If you adore the classic Italian dessert but want something a little more personal and portable, this Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe is an absolute game changer. Each cupcake bursts with rich espresso flavor, moist cake texture, and is wrapped in velvety mascarpone frosting, capturing the essence of tiramisu in a delightful handheld treat. It’s the perfect way to impress guests or pamper yourself with a coffee-infused dream that melts in your mouth. Trust me, once you try these cupcakes, they’ll become your go-to for celebrations or just a sweet pick-me-up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, and they each play a vital role in bringing out the flavor, texture, and authenticity of this Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe. From the deep coffee notes to the creamy mascarpone, every element contributes to making these cupcakes unforgettable.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): The foundation for light, fluffy cupcakes with the perfect crumb.
- Baking powder (1 1/4 teaspoons): Helps the cupcakes rise beautifully and become tender.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds richness and moisture for a sumptuous cake base.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the batter just right without overpowering the coffee notes.
- Large eggs (2): Bind ingredients and give structure to the cupcakes.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth to the cake’s flavor.
- Whole milk (1/2 cup): Keeps the cupcakes tender and moist.
- Strong brewed coffee (1/4 cup, cooled): Infuses the batter with authentic espresso flavor.
- Brewed espresso or strong coffee (1/2 cup) for soak: Intensifies the coffee element and keeps the cupcakes delightfully moist.
- Coffee liqueur (2 tablespoons, optional): Brings a subtle boozy richness to the soak.
- Mascarpone cheese (8 ounces, softened): The star of the frosting, creamy and luscious for that true tiramisu feel.
- Heavy cream (1 cup, cold): Whipped to fluffy perfection to lighten the frosting.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the frosting smoothly without graininess.
- Cocoa powder for dusting: Adds a classic finishing touch with a bittersweet kick.
- Chocolate shavings (optional): Provides elegant decoration and texture contrast.
How to Make Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the raising agent and salt are evenly mixed, creating a consistent texture throughout your cupcakes.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because incorporating air at this stage helps your cupcakes rise beautifully and develop a tender crumb.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully combined before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract, which adds that lovely aromatic warmth to the batter, perfectly complementing the coffee flavors.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and whole milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined — overmixing can make the cupcakes dense. Finally, stir in the cooled strong brewed coffee to infuse the batter with that rich espresso essence.
Step 5: Bake the Cupcakes
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cupcakes cool completely to prepare for the next delicious phase.
Step 6: Make the Coffee Soak
Mix the brewed espresso or strong coffee with the coffee liqueur (if using). Using a brush or spoon, gently soak the tops of the cooled cupcakes. This step keeps the cupcakes moist and amps up that irresistible coffee flavor.
Step 7: Prepare the Mascarpone Frosting
Beat the softened mascarpone cheese, cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until the frosting is thick and fluffy. The mascarpone brings that classic creamy tang, while the whipped cream lightens the finish so it’s perfectly luscious but not heavy.
Step 8: Frost and Garnish
Pipe or spread the mascarpone frosting generously over each coffee-soaked cupcake. Dust with cocoa powder and add optional chocolate shavings for a beautiful and authentic tiramisu look. Now they are ready for enjoyment!
How to Serve Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling cocoa powder over the frosting brings a classic bittersweet finish that cuts through the richness perfectly. Chocolate shavings add extra texture and a hint of indulgence, making these cupcakes look just as good as they taste.
Side Dishes
Serve these cupcakes with a simple cup of espresso or cappuccino to intensify the coffee experience. Fresh berries or a light fruit salad can add a refreshing contrast to the creamy sweetness if you want to balance the flavors at your gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping dessert table, display your cupcakes on a tiered stand with delicate doilies underneath. You can also serve individual cupcakes in elegant glass jars with a spoon tucked in for a charming, rustic look that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cupcakes refrigerated, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. They hold up well for up to three days, maintaining their tender crumb and delectable mascarpone frosting.
Freezing
You can freeze these cupcakes without frosting for up to two months. Wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before applying the coffee soak and frosting for the freshest taste.
Reheating
Since these cupcakes are best served chilled, reheating is not recommended as it may affect the texture of the mascarpone frosting. Instead, allow refrigerated cupcakes to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving to enjoy the perfect softness and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of coffee for the soak?
Absolutely! While espresso or strong brewed coffee is best for that authentic tiramisu taste, you can substitute with any strong coffee you prefer. Just make sure it’s cooled before soaking the cupcakes to avoid melting the frosting later.
Is it necessary to use coffee liqueur in the soak?
No, the coffee liqueur is optional but highly recommended if you want a richer, more nuanced flavor. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, simply omit it and use brewed espresso or coffee alone.
Can I make these cupcakes dairy-free?
This recipe relies on mascarpone and heavy cream for the signature creamy frosting, so substituting these can be tricky. However, you might experiment with dairy-free cream cheeses and coconut-based whipped toppings, though the taste will differ from the original.
How do I prevent the cupcakes from becoming soggy with the coffee soak?
Be sure to brush or drizzle the coffee soak lightly and evenly, allowing it to absorb without saturating the cupcake. You can soak once or twice based on preference, but less is often more to maintain great texture.
Can I use regular cocoa powder for dusting?
Yes, regular natural cocoa powder works perfectly for dusting. You might also try Dutch-processed cocoa for a smoother, less bitter finish depending on your flavor preference.
Final Thoughts
I’m genuinely excited for you to try this Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe because it captures the joy of everyone’s favorite Italian dessert in a beautifully simple and versatile way. From the rich coffee soak to the creamy mascarpone topping, each bite is a little moment of happiness. Whether for a special occasion or just a cozy afternoon treat, these cupcakes are sure to become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire. Give them a go—you won’t regret it!
Print
Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Tiramisu Cupcakes are a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, combining moist coffee-infused cupcakes with a rich mascarpone frosting. Perfect for coffee lovers, each cupcake is soaked with espresso and topped with creamy, fluffy mascarpone frosting, then finished with a dusting of cocoa powder and optional chocolate shavings. Ideal for dessert or any special occasion where you want a delicious and elegant treat.
Ingredients
Cupcakes
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
Coffee Soak
- 1/2 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee
- 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)
Mascarpone Frosting
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream, cold
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish
- Cocoa powder for dusting
- Chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners to ensure easy removal and cleanup.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cupcake texture.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next, then mix in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Alternate adding the dry ingredients and whole milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients, and mix just until combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cupcakes.
- Add coffee: Stir in the cooled strong brewed coffee to infuse the batter with that classic coffee flavor.
- Bake cupcakes: Divide the batter evenly among the lined cupcake cups. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cupcakes cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare coffee soak: In a small bowl, mix together brewed espresso or strong coffee with coffee liqueur if using. Brush or drizzle this mixture over the tops of completely cooled cupcakes to soak the tops and add moisture and flavor.
- Make mascarpone frosting: In a large bowl, beat softened mascarpone cheese, cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until the frosting is thick, smooth, and fluffy enough to pipe or spread.
- Frost cupcakes: Pipe or spread the mascarpone frosting generously over each coffee-soaked cupcake.
- Garnish and serve: Dust the frosted cupcakes with cocoa powder and optionally sprinkle with chocolate shavings. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy, allowing cupcakes to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Notes
- For more intense coffee flavor, soak the cupcakes twice with the coffee mixture.
- Store cupcakes refrigerated and remove from fridge about 10 minutes before serving to enhance their texture and flavor.
- You can omit the coffee liqueur if serving to children or avoiding alcohol; the cupcakes will still be delicious.
