Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe

Quick & Dreamy Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Sweet memories of italy dance through my classic tiramisu cupcakes, blending rich espresso-soaked elegance with delicate pastry charm.

Coffee-infused layers whisper tales of culinary romance and indulgence.

Mascarpone cream promises silky smoothness in every delectable bite.

Delightful textures merge traditional dessert magic with modern cupcake artistry.

Gentle hints of cocoa and rum create an irresistible symphony of flavors.

Soft, airy sponge cake receives a luxurious makeover that seduces your senses.

You’ll want to savor each decadent morsel and experience pure dessert bliss.

Tiramisu Cupcakes Ingredient Walkthrough

Dry Ingredients:
  • All Purpose Flour: Base for the cupcake structure, providing essential texture and stability.
  • Baking Powder: Essential leavening agent for light and fluffy cupcakes.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter, Sugar: Fundamental creaming ingredients for a rich, tender cupcake base.
  • Eggs: Binding agent that adds moisture and helps structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and aromatic flavor to the cupcake.
  • Milk: Provides moisture and helps create a smooth batter.
Coffee and Soaking Ingredients:
  • Brewed Coffee, Coffee Liqueur: Authentic tiramisu flavor profile with rich coffee essence.
  • Sugar: Balances and sweetens the coffee soak.
Frosting Ingredients:
  • Mascarpone Cheese, Heavy Cream: Classic Italian cream cheese creates smooth, luxurious frosting.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize the frosting.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle background flavor to the frosting.
Garnish Ingredients:
  • Cocoa Powder: Traditional tiramisu topping with deep chocolate notes.
  • Chocolate Shavings, Coffee Beans: Optional decorative elements for visual appeal.

Bake Tiramisu Cupcakes in Simple Steps

Step 1: Whip Up The Cupcake Batter

Preheat oven to 350F. Line cupcake pan with 12 liners. In a medium bowl, combine:
  • Flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one by one, then vanilla. Gradually mix dry ingredients and milk, alternating between them. Pour batter into liners. Bake 18-20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.

Step 2: Create Coffee Soak

Blend brewed coffee, coffee liqueur, and sugar in a small bowl until sugar dissolves.

Step 3: Infuse Cupcakes With Coffee

Poke multiple holes in each cupcake using a toothpick. Drizzle coffee mixture over cupcakes, allowing liquid to seep inside.

Step 4: Craft Mascarpone Frosting

Beat mascarpone cheese until smooth. In another bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until peaks form. Gently fold whipped cream into mascarpone.

Step 5: Decorate Cupcakes

Pipe or spread mascarpone frosting over soaked cupcakes.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Sprinkle cocoa powder on top. Add chocolate shavings or coffee bean for elegant touch. Chill or serve immediately.

Tips That Level Up Tiramisu Cupcakes

  • Customize Coffee Intensity: Adjust the coffee soak strength by using espresso or cold brew for a more robust flavor profile, ensuring each cupcake delivers a rich, authentic tiramisu experience.
  • Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Poke holes carefully and add coffee mixture gradually to prevent oversaturating the cupcake, maintaining a perfect moisture balance without compromising the cake's structure.
  • Stabilize Mascarpone Frosting: Chill mascarpone and heavy cream beforehand to create a firmer, more stable frosting that holds its shape beautifully when piped or spread on cupcakes.
  • Make Ahead and Store Smart: Prepare cupcakes a day in advance, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to allow flavors to meld and develop deeper complexity.
  • Explore Dietary Variations: Swap regular flour with gluten-free alternatives and use dairy-free mascarpone and cream for a delicious version that accommodates different dietary needs.

How to Store and Enjoy Tiramisu Cupcakes Again

  • Store tiramisu cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping them fresh and preventing the mascarpone frosting from spoiling.
  • Cover cupcakes loosely with plastic wrap or place in a single layer to maintain their delicate texture and prevent the frosting from getting smudged.
  • Allow chilled cupcakes to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the frosting and enhance the flavors.
  • Do not freeze these cupcakes, as the delicate mascarpone frosting and soaked cake texture will become compromised and lose their original quality.

