If you’re ready to transform your favorite Italian dessert into a delightful handheld treat, you’re in for a real taste adventure with these Tiramisu Cupcakes! Imagine a light and fluffy cupcake infused with coffee, brushed with espresso, and topped with clouds of mascarpone frosting, then dusted generously with cocoa powder. These treats capture everything we adore about classic tiramisu, wrapping all that luscious flavor into an individual serving perfect for any celebration, afternoon pick-me-up, or whenever your sweet tooth calls for a little elegance.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Tiramisu Cupcakes lies in how a handful of everyday ingredients can create something absolutely show-stopping. Each item below brings something special to the table, from rich flavor to dreamy texture or a pop of color.
- All-purpose flour: Gives the cupcakes a lovely, tender crumb that’s perfect for soaking up coffee.
- Baking powder: Adds just the right amount of lift to make each cupcake softly domed.
- Salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and keeps things balanced.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness and that classic cakey texture—don’t forget to let it reach room temperature!
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps cream the butter to fluffy perfection.
- Large eggs: Give structure and moistness; room-temperature eggs blend into the batter more smoothly.
- Vanilla extract: Deepens the cupcakes’ flavor and rounds out the sweetness.
- Whole milk: Keeps the crumb delicate and light—using whole milk adds a little extra richness.
- Strong brewed coffee, cooled: Infuses just the right hint of coffee into the batter itself.
- Brewed espresso or strong coffee (for soak): Intensifies the tiramisu vibe with a deep, bold coffee flavor.
- Coffee liqueur, optional: Adds that authentic grown-up edge (Kahlúa or similar is wonderful).
- Mascarpone cheese, softened: The heart and soul of any tiramisu dessert—decadent and creamy.
- Heavy cream, cold: Whips up into a luscious, cloud-like frosting that holds its shape beautifully.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the mascarpone frosting just right.
- Vanilla extract (for frosting): Brings extra warmth to the topping.
- Cocoa powder (for garnish): Dusting this on top makes every bite feel special (and pretty, too!).
- Chocolate shavings, optional: For that irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth finish and a bit of flourish.
How to Make Tiramisu Cupcakes
Step 1: Prepare the Cupcake Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a muffin pan with cupcake liners. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt—a simple, essential trio! In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until they’re pale and fluffy, then add the eggs one by one, followed by vanilla. Add the flour mixture and milk alternately, mixing gently, and finish by stirring in the cooled brewed coffee. This process layers flavors and ensures a tender crumb for your Tiramisu Cupcakes.
Step 2: Bake the Cupcakes
Divide the finished batter between the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Slide them into the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely in the pan—this crucial step keeps the texture just right and prevents the soak from running straight through.
Step 3: Infuse with Coffee Soak
Mix the brewed espresso or strong coffee with coffee liqueur if you’re feeling festive. Using a pastry brush (or even a small spoon), gently dab or drizzle the mixture over each cooled cupcake until just moist. For those who adore a bold tiramisu experience, a second soak gives an extra boost of coffee flavor!
Step 4: Make the Creamy Mascarpone Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened mascarpone cheese, cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until the mixture turns thick and fluffy—think spreadable clouds! This is the crowning glory of your Tiramisu Cupcakes, so don’t rush the whipping step.
Step 5: Frost, Dust, and Garnish
With the cupcakes cooled and soaked, swirl or pipe the mascarpone frosting generously over each. Dust with cocoa powder for that classic tiramisu finish, and if you’re feeling a bit extra, sprinkle on some chocolate shavings. Each cupcake becomes a little masterpiece, ready to impress.
