocoa powder before serving.
Notes
- Chill cupcakes slightly before serving for best taste.
- For a kid-friendly version, omit the coffee liqueur.
- Add chocolate shavings for extra elegance.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
