If you’ve ever dreamed of turning the delight of tiramisu into something cupcake-sized and shareable, these Tiramisu Cupcakes are your new obsession. Moist vanilla cupcakes are soaked in aromatic coffee syrup, topped with a cloud of mascarpone frosting, and finished with a dusting of cocoa and dark chocolate curls. Every bite brings together the classic flavors of Italy’s favorite dessert in a playful, portable treat that’s sure to impress both coffee lovers and anyone with a sweet tooth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Tiramisu Cupcakes so irresistible is the way simple, quality ingredients come together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each component contributes something special, from fluffy cake to the silky frosting and pop of coffee.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of your cupcakes, providing essential structure and a tender crumb.
- Baking powder: Gives the cupcakes their lovely lift and airiness.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and deepens the overall flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Brings richness and moisture to each cupcake crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes and helps them bake up beautifully golden.
- Large eggs: Bind the batter, add richness, and keep the cupcakes soft.
- Vanilla extract: Warm, aromatic notes that round out both the cupcake and the frosting flavors perfectly.
- Whole milk: Adds moisture for a soft, luscious crumb.
- Strong brewed coffee or espresso: Infuses that unmistakable tiramisu magic, soaking into the cupcakes for flavor and moisture.
- Coffee liqueur (optional): Amp up the coffee flavor with a splash of decadence, or leave it out for a family-friendly treat.
- Mascarpone cheese: The creamy heart of the frosting—delicately sweet, tangy, and impossibly smooth.
- Heavy cream: Whips up with the mascarpone for a lush, pillowy finish.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting without making it grainy.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: A classic tiramisu topper that gives a hint of bittersweet edge.
- Dark chocolate shavings (optional): For extra drama and a touch of texture on top.
How to Make Tiramisu Cupcakes
Step 1: Prep the Cupcake Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. In a larger mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy—this step gives your cupcakes a gorgeous texture. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each, then stir in the vanilla. Alternate adding the dry mixture with splashes of milk, starting and finishing with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined for a tender crumb.
Step 2: Bake the Cupcakes
Divide the batter evenly among your cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops are slightly golden. Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for a couple of minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely—patience is key here to avoid melted frosting later on!
Step 3: Brew and Make the Coffee Syrup
While your Tiramisu Cupcakes are cooling, hustle over to your stovetop and combine the strong brewed coffee or espresso with the granulated sugar in a small saucepan. Gently warm the mixture over low heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Take it off the heat and stir in the coffee liqueur if you’re using it. Let the syrup cool—we want it at room temperature so it soaks into the cupcakes evenly.
Step 4: Soak the Cupcakes
Once the cupcakes are cool, grab a skewer or toothpick and poke a few holes in the top of each one. This will help the coffee syrup sink in, just like ladyfingers in traditional tiramisu! Brush each cupcake liberally with the coffee syrup, letting it really soak up those bold flavors. Don’t be shy—this is where the magic happens!
Step 5: Whip Up the Mascarpone Frosting
In a large bowl, beat together the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until thick and fluffy. Be careful not to overmix—stop as soon as it holds stiff peaks. The result is a frosting that’s rich but airy, echoing the filling of classic tiramisu.
Step 6: Frost and Garnish
Pipe or spoon the mascarpone frosting onto your cupcakes in luscious swirls. Finish with a generous dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder and, if you’re feeling extra fancy, a sprinkling of dark chocolate shavings. Your Tiramisu Cupcakes are now beautiful, decadent, and ready to devour!
How to Serve Tiramisu Cupcakes
Garnishes
For that unmistakable tiramisu finish, dust your cupcakes with unsweetened cocoa powder and watch as the deep brown contrasts against the ivory mascarpone frosting. Add dark chocolate shavings for a textural surprise and a dash of elegance—don’t be afraid to get creative with a chocolate curl or two if you want a true bakery vibe.