How to Serve Tiramisu Cupcakes
Garnishes
A generous dusting of cocoa powder is a must—it’s what gives tiramisu its signature look and taste! For a truly special presentation, finish with a handful of chocolate shavings on top or even a light drizzle of coffee liqueur just before serving for the adults at the table. Fresh raspberries or a sprig of mint add a delightful pop of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
These Tiramisu Cupcakes are caffeinated and sophisticated enough to steal the spotlight on their own, but they’re also fantastic with a side of fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla gelato, or a crisp biscotti for dunking. If you’re serving for brunch, pair alongside espresso or cappuccino for that Italian café vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
Try displaying your cupcakes on a tiered stand for a party, or nestle them in decorative cupcake wrappers to match your event colors. For a playful twist, serve in individual mini cups with a tiny fork or spoon tucked inside—the perfect grab-and-go treat at celebrations or picnics. You can also arrange them on a platter with a dusting of cocoa powder shaped into hearts or swirls for a dash of romance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your frosted Tiramisu Cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Since they’re made with mascarpone and cream, they’ll keep best chilled and will stay delicious and moist for up to three days. Let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving so the frosting softens up to its silkiest state.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked, unfrosted cupcakes for up to two months—just wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bring to room temperature and finish with the mascarpone frosting and garnishes for a freshly made feel. Freezing the frosted cupcakes isn’t ideal, as the creamy topping may lose its perfect texture.
Reheating
While Tiramisu Cupcakes aren’t meant to be served warm, you can let refrigerated cupcakes rest on the counter until the frosting is creamy and soft again. There’s no need to microwave or reheat them—just patience (and perhaps a little anticipation) before you dig in!
FAQs
Can I make Tiramisu Cupcakes without coffee liqueur?
Absolutely! The liqueur is entirely optional. You’ll still capture all the beautiful coffee and mascarpone flavors that define tiramisu, just in a completely family-friendly way.
What if I can’t find mascarpone cheese?
If mascarpone is unavailable, you can use full-fat cream cheese as a substitute. The flavor will be slightly tangier and less rich than traditional tiramisu, but still absolutely delicious and creamy.
Can I make Tiramisu Cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the cupcakes and prepare the frosting a day ahead. Store both separately and assemble closer to serving time, or fully frost and refrigerate the cupcakes, then add cocoa and garnishes right before serving to keep them looking their best.
How do I get the perfect frosting consistency?
Make sure both your heavy cream and mascarpone cheese are cold before whipping. If the frosting seems soft, just chill it for 10-15 minutes, then give it a gentle stir before using to help it hold its shape beautifully.
Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free baking blend (look for one with xanthan gum for structure). Check the packaging for cup-for-cup equivalency, and you’ll be enjoying gluten-free Tiramisu Cupcakes with all the same lavish flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
These Tiramisu Cupcakes are a sweet, joyful twist on a timeless Italian favorite, and I can’t wait for you to experience how magical an everyday cupcake can become with a little espresso and mascarpone. Whether you’re baking for a party, a cozy afternoon, or just because, I promise these will have friends and family swooning with every bite. Give them a try and let yourself be swept away by the creamy, coffee-infused goodness!
Print
Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Tiramisu with these Tiramisu Cupcakes. A perfect blend of coffee-soaked cake, creamy mascarpone frosting, and cocoa dusting, these cupcakes are a treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cupcakes:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
Coffee Soak:
- 1/2 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee
- 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur, optional
Mascarpone Frosting:
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream, cold
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish:
- Cocoa powder for dusting
- Chocolate shavings, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
- Prepare the batter: Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy, then add eggs, vanilla, and mix in dry ingredients and milk. Stir in coffee.
- Bake the cupcakes: Divide batter into liners and bake for 18-20 minutes. Cool completely.
- Prepare the coffee soak: Mix espresso and coffee liqueur. Brush or drizzle over cupcakes.
- Make the frosting: Beat mascarpone, cream, sugar, and vanilla until thick. Frost cupcakes.
- Garnish and serve: Dust with cocoa powder, add chocolate shavings, and serve.
Notes
- For a stronger flavor, soak the cupcakes twice with the coffee mixture.
- Keep refrigerated until serving, but let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before enjoying for the best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
