Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe
If you love the classic Italian treat but also adore a handheld dessert, these Tiramisu Cupcakes are truly a dream come true. Imagine the rich flavors you love—bold espresso, delicate mascarpone, and a whisper of cocoa—all baked into a fluffy cupcake and finished with luscious, cloud-like frosting. Each bite delivers the irresistible magic of tiramisu in the most charming, individual form. Your kitchen will feel like a cozy Italian café as you whip up these cupcakes, which are guaranteed to impress at any gathering or cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Baking these Tiramisu Cupcakes is surprisingly straightforward! Each ingredient brings its own special touch, ensuring you get the perfect balance of flavor, moisture, and that unmistakable tiramisu flair right in cupcake form.
- All-purpose flour (1 ¼ cups): This gives the cupcakes structure while keeping them tender.
- Baking powder (1 ½ teaspoons): Provides lift and ensures your cupcakes rise beautifully.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Just a touch, to balance and bring out all the other flavors.
- Unsalted butter, softened (½ cup): Adds richness and a buttery texture to the crumb.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens the batter and helps with a golden exterior.
- Eggs, large (2): The key to binding everything together for a soft, fluffy outcome.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses sweet warmth that pairs perfectly with coffee flavors.
- Milk (½ cup): Keeps the cupcakes moist and gives the batter the right consistency.
- Brewed espresso or strong coffee, cooled (¼ cup): The star ingredient for that classic tiramisu flavor.
- For the Coffee Syrup: Essential for soaking—¼ cup brewed espresso or strong coffee, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1 tablespoon coffee liqueur (optional) for an extra grown-up twist.
- For the Mascarpone Frosting: 8 oz mascarpone cheese (softened), ½ cup heavy cream, ½ cup powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract come together for the silkiest, most decadent frosting.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: For that iconic dusting on top, bringing everything together visually and flavor-wise.
How to Make Tiramisu Cupcakes
Step 1: Prepare the Cupcake Batter
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 12-cup muffin pan with liners. In a bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt—this step ensures even distribution of the leavening, giving your Tiramisu Cupcakes their signature rise. In a separate, larger bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well, then stir in the vanilla for that fragrant warmth. Alternately add the flour mixture and milk, starting and ending with flour—this gentle approach keeps the batter tender. Lastly, stir in the cooled espresso, which will infuse every crumb with the rich taste of Italian coffee!
Step 2: Bake the Cupcakes
Divide the batter evenly between your muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Pop them in the oven and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool for a few minutes in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack. The aroma wafting from your kitchen at this stage is pure joy!
Step 3: Make the Coffee Syrup
While the cupcakes are still warm, prepare the coffee syrup by stirring sugar into freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee until dissolved. For a special grown-up touch, stir in coffee liqueur if you’d like a little extra depth. The syrup should taste bold and sweet, with that unmistakable tiramisu hit.
Step 4: Soak the Cupcakes
Brush the warm cupcakes generously with the coffee syrup so they soak up all that lovely flavor—don’t be shy! This step transforms the texture inside to mimic classic tiramisu’s signature moistness, leaving little pockets of coffee goodness throughout each cupcake.
Step 5: Make the Mascarpone Frosting
Beat together the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. The frosting should look cloud-like and hold beautiful soft peaks. The mascarpone lends that authentic Italian flavor—creamy, slightly tangy, and completely irresistible.
Step 6: Frost and Finish
Once the cupcakes are completely cool, pipe or spread the mascarpone frosting onto each one. For the finishing touch, give the tops a good dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder. Stand back and admire your bakery-worthy creations—these Tiramisu Cupcakes look just as elegant as they taste!
How to Serve Tiramisu Cupcakes
Garnishes
A simple dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder on top is classic, but you can also get creative. Try adding chocolate shavings, a single chocolate-covered espresso bean, or a tiny swirl of extra mascarpone. The garnish gives these cupcakes restaurant-worthy appeal and a hint at the flavor inside.
Side Dishes
Pair your Tiramisu Cupcakes with a glass of dessert wine, a shot of espresso, or a creamy iced latte. For something non-caffeinated, a little bowl of fresh berries makes a lovely, refreshing counterpoint to the cupcakes’ richness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re making these for a party or special event, arrange the cupcakes on a tiered stand dusted with cocoa for instant wow factor. For a more intimate touch, serve each Tiramisu Cupcake on a small plate with a drizzle of leftover coffee syrup and a sprig of mint. You can even core the cupcakes and fill them with a dollop of sweetened mascarpone before frosting to make them extra decadent, just like mini layer cakes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Tiramisu Cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay moist and delicious for up to three days. If possible, add the cocoa dusting just before serving so it stays pretty and doesn’t absorb moisture from the frosting.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these cupcakes! It’s best to freeze the unfrosted, syrup-soaked cupcakes and the mascarpone frosting separately. Wrap cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap and place frosting in a freezer-safe bag or container; both will keep well for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before assembling and serving.
Reheating
Tiramisu Cupcakes are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t usually needed. If your cupcakes are coming straight from the fridge, let them sit out for about 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture. If you prefer them slightly warm (without frosting), a quick 5 seconds in the microwave will do the trick, but always frost after reheating.
FAQs
Can I substitute mascarpone with cream cheese?
You can use cream cheese if you’re in a pinch, but the flavor will be slightly tangier and less luxurious. For the most authentic Tiramisu Cupcakes, mascarpone is worth seeking out!
What can I use instead of coffee liqueur?
If you want to keep these alcohol-free, just skip the liqueur and rely on strong brewed espresso or coffee for soaking and flavor. The cupcakes will still be absolutely delicious and kid-friendly.
Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Keep an eye on the texture as gluten-free batters can sometimes be a bit thicker or bake up more dense, but the taste will still be fantastic.
How far ahead can I make Tiramisu Cupcakes?
You can make the cupcakes and frosting up to two days ahead. Store the cupcakes and frosting separately in the fridge, then assemble and dust with cocoa just before serving for the freshest results.
Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso?
Yes, instant espresso powder works wonderfully! Dissolve the powder in hot water using the package instructions to create a strong coffee base for both the batter and the soaking syrup.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a unique twist on a beloved classic, give these Tiramisu Cupcakes a try! They truly capture the soul of tiramisu in every bite, and I promise they’ll become a favorite in your dessert rotation. Whether you’re entertaining friends or just treating yourself, you’re about to make something truly special—happy baking!
Print
Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the flavors of classic tiramisu in the form of delicious cupcakes. These moist and flavorful treats are perfect for any occasion, combining the rich taste of espresso with creamy mascarpone frosting.
Ingredients
Cupcake Batter:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup brewed espresso or strong coffee, cooled
Coffee Syrup:
- ¼ cup brewed espresso or strong coffee
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon coffee liqueur (optional)
Mascarpone Frosting:
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line muffin pan. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix Cupcake Batter: Cream butter and sugar, add eggs and vanilla. Alternate adding flour mixture and milk, then mix in espresso.
- Bake Cupcakes: Divide batter, bake for 18–20 minutes, and cool.
- Prepare Coffee Syrup: Dissolve sugar in hot espresso, add liqueur if desired, brush onto cupcakes.
- Make Mascarpone Frosting: Beat mascarpone, cream, sugar, and vanilla until fluffy. Frost cupcakes and dust with cocoa powder.
Notes
- Store cupcakes in the refrigerator and serve chilled or at room temperature.
- For extra indulgence, core the cupcakes and add sweetened mascarpone filling before frosting.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