Side Dishes
Pair these Tiramisu Cupcakes with a freshly brewed cup of espresso, a foamy cappuccino, or a rich dessert wine like Vin Santo for the grown-ups. For a lighter touch, serve alongside a bowl of mixed berries or a scoop of vanilla bean gelato. The beauty of these cupcakes is that they steal the spotlight but play well with others.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving a crowd, arrange your Tiramisu Cupcakes on a tiered cake stand for eye-catching height. For a party, nestle each finished cupcake into a coffee mug or espresso cup for a whimsical nod to their caffeinated roots. Mini cupcake versions make delightful finger-food for brunches or dessert buffets, while a sprinkle of edible gold leaf can elevate them for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Because of the mascarpone-based frosting, these Tiramisu Cupcakes are best stored in the refrigerator. Place the cupcakes in an airtight container and enjoy them within 2 to 3 days. Let them sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before serving to bring out their soft texture and full flavors.
Freezing
If you’d like to prepare ahead, freeze the cupcakes (unfrosted and without syrup) in a sealed container for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature, then brush with freshly made coffee syrup and finish with mascarpone frosting just before serving for the best results. Frosting does not freeze as well, so hold off on that step until serving time.
Reheating
Since these are delicate, they don’t require reheating. However, if you prefer a softer texture, let refrigerated cupcakes return to room temperature on the counter. Avoid warming them in the microwave or oven, as the mascarpone frosting could melt and lose its signature airy texture.
FAQs
Can I make Tiramisu Cupcakes without coffee liqueur?
Absolutely! Simply leave out the coffee liqueur for a non-alcoholic version that still packs all the coffee flavor and none of the booze. The cupcakes remain just as delicious and accessible for all ages.
What’s the best way to get smooth mascarpone frosting?
For the dreamiest texture, use cold mascarpone and heavy cream. Beat gently and stop as soon as stiff peaks form—overmixing can make the frosting curdle. Always sift the powdered sugar first to avoid lumps.
Can I use cream cheese instead of mascarpone?
Cream cheese is tangier and firmer, but in a pinch it can stand in for mascarpone. For the most authentic tiramisu cupcakes, though, mascarpone’s velvety richness is unmatched. If you substitute, use full-fat cream cheese and adjust sweetness to taste.
How far in advance can I make Tiramisu Cupcakes?
You can bake the cupcake bases a day ahead and store them covered at room temperature. The coffee syrup and frosting can also be prepped ahead; just store them separately in the fridge. Assemble and garnish the day you plan to serve for ultimate freshness and flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Be sure to check that your other ingredients (like baking powder) are gluten-free too. The results will be just as luscious and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
There’s something irresistible about the marriage of coffee, cream, and cocoa, and these Tiramisu Cupcakes bring it all together in the most delightful way. Whether you’re baking for a celebration, a pick-me-up treat, or just to wow your friends, don’t hesitate to try this recipe—you’ll be in love after the first bite!
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-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the flavors of classic tiramisu in cupcake form with these delightful Tiramisu Cupcakes. Moist coffee-infused cupcakes are soaked in a coffee syrup, topped with a luscious mascarpone frosting, and finished with a dusting of cocoa powder and chocolate shavings.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 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
For the Coffee Syrup:
- 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee or espresso
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon coffee liqueur (optional)
For the Mascarpone Frosting:
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish:
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Dark chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Make the cupcake batter: Cream butter and sugar, add eggs and vanilla, then mix in dry ingredients alternating with milk. Divide batter into liners and bake until done.
- Prepare the coffee syrup: Combine coffee and sugar in a saucepan, heat until sugar dissolves, then add coffee liqueur if using. Let cool.
- Soak the cupcakes: Poke holes in cooled cupcakes and brush with coffee syrup.
- Make the mascarpone frosting: Beat mascarpone, cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until fluffy.
- Decorate the cupcakes: Frost the cupcakes and garnish with cocoa powder and chocolate shavings.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the liqueur.
- Keep cupcakes refrigerated due to the mascarpone but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for best texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
