If you adore the classic Italian dessert but want to enjoy something a bit more personal and portable, this Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe is exactly what you need. These delightful cupcakes capture all the rich, creamy, coffee-soaked goodness of traditional tiramisu, layered into a perfect single-serving treat that’s both elegant and easy to make. With moist coffee-infused cake, luscious mascarpone frosting, and that dusting of cocoa powder on top, these cupcakes are bound to become your new favorite sweet indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list—everything here is straightforward but essential, each playing a unique role in building the rich, layered flavors and moist texture that make this Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe so fantastic. From the espresso’s bold coffee notes to the creamy mascarpone that brings that signature richness, these ingredients blend perfectly without fuss.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for a tender, soft cupcake crumb that holds all the delicious flavors.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Leavening agents that help the cupcakes rise beautifully and stay light.
- Salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness and richness throughout the batter.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens while contributing to the cake’s moisture and texture.
- Unsalted butter: Adds a luscious richness and keeps the crumb tender.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and add structure, ensuring moist cupcakes.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the batter and frosting with warm, aromatic notes.
- Sour cream: Brings moisture and slight tang, making the cake extraordinarily soft.
- Espresso or strong brewed coffee: The heart of the tiramisu flavor, providing that unmistakable coffee kick.
- Coffee liqueur (optional): Deepens the coffee flavor and adds a subtle, boozy note for grown-up taste buds.
- Mascarpone cheese: The creamy star that lends authenticity and velvety smoothness to the frosting.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting without any grittiness.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whipped to fluffy perfection, it lightens the mascarpone frosting delightfully.
- Cocoa powder: The final finishing touch, dusted over the cupcakes to mimic classic tiramisu dusting.
- Chocolate curls or grated chocolate: Adds a beautiful and tasty decoration that complements the cocoa dusting.
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—this makes cleanup a breeze and ensures even baking. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents. Next, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until you have a light, fluffy mixture full of air — this is key to a tender cupcake. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to keep the batter smooth. Then, stir in vanilla extract, sour cream, and your cooled espresso, which infuses the batter with coffee flavor while keeping it moist. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients with care, just until everything is combined; overmixing can toughen your cupcakes, and we want soft, dreamy cakes.
Step 2: Bake Your Cupcakes
Fill each cupcake liner about three-quarters full to give the cupcakes room to rise without spilling over. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean—this signals perfectly baked cupcakes ready to cool. Allow them to cool completely in the pan before moving on; warm cupcakes dipped in coffee could turn messy.
Step 3: Create the Coffee Soak
Combine the remaining espresso with coffee liqueur if you’re using it. Using a fork, pierce the top of each cooled cupcake several times to help the soak absorb deeply—this step is crucial for that classic tiramisu moist texture. Then, brush the coffee mixture generously over each cupcake, letting the rich coffee infuse the crumb completely. This is where the magic happens!
Step 4: Make the Mascarpone Frosting
Beat mascarpone cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy—this will be the luscious base of your frosting. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, ensuring your frosting will be light and fluffy. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, taking care to maintain that airy texture. This frosting mirrors the creamy layers of traditional tiramisu and is truly irresistible.
Step 5: Decorate Your Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe
Use a piping bag or simply spread the mascarpone frosting generously on each cupcake for a beautiful finish. Dust each cupcake with cocoa powder to complete that iconic tiramisu look. For an extra touch of elegance and texture, garnish with chocolate curls or finely grated chocolate. Your cupcakes are now ready for the spotlight!
How to Serve Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe
Garnishes
While cocoa powder and chocolate curls are classic, you can elevate the presentation by adding a delicate coffee bean on top, or even a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted hazelnuts for a bit of crunch. These small finishing touches deepen the coffee and chocolate theme and make each cupcake feel like a miniature work of art.
Side Dishes
Tiramisu cupcakes shine as a standalone treat, but pairing them with a cup of fresh espresso or a smooth latte truly highlights their coffee essence. For a lighter contrast, a simple fresh berry salad or a tangy citrus sorbet adds a playful brightness that complements the creamy sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking outside the box, consider serving these cupcakes in elegant glass jars to mimic traditional tiramisu’s layered look, or on a tiered dessert stand for a stunning display at your next gathering. Wrapping each cupcake with a pretty ribbon or placing them in decorative cupcake wrappers can turn these treats into perfect gifts or party favors as well.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Because these cupcakes have a creamy frosting and coffee soak, it’s best to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three days, allowing you to enjoy that divine tiramisu flavor any time you want a little pick-me-up.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked and cooled cupcakes without frosting by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw them completely in the fridge, then prepare and add the fresh mascarpone frosting just before serving for best results.
Reheating
Since tiramisu cupcakes are best enjoyed chilled, reheating isn’t recommended. Instead, allow them to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes out of the fridge to release the full flavor and aroma of the coffee and mascarpone, creating an indulgent dessert experience.
FAQs
Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso?
Yes, instant coffee works well in a pinch. Just be sure to prepare it strong and cooled to maintain that rich coffee flavor that’s essential to this Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe.
Is it necessary to add coffee liqueur?
Coffee liqueur is optional but highly recommended for an authentic adult twist. If you prefer keeping it alcohol-free, simply omit it or substitute with a bit more brewed coffee.
How do I prevent the cupcakes from becoming soggy?
Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before soaking them with coffee. Also, avoid over-soaking; brushing the coffee gradually and letting it absorb ensures moist but not soggy cupcakes.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for structure, and your cupcakes will come out delicious without gluten.
What’s the best way to get those pretty chocolate curls?
Use a vegetable peeler on a bar of chocolate that’s slightly warmed but still firm. Light, even pressure creates beautiful curls perfect for garnishing your tiramisu cupcakes.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe, it will quickly become one of your most cherished desserts to bake and share. It combines the best of a classic Italian favorite with the delightful convenience and charm of cupcakes. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy night in, these creamy coffee-flavored treats bring joy and indulgence in every bite—so go ahead and treat yourself to a little piece of tiramisu heaven!
Print
Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
These Tiramisu Cupcakes are a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, combining moist coffee-infused cupcakes with a creamy mascarpone frosting. Each cupcake is soaked with espresso and liqueur, layered with rich mascarpone cream, and finished with a dusting of cocoa powder and chocolate curls for an elegant, indulgent treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cupcake Batter
- 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)
Mascarpone 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 your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to combine. In a separate large bowl, cream the granulated sugar and softened unsalted butter together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each, then mix in the vanilla extract. Stir in the sour cream and 1/4 cup cooled espresso. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Bake the Cupcakes: Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about three-quarters full. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before proceeding.
- Make the Coffee Soak: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup espresso and 2 tablespoons of coffee liqueur if using. Using a fork or toothpick, pierce the top of each cooled cupcake several times to allow the soak to penetrate the cake. Brush the coffee mixture generously over the cupcakes, letting the coffee soak in evenly.
- Prepare the Mascarpone Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until well combined and fluffy.
- Decorate and Serve: Using a piping bag or a spatula, spread or pipe the mascarpone frosting onto each coffee-soaked cupcake. Dust the tops with cocoa powder and garnish with chocolate curls or grated chocolate for an authentic tiramisu look. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- For best coffee flavor, use freshly brewed espresso or a strong coffee brew cooled to room temperature.
- Coffee liqueur is optional but adds an authentic tiramisu flavor and a slight boozy kick.
- Allow cupcakes to cool completely before adding the coffee soak to prevent the frosting from melting.
- You can prepare cupcakes a day ahead and refrigerate; add frosting and garnish just before serving.
- Adjust the amount of powdered sugar to the mascarpone frosting based on your preferred sweetness.
