Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe

Dreamy Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe: A Sweet Italian Twist

Sweet dreams come alive with these mouthwatering tiramisu cupcakes that blend Italian elegance and playful dessert magic.

Cocoa-dusted tops hint at the luxurious layers waiting inside each delicate cake.

Mascarpone cream whispers decadent secrets between tender coffee-soaked crumbs.

Delicate swirls of creamy frosting promise an indulgent escape from ordinary treats.

Kitchen adventures await when you mix rich espresso with classic pastry techniques.

Soft and sophisticated, these cupcakes invite you to savor every delightful bite.

Let your taste buds dance through this irresistible Italian-inspired dessert experience.

FAQs

  • What gives these cupcakes their authentic tiramisu flavor?

The coffee liqueur and espresso soak infuse the cupcakes with a rich, traditional tiramisu taste, mimicking the classic Italian dessert’s signature coffee-soaked layers.

  • Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have mascarpone?

You can use cream cheese as an alternative to mascarpone, though it will slightly change the traditional texture and flavor of the frosting.

  • How do I get the perfect light and fluffy cupcake texture?

Ensure you cream the butter and sugar thoroughly, add eggs one at a time, and avoid overmixing the batter to maintain a tender crumb.

  • Is this recipe suitable for coffee lovers?

Absolutely! The combination of espresso, coffee liqueur, and cocoa powder creates an intense coffee flavor that coffee enthusiasts will truly appreciate.

What Makes Tiramisu Cupcakes So Tempting

  • Craft Culinary Magic: Discover a pancake recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a breakfast masterpiece, perfect for creating delightful morning memories.
  • Speed Through Breakfast: This recipe moves quickly with minimal prep, allowing you to serve hot, fluffy pancakes in minutes without complicated techniques.
  • Family-Friendly Feast: Simple enough for kids to help measure and mix, making cooking an interactive and enjoyable family experience that brings everyone together.
  • Versatile Morning Delight: Easily customizable with various toppings like fresh berries, maple syrup, or chocolate chips, ensuring every family member enjoys their perfect pancake style.

What Goes in Tiramisu Cupcakes

For the Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides the soft and tender structure of the cupcake.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cupcakes rise and creates a light, airy texture.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cupcake batter.
For the Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Adds richness and creates a smooth, tender crumb in the cupcakes.
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a golden brown exterior.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cupcake's structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor to the cupcake base.
  • Milk: Moistens the batter and helps create a soft texture.
For the Coffee and Finishing Components:
  • Espresso, Coffee Liqueur: Creates a traditional tiramisu-inspired soaking liquid for the cupcakes.
  • Mascarpone Cheese: Provides a rich, creamy base for the authentic tiramisu frosting.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds lightness and helps create a smooth, fluffy frosting.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the frosting.
  • Cocoa Powder, Chocolate Shavings: Provide the classic tiramisu garnish and decoration.

Steps for Baking Tiramisu Cupcakes Easily

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

Combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. Whisk thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract until well incorporated.

Step 3: Create Cupcake Batter

Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix the batter.

Step 4: Bake Cupcake Bases

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a muffin tin with decorative cupcake liners.

Carefully divide the batter evenly among the liners. Bake for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 5: Prepare Coffee Soak

Whisk together strong espresso and coffee liqueur in a small bowl.

Once cupcakes are cool, use a pastry brush to generously soak each cupcake with the coffee mixture.

Step 6: Whip Mascarpone Frosting

In a chilled mixing bowl, beat together:
  • Mascarpone cheese
  • Heavy whipping cream
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Whip until the frosting becomes smooth, light, and holds stiff peaks.

Step 7: Decorate Cupcakes

Transfer the mascarpone frosting to a piping bag. Pipe elegant swirls onto the coffee-soaked cupcakes.

Lightly dust with cocoa powder and sprinkle with delicate chocolate shavings.

Step 8: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the cupcakes for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Serve chilled and enjoy the luxurious tiramisu-inspired treat.

