If you’re in the mood for a fusion dessert that feels both whimsical and elegant, Tiramisu Cupcakes might just be your new favorite treat. These cupcakes embody everything we love about classic tiramisu—think espresso-soaked layers, creamy mascarpone frosting, and a dreamy dusting of cocoa powder—all packed into a handheld, single-serving delight. Every bite delivers a luscious blend of light, fluffy cake and that unmistakable coffee flavor, making Tiramisu Cupcakes perfect for celebrations or as a sweet pick-me-up to brighten any day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making these Tiramisu Cupcakes is a gratifying process, thanks to a handful of simple but important ingredients. Each one plays a special role, from the buttery crumb to the creamy, dreamy topping. Here’s what you’ll need—and why each item truly matters.
- All-purpose flour (1 ¼ cups): Gives your cupcakes structure and a tender crumb, setting the stage for all the delicious flavors.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Lifts the batter, making the cupcakes light and airy—just what you want.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): A pinch brings balance and enhances all the other flavors.
- Unsalted butter, softened (½ cup): For a rich, creamy base that blends effortlessly into the batter.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens the cupcakes just the right amount, complementing the coffee notes.
- Large eggs (2): Bind ingredients together and create a moist, cohesive crumb.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, aromatic undertone—you’ll taste the difference.
- Whole milk (½ cup): Keeps the batter silky and moist, ensuring each cupcake is perfectly fluffy.
- Strong brewed coffee, cooled (½ cup): Infuses the cakes with that signature tiramisu coffee kick—don’t skip this!
- Coffee liqueur, optional (2 tablespoons): For that grown-up twist; it deepens the coffee flavor beautifully.
- Mascarpone cheese, softened (8 ounces): Essential for the creamy, authentic tiramisu frosting—silky and not too sweet.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Fluffs up to stiff peaks, creating the lightest, most cloud-like frosting.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the frosting and keeps it smooth and velvety.
- Vanilla extract, for frosting (1 teaspoon): Adds extra flavor to the topping, tying everything together.
- Cocoa powder, for dusting: That classic tiramisu finish—dust generously for drama and a hint of chocolatey goodness.
How to Make Tiramisu Cupcakes
Step 1: Prepare Your Cupcake Pan & Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners. Setting up your pan ahead of time means less scrambling once your batter is ready — and perfectly shaped cupcakes every time.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures your leavening is evenly distributed and your cupcakes will bake up nice and even.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar until it’s light, fluffy, and almost white in color. This step creates tiny pockets of air, giving your Tiramisu Cupcakes that soft, beautiful crumb.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, letting each one fully incorporate before the next addition. Stir in the vanilla extract—the aroma alone will have your kitchen smelling irresistible.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Alternately add the dry mix and whole milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry. Mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes, so gentle folding is key.
Step 6: Bake the Cupcakes
Divide the batter evenly among your prepared cupcake liners. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely—patience is a virtue here!
Step 7: Soak the Cupcakes with Coffee
In a small bowl, mix your cooled strong brewed coffee with the coffee liqueur if using. Brush or drizzle this mixture over each cupcake top (and for a bold flavor, go back for a second round once absorbed). This simple step transforms the cupcakes into true Tiramisu Cupcakes.
Step 8: Make the Mascarpone Frosting
Beat the softened mascarpone cheese in a bowl until completely smooth. In a separate bowl, whip your heavy cream with powdered sugar and a touch of vanilla extract until you see stiff peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone for an utterly luscious, Italian-style frosting.
Step 9: Frost, Dust, and Chill
Pipe or generously spread your mascarpone frosting on top of the cupcakes. Finish with a dusting of cocoa powder for that signature tiramisu look. For best results, chill your cupcakes for at least 30 minutes before serving (this helps the flavors and frosting set beautifully).
How to Serve Tiramisu Cupcakes
Garnishes
These Tiramisu Cupcakes already look stunning with a generous shower of cocoa powder, but don’t be afraid to take them up a notch. Try a few chocolate shavings, chocolate-covered espresso beans, or even a cute swirl of whipped cream for visual drama and extra flavor. If you’re a true coffee fan, a tiny drizzle of coffee syrup or a dash of cinnamon can also add a lovely finishing touch.
Side Dishes
While Tiramisu Cupcakes shine all on their own, they also pair beautifully with simple sides. Think fresh berries for a pop of tartness, or a small scoop of vanilla bean gelato for a decadent dessert plate. Serving them next to tiny glasses of iced coffee, cold brew, or a sweet dessert wine will make your dessert table truly unforgettable.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or showers, set up a cupcake tower with alternating layers of classic and Tiramisu Cupcakes, or display them on vintage platters for an old-world Italian touch. Wrap each cupcake in a patterned parchment wrapper for a charming homemade gift, or serve them in clear cups so guests can admire every creamy, coffee-soaked layer. No matter how you serve them, expect them to be the star of the dessert table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Tiramisu Cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The chill helps keep the mascarpone frosting stable and the coffee flavor even more pronounced, making these cupcakes just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
If you want to make Tiramisu Cupcakes ahead or freeze leftovers, place the unfrosted cupcakes in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to one month. For best results, freeze without frosting, then thaw and dress them up fresh before serving.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat Tiramisu Cupcakes, as they’re meant to be enjoyed chilled (just like classic tiramisu!). Simply let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes if you’d like the frosting to soften a little before serving, but avoid microwaving to preserve that plush, creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I make Tiramisu Cupcakes without coffee liqueur?
Absolutely! The coffee liqueur adds a wonderful depth of flavor, but you can easily leave it out for a family-friendly version or substitute it with more strong brewed coffee.
What can I use instead of mascarpone cheese?
If you can’t find mascarpone, try a combination of full-fat cream cheese and a little heavy cream. The taste will be slightly tangier, but it will still yield a creamy, delicious frosting.
Can I make Tiramisu Cupcakes gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just remember the texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still be irresistible.
How far in advance can I make Tiramisu Cupcakes?
You can bake the cupcakes a day ahead, but for the freshest taste, frost and finish them the day you plan to serve. Chilling them for a few hours after frosting helps the flavors meld beautifully.
Can I double this recipe?
Definitely! To make a larger batch, simply double all ingredients and use two muffin pans. Be mindful of your oven capacity and rotate the pans for even baking if needed.
Final Thoughts
These Tiramisu Cupcakes are my idea of dessert bliss—each bite delivers the best of tiramisu in a perfectly portable package! Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just because, I promise they’ll become a fast favorite. Go ahead and give them a try—your kitchen (and your guests) will thank you.
Print
Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the flavors of classic tiramisu in cupcake form with these delightful treats. Moist coffee-infused cupcakes topped with a luscious mascarpone frosting, dusted with cocoa powder.
Ingredients
Cupcake Batter:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
Coffee Mixture:
- ½ cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)
Mascarpone Frosting:
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional:
- Cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet and Dry Ingredients: Beat in eggs one at a time, then vanilla extract. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture until just combined.
- Bake: Divide batter among cupcake liners and bake for 18–20 minutes. Let cupcakes cool.
- Prepare Coffee Mixture: Mix cooled coffee with coffee liqueur (if using) and brush over cupcakes.
- Make Frosting: Beat mascarpone cheese until smooth. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Fold whipped cream into mascarpone.
- Frost and Chill: Pipe or spread frosting on cupcakes, dust with cocoa powder, and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a stronger coffee flavor, brush each cupcake twice with the coffee mixture.
- Best served chilled. Make cupcakes a day ahead and frost before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 21 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
