Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe

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If you have a soft spot for the classic Italian dessert, these Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe will totally steal your heart. Imagine that luscious coffee-soaked ladyfinger flavor transformed into a moist, tender cupcake, topped with dreamy mascarpone cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder—every bite is a delightful celebration of tiramisu in a fun, portable form. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself, this recipe marries rich espresso notes with fluffy cake and creamy frosting for an irresistible dessert experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe plays a starring role in creating perfect harmony of flavor and texture. From the simple pantry basics to the indulgent mascarpone, each item adds essential elements like moisture, fluffiness, or that unmistakable coffee kick.

• All-purpose flour – The base for your cupcakes, providing structure and lightness when measured carefully.
• Baking powder – Helps the cupcakes rise to tender perfection without any heaviness.
• Salt – Enhances all the subtle flavors and balances sweetness.
• Unsalted butter – Adds rich creaminess and helps create a soft crumb.
• Granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake just right while helping to aerate the batter.
• Eggs and egg yolks – Provide moisture, richness, and stability to the cupcake batter.
• Vanilla extract – Brings warmth and depth to both the cake and frosting.
• Milk and buttermilk – Keep the cupcakes extra moist and tender, with buttermilk adding a slight tang.
• Instant espresso powder – The secret behind that unmistakable coffee flavor in every bite.
• Mascarpone cheese – The creamy heart of the frosting, lending the signature tiramisu richness.
• Powdered sugar – Sweetens the frosting smoothly so it spreads beautifully.
• Heavy cream – Whipped to fluffy peaks, it lightens the mascarpone frosting delightfully.
• Cocoa powder – Dust your finished cupcakes for that classic tiramisu touch and a hint of chocolate bitterness.

How to Make Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Liners

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, line a standard muffin tin with cupcake liners to keep the cupcakes from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This dry mix sets the foundation for perfectly risen cupcakes with just the right texture.

Step 3: Dissolve the Espresso Powder

In a small bowl, stir the instant espresso powder into the milk until completely dissolved. This step is crucial to infuse that intense coffee flavor evenly throughout the cupcakes.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aeration will give your cupcakes a tender crumb and add a touch of sweetness.

Step 5: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the whole egg and then the egg yolks one at a time, making sure each is fully absorbed before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to deepen the flavor profile.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the flour mixture and the milk-espresso mixture alternately to the creamed butter, starting and ending with the flour. Mix gently and just enough to combine, ensuring the cupcakes stay soft and tender.

Step 7: Add Buttermilk

Pour in the buttermilk and mix gently until the batter is smooth. The buttermilk lends a subtle tang and helps keep the cupcakes moist.

Step 8: Fill the Cupcake Liners

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising without spilling over.

Step 9: Bake and Cool

Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling fully is essential for the frosting to set beautifully.

Step 10: Make the Mascarpone Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to soft peaks before gently folding it into the mascarpone mixture. This creates the rich yet airy frosting irresistible on tiramisu cupcakes.

Step 11: Frost and Finish

Frost the cooled cupcakes generously with the mascarpone topping. Finally, dust each cupcake lightly with cocoa powder for that authentic tiramisu look and an additional layer of flavor. Chill or serve at room temperature for best enjoyment.

How to Serve Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe, sprinkle shaved chocolate or coffee beans on top for a textured contrast. Fresh mint leaves or a few espresso powder dustings can add a visual pop and subtle aroma that make serving these cupcakes even more special.

Side Dishes

Though these cupcakes shine on their own, pairing them with a scoop of vanilla gelato or a small serving of mixed berries balances their richness beautifully. An espresso or cappuccino alongside can enhance the coffee flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider presenting your tiramisu cupcakes in a tiered cupcake stand for parties or arranging them on a rustic wooden board dusted lightly with cocoa powder. Wrapping each in decorative cupcake wrappers or topping each with a tiny edible flower can make your dessert table truly stunning.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover tiramisu cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the mascarpone frosting fresh and luscious. They will stay delicious for up to 3 days, allowing you to savor each bite later without losing moisture or flavor.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They freeze well for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to maintain their texture and taste.

Reheating

Since these cupcakes are best served chilled or at room temperature, avoid microwaving. Instead, allow refrigerated cupcakes to sit out for about 20 minutes before serving to bring out the creamy frosting’s full flavor and let the cake soften slightly.

FAQs

Can I use brewed coffee instead of instant espresso powder?

You can substitute strong brewed coffee for the espresso powder, but it may add slightly more moisture to the batter. Adjust the milk quantity slightly if needed to keep the right cupcake consistency.

Is mascarpone cheese necessary for the frosting?

Mascarpone cheese is essential for authentic tiramisu flavor and creamy texture. While you can try cream cheese as a substitute, the taste and richness won’t be quite the same.

Can I make these cupcakes dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, you’d need to swap the butter, heavy cream, and mascarpone with plant-based alternatives. Keep in mind the texture and flavor may differ from the traditional recipe.

How do I know when the cupcakes are fully baked?

Insert a toothpick or skewer in the center of a cupcake; if it comes out clean with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter, your cupcakes are ready.

Can I prepare the frosting a day ahead?

Yes! Making the mascarpone frosting a day ahead and storing it in the fridge helps flavors meld. Just give it a gentle stir before frosting your cupcakes for a smooth finish.

Final Thoughts

This Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe is an absolute joy to bake and share, combining all the best parts of a beloved dessert into delightful single servings. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy moment at home, these cupcakes promise smiles with every bite. I can’t wait for you to whip up this recipe and see just how mesmerizing tiramisu can be in cupcake form!

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