Introduction
If you love the rich flavors of tiramisu, but want a more convenient, portable version, these Tiramisu Cupcakes are the perfect treat! They combine the best elements of the traditional Italian dessert—coffee-soaked cake, creamy mascarpone frosting, and a dusting of cocoa powder—all in a bite-sized cupcake. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, a dinner party, or simply as an indulgent treat, these cupcakes will wow your taste buds!
In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions, discuss ingredient choices, and share expert baking tips to ensure your tiramisu cupcakes turn out perfectly moist, flavorful, and decadent every time.
Why You’ll Love These Tiramisu Cupcakes
✔ Easy to make – No need for complicated layering like traditional tiramisu.
✔ Rich coffee flavor – Infused with espresso for that signature tiramisu taste.
✔ Creamy mascarpone frosting – Smooth, light, and perfectly balanced.
✔ Perfect for any occasion – Great for birthdays, dinner parties, or just because!
✔ Make ahead-friendly – Tastes even better after chilling for a few hours.
Ingredients for Tiramisu Cupcakes
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ 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 whole milk
- ½ cup brewed espresso or strong coffee (cooled, for soaking)
- 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Mascarpone Frosting:
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon coffee liqueur (optional)
For Garnishing:
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
- Chocolate shavings (optional)
- Ladyfinger crumbles (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Step 4: Bake the Cupcakes
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cupcakes cool completely before soaking and frosting.
Step 5: Soak the Cupcakes
- Using a fork or skewer, poke small holes on the top of each cupcake.
- Brush the tops with the cooled espresso (mixed with coffee liqueur, if using), allowing it to soak in.
Step 6: Make the Mascarpone Frosting
- In a mixing bowl, beat mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
- If using, add coffee liqueur for extra flavor.
- Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a round tip.
Step 7: Frost and Decorate
- Pipe the mascarpone frosting onto each cupcake.
- Dust with unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings or crushed ladyfingers for an extra decorative touch.
Step 8: Chill and Serve
For the best flavor, chill the cupcakes in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Tips for the Best Tiramisu Cupcakes
✔ Use strong coffee or espresso – The richer the coffee, the better the flavor.
✔ Don’t over-soak the cupcakes – Too much liquid can make them soggy.
✔ Chill before serving – This enhances the flavors and texture.
✔ Use high-quality mascarpone – It makes the frosting extra creamy and authentic.
✔ Pair with a cup of espresso – Complements the flavors beautifully.
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Enjoy with a hot cup of espresso or cappuccino.
- Garnish with extra cocoa powder or chocolate curls for presentation.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Frost before serving.
- Reheating: Allow refrigerated cupcakes to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before eating.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed espresso?
Yes! Dissolve 2 teaspoons of instant coffee in ½ cup of hot water as a substitute.
2. What can I use instead of mascarpone cheese?
You can use cream cheese mixed with heavy cream, but mascarpone is recommended for authentic flavor.
3. Can I make these cupcakes alcohol-free?
Absolutely! Simply omit the coffee liqueur and increase the amount of espresso.
4. How do I prevent the cupcakes from becoming soggy?
Use a light hand when brushing the espresso mixture—you want them moist, not drenched.
5. Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes! They taste even better the next day as the flavors develop in the fridge.
Conclusion
These Tiramisu Cupcakes offer all the rich flavors of traditional tiramisu in a fun, easy-to-eat cupcake form. With a moist coffee-infused cake, creamy mascarpone frosting, and a dusting of cocoa, they make the perfect treat for any occasion.
Try this irresistible recipe today and enjoy the heavenly combination of espresso and mascarpone in every bite! ☕🧁
Tiramisu Cupcakes – A Delicious Twist on the Classic Italian Dessert
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ 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 whole milk
- ½ cup brewed espresso or strong coffee (cooled, for soaking)
- 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Mascarpone Frosting:
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon coffee liqueur (optional)
For Garnishing:
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
- Chocolate shavings (optional)
- Ladyfinger crumbles (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Step 4: Bake the Cupcakes
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cupcakes cool completely before soaking and frosting.
Step 5: Soak the Cupcakes
- Using a fork or skewer, poke small holes on the top of each cupcake.
- Brush the tops with the cooled espresso (mixed with coffee liqueur, if using), allowing it to soak in.
Step 6: Make the Mascarpone Frosting
- In a mixing bowl, beat mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
- If using, add coffee liqueur for extra flavor.
- Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a round tip.
Step 7: Frost and Decorate
- Pipe the mascarpone frosting onto each cupcake.
- Dust with unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings or crushed ladyfingers for an extra decorative touch.
Step 8: Chill and Serve
- For the best flavor, chill the cupcakes in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Enjoy with a cup of espresso!
Notes
✔ Use strong coffee or espresso – The richer the coffee, the better the flavor.
✔ Don’t over-soak the cupcakes – Too much liquid can make them soggy.
✔ Chill before serving – This enhances the flavors and texture.
✔ Use high-quality mascarpone – It makes the frosting extra creamy and authentic.
✔ Pair with a cup of espresso – Complements the flavors beautifully.
- Prep Time: 20minutes
- Cook Time: 18-20minutes