If you love the rich, creamy flavors of classic Italian tiramisu but want a portable, portion-sized treat, this Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe is exactly what you need. It captures all the indulgent layers of coffee-soaked cake, velvety mascarpone, and a hint of cocoa, all baked into light, fluffy cupcakes. These little delights are perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to something truly special. Get ready to fall in love with every bite of this elegant yet surprisingly easy dessert!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe plays a key role in creating a balanced blend of flavors, textures, and aromas. From the rich espresso to the creamy mascarpone frosting, every element is essential to achieving the perfect homemade tiramisu experience in cupcake form.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb that’s crucial for light cupcakes.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a subtle chocolate depth that complements the espresso.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter just enough without overpowering the coffee notes.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the cupcakes rise beautifully, making them fluffy and light.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavors.
- 2 large eggs (room temperature): Bind ingredients together and add richness.
- 1/2 cup whole milk: Contributes moisture and softness to the batter.
- 1/2 cup brewed espresso (cooled): Infuses that signature coffee flavor that’s the heart of tiramisu.
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese (softened): The star of the frosting, lending a luxurious, creamy texture.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Whipped to add lightness and volume to the frosting.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Elevates flavor complexity with warm, sweet notes.
- 1 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional): Adds a boozy kick for those who want an adult twist.
How to Make Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Cupcake Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with liners to make sure your cupcakes come out easily without sticking. This little prep step goes a long way in making baking smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until evenly blended. This ensures that every cupcake has that perfect crumb and evenly distributed cocoa flavor without clumps.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the sugar and eggs until light and fluffy to help give your cupcakes a nice rise. Then, mix in the whole milk and cooled espresso, creating that signature coffee taste that defines tiramisu cupcakes.
Step 4: Gently Fold Dry and Wet Mixtures
Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Overmixing can make cupcakes dense, so be gentle to keep them airy and tender—exactly what you want for this recipe.
Step 5: Bake the Cupcakes
Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full to give the batter room to rise without spilling over. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow them to cool completely on wire racks before moving on to frosting.
Step 6: Whip the Mascarpone Frosting
For the luscious frosting, whip the softened mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar together until stiff peaks form. If you like, add coffee liqueur here for an extra boozy layer. Pipe or spread this onto the cooled cupcakes generously for that authentic tiramisu finish.
How to Serve Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of cocoa powder or finely grated dark chocolate on top instantly transforms these cupcakes into a visually stunning dessert. You can also add a dusting of instant espresso powder or even a few chocolate-covered espresso beans for that finishing touch that wows your guests.
Side Dishes
Serve your tiramisu cupcakes alongside a robust cup of fresh espresso or rich cappuccino. The coffee pairing enhances the flavors and balances the sweet creaminess perfectly. For a gathering, fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries also complements the dessert’s richness wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, plate these cupcakes on a tiered dessert stand with delicate edible flowers for a classy presentation. You could also package them individually in clear cupcake boxes as sweet party favors. Presentation adds an extra layer of joy when sharing this delightful Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Because of the delicate mascarpone frosting, store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and creamy for up to 3 days — just remember to keep them chilled until serving.
Freezing
You can freeze the cupcakes before frosting by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge and then frost just before serving for the best texture. Frosted cupcakes don’t freeze as well due to the mascarpone cream.
Reheating
Since these cupcakes are best served chilled or at room temperature, avoid reheating. If you want a slightly softer texture, you can let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying.
FAQs
Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso?
Yes, you can substitute brewed strong coffee if you don’t have espresso on hand, but espresso provides a more intense and authentic flavor for this Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe.
Is coffee liqueur necessary for the frosting?
The coffee liqueur is optional and adds a boozy depth to the frosting. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, just omit it and your cupcakes will still taste fabulous.
Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
To make gluten-free tiramisu cupcakes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup for cup. Be sure the blend contains xanthan gum for structure.
How long do tiramisu cupcakes last?
Stored properly in the refrigerator, your cupcakes should stay fresh and delicious for 3 days. Beyond that, mascarpone cream can start to lose its freshness.
Can these cupcakes be made dairy-free?
This recipe relies heavily on mascarpone and heavy cream, so dairy-free alternatives would change the texture and flavor significantly. However, you could experiment with dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream as substitutes.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a hug in cupcake form, this Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe is guaranteed to become a go-to favorite. The combination of bold espresso, moist cocoa cake, and creamy mascarpone frosting is downright irresistible. So don your apron, gather these simple ingredients, and treat yourself to a batch of these little Italian-inspired treasures. Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Delight in these luscious Tiramisu Cupcakes that perfectly blend rich espresso flavors with a moist cocoa-infused cake base and a creamy mascarpone frosting. These cupcakes capture the essence of classic tiramisu in a convenient, individual-sized dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup brewed espresso (cooled)
Frosting Ingredients
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners to prepare for baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to combine the dry components evenly.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the granulated sugar and eggs until fluffy and light. Gradually add the whole milk and cooled brewed espresso, mixing thoroughly until smooth.
- Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture, ensuring they’re just combined to maintain a light batter.
- Fill and Bake: Fill each cupcake liner two-thirds full with batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Transfer cupcakes to wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare Frosting: In a mixing bowl, whip the softened mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, vanilla extract, coffee liqueur (if using), and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form, creating a rich and creamy frosting.
- Decorate Cupcakes: Pipe or spread the mascarpone frosting generously onto the cooled cupcakes. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Using room temperature eggs helps create a fluffier cake batter.
- Cooled espresso prevents curdling in the batter and preserves the coffee flavor.
- Optionally, add coffee liqueur to the frosting for an authentic tiramisu kick.
- Store cupcakes in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days due to the mascarpone frosting’s perishability.
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the coffee liqueur or substitute with additional vanilla extract.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
