Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe

There's nothing quite like the rich, creamy flavors of tiramisu, but when you turn it into a cupcake, it becomes an irresistible handheld treat. These Tiramisu Cupcakes have all the classic elements—coffee-soaked cake, a luscious mascarpone frosting, and a dusting of cocoa powder. Each bite is a perfect balance of sweetness and espresso-infused decadence.

I first made these for a dinner party when I wanted to serve something elegant yet easy to portion. They quickly became a favorite, and now I make them for birthdays, holidays, and even just because. If you love the classic Italian dessert, you're going to adore this cupcake version.

Why You'll Love These Tiramisu Cupcakes

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite dessert. These Tiramisu Cupcakes combine the flavors of classic tiramisu with the convenience of a cupcake—what’s not to love?

First, they're incredibly easy to make. No need to layer ladyfingers and fuss with chilling overnight—these cupcakes are ready to enjoy in just a couple of hours.

They're also perfectly portioned. Unlike a traditional tiramisu, which requires slicing and serving, these cupcakes are a grab-and-go delight. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or simply indulging at home.

The coffee-soaked sponge gives them an authentic tiramisu taste. Each cupcake absorbs a coffee syrup, ensuring that signature flavor in every bite.

And let’s talk about the mascarpone frosting—creamy, lightly sweetened, and absolutely divine. It’s like the classic tiramisu topping but fluffier, making it the perfect finish to these delectable treats.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these Tiramisu Cupcakes lies in their carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role in recreating the classic flavors of tiramisu in cupcake form.

Cake Flour is the secret to a light and fluffy cupcake base. If you don’t have cake flour on hand, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a bit of cornstarch to achieve a similar texture.

Espresso or Strong Coffee gives these cupcakes their signature tiramisu flavor. Brew it fresh and let it cool before soaking the cupcakes for maximum absorption.

Mascarpone Cheese is essential for that rich, creamy frosting. Make sure to use full-fat mascarpone for the best texture and taste.

Heavy Cream helps make the frosting light and airy. Whip it to soft peaks before folding it into the mascarpone mixture for a smooth, velvety finish.

Cocoa Powder is the finishing touch that adds that classic tiramisu dusting. Use high-quality, unsweetened cocoa for the best flavor.

How To Make These Tiramisu Cupcakes

Making these Tiramisu Cupcakes is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps for a flawless result.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a cupcake pan with liners. This ensures even baking and easy removal of the cupcakes later.

In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a soft, tender crumb. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract for extra flavor.

In a separate bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk, until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cupcakes dense.

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely before the next step.

Once cooled, brush each cupcake with cooled espresso or strong coffee, allowing it to soak into the sponge. Repeat if you want a stronger coffee flavor.

For the frosting, beat mascarpone cheese with powdered sugar until smooth, then gently fold in whipped heavy cream until light and fluffy. Pipe or spread the frosting onto the cupcakes, then dust with cocoa powder for the finishing touch.

Storage Options

These Tiramisu Cupcakes store beautifully, making them perfect for make-ahead desserts.

For short-term storage, place the cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The mascarpone frosting stays fresh and creamy when kept chilled.

If you want to freeze them, store the unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and add fresh frosting before serving.

Refrigerate leftover frosted cupcakes and allow them to sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Variations and Substitutions

These cupcakes are incredibly versatile, and you can customize them in several ways.

For a boozy twist, add a splash of coffee liqueur like Kahlúa or rum to the coffee soak for an extra indulgent flavor.

Prefer a chocolatey version? Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the batter for a mocha-inspired take on these cupcakes.

If you don’t have mascarpone cheese, you can substitute it with cream cheese, though the flavor will be slightly tangier.

For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to keep the cupcakes light and airy while making them accessible to those with dietary restrictions.

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