If you’re searching for a showstopping treat that seamlessly fuses bold coffee flavors, rich chocolate, and a luscious mascarpone topping, look no further than these Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes. Each bite is a little celebration: deeply chocolatey cupcakes are infused with coffee syrup and crowned with an irresistibly creamy mascarpone frosting, then finished with a dusting of cocoa and chocolate shavings for pure decadence. Whether you’re craving an Italian-inspired dessert or simply want to impress at your next gathering, this recipe promises memorable cupcakes that look as stunning as they taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these cupcakes lies in the harmony of simple yet essential ingredients—each one handpicked to build classic tiramisu flavor with a chocolatey twist! You’ll probably have many of these staples on hand, and each serves a unique purpose, from creating tender crumb to layering on that famous coffee kick.
- All-purpose flour: This reliable base creates structure and holds all the flavors together beautifully.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Go for a good-quality cocoa for that deep, authentic chocolate flavor that pairs perfectly with coffee.
- Baking powder: Ensures a lovely rise, giving your cupcakes that plush, light texture.
- Baking soda: Works with the cocoa and buttermilk to help the cupcakes turn out tender and fluffy.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances every note of chocolate and balances the sweetness.
- Eggs: These bind everything together and contribute to a moist, rich crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps the cupcakes caramelize to perfection.
- Buttermilk: Lends a subtle tang and plenty of moisture, making each bite extra tender.
- Vegetable oil: A neutral fat that keeps your cupcakes ultra-moist without overpowering the other flavors.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to both cupcake and frosting layers.
- Hot brewed coffee: Amplifies the chocolate and introduces authentic tiramisu flair.
- Strong brewed espresso or coffee (for syrup): Essential for that unmistakable tiramisu kick—don’t skip this step!
- Sugar (for syrup): Just enough to gently sweeten and balance the coffee’s edge.
- Coffee liqueur (optional): For adults who want a little extra tiramisu personality; skip if serving kids.
- Mascarpone cheese: The soul of tiramisu, lending silky, luxurious body to the frosting.
- Heavy cream: Helps create a fluffy, spreadable, and dreamy-tasting frosting.
- Powdered sugar: Smoothes the mascarpone frosting without any graininess.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (for garnish): Classic tiramisu gets its charm from this finishing touch.
- Chocolate shavings (optional): Totally extra, but who could resist a little more chocolate?
How to Make Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes
Step 1: Prep your oven and pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners. This small bit of prep ensures that your cupcakes bake evenly and release perfectly without sticking, so you can focus on enjoying the process and anticipating that amazing aroma.
Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking not only combines these ingredients but also aerates them, ensuring an evenly tender and fluffy cupcake base—crucial for capturing all that delightful syrup later!
Step 3: Combine the wet ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar together until they’re light and just a bit frothy. Next, pour in your buttermilk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and hot brewed coffee. Mixing well at this stage ensures everything gets evenly dispersed, creating a batter that’s creamy, rich, and aromatic.
Step 4: Bring together wet and dry
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t overmix—this is where you want to treat your batter with care for the softest possible cupcakes. Scrape down the sides and make sure there are no dry pockets hiding at the bottom!
Step 5: Fill and bake
Divide your batter evenly among the lined cupcake cups—an ice cream scoop works wonders for this. Bake for 18–20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Let the Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack; this step helps preserve their delicate crumb.
Step 6: Make the coffee syrup
While your cupcakes are cooling, stir together the strong brewed espresso or coffee with sugar and, if desired, a splash of coffee liqueur. The sugar should dissolve completely, resulting in a fragrant, sweet, and slightly boozy syrup that soaks deep into each dessert, infusing every crumb with flavor.
Step 7: Whip up the mascarpone frosting
In a clean bowl, blend mascarpone cheese with heavy cream, powdered sugar, and a bit of vanilla extract. Beat just until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and fluffy—you want soft peaks, not butter! Over-mixing can make it curdle, so keep an eye on the texture and stop as soon as it’s spreadable.
Step 8: Assemble and frost
Once the cupcakes are cool, use a skewer or toothpick to poke a few holes in the top of each one. Spoon about a teaspoon of your coffee syrup over the surface, allowing it to soak in fully. Don’t rush this step, as it’s key for achieving that tiramisu experience. Pipe or dollop the mascarpone frosting generously on each cupcake.