Perfect Pairings for Tiramisu Cupcakes

  • A robust shot of espresso mirrors the coffee-soaked cupcake, intensifying the rich tiramisu flavors and creating a classic Italian-inspired taste experience.
  • A chilled glass of Vin Santo or Port wine balances the dessert's creamy texture, providing a delightful contrast with its sweet, smooth undertones.
  • Serving these decadent chocolate truffles alongside the cupcakes enhances the cocoa notes, adding an extra layer of indulgent complexity to the dessert course.
  • A small pour of almond-flavored Amaretto beautifully complements the cupcakes' coffee and mascarpone profile, offering a subtle nutty warmth that elevates the entire tasting experience.

New Flavors to Try in Tiramisu Cupcakes

  • Gluten-Free Cupcakes: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a celiac-friendly version. Use xanthan gum to help maintain cupcake structure and texture.
  • Dairy-Free Deconstructed: Swap mascarpone with coconut cream and use dairy-free butter alternatives. Replace heavy cream with chilled coconut cream for frosting, creating a lighter, plant-based option.
  • Low-Sugar Espresso Edition: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use sugar-free coffee liqueur or skip liqueur entirely, focusing on strong espresso flavor for depth and richness.
  • Vegan Coffee Cream Cupcakes: Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, coconut milk instead of dairy milk, and cashew cream cheese as mascarpone replacement. Ensure all ingredients are plant-based while maintaining classic tiramisu taste profile.

Got Tiramisu Cupcake Questions? Read This

  • What are the key ingredients that make these cupcakes taste like tiramisu?

The key ingredients are coffee liqueur, brewed coffee, mascarpone cheese, and cocoa powder, which help capture the classic tiramisu flavor profile in a cupcake form.

  • Can I make these cupcakes without coffee liqueur?

Yes, you can simply use additional brewed coffee instead of coffee liqueur. The recipe will still have a rich coffee flavor that mimics traditional tiramisu.

  • Is the mascarpone frosting difficult to make?

No, the mascarpone frosting is quite simple. You just beat mascarpone cheese smooth, whip cream with powdered sugar, and then gently fold the two together until combined.

  • How do I ensure my cupcakes remain moist?

Poking holes in the cooled cupcakes and carefully spooning the coffee mixture allows the liquid to soak evenly, keeping the cupcakes incredibly moist and flavorful.

Tiramisu Cupcakes: What Makes Them Stand Out

  • Perfect for amateur bakers wanting to impress friends with a gourmet-style dessert that looks professionally crafted.
  • Easily whip up these cupcakes in under an hour, making them ideal for spontaneous gatherings or last-minute sweet cravings.
  • Combines beloved tiramisu elements with handheld cupcake convenience, delivering rich coffee and creamy mascarpone in every delightful bite.
  • Works brilliantly for dinner parties, birthdays, or elegant dessert tables, offering a sophisticated twist on traditional cupcakes that will wow guests.
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Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe

Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe


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4.9 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Irresistible Tiramisu Cupcakes blend classic Italian dessert magic with modern bakery charm. Coffee-soaked sponge layers and mascarpone cream create a delectable miniature treat you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1.5 cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt

Wet and Dairy Ingredients:

  • 0.5 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 0.75 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Coffee and Soaking Components:

  • 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) brewed coffee or espresso, cooled
  • 1 tablespoon coffee liqueur (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Frosting Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (225 g) mascarpone cheese, chilled
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream, cold
  • 0.5 cup (60 g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnish:

  • Cocoa powder (for dusting)
  • Chocolate shavings or coffee beans (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and arranging cupcake liners in a pan.
  2. Create the dry base by whisking flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl.
  3. Cream butter and sugar in a large bowl until the mixture becomes light and airy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
  4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, then blend in vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually combine dry ingredients and milk with the butter mixture, alternating between the two and ensuring minimal mixing.
  6. Distribute batter evenly across cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick emerges clean.
  7. Allow cupcakes to cool completely at room temperature.
  8. Craft the coffee soak by dissolving sugar in brewed coffee and coffee liqueur.
  9. Pierce multiple holes into the cooled cupcake surfaces using a toothpick or skewer.
  10. Gently drench each cupcake with