Indulgent Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe

Sweet Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe: A Dreamy Bite-Sized Delight

Decadent tiramisu cupcakes blend Italian classic dessert magic into a perfect handheld treat.

Sweet coffee-soaked sponge layers dance with creamy mascarpone filling.

Delicate cocoa dusting adds an elegant touch to these miniature delights.

Light and airy textures capture the essence of traditional tiramisu in a playful form.

Each bite promises a luxurious escape to an Italian pastry shop.

Creamy, rich, and utterly irresistible, these cupcakes will make you the star of any gathering.

You won’t be able to resist their charming, sophisticated allure.

FAQs

  • What makes tiramisu cupcakes different from regular cupcakes?

These cupcakes combine classic Italian tiramisu flavors with a cupcake format, featuring a coffee-soaked base and mascarpone frosting that mimics traditional tiramisu dessert.

  • Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso?

Yes, you can substitute instant coffee by dissolving it in hot water to create a strong coffee base for the soak. Just ensure it’s concentrated for authentic flavor.

  • Is coffee liqueur necessary for the recipe?

While coffee liqueur adds depth, you can replace it with additional strong coffee or skip it altogether if you prefer a non-alcoholic version. The recipe will still taste delicious.

Tiramisu Cupcakes: A Coffee Lover’s Dream in a Cupcake

  • Boost Baking Skills: Perfect recipe for novice bakers wanting to elevate their dessert game with a gourmet twist on classic cupcakes.
  • Impress Guests Instantly: Stunning dessert that looks professionally made but requires minimal culinary expertise to create.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Fusion: Combines beloved tiramisu elements with cupcake format, satisfying both coffee and dessert lovers in one delightful bite.
  • Versatile Party Treat: Suitable for celebrations, dinner parties, potlucks, or casual weekend gatherings with its elegant yet approachable presentation.

Ingredients for Decadent and Creamy Tiramisu Cupcakes

Cake Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cupcakes.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cupcakes rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cupcake batter.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Creates a rich and tender crumb in the cupcakes.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cupcakes' texture.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide moisture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor to the cupcake base.
  • Milk: Helps create a smooth and moist cupcake batter.
Coffee and Liqueur Soak:
  • Espresso, Coffee Liqueur: Infuses the cupcakes with intense coffee flavor and moisture.
Frosting:
  • Mascarpone Cheese: Provides a creamy and rich base for the frosting.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds lightness and helps create a fluffy texture.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the frosting.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the frosting.
Garnish:
  • Cocoa Powder, Chocolate Shavings: Adds visual appeal and classic tiramisu flavor.

Stepwise Instructions to Bake Perfect Tiramisu Cupcakes

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350F. Grab a cupcake pan and line it with pretty paper liners, creating the perfect home for your delicious cupcakes.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Ensure everything is well combined and lump-free.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, beat butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and looks like clouds.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Splash in vanilla extract for extra flavor.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Mix gently until everything just comes together – don’t overmix!

Step 5: Bake the Cupcakes

Pour the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes.

A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely.

Step 6: Create Coffee Soak

Blend espresso and coffee liqueur in a small bowl. Using a pastry brush, generously dab the coffee mixture over the cooled cupcakes, letting them soak up all that rich, aromatic liquid.

Step 7: Whip Up Mascarpone Frosting

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Mascarpone cheese
  • Heavy cream
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Whip until the frosting forms beautiful, stiff peaks that hold their shape.

Step 8: Decorate and Finish

Pipe the luscious mascarpone frosting onto each cupcake in elegant swirls.

Dust the tops with cocoa powder and sprinkle with delicate chocolate shavings for a final, irresistible touch.

Tips for Rich Flavor and Moist Texture in Every Cupcake

  • Brew fresh espresso for the most authentic coffee flavor in the coffee soak, avoiding instant coffee for better taste.
  • Ensure mascarpone is at room temperature to create a smooth, lump-free frosting with perfect consistency.
  • Gently brush coffee mixture onto cupcakes to prevent them from becoming too soggy or falling apart.
  • Refrigerate cupcakes for at least 30 minutes before serving to help frosting set and enhance flavor melding.
  • Experiment with different liqueurs like Kahlúa or rum for unique flavor variations that complement the classic tiramisu profile.

Creative Twists to Personalize Your Tiramisu Cupcakes

  • Gluten-Free Cupcakes: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Dairy-Free Delight: Swap mascarpone and heavy cream with coconut cream and vegan cream cheese.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of regular sugar to reduce calorie count.
  • Mocha Variation: Add dark chocolate chips to batter and replace coffee liqueur with strong brewed mocha for intense flavor.

Serving Suggestions That Highlight These Delicious Treats

  • Café Indulgence: Slice cupcakes in half and drizzle extra coffee liqueur between layers for an intensified tiramisu experience.
  • Dessert Plating Elegance: Serve on a rustic wooden board with whole espresso beans scattered around, creating a sophisticated presentation that highlights the cupcakes' rich flavors.
  • Italian Brunch Pairing: Accompany cupcakes with a small shot of espresso and delicate almond biscotti, transforming the treat into a complete Italian-inspired dessert moment.
  • Party Garnish Twist: Create individual mini chocolate-covered espresso beans as a decorative topping, adding a crunchy texture and extra coffee punch to each cupcake.

How to Store Tiramisu Cupcakes to Keep Them Fresh

  • Store leftover Tiramisu Cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent flavor transfer.
  • Place cupcakes in a single layer to avoid crushing the delicate frosting.
  • Cover the container with a lid or aluminum foil to protect from other refrigerator odors.
Print
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Indulgent Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe

Indulgent Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe


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4.6 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Silky tiramisu cupcakes blend Italian dessert elegance with modern bakery charm. Rich espresso-soaked layers and mascarpone frosting deliver a delightful dessert you’ll savor with pure culinary passion.


Ingredients

Scale

Cupcake Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Coffee Soak Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) brewed espresso or strong coffee
  • 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur

Frosting and Garnish Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) mascarpone cheese, chilled
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream, cold
  • 1/2 cup (60 grams) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Chocolate shavings

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and arrange cupcake liners in a standard muffin tin.
  2. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl to ensure smooth consistency.
  3. Cream butter and sugar in a separate bowl until light and airy, incorporating eggs individually and blending in vanilla extract thoroughly.
  4. Gently fold dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with milk, mixing until just incorporated to maintain a tender crumb.
  5. Evenly distribute batter into prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
  6. Bake for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean, then transfer to a cooling rack.
  7. Combine freshly brewed espresso and coffee liqueur in a small bowl for the cupcake soak.
  8. Once cupcakes are completely cooled, generously brush each with the coffee mixture, allowing liquid to absorb.
  9. Whip mascarpone cheese with heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until the frosting forms stiff, luxurious peaks.
  10. Carefully pipe the mascarpone frosting onto each cupcake using a decorative piping tip.
  11. Dust the frosted cupcakes with cocoa powder and garnish with delicate chocolate shavings for an elegant finish.

Notes

  • Customize espresso intensity by adjusting coffee liqueur ratio for stronger or milder flavor profiles.
  • Ensure mascarpone and cream are cold when whipping to achieve perfect frosting consistency and stability.
  • Replace coffee liqueur with additional espresso for non-alcoholic version, maintaining rich coffee essence.
  • Use gluten-free flour blend to transform recipe into celiac-friendly dessert without compromising texture.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 268 kcal
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 115 mg
  • Fat: 17 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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