If you’ve ever dreamed of having the classic flavors of creamy tiramisu and tender cake all in one adorable package, you’ll fall head over heels for these Tiramisu Cupcakes. They combine fluffy vanilla cupcakes soaked with bold coffee, a cloud-like mascarpone frosting, and a dusting of cocoa—the perfect pick-me-up for coffee lovers, dessert fans, and anyone who appreciates a sweet treat with a sophisticated twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be surprised how simple ingredients like mascarpone, coffee, and a super-tender cake batter can create such a show-stopping dessert. Each element is essential to capturing that unmistakable tiramisu magic in cupcake form—don’t skip a thing!
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone for fluffy cupcakes that hold their shape and soak up all that coffee goodness.
- Baking powder: Gives the cupcakes that light, airy crumb we crave in every bite.
- Salt: Just a pinch highlights the sweetness and intensifies all the other flavors.
- Unsalted butter (softened): For rich, tender cake with buttery flavor in every crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps create a soft texture.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and add extra richness.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and balances the bold coffee and mascarpone flavors.
- Whole milk: Keeps the cupcakes moist—don’t substitute skim here!
- Strong brewed coffee (cooled): The heart of tiramisu—deep and aromatic, it soaks into the cupcakes for classic flavor.
- Coffee liqueur (optional): For a grown-up kick that makes these feel even more indulgent.
- Mascarpone cheese (softened): The creamy superstar that creates cloud-like frosting.
- Heavy cream: Whips the mascarpone into a pillowy, billowy topping.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting without any grit.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: For that signature tiramisu flourish and just a touch of bitterness.
- Chocolate shavings (optional): A little extra love for garnish, adding drama and chocolatey goodness.
How to Make Tiramisu Cupcakes
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper cupcake liners—this keeps cleanup easy and ensures your cupcakes release perfectly every time.
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together. This simple step helps disperse the leavening agent throughout the flour, which means fluffy, evenly risen cupcakes for everyone.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Grab a large mixing bowl and cream the softened butter with the sugar until the mixture is pale and super fluffy. This is where your cupcake’s tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture begins! Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each, and then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the creamed butter, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix gently—just until no streaks remain—so your Tiramisu Cupcakes stay soft and light. Over-mixing here means dense cupcakes, so go easy!
Step 5: Bake the Cupcakes
Divide the batter evenly among your cupcake liners. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are okay!). Let the cupcakes cool completely before moving on—otherwise, the coffee soak won’t absorb as well, and the frosting will melt right off.
Step 6: Give Them a Coffee Soak
Mix the cooled coffee, coffee liqueur (if you’re using it), and a touch of sugar. Poke several holes in the top of each cooled cupcake with a toothpick or skewer, then slowly spoon about 1 tablespoon of the coffee mixture over each cupcake. Watch as the cakes soak up all that beautiful coffee flavor, just like classic tiramisu.
Step 7: Whip Up the Mascarpone Frosting
Beat together the mascarpone, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Go slow at first, then turn up the speed once everything is combined. The end result should be billowy, smooth, and irresistible—ideal for piping or spreading on top of your coffee-soaked cupcakes.
Step 8: Decorate and Chill
Frost each cupcake generously, then dust the tops with unsweetened cocoa powder. If you want to go the extra mile, sprinkle a few chocolate shavings over each one. Chill the Tiramisu Cupcakes until you’re ready to serve. The chilling step helps set the flavors, making every bite pure magic.
How to Serve Tiramisu Cupcakes
Garnishes
The classic finish for tiramisu is a dramatic dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder, and these cupcakes are no exception. For a lovely finishing touch, scatter a pinch of chocolate shavings or chocolate curls over the top. They not only look irresistible but add a little melt-in-your-mouth chocolate flavor to every bite.
Side Dishes
Tiramisu Cupcakes are perfectly indulgent on their own, but if you want to round out your dessert table, try pairing them with a bowl of fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla gelato. The fruit’s tartness and the ice cream’s creaminess offer a delightful contrast to the cupcakes’ bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting a party, display the Tiramisu Cupcakes on a tiered cake stand and scatter a few coffee beans or ladyfinger pieces around for playful elegance. For extra wow factor, serve each cupcake in an espresso cup or wrap them in fancy parchment toppers—everyone loves a little extra flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Tiramisu Cupcakes keep beautifully in the refrigerator. Pop them in an airtight container and they’ll stay moist and flavorful for up to three days—just perfect for sneaking a treat with your afternoon coffee.
Freezing
If you’d like to make the cupcakes ahead, you can freeze the unfrosted, coffee-soaked cupcakes for up to a month. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and store in a zip-top bag. When you’re ready, thaw them in the fridge overnight, then whip up and add the mascarpone frosting fresh.
Reheating
Tiramisu Cupcakes are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat them. If they’re coming straight from the fridge, let them sit out for 10–15 minutes to soften the cake and frosting before serving.
FAQs
Can I make Tiramisu Cupcakes without coffee liqueur?
Absolutely! The liqueur is optional; you’ll still get that amazing coffee flavor just from the brew. If you’re avoiding alcohol, simply omit it—the cupcakes are still delicious.
Is there a substitute for mascarpone cheese?
Mascarpone is traditional, but in a pinch, you can blend equal parts cream cheese and heavy cream until smooth. The result won’t be quite as rich, but the frosting will still be creamy and luscious.
Why do I need to soak the cupcakes with coffee?
The coffee soak is what transforms these from regular cupcakes into tiramisu cupcakes! It adds that irresistible coffee flavor and keeps the crumb moist, just like traditional tiramisu.
Can I make Tiramisu Cupcakes gluten-free?
Yes! Use your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum for structure, and double-check all other ingredients for gluten-free status.
How far in advance can I make these cupcakes?
You can bake the cupcakes and even soak them the day before you need them. Frost them the morning of your event for the best texture and flavor, and keep them in the fridge until serving time.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try these Tiramisu Cupcakes—the perfect little parcels of coffee, cream, and joy. They bring elegance to any celebration and joy to an ordinary day. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if your friends beg for the recipe after just one 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 a classic tiramisu in cupcake form with these decadent and creamy Tiramisu Cupcakes. Moist vanilla cupcakes soaked in coffee, topped with a rich mascarpone frosting, and dusted with cocoa powder for the perfect finishing touch.
Ingredients
Cupcakes:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon 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 Soak:
- 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 1 tablespoon coffee liqueur (optional)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Mascarpone Frosting:
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish:
- Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
- Optional chocolate shavings
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each, then mix in vanilla.
- Alternate wet and dry ingredients: Alternately add the flour mixture and milk, beginning and ending with flour.
- Bake cupcakes: Divide batter among liners and bake for 18–20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool.
- Prepare coffee soak: Mix cooled coffee, coffee liqueur, and sugar. Poke holes in cupcakes and spoon soak over each.
- Make mascarpone frosting: Beat mascarpone, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Ice cupcakes: Pipe or spread frosting onto cupcakes.
- Garnish: Dust with cocoa powder and top with chocolate shavings if desired. Chill before serving.
Notes
- For a stronger coffee flavor, brush additional coffee soak on the cupcakes before frosting.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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