If you adore the classic Italian dessert but want a fun twist that’s perfect for parties and easy sharing, this Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine the delicate layers of coffee-soaked cake paired with silky mascarpone frosting, topped with a dusting of cocoa powder and optional chocolate shavings—all in a perfectly portioned cupcake. Each bite offers the luscious flavors of tiramisu with the convenience and charm of individual cupcakes. It’s a surefire way to impress friends and family while enjoying one of the most beloved desserts in an entirely new form.

Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple and straightforward, but each plays a crucial role in bringing the tiramisu cupcake to life, balancing moisture, flavor, and texture perfectly.

  • All-purpose flour: The backbone of your cupcakes, providing structure and tenderness.
  • Baking powder: A gentle lift that keeps the cupcakes light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances all the sweet flavors.
  • Unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and helps create a moist crumb.
  • Granulated sugar: Sweetens and contributes to a tender texture.
  • Large eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture.
  • Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
  • Whole milk: Helps create a smooth, tender cupcake batter.
  • Strong brewed coffee, cooled: Infuses the iconic coffee flavor essential to tiramisu.
  • Mascarpone cheese, softened: The rich, creamy heart of the frosting.
  • Heavy cream: Whipped with mascarpone for a luxurious frosting texture.
  • Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting without grit.
  • Coffee liqueur (optional): Adds a boozy depth for grown-up cupcakes.
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder: For that classic tiramisu dusting on top.
  • Dark chocolate shavings (optional): A decorative and flavorful finishing touch.

How to Make Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners to create a perfect vessel for your delicious batter. This step sets you up for success by ensuring an even baking environment and easy cupcake removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This combination ensures even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning throughout the cupcake batter, creating a consistent texture.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—usually about 2 to 3 minutes. This process incorporates air that will help yield tender cupcakes with the perfect crumb.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract, which brings fragrant warmth to the batter’s flavor base.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Alternately add the dry flour mixture and whole milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix everything together gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter, which keeps your cupcakes light and tender.

Step 6: Bake the Cupcakes

Spoon the batter into the prepared liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove and allow them to cool completely—this step is critical before moving on to soaking and frosting.

Step 7: Prepare the Mascarpone Frosting

In a large bowl, whip together the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. If you want to add a little extra kick, fold in the coffee liqueur. This frosting brings a creamy, luscious finish to your cupcakes.

Step 8: Soak the Cupcakes with Coffee

Once your cupcakes have cooled, lightly drizzle the tops with the strong, cooled brewed coffee. Let the coffee soak in for several minutes, infusing each cupcake with that signature tiramisu flavor without making them soggy.

Step 9: Frost the Cupcakes

Spread a generous layer of the mascarpone frosting over the tops of the coffee-soaked cupcakes. Use a spatula or a piping bag to create a neat, attractive finish. The frosting is the creamy highlight that ties all the flavors together.

Step 10: Dust and Decorate

Finally, dust each cupcake with unsweetened cocoa powder using a fine mesh sieve for a delicate, even coating. If you like, add dark chocolate shavings for an extra decorative and flavorful touch. Let the cupcakes rest for about 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set before serving.

How to Serve Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe

Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

For an elegant presentation, a light dusting of cocoa powder and a sprinkle of dark chocolate shavings creates a beautiful contrast to the creamy frosting. You can also add a small coffee bean on top for a charming coffee-lover’s accent.

Side Dishes

Serve these cupcakes alongside a rich espresso or a creamy cappuccino for a delightful coffee pairing. Fresh fruit like berries or a simple fruit salad can offer a refreshing balance to the richness of the cupcakes.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your tiramisu cupcakes in clear cupcake wrappers or individual mini glass jars to highlight their layered beauty. You can also stack them on a tiered dessert tray for a show-stopping centerpiece at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover tiramisu cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them chilled to maintain the integrity of the mascarpone frosting and the coffee-soaked cake.

Freezing

If you want to prepare these cupcakes ahead of time, you can freeze them without frosting for up to 2 months. Once you’re ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then frost and decorate before presenting.

Reheating

Tiramisu cupcakes are best enjoyed chilled, so avoid reheating. If the frosting feels too firm after refrigeration, just let the cupcakes sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to soften the mascarpone cream.

FAQs

Can I make these cupcakes without coffee liqueur?

Absolutely! The coffee liqueur is optional and can be omitted if you prefer a non-alcoholic version. The brewed coffee alone brings plenty of authentic tiramisu flavor.

What can I use if I don’t have mascarpone cheese?

While mascarpone is essential for authentic flavor and texture, you can substitute a combination of cream cheese and heavy cream for a similar creamy frosting, though the taste will be slightly different.

How do I prevent the cupcakes from becoming soggy after soaking with coffee?

Make sure to drizzle the coffee slowly and let the cupcakes absorb it gradually. Using cooled, strong coffee ensures the cupcake texture stays light and not overly wet.

Can I use a different type of frosting?

While the mascarpone frosting is classic for tiramisu, a lightly whipped cream cheese frosting can work as an alternative but keep it light and not too sweet to preserve the balance of flavors.

How long do these cupcakes last at room temperature?

Because of the mascarpone frosting, these cupcakes should be kept refrigerated and are not recommended to be left out for more than 2 hours to maintain freshness and food safety.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about transforming a beloved dessert like tiramisu into these charming cupcakes. The Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe brings endless joy whether you’re baking for a celebration or simply craving a special treat. Give it a try and watch your friends and family fall in love bite by bite with this delightful fusion of flavors and textures.

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Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe


4.2 from 90 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

Delight in these luscious Tiramisu Cupcakes that capture the classic Italian dessert’s flavors in a convenient, handheld form. Moist coffee-soaked cupcakes are topped with a creamy mascarpone frosting and finished with a dusting of cocoa powder and optional chocolate shavings, perfect for elegant gatherings or an indulgent treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Cupcake Batter

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup whole milk

Soaking Liquid

  • 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled

Mascarpone Frosting

  • 1 cup mascarpone cheese, softened
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)

Garnish

  • Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
  • Dark chocolate shavings (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners to prepare for baking.
  2. Prepare the cupcake batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to combine the dry ingredients evenly.
  3. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, and stir in the vanilla extract for aroma.
  4. Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the whole milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined to keep the batter tender.
  5. Bake the cupcakes: Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow cupcakes to cool completely.
  6. Prepare the mascarpone frosting: In a large mixing bowl, whip together the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. If desired, fold in coffee liqueur for an extra coffee kick.
  7. Soak the cupcakes: Once cooled, gently drizzle the cooled strong brewed coffee over the tops of the cupcakes, allowing them to soak in the rich coffee flavor for a few minutes.
  8. Frost the cupcakes: After the cupcakes have absorbed the coffee, spread a generous layer of mascarpone frosting over each cupcake using a spatula or pipe it decoratively using a piping bag.
  9. Dust with cocoa powder: Using a fine mesh sieve, dust the tops of the frosted cupcakes with unsweetened cocoa powder. Add dark chocolate shavings on top for an elegant finishing touch, if desired.
  10. Serve: Allow the frosted cupcakes to set for about 30 minutes to firm up the frosting before serving. Enjoy your delightful tiramisu-inspired treat!

Notes

  • Make sure the cupcakes are completely cool before soaking and frosting to prevent melting or sogginess.
  • The coffee liqueur in the frosting is optional but adds an authentic tiramisu flavor.
  • For a stronger coffee taste, you can increase the amount of brewed coffee used for soaking slightly.
  • The cupcakes can be made a day ahead and refrigerated; allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

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