If you have a soft spot for creamy, coffee-flavored desserts wrapped into a perfect handheld treat, you’re going to absolutely love this Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe. Imagine the classic tiramisu experience transformed into moist cupcakes infused with espresso, layered with luscious mascarpone frosting, and finished with a dusting of cocoa powder. Each bite offers a dreamy balance of rich flavors and delicate textures, making these cupcakes an irresistible pick for any occasion where you want to impress with just a simple sweet treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward yet incredibly important to capture the true essence of tiramisu in cupcake form. Each component plays a key role, whether it’s the espresso powder boosting that signature coffee taste or the mascarpone making the frosting incredibly creamy and dreamy.

All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups, 213g): Provides the tender structure needed for light, fluffy cupcakes.
Baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoons): Helps the cupcakes rise perfectly without becoming dense.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors in the batter, balancing sweetness.
Unsalted butter (8 tablespoons, 113g), room temperature: Adds richness and moisture to the cupcakes.
Granulated sugar (3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons, 175g): Sweetens the batter while helping with texture and tenderness.
Large egg and egg yolks (1 egg + 2 yolks), room temperature: Provide structure and velvety texture.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
Milk (1/3 cup, 80ml), room temperature: Keeps the batter moist and helps dissolve espresso powder.
Buttermilk (1/3 cup, 80ml), room temperature: Adds a slight tang and tender crumb to the cupcakes.
Instant espresso powder (1 1/2 tablespoons): Packs in that essential coffee flavor foundational to tiramisu.
Mascarpone cheese (8 oz, BelGioioso recommended): The star of the frosting, delivering richness and creaminess.
Powdered sugar (2/3 cup, 80g): Sweetens the frosting and helps it whip up smooth.
Heavy cream (1 cup, 235ml): Whipped to soft peaks and folded into mascarpone to create a light, airy frosting.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) for frosting: Brings an additional layer of flavor to the frosting.
Cocoa powder (1 tablespoon, Dutch process or regular unsweetened): The final dusting that evokes the classic tiramisu look and taste.

How to Make Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners to ensure your cupcakes bake evenly and release easily once done. Setting this up early lets you focus on the batter without rushing later.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This will evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt through the flour, ensuring consistent rise and flavor. Set this bowl aside for quick access when you start combining.

Step 3: Dissolve Espresso Powder

In a small bowl, mix the instant espresso powder into the milk until fully dissolved. This step is crucial because it infuses the batter with that unmistakable coffee essence that makes this Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe stand out.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, resulting in cupcakes with a tender crumb and delightful texture.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the large egg and egg yolks one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract, enhancing the depth of the batter’s flavor.

Step 6: Alternate Dry and Milk Mixtures

Add the flour mixture and the espresso-infused milk mixture alternately to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mix. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter, preserving lightness.

Step 7: Add Buttermilk

Gently mix in the buttermilk until the batter is smooth. The acidity of the buttermilk tenderizes the cupcake crumb and supports a well-balanced flavor profile.

Step 8: Portion the Batter

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to give them room to rise without overflowing.

Step 9: Bake and Cool

Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the cupcakes from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely—frosting warm cupcakes can cause the frosting to melt and lose its texture.

Step 10: Prepare the Mascarpone Frosting

Beat the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to soft peaks, then gently fold it into the mascarpone mixture to create a light, airy frosting that perfectly complements the rich cupcakes.

Step 11: Frost and Finish

Once cupcakes are completely cooled, frost them generously with the mascarpone mixture. Finally, dust each cupcake lightly with cocoa powder to capture that classic tiramisu finishing touch. Chill or serve at room temperature as you prefer.

How to Serve Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate presentation and add texture, consider topping the cupcakes with shaved chocolate, a sprinkle of chocolate-covered espresso beans, or a fresh coffee bean atop the cocoa dusting. These accents not only look stunning but enhance the coffee theme deliciously.

Side Dishes

Pair these cupcakes with a chilled glass of espresso, a cappuccino, or even a creamy dessert wine to complement their rich flavor profile. Fresh berries on the side can also provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the cupcakes on a beautiful tiered cake stand for elegant occasions or pack them in individual clear boxes tied with rustic twine for a charming gift. You could even create mini tiramisu cupcake towers layered with fresh raspberries and a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a wow-worthy dessert table centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the mascarpone frosting fresh and the cupcakes moist. They will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making them a great make-ahead treat.

Freezing

If you want to freeze these cupcakes, frost them only after thawing to preserve the texture of the frosting. Store unfrosted cupcakes in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before decorating.

Reheating

Because tiramisu cupcakes are best served chilled or at room temperature, avoid reheating them. If you prefer them slightly warmer, let them sit at room temperature out of the fridge for about 20 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use regular coffee instead of instant espresso powder?

While you can try substituting brewed strong coffee, instant espresso powder gives a more concentrated coffee flavor without adding extra liquid to the batter, which helps keep the cupcakes’ texture just right.

Is mascarpone cheese necessary for the frosting?

Mascarpone is traditional and gives the frosting a luscious texture and mild tang that pairs beautifully with the espresso flavor. Using cream cheese instead can alter the taste and texture, making it tangier and less creamy.

Can these cupcakes be made dairy-free?

This recipe relies on mascarpone, butter, and heavy cream, so making it dairy-free would require substitutions that might compromise the signature texture and flavor. It’s best to enjoy these as a creamy indulgence.

How do I prevent the cupcakes from drying out?

Properly measuring ingredients and not overbaking are key. Also, storing leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge will help keep them moist for several days.

Can I make mini tiramisu cupcakes?

Absolutely! Just reduce baking time to about 12–15 minutes, and keep a close eye on them since they’ll bake faster. Mini cupcakes make fabulous bite-sized desserts for parties.

Final Thoughts

This Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe truly brings the beloved flavors of classic tiramisu into an adorable and shareable form that’s perfect for any celebration or simple indulgence. Once you try these cupcakes, their rich coffee aroma, fluffy texture, and dreamy mascarpone frosting will have you coming back again and again. So grab your ingredients, invite some friends, and enjoy baking and savoring these divine treats together!