Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe
If you adore the creamy, dreamy flavors of Italy’s beloved tiramisu, then Tiramisu Cupcakes will absolutely steal your heart! These little beauties take everything you love about the classic dessert—velvety mascarpone, a punch of coffee, a hint of cocoa—and wrap it up in the coziest, most irresistible cupcake form. With a moist, coffee-soaked crumb and a luscious, cloud-like frosting, Tiramisu Cupcakes offer all the satisfaction of tiramisu in a portable, party-ready package that’s perfect for sharing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these cupcakes starts with simple, high-quality ingredients. Every component plays its part in crafting that iconic tiramisu vibe—whether it’s for moisture, richness, or coffee-kissed flavor. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need, and why you’ll love having these on hand:
- All-purpose flour: Lays the perfect foundation for cupcakes that are soft, sturdy, and tender.
- Baking powder: Gives your cupcakes that lovely rise and fluffy crumb.
- Salt: A pinch brings out all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the deal and helps with the creaming process for a light, airy crumb.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and create a fluffy structure.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses a cozy, aromatic note in both batter and frosting.
- Whole milk: Keeps the cupcakes extra moist.
- Strong brewed coffee (cooled): Delivers that unmistakable tiramisu flavor—make sure it’s nice and robust!
- Coffee liqueur (optional): For a grown-up kick and even deeper flavor, but you can swap for more coffee for a kid-friendly take.
- Mascarpone cheese (softened): The star of the show—this ultra-creamy cheese makes the frosting taste exactly like tiramisu.
- Heavy cream: Whips into a billowy, dreamy topping when combined with mascarpone.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the frosting without grittiness.
- Cocoa powder: A final dusting adds a gently bitter, aromatic finish.
How to Make Tiramisu Cupcakes
Step 1: Prep the Cupcake Batter
Start with the basics by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl—this helps keep everything light and evenly distributed. In a larger bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture looks pale and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in that splash of vanilla for an aromatic boost. Add the dry ingredients in batches, alternating with the milk. You’ll end up with a silky, smooth batter that’s just begging to be baked!
Step 2: Bake to Perfection
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners—use an ice cream scoop if you want picture-perfect portions. Slip the tray into the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean. As hard as it is to wait, let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack before moving on. This step keeps the frosting from melting and ensures every bite holds together beautifully.
Step 3: Infuse with Coffee Mixture
Combine your brewed coffee with the coffee liqueur (if using) in a small bowl. This is where the real tiramisu magic happens! Use a pastry brush or a spoon to gently shower each cooled cupcake with that boozy, aromatic coffee mixture. You want the tops to soak up the flavor without getting soggy—the aroma alone will have everyone circling the kitchen.
Step 4: Whip Up the Mascarpone Frosting
For the iconic tiramisu topping, beat together mascarpone, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and a swish of vanilla until the mixture turns light, fluffy, and spreadable. Take care not to over-beat, as mascarpone can get grainy if you push it too far. For a bakery-worthy finish, transfer your frosting into a piping bag (or simply spread with a spatula if you’re short on time). Either way, don’t skimp—the more generous the swirl, the better.
Step 5: Finish with Cocoa Dust
To take your Tiramisu Cupcakes over the top, grab a fine-mesh sieve and lightly dust each cupcake with cocoa powder. This final touch echoes the classic tiramisu look and taste, tying everything together in a glorious, chocolate-kissed package. Now stand back and admire your masterpiece before devouring!
How to Serve Tiramisu Cupcakes
Garnishes
Presentation is everything when it comes to Tiramisu Cupcakes. For that café-style flair, add a little extra cocoa dust on the tops just before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, a few chocolate curls or a chocolate-covered espresso bean perched on the frosting will make these cupcakes look as elegant as any bakery treat. A scatter of edible gold leaf is guaranteed to wow for special occasions!
Side Dishes
Since Tiramisu Cupcakes are sweet and deeply flavorful, they’re wonderful with something light on the side. Serve them alongside fresh berries (think strawberries or raspberries) to cut through the richness. A small scoop of vanilla bean gelato or even an affogato—a shot of hot espresso poured over ice cream—makes for an extra-indulgent dessert plate. For coffee hour, simply pair with a cappuccino or iced latte.
Creative Ways to Present
Make dessert unforgettable by displaying Tiramisu Cupcakes on a tiered cake stand or a big, rustic wooden board. For parties, tuck each cupcake into a decorative cupcake wrapper or mini glass jar—perfect for grab-and-go sweet treats. If you want an interactive twist, set up a cupcake bar with bowls of extra cocoa powder, chocolate shavings, and espresso beans so guests can customize their own toppings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Tiramisu Cupcakes left (good luck with that!), pop them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. The mascarpone frosting keeps them fresh and moist for up to 3 days. Remember, these are best served chilled, just like traditional tiramisu, so take them straight from the fridge for that uniquely cool, creamy bite.
Freezing
Want to get ahead? You can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to one month. Just wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap, then stash them in a zip-top freezer bag. When you’re ready to serve, thaw completely in the fridge, then whip up your mascarpone frosting and decorate as usual. For best texture, avoid freezing frosted cupcakes, as the filling may separate when thawed.
Reheating
These cupcakes are designed to be served cold, so reheating isn’t typically necessary. If you’ve frozen the cupcakes without frosting, allow them to thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Bring them to room temperature for a few minutes before adding the coffee soak and frosting. After that, they’re ready for all the coffee-kissed, creamy goodness you expect from tiramisu.
FAQs
Can I make Tiramisu Cupcakes alcohol-free?
Absolutely! Just swap out the coffee liqueur for an equal amount of brewed coffee. You won’t lose any of that deep coffee flavor, and the cupcakes will be perfectly family-friendly.
Can I use cream cheese instead of mascarpone?
While cream cheese works in a pinch, mascarpone gives Tiramisu Cupcakes their signature luxurious texture and authentic flavor. If you do substitute, expect a tangier frosting that’s still delicious, but not quite like classic tiramisu.
How do I know when the cupcakes are done baking?
The best way is the old toothpick trick: Insert it into the center of a cupcake, and if it comes out clean or with just a crumb or two, they’re done. Don’t overbake—they should be tender and moist!
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
No problem! Simply double all the ingredients and divide the batter between two lined muffin tins. You may need to rotate the pans and add a minute or two to the baking time. These cupcakes are always a hit at parties.
What’s the best way to store Tiramisu Cupcakes overnight?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge, and hold off on the final cocoa dusting until just before serving. This keeps the cakes moist and the topping picture-perfect.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that brings all the creamy, coffee-infused joy of tiramisu to your table, these Tiramisu Cupcakes more than deliver. Try them once, and you’ll be tempted to make them for every celebration—or even just because! Gather your ingredients and treat yourself (and your lucky friends) to a batch soon.
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Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- 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 creamy mascarpone frosting, dusted with cocoa powder, are a perfect marriage of flavors.
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
Coffee Mixture:
- 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 1/4 cup coffee liqueur (optional)
Frosting:
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper 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 sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- Add Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add dry ingredients alternately with milk, mixing until just combined.
- Bake: Divide batter evenly into liners and bake for 18 to 20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool.
- Prepare Coffee Mixture: In a small bowl, combine brewed coffee and coffee liqueur. Brush or spoon mixture onto cooled cupcakes.
- Make Frosting: Beat mascarpone, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until fluffy and spreadable.
- Decorate Cupcakes: Pipe or spread frosting onto cupcakes. Dust with cocoa powder before serving.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the liqueur and use extra coffee.
- Store cupcakes in the refrigerator and serve chilled for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cupcakes
- Method: Baking, Whipping
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
