If you adore the classic Italian dessert but want a fun, individual twist to wow your guests, this Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe is exactly what you need. These cupcakes capture all the luscious flavors of tiramisu—rich espresso-soaked cake, creamy mascarpone frosting, and a dusting of cocoa—all wrapped up in a delightful little treat. Perfect for parties or a cozy night in, they bring the elegance of a tiramisu in a portable, bite-sized form that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these irresistible cupcakes. Each component is simple but essential, working together to give you that perfect balance of moist coffee-infused cake and silky, airy frosting that makes tiramisu so beloved.
- 1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the sturdy yet tender base for your cupcakes.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps your cupcakes rise beautifully and stay fluffy.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda: Works with other ingredients to ensure lightness and texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet and rich flavors like a secret weapon.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness that balances the coffee’s bitterness perfectly.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture to the crumb.
- 2 large eggs: Binds everything together for a stable yet soft structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the batter.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Boosts tenderness and a slight tang that brightens the flavor.
- 1/4 cup espresso or strong brewed coffee, cooled: Infuses the cake with an unmistakable coffee kick.
- 1/2 cup espresso or strong brewed coffee: Used for soaking the cupcakes, so they’re wonderfully moist inside.
- 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional): Adds a subtle boozy note that makes these cupcakes feel extra special.
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese: The star ingredient in the frosting—smooth, creamy, and indulgent.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Sweeter and finer, perfect to blend into a silky frosting.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds that familiar comforting aroma to the frosting.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream: Whipped to soft peaks, it gives the frosting its luscious lightness.
- Cocoa powder: For dusting and that classic tiramisu finish.
- Chocolate curls or grated chocolate: Optional but highly recommended for an elegant garnish.
How to Make Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cupcake Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt—this dry mix ensures your cupcakes rise evenly and have perfect texture. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. Then add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract. Now it’s time to mix in the sour cream and the cooled espresso. Finally, gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until everything is combined for a tender crumb.
Step 2: Bake the Cupcakes
Divide the batter evenly into the cupcake liners, filling each about three-quarters full. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let them cool completely on a wire rack—this step is crucial so the frosting doesn’t melt later and your cupcakes maintain their form.
Step 3: Make the Coffee Soak
While your cupcakes cool, mix the espresso with the coffee liqueur in a small bowl. Using a fork, pierce the top of each cooled cupcake several times so the coffee soak can seep in deeply. Using a pastry brush, generously brush the soak over the cupcakes; this coffee infusion gives them that signature tiramisu moistness and bold flavor.
Step 4: Prepare the Mascarpone Frosting
For the frosting, beat the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until silky smooth. In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, creating a light, airy frosting that perfectly complements the coffee-soaked cupcake base.
Step 5: Decorate and Serve
Pipe or spread the luscious frosting over each cupcake in swirls or peaks for elegance. Finish by dusting the tops with cocoa powder and adding a few chocolate curls or grated chocolate for that beautiful, classic tiramisu look. These cupcakes are now ready to impress!
How to Serve Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of cocoa powder is a must to bring that authentic tiramisu vibe. If you want to get fancy, chocolate curls or even a sprinkle of finely chopped espresso beans add visual appeal and a crunchy contrast. Fresh mint can also add a refreshing pop of color to balance the richness.
Side Dishes
Pair your tiramisu cupcakes with a scoop of vanilla gelato or a small cup of espresso to highlight those deep coffee flavors. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries offer a tart contrast that brightens the palate beautifully. For a party, serving alongside a light prosecco or dessert wine can create an indulgently festive experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these cupcakes in clear mini trifle cups layered with extra mascarpone and espresso drizzle for a “deconstructed” tiramisu feel. You can also create a dessert platter with assorted coffee-flavored confections and place these cupcakes front and center as a stunning centerpiece. Wrapping each cupcake in delicate parchment paper and tying with rustic twine makes an adorable gift too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover tiramisu cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually mature and deepen overnight, so they’ll taste even better the next day. Just be sure to keep them chilled as the mascarpone frosting is delicate and best served cool.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw them slowly in the refrigerator overnight to prevent sogginess and keep the texture ideal.
Reheating
These cupcakes are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer, bring them to room temperature for 20-30 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving as the delicate frosting may melt and the cupcake can become dry.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without coffee liqueur?
Absolutely! The coffee liqueur is optional and adds a subtle boozy depth, but you can omit it without compromising the overall flavor. Just increase the brewed coffee slightly to maintain enough liquid for the soak.
What if I don’t have mascarpone cheese?
Mascarpone is key for that creamy tiramisu flavor and texture, but you can substitute with a mix of cream cheese and heavy cream to get a similar creamy consistency, though the flavor will be a bit tangier.
Can these cupcakes be made gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour for a high-quality gluten-free flour blend, you can enjoy tiramisu cupcakes gluten-free. Just ensure the blend includes xanthan gum or another binder for the best texture.
How can I make these cupcakes more kid-friendly?
Simply skip the coffee liqueur and use decaffeinated espresso or strong coffee so the cupcakes maintain their delicious coffee flavor without caffeine or alcohol concerns for kids.
What’s the best way to pipe the frosting?
Use a large round tip or a star tip to pipe the frosting for a professional look. If you don’t have a piping bag, a sturdy resealable plastic bag with one corner snipped off works just as well for decorating.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a way to bring the charm of tiramisu into an approachable, handheld form, this Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. From the coffee-soaked sponge to the dreamy mascarpone frosting, every bite is a celebration of Italian flavors with a fun twist. Grab your ingredients and dive in—you won’t regret it!
Print
Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these elegant Tiramisu Cupcakes, which bring the classic Italian dessert flavors into a perfectly portioned cupcake. Moist espresso-infused cake topped with a luscious mascarpone and whipped cream frosting, finished with a dusting of cocoa powder and chocolate curls for a sophisticated finish.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup espresso or strong brewed coffee, cooled
Coffee Soak
- 1/2 cup espresso or strong brewed coffee
- 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)
Frosting
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Garnish
- Cocoa powder
- Chocolate curls or grated chocolate
Instructions
- Prepare the cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream the sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix in the sour cream and 1/4 cup of cooled espresso. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined to form the cupcake batter.
- Bake: Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about three-quarters full. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make the coffee soak: Combine the remaining 1/2 cup espresso with coffee liqueur, if using. Use a fork to pierce the tops of each cooled cupcake several times, then brush the coffee soak generously over each cupcake to infuse them with rich espresso flavor.
- Prepare the frosting: In a bowl, beat mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fully combined and light.
- Decorate and serve: Pipe or spread the mascarpone frosting over each soaked cupcake. Dust the tops with cocoa powder and garnish with chocolate curls or grated chocolate for an elegant finish. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the coffee liqueur and substitute with extra brewed espresso or strong coffee.
- Ensure the cupcakes are completely cool before adding coffee soak and frosting to prevent melting and sogginess.
- Mascarpone frosting is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours in an airtight container.
- Use high-quality espresso or strong coffee for the richest flavor.
- Chocolate curls can be made by shaving a bar of chocolate with a vegetable peeler.
