Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe

There's nothing quite like the rich, creamy decadence of tiramisu, and now you can enjoy that classic flavor in a perfectly portioned cupcake. These Tiramisu Cupcakes bring together the bold taste of espresso, the creaminess of mascarpone, and the delicate sweetness of vanilla cake in a dessert that feels both elegant and comforting.

I first made these cupcakes for a dinner party, hoping to combine the flavors of my favorite Italian dessert with the convenience of a handheld treat. They were an instant hit! The moist coffee-soaked cake paired with the light, airy mascarpone frosting had everyone asking for seconds.

Why You'll Love These Tiramisu Cupcakes

Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to dessert. These Tiramisu Cupcakes offer all the indulgence of traditional tiramisu with a fun, single-serve twist.

First, they’re easy to make. While tiramisu usually requires hours of chilling, these cupcakes come together quickly and can be enjoyed the same day.

They’re also perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or craving a sweet treat with your afternoon coffee, these cupcakes fit the bill.

Plus, they have just the right balance of flavors. The espresso-soaked cake, creamy mascarpone frosting, and a dusting of cocoa powder create a harmonious blend of sweetness and depth.

And let’s not forget—they’re visually stunning. The contrast of light mascarpone cream against the rich coffee cake makes these cupcakes as beautiful as they are delicious.

Ingredients Notes

Each ingredient in these Tiramisu Cupcakes plays an important role in recreating that authentic tiramisu flavor. Here’s what makes them special:

The cupcake base starts with a simple vanilla batter, but using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour ensures a light and fluffy texture. If you don’t have cake flour, you can substitute it by mixing all-purpose flour with cornstarch.

For the signature tiramisu taste, we use strong brewed espresso. Brushing the cupcakes with espresso after baking gives them that unmistakable coffee-soaked flavor. If you don’t have an espresso machine, strong brewed coffee will work just fine.

The mascarpone frosting is the star of this dessert. Mascarpone cheese adds a smooth, slightly tangy richness that balances the sweetness. Be sure to use full-fat mascarpone for the best texture.

A touch of coffee liqueur (such as Kahlua) enhances the flavor of both the espresso soak and the frosting. If you prefer an alcohol-free version, you can omit it without sacrificing taste.

Finally, a dusting of cocoa powder on top ties everything together. It adds a hint of bitterness that complements the sweet, creamy frosting and deep espresso notes.

How To Make These Tiramisu Cupcakes

Making these cupcakes is easier than you think! Here’s how to bring them to life step by step.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a cupcake pan with paper liners. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.

In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a soft cupcake texture. Add the eggs, one at a time, followed by vanilla extract, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. This helps maintain the cupcake’s delicate structure. Fill the cupcake liners about two-thirds full and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Once baked, let the cupcakes cool for a few minutes. Then, use a pastry brush to soak each cupcake with brewed espresso and coffee liqueur. Allow them to absorb the liquid for maximum flavor.

For the frosting, beat together the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Pipe the frosting generously onto each cupcake using a piping bag.

To finish, dust the tops with cocoa powder and, for an extra touch, garnish with chocolate shavings or espresso beans.

Storage Options

These cupcakes are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for later!

If you need to store them, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because of the mascarpone frosting, refrigeration is necessary to keep them fresh.

For longer storage, you can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to a month. When ready to serve, let them thaw at room temperature, then add the frosting and cocoa powder topping.

If you’ve already frosted them, you can freeze them individually on a baking sheet before transferring them to a container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about these Tiramisu Cupcakes is their versatility! Here are a few fun variations:

Want a boozy version? Increase the coffee liqueur in the espresso soak and frosting for a more pronounced kick.

Prefer an alcohol-free option? Simply omit the coffee liqueur and replace it with additional brewed espresso or vanilla extract.

Try a chocolate twist by adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the cupcake batter for a mocha flavor.

For a lighter frosting, you can swap out some of the mascarpone for cream cheese to create a tangier, slightly less rich topping.

Or, if you love extra texture, sprinkle crushed ladyfingers on top for a crunchy contrast to the creamy frosting.

No matter how you customize them, these Tiramisu Cupcakes are sure to be a hit. Give them a try and enjoy a little taste of Italy in every bite!

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