If you love the rich, coffee-infused flavors of classic tiramisu and the convenience of a handheld dessert, then this Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe is going to steal your heart. These delightful cupcakes perfectly capture the creamy mascarpone and bold espresso notes of traditional tiramisu but in a fun, individual portion. Moist, tender, and topped with a light mascarpone frosting dusted in cocoa, they’re a wonderful treat for any occasion. Whether it’s an intimate dinner party or just a midweek sweet craving, these cupcakes bring elegance and comfort in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this dreamy tiramisu cupcake, you’ll only need a handful of straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that work together to build layers of flavor and texture. Each element plays a crucial role—from the flour giving structure, to the mascarpone adding that signature creamy richness.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cupcakes, providing structure without heaviness.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter just right and helps create a tender crumb.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds moisture and richness for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add lift for fluffy cupcakes.
- Milk: Keeps the batter smooth and moist, perfectly balancing the drier flour.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a warm, inviting aroma that complements the coffee notes.
- Brewed espresso (cooled): The heart of tiramisu flavor, a bold kick that infuses the cupcakes with depth.
- Mascarpone cheese: The key creamy component of the frosting, delivering that classic tiramisu taste.
- Heavy cream: Whipped with mascarpone to create a light, luscious frosting texture.
- Cocoa powder: A final dusting for that visually appealing, slightly bitter contrast to the sweet cream.
How to Make Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Cupcake Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), which ensures even, consistent baking from the moment the cupcakes go in. Line a 12-cup cupcake pan with your favorite liners to make cleanup easy and give your cupcakes a neat, professional look.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture turns light and fluffy—this aeration is what gives your cupcakes their tender texture. Then, add the eggs one at a time, fully mixing each before adding the next to maintain a smooth batter.
Step 3: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gently fold in the all-purpose flour, milk, and vanilla extract until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep as much air in the batter as possible to ensure they bake up light and soft. Then, distribute the batter evenly into the prepared cupcake liners.
Step 4: Bake the Cupcakes
Pop your cupcake pan into the oven and bake for about 18 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, set them aside completely to cool before moving on to the next step.
Step 5: Infuse with Espresso
Brush the tops of the cooled cupcakes generously with the brewed espresso. This step is essential — it mirrors the soaking process in traditional tiramisu and enriches each bite with that unmistakable coffee flavor.
Step 6: Whip the Mascarpone Frosting
In a separate bowl, whip together the mascarpone cheese and heavy cream until smooth and fluffy. This frosting is silky and light, perfectly complementing the moist cupcake base. Frost each cupcake generously, then dust with cocoa powder for that classic tiramisu finish.
How to Serve Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling a little extra cocoa powder on top is classic, but you can also use finely grated dark chocolate or a few coffee beans for a decorative touch. A mint leaf or a light dusting of powdered sugar can add a fresh contrast and elegance.
Side Dishes
Pair these cupcakes with a rich espresso or a creamy cappuccino to double down on the coffee theme. Light fruit salads or citrus sorbets also complement the richness by adding a refreshing, tangy balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the cupcakes in transparent cupcake wrappers to showcase their beautiful layers. You could also arrange them on a tiered dessert stand at your next gathering or plate them alongside dessert spoons with a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a fancy twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Because of the mascarpone frosting, these cupcakes are best stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, making them perfect for prepping in advance.
Freezing
You can freeze the cupcakes without frosting by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge overnight and frost just before serving to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
Warm leftover cupcakes slightly at room temperature before eating — reheating in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds helps revive that soft, fresh-baked feel without melting the frosting too much.
FAQs
Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed espresso?
Yes, instant coffee can be used as a substitute for brewed espresso; just dissolve it in a small amount of hot water and cool it. However, brewed espresso tends to provide a richer and more authentic flavor for the cupcakes.
Is mascarpone cheese essential for the frosting?
Mascarpone is key to achieving the creamy, authentic tiramisu taste. While cream cheese can be a substitute, the flavor and texture will differ slightly and won’t be as rich or smooth.
How long do these cupcakes last unrefrigerated?
Due to the dairy in the frosting, it’s best to keep these cupcakes refrigerated and consume them within a day if left at room temperature, especially in warm climates.
Can I make these cupcakes vegan or dairy-free?
Adapting this recipe for vegan or dairy-free diets requires substitutes like plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and vegan cream cheese or coconut cream. The flavor will shift, but inventive tweaks can still create a tasty treat.
What’s the best way to get the cupcakes to stay moist?
Don’t overbake, and brushing the cooled cupcakes with espresso is crucial for keeping them moist. Also, using room temperature butter and eggs helps create a tender crumb from the start.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the way the classic tiramisu flavors transform into these adorable cupcakes, making dessert both elegant and fun. The Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe is not only straightforward but incredibly rewarding, perfect for sharing a little slice of Italian-inspired joy with friends or family. So go ahead, bake a batch, and watch how everyone’s faces light up with each tasty bite!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Delight in these luscious Tiramisu Cupcakes that combine the classic Italian flavors of espresso, mascarpone cheese, and cocoa powder in a moist cupcake form. Perfectly baked and finished with a creamy mascarpone frosting, they’re an elegant and irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cupcake Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Soaking
- 1/2 cup brewed espresso, cooled
Frosting
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners to ensure easy removal and even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cupcake crumb.
- Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition to maintain a smooth batter.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, milk, and vanilla extract to the bowl, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter and ensuring moist cupcakes.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full for optimal rise.
- Bake the Cupcakes: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cupcakes are fully cooked.
- Cool Cupcakes: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before proceeding.
- Brush with Espresso: Once cooled, lightly brush the tops of each cupcake with the cooled brewed espresso to infuse authentic tiramisu flavor into the cupcakes.
- Prepare Frosting: In a separate bowl, whip together the mascarpone cheese and heavy cream until smooth and creamy, creating a rich frosting.
- Frost and Garnish: Spread or pipe the mascarpone frosting over each espresso-soaked cupcake and dust the tops generously with cocoa powder for the finishing touch.
Notes
- Ensure the espresso is cooled before brushing on cupcakes to prevent melting the frosting.
- Use fresh mascarpone cheese and heavy cream for the best frosting texture.
- Cupcakes are best served the same day but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Allow cupcakes to reach room temperature before serving if refrigerated.
- For a stronger coffee flavor, brush with an additional layer of espresso before frosting.
