Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe

There's nothing quite like the rich, creamy, and coffee-infused flavor of classic tiramisu—but what if you could enjoy it in a perfectly portioned cupcake? These Tiramisu Cupcakes bring all the indulgence of the traditional Italian dessert into a handheld treat that's perfect for parties, special occasions, or simply when you're craving something sweet and sophisticated.

I first made these cupcakes for a friend's birthday, and they were an instant hit! The combination of fluffy vanilla cake soaked in espresso, layered with a light mascarpone frosting, and dusted with cocoa powder makes every bite pure bliss. They’ve since become a go-to dessert in my home, and I’m excited to share the recipe with you!

Why You'll Love These Tiramisu Cupcakes

Get ready to fall in love with a dessert that combines elegance with irresistible flavor. These Tiramisu Cupcakes are everything you love about tiramisu, but in a convenient cupcake form.

First off, they're easy to make! While traditional tiramisu involves layers of ladyfingers, these cupcakes simplify the process without sacrificing flavor.

They're also perfect for entertaining. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or bringing a dessert to a potluck, these cupcakes are sure to impress.

Another great feature? The balance of flavors. The combination of espresso-soaked cake, light and airy mascarpone frosting, and a dusting of cocoa powder creates the perfect bite—rich but not overly sweet.

Lastly, they can be made ahead of time. The flavors actually deepen as they sit, making them a fantastic make-ahead dessert for busy schedules.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these Tiramisu Cupcakes lies in their simple yet high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the signature tiramisu flavor.

Cake Flour – Using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour results in a softer, more tender cupcake. If you don’t have cake flour on hand, you can make your own by substituting 2 tablespoons of cornstarch per cup of all-purpose flour.

Espresso or Strong Coffee – The cupcakes are brushed with freshly brewed espresso, which soaks into the cake for that classic tiramisu flavor. If you don’t have espresso, strong brewed coffee will work just as well.

Mascarpone Cheese – The frosting is made with mascarpone, an Italian cream cheese that has a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It gives the frosting a smooth, creamy texture that melts in your mouth.

Heavy Whipping Cream – This helps lighten the frosting and gives it an airy, mousse-like consistency. Be sure to whip it until soft peaks form before folding it into the mascarpone mixture.

Cocoa Powder – A light dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder on top gives these cupcakes their signature tiramisu finish. You can also add chocolate shavings for extra indulgence!

No special equipment is needed beyond a cupcake tin, an electric mixer, and a pastry brush for soaking the cakes in espresso.

How To Make These Tiramisu Cupcakes

Making these cupcakes is easier than you might think! Follow these steps to create a showstopping dessert.

Start by preparing the cupcake batter. Cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then add the eggs one at a time, ensuring they are well incorporated. Stir in vanilla extract for added depth of flavor.

In a separate bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with whole milk. This helps keep the batter smooth and prevents overmixing.

Once the batter is ready, divide it into lined cupcake tins and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely before proceeding to the next step.

While the cupcakes are cooling, brew your espresso. Using a pastry brush, generously brush each cupcake with espresso, allowing the liquid to soak in without making them too soggy.

For the frosting, whip the mascarpone cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, then gently fold it into the mascarpone mixture. This creates a light yet creamy frosting perfect for piping onto the cupcakes.

Using a piping bag, swirl the mascarpone frosting onto each cupcake. Finish with a light dusting of cocoa powder, and for an extra fancy touch, top with chocolate shavings or a chocolate-covered espresso bean.

These cupcakes are best enjoyed after chilling for at least an hour, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), these cupcakes store beautifully.

For short-term storage, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The mascarpone frosting stays fresh and creamy, and the flavors intensify over time.

For longer storage, you can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw them in the fridge and frost just before serving.

To enjoy them at their best, let refrigerated cupcakes sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before eating.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of this recipe is how versatile it is! Here are a few ways you can tweak it to suit your preferences.

If you’d like a boozy version, add a splash of coffee liqueur, such as Kahlúa, to the espresso before brushing it onto the cupcakes.

For a chocolate twist, mix some melted dark chocolate into the batter or drizzle the finished cupcakes with chocolate ganache.

Need a dairy-free option? Substitute the mascarpone with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy whipping cream.

Want a gluten-free version? Use a gluten-free baking flour blend that’s designed for 1:1 substitution.

However you choose to make them, these Tiramisu Cupcakes are sure to be a hit. Give them a try, and let me know how they turn out!

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