Helpful Notes for Tiramisu Cupcake

  • Enhance flavor by using high-quality espresso and authentic coffee liqueur for a rich, robust taste.
  • Ensure cupcakes are completely cool before soaking to prevent soggy texture and maintain structural integrity.
  • Chill mascarpone and heavy cream beforehand for a more stable, smoother frosting consistency.
  • Sift cocoa powder delicately over cupcakes for an elegant, professional presentation that mimics traditional tiramisu.
  • Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to preserve freshness and prevent frosting from melting.

Twists and Flavors for Tiramisu Cupcakes

  • Mocha Madness: Enhance the coffee flavor by adding chocolate chips to the batter and using dark chocolate mocha frosting instead of traditional mascarpone.
  • Italian Almond Bliss: Incorporate almond extract into the cupcake batter and top with toasted almond slices for a nutty Mediterranean-inspired variation.
  • Raspberry Romance: Add raspberry puree to the mascarpone frosting and drizzle with raspberry coulis for a fruity, tangy version of the classic tiramisu cupcake.
  • Limoncello Lift: Replace coffee liqueur with limoncello, use lemon zest in the batter, and create a lemon-mascarpone frosting for a bright, citrusy alternative.

How to Present Tiramisu Cupcakes Beautifully

  • Cupcake Coffee Break Delight: Create a cozy coffee shop atmosphere by serving these tiramisu cupcakes on a rustic wooden tray with small espresso cups and a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
  • Elegant Dessert Platter: Arrange cupcakes on a sleek white plate with delicate chocolate curls scattered around, perfect for an after-dinner gathering or sophisticated party treat.
  • Italian Inspired Dessert Station: Set up a DIY tiramisu cupcake bar with extra cocoa powder, chocolate shavings, and coffee liqueur on the side, allowing guests to customize their dessert experience.
  • Picnic Perfection: Pack these cupcakes in individual clear boxes with a small doily, creating a portable and Instagram-worthy dessert for outdoor events or casual gatherings.

Best Way to Store Tiramisu Cupcakes

  • Keep tiramisu cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and preserve moisture.
  • Wrap individual cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
  • Store unfrosted cupcakes at room temperature for 1-2 days in a sealed container. Add frosting just before serving to maintain best texture and flavor.
  • Prepare cupcake bases and coffee soak a day in advance. Frost and garnish right before serving to ensure maximum freshness and prevent soggy bottoms.
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Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe

Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe


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4.7 from 31 reviews

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

Description

Indulgent tiramisu cupcakes blend classic Italian dessert magic into delightful handheld treats. Coffee-soaked sponge and mascarpone frosting create a perfect balance of flavors for dessert enthusiasts craving a sophisticated sweet experience.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1.5 cups (360 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 0.75 cups (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cups (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 0.5 cups (120 ml) whole milk
  • 1.5 tsps baking powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 0.5 cups (120 ml) strong brewed espresso, cooled
  • 2 tbsps coffee liqueur (optional)
  • 8 oz (225 g) mascarpone cheese
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream
  • 0.5 cups (60 g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and arrange cupcake liners in a standard muffin tin, ensuring even spacing.
  2. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, creating a uniform dry ingredient mixture.
  3. Cream butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and airy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, blending thoroughly after each addition, then mix in vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk to maintain a smooth, consistent batter.
  6. Distribute batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
  7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, then allow cupcakes to cool completely.
  8. Combine freshly brewed espresso and coffee liqueur in a small bowl for the coffee soak.
  9. Gently brush or drizzle the coffee mixture over each cooled cupcake, allowing the liquid to absorb.
  10. Whip mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a chilled bowl until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.
  11. Transfer frosting to a piping bag and generously pipe onto the coffee-soaked cupcakes.
  12. Dust the frosted cupcakes with cocoa powder and sprinkle chocolate shavings on top for an elegant finish.
  13. Refrigerate until serving or enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Enhance moisture by fully soaking cupcake bases with coffee mixture, ensuring each bite delivers authentic tiramisu flavor.
  • Adjust coffee liqueur strength based on personal preference, using less for kid-friendly version or more for intense adult taste.
  • Chill mascarpone frosting before piping to maintain structural integrity and create cleaner, more elegant decorative swirls.
  • Select high-quality cocoa powder and dark chocolate for garnishing to elevate overall taste and presentation of cupcakes.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 241 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 110 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 0.4 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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