Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe

There’s something undeniably magical about tiramisu—the rich espresso flavor, the creamy mascarpone filling, and the dusting of cocoa on top. Now, imagine all of that deliciousness in a perfectly portioned cupcake! These Tiramisu Cupcakes bring the classic Italian dessert into a handheld form, making them ideal for parties, gatherings, or just an indulgent treat at home.

this Recipe

I first made these cupcakes for a friend’s birthday, and they were an instant hit. The combination of moist vanilla cake soaked in espresso and topped with a luscious mascarpone frosting had everyone coming back for seconds. If you love tiramisu, these cupcakes are a must-try!

Why You'll Love These Tiramisu Cupcakes

Get ready to experience a dessert that’s both elegant and irresistibly delicious. These Tiramisu Cupcakes have all the flavors you love, but in a convenient, single-serving size.

First, they’re easy to make, even for beginner bakers. No need for complicated layering—just bake, soak, and frost!

Second, they’re packed with flavor. The espresso-soaked vanilla cake mimics the texture of ladyfingers in traditional tiramisu, while the mascarpone frosting adds that signature creaminess.

They’re also perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a treat-yourself moment, these cupcakes are guaranteed to impress.

And finally, they’re customizable! You can adjust the coffee intensity, swap in different liqueurs, or even make them kid-friendly by omitting the alcohol.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of these Tiramisu Cupcakes lies in their simple yet high-quality ingredients. Here’s what makes them truly special:

The cake base starts with classic vanilla cupcake batter. I recommend using cake flour for an ultra-light texture, but all-purpose flour works too. A touch of vanilla extract enhances the sweetness without overpowering the tiramisu flavors.

For the espresso soak, strong brewed espresso is key. You want a bold coffee flavor to shine through, so use a high-quality espresso or dark roast coffee. If you’d like a boozy kick, add a splash of coffee liqueur like Kahlúa or rum.

The mascarpone frosting is what sets these cupcakes apart. Mascarpone cheese creates the smoothest, creamiest topping. Be sure to use full-fat mascarpone, as lower-fat versions can be too watery.

A touch of cocoa powder dusted over the frosting ties everything together. It’s the finishing touch that brings out the classic tiramisu experience.

If you have a piping bag, it makes frosting the cupcakes easier, but a simple offset spatula works just as well.

How To Make These Tiramisu Cupcakes

Making these cupcakes is simpler than you might think! Follow these steps to create the perfect Tiramisu Cupcakes.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a cupcake pan with paper liners. In a bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt to ensure even distribution.

In a separate mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender cake texture. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract, ensuring everything is well incorporated.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined—overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes. Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full and bake for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

While the cupcakes cool, prepare the espresso soak by brewing strong espresso. Stir in coffee liqueur if using. Once the cupcakes are slightly cooled, use a fork to poke small holes on top and spoon the espresso mixture over each one, allowing it to soak in.

For the mascarpone frosting, beat heavy cream until soft peaks form. In a separate bowl, mix mascarpone cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla. Gently fold in the whipped cream to create a smooth, airy frosting.

Finally, frost the cupcakes using a piping bag or spatula and dust with cocoa powder for that authentic tiramisu touch. Let them chill slightly before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Storage Options

These Tiramisu Cupcakes are best enjoyed fresh, but they store well if needed.

If storing overnight, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Since the frosting contains mascarpone and heavy cream, refrigeration is essential to maintain freshness.

For longer storage, you can freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to a month. When ready to serve, thaw them at room temperature, then soak with espresso and frost as usual.

Leftover cupcakes should be kept refrigerated and consumed within 3 days for the best taste and texture.

To enjoy them at their best, let refrigerated cupcakes sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

The best part about these Tiramisu Cupcakes is how adaptable they are! Here are some fun variations to try:

If you’re making them kid-friendly, skip the coffee liqueur and use decaf espresso instead.

Want a boozier twist? Try substituting the coffee liqueur with dark rum, amaretto, or even Irish cream for a different flavor profile.

For a chocolatey upgrade, mix in mini chocolate chips into the batter or add a drizzle of melted chocolate on top.

Prefer a lighter version? Use a stabilized whipped cream frosting instead of mascarpone for a fluffier, less rich alternative.

And if you’re feeling extra fancy, top each cupcake with a chocolate-covered espresso bean for an elegant touch.

No matter how you customize them, these Tiramisu Cupcakes are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Give them a try and enjoy the best of tiramisu in every bite!

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