Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe

Here's a delicious take on a classic Italian dessert—Tiramisu Cupcakes. These little treats bring together the rich flavors of espresso, mascarpone, and cocoa in a perfectly portioned cupcake form. They’re soft, creamy, and full of that irresistible coffee-infused goodness.

I first created this recipe when I wanted to serve tiramisu at a gathering but needed something more convenient for guests to grab and enjoy. The result? A moist vanilla cupcake soaked in espresso, topped with a luscious mascarpone frosting, and finished with a dusting of cocoa powder. It’s now a go-to dessert for any special occasion.

Why You'll Love These Tiramisu Cupcakes

Get ready to experience the magic of tiramisu in a cupcake. These little indulgences are packed with flavor and easy to make.

First, they deliver the perfect balance of sweetness and bold espresso flavor. Each bite is rich yet light, with just the right amount of coffee infusion.

They’re also incredibly simple to prepare. Unlike traditional tiramisu, which requires layering and chilling, these cupcakes come together in just a couple of steps—no complicated techniques required.

Another reason to love them? They’re ideal for parties and gatherings. No slicing or serving needed—just grab a cupcake and enjoy.

And let’s not forget the creamy mascarpone frosting. It’s smooth, lightly sweetened, and adds the signature tiramisu flavor without being too heavy.

Ingredients Notes

The secret to these incredible cupcakes is using high-quality ingredients that bring out the best flavors in each component.

Start with cake flour to achieve a soft, delicate crumb. While all-purpose flour can be used, cake flour makes a noticeable difference in texture, giving the cupcakes a light and airy feel.

For the signature coffee flavor, strong brewed espresso or instant espresso powder dissolved in hot water is essential. A bold coffee taste is what makes tiramisu so special, so don’t skimp on this ingredient.

Mascarpone cheese is the heart of the frosting, giving it a rich yet smooth consistency. Make sure to use full-fat mascarpone and avoid overmixing, as it can become too thin if beaten excessively.

To create that classic cocoa-dusted topping, unsweetened cocoa powder is a must. A fine dusting not only enhances the flavor but also gives the cupcakes their elegant tiramisu look.

Lastly, you’ll need a good quality vanilla extract. Since vanilla is a key flavor in both the cupcakes and frosting, opt for pure vanilla extract rather than imitation for the best taste.

How To Make These Tiramisu Cupcakes

Making these cupcakes is as simple as baking, soaking, and frosting. Let’s break it down.

Start by preparing the cupcake batter. In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This process helps incorporate air, giving the cupcakes their soft texture. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients—cake flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk to keep the batter smooth and well-combined.

Once the batter is ready, divide it evenly into a lined muffin tin and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cupcakes should be golden and slightly domed on top. Let them cool completely before adding the espresso soak.

For the soak, brush each cupcake with freshly brewed espresso or a coffee syrup made by mixing espresso with a touch of sugar. This step infuses the cupcakes with the deep coffee flavor that tiramisu is known for.

Now, prepare the mascarpone frosting. Gently beat mascarpone with powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla until just combined. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then fold it into the mascarpone mixture for a light, airy texture.

Pipe the frosting onto the cooled, coffee-soaked cupcakes, ensuring a generous swirl on each. Finish with a dusting of cocoa powder for that signature tiramisu touch.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which is rare with these cupcakes!), they store well for a few days. Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The mascarpone frosting stays fresh and creamy when chilled.

For longer storage, you can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes in a sealed container for up to two months. When ready to serve, let them thaw at room temperature before adding the coffee soak and frosting.

To maintain the best texture, avoid freezing the frosted cupcakes, as mascarpone-based frosting doesn’t always thaw well. Instead, make the frosting fresh before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to get creative with different flavors and textures.

If you’re not a fan of coffee, try replacing the espresso soak with a sweetened hot cocoa mixture for a kid-friendly tiramisu cupcake.

For a boozy twist, add a splash of coffee liqueur, such as Kahlúa or rum, to the espresso soak. It enhances the tiramisu flavor even more.

Want a chocolatey version? Mix a bit of cocoa powder into the cupcake batter or add mini chocolate chips for extra indulgence.

For a dairy-free option, swap the mascarpone with a plant-based cream cheese and use coconut whipped cream instead of heavy cream. It won’t be exactly the same, but it will still be delicious.

No cake flour? No problem. Use all-purpose flour mixed with a little cornstarch (for every cup of all-purpose flour, remove two tablespoons and replace with two tablespoons of cornstarch).

These tiramisu cupcakes are truly special, and once you make them, you’ll find yourself coming back to the recipe time and time again. Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful treat!

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