Step 9: Garnish and serve
Just before serving, dust the tops of your Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes with unsweetened cocoa powder. For a little extra “wow”, sprinkle on some chocolate shavings. Each finished cupcake looks just as dreamy as it tastes!
How to Serve Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes
Garnishes
For that classic tiramisu effect, a generous dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder is a must. If you’re feeling indulgent, scatter on chocolate shavings or even chocolate-covered espresso beans. These little touches make your Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes visually irresistible and ramp up both flavor and elegance.
Side Dishes
Balance the richness of your cupcakes with fresh berries or a fruit salad—tangy raspberries and strawberries are especially lovely. If you’re going for a coffeehouse vibe, try serving with tiny demitasse cups of espresso or a scoop of vanilla gelato for a truly luxurious finish.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes on a tiered stand for tea parties, nestle them individually in decorative paper liners for a sophisticated dessert buffet, or serve them in wide-mouthed glasses with a swirl of extra mascarpone frosting and cocoa for a “deconstructed” tiramisu effect. Let your creativity shine!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes are just as good (if not better!) after a little chill time. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days—the flavors meld beautifully, and the frosting keeps its dreamy texture. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and softness.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted cupcakes tightly wrapped for up to two months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight, then whip up a fresh batch of mascarpone frosting before serving. Because mascarpone doesn’t always freeze well, it’s best to add this creamy layer just before enjoying!
Reheating
While the cupcakes themselves are best enjoyed at room temperature, you can take the chill off refrigerated leftovers by letting them rest at room temp for 30–45 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving the frosted cupcakes, as the mascarpone will lose its silky texture.
FAQs
Can I make Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes alcohol-free?
Absolutely! Simply omit the coffee liqueur in the syrup. The cupcakes will still be bursting with rich coffee flavor thanks to the brewed espresso or coffee—you won’t miss a thing.
What’s the best way to get the syrup into the cupcakes?
Poking small holes with a toothpick or wooden skewer does the trick perfectly, allowing the coffee syrup to seep deep into the crumb. Spoon it on slowly so it soaks instead of running off.
Can I substitute cream cheese for mascarpone in the frosting?
For an authentic tiramisu flavor, mascarpone is best—it’s sweeter, milder, and silkier than cream cheese. In a pinch, you can use full-fat cream cheese, but the result will be tangier and slightly denser.
Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Results may vary slightly, but you’ll still get deliciously moist, chocolate-rich cupcakes.
Do Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes need to be refrigerated?
Because the mascarpone frosting is dairy-based, it’s safest to keep the cupcakes chilled. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the ultimate creamy, tender bite.
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes are truly a dessert where every part feels celebratory—from the coffee-soaked crumb to the cloud of mascarpone frosting and chocolatey finish. I hope you’ll give these a try and share this classic Italian-inspired treat with someone you love. Bake a batch, savor every bite, and let these cupcakes bring a little extra joy to your next gathering!
Print
Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of tiramisu with a chocolatey twist in these delectable Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes. Moist chocolate cupcakes soaked in coffee syrup and topped with a velvety mascarpone frosting, these treats are a delightful fusion of classic dessert flavors.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup hot brewed coffee
For the Coffee Syrup:
- 1/2 cup strong brewed espresso or coffee
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon coffee liqueur (optional)
For the Mascarpone Frosting:
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish:
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
- Chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin pan with 12 cupcake liners.
- Prepare Cupcake Batter: Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and sugar, then add buttermilk, oil, vanilla, and coffee. Combine wet and dry ingredients.
- Bake Cupcakes: Divide batter into liners and bake for 18–20 minutes. Let cool.
- Make Coffee Syrup: Combine coffee, sugar, and coffee liqueur.
- Prepare Mascarpone Frosting: Beat mascarpone, cream, sugar, and vanilla until fluffy.
- Assemble Cupcakes: Poke holes in cupcakes, soak with syrup, frost with mascarpone, dust with cocoa, and garnish with chocolate shavings.
Notes
- For a stronger coffee flavor, double the syrup amount and allow more to soak into the cupcakes.
- Store cupcakes in the fridge but bring to room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
