If you adore the rich, creamy layers of classic tiramisu but crave a fun, handheld twist, this Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe is going to be your new favorite dessert adventure. Imagine moist coffee-infused cupcakes baked to perfection, topped with a luxurious mascarpone cream frosting, and finished with a dusting of cocoa powder that’s pure decadence in every bite. It’s like the beloved Italian dessert transformed into a charming cupcake that’s perfect for sharing, celebrating, or simply treating yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe calls for a handful of straightforward ingredients that come together seamlessly to create a balanced combination of flavors and textures. Each item plays a vital role, whether it’s lending moisture, providing richness, or creating that signature coffee kick that sets these cupcakes apart.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): The essential base giving structure and tenderness to the cupcake.
- Baking powder (1 1/4 teaspoons): Helps the cupcakes rise beautifully and stay light.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors without being overpowering.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds richness and moistness; be sure it’s soft for easy creaming.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens perfectly without becoming cloying.
- Large eggs (2): Provide stability, moisture, and a tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Gives a subtle sweetness and depth to the batter and frosting.
- Whole milk (1/2 cup): Keeps the texture moist and adds creaminess.
- Strong brewed coffee (1/4 cup, cooled): Infuses that iconic espresso flavor that defines tiramisu.
- Coffee liqueur (1/4 cup, optional): Brings an adult twist of warm depth; feel free to omit for a non-alcoholic version.
- Mascarpone cheese (8 ounces, softened): The star of the frosting, delivering a silky, rich creaminess.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Whipped to lightness for a fluffy topping that complements the dense cupcake.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the frosting while making it smooth and spreadable.
- Cocoa powder (for dusting): The finishing flourish adding a hint of chocolate bitterness and classic tiramisu look.
How to Make Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners—it helps keep the cupcakes from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure these dry ingredients are evenly mixed. This simple prep step sets the foundation for a perfectly textured cupcake.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture lightens in color and becomes fluffy. This aeration is key, as it helps give the cupcakes a soft crumb and keeps them moist.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely aroma and depth of flavor that makes every bite feel special.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. This alternating method keeps the batter smooth and prevents overmixing, which can make cupcakes tough. Mix just until everything is combined, maintaining that tender texture.
Step 5: Bake Your Cupcakes
Divide the batter evenly among the 12 paper liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake in your preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Remove and let them cool completely to room temperature.
Step 6: Infuse with Coffee and Liqueur
In a small bowl, combine your brewed coffee and coffee liqueur, if using. Gently brush or spoon this mixture over the cooled cupcakes to soak in that classic tiramisu coffee flavor. It’s this step that brings the dessert magic alive.
Step 7: Prepare the Mascarpone Frosting
Beat together the softened mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes fluffy and spreadable. This frosting is incredibly light, creamy, and perfectly balanced between sweet and rich.
Step 8: Frost and Dust Your Cupcakes
Pipe or spread the mascarpone frosting generously over each cupcake. Finally, dust with cocoa powder for that authentic and inviting tiramisu finish. Serve them chilled for the best experience.
How to Serve Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe
Garnishes
While these cupcakes shine on their own, garnish them with freshly grated dark chocolate or a few espresso beans on top for extra flair and texture. You can also add a light sprinkle of cinnamon or a few chocolate shavings to elevate their appearance.
Side Dishes
Serve these Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe alongside a cup of espresso or a rich cappuccino to double down on the coffee experience. Fresh berries or a light fruit salad work beautifully to balance the richness, too.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider placing each cupcake on a delicate doily or in mini glass cloches to mimic the elegance of a traditional tiramisu presentation. Another fun idea is to serve them on a tiered stand at your next gathering to make dessert the centerpiece of the party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe refrigerated in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the frosting from wilting. They’re best enjoyed within 3 days for optimal flavor and texture.
Freezing
These cupcakes freeze well without sacrificing quality. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
Since these cupcakes are served chilled, reheating is not recommended. Instead, allow frozen cupcakes to defrost fully in the fridge and enjoy them cold to appreciate the creamy, refreshing tiramisu flavor.
FAQs
Can I make these cupcakes without coffee liqueur?
Absolutely! Simply omit the liqueur and substitute with extra brewed coffee to maintain that lovely coffee flavor without the alcohol.
Is mascarpone cheese necessary for the frosting?
Mascarpone is key to achieving the authentic creamy texture and flavor reminiscent of classic tiramisu, so it’s highly recommended for the frosting.
Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee?
Yes, dissolving instant coffee granules in hot water works fine—just make sure it’s strong enough to impart that bold coffee taste.
How long do these cupcakes stay fresh?
Stored properly in the refrigerator, the cupcakes remain fresh and delicious for up to 3 days.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Definitely! Just be sure to bake the cupcakes in batches or use multiple muffin tins to give them plenty of space for even cooking.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe feels like handing over a little slice of happiness wrapped in a cupcake liner. Every bite brings together the comforting flavors of coffee, creamy mascarpone, and a tender cake that’s as satisfying as it is beautiful. Whether you’re celebrating a special moment or simply filling a sweet craving, these cupcakes are sure to make you smile. Give this recipe a try, and watch how quickly they become a cherished favorite among your friends and family.
Print
Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert, Cupcakes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired, American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these luscious Tiramisu Cupcakes that combine the rich flavors of coffee-soaked cake with a creamy mascarpone frosting. Inspired by the classic Italian dessert, these cupcakes are perfect for any occasion where a sophisticated yet indulgent treat is desired.
Ingredients
Cupcake Batter
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Moistening Syrup
- 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 1/4 cup coffee liqueur (optional)
Mascarpone Frosting
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish
- Cocoa powder, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners to prevent sticking and facilitate easy removal of the cupcakes.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to combine and aerate the mixture, ensuring even distribution of the leavening agent.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color, which creates a tender crumb in the finished cupcakes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract for aroma and flavor depth.
- Combine Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with the whole milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Fill and Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Cupcakes: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan before removing them to ensure they hold their shape and prevent sogginess when moistened.
- Prepare Coffee Syrup: In a small bowl, mix together the strong brewed coffee and coffee liqueur (if using). Using a pastry brush or spoon, gently brush or spoon this mixture onto the cooled cupcakes to infuse them with authentic tiramisu flavor.
- Make Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until the mixture becomes fluffy, smooth, and spreadable, perfect for topping the cupcakes.
- Frost Cupcakes: Using a piping bag or a spatula, spread or pipe the mascarpone frosting evenly over the moistened cupcakes, creating a generous layer of creamy goodness.
- Dust and Serve: Lightly dust the frosted cupcakes with cocoa powder to mimic the classic tiramisu finish and serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the coffee liqueur and replace it with additional brewed coffee.
- Store the cupcakes in the refrigerator to keep the mascarpone frosting fresh and serve them chilled to fully enjoy the tiramisu-inspired flavors.
- If desired, you can pipe the frosting using a star tip for an elegant presentation.
- The cupcakes can be made a day ahead; just keep them covered and refrigerated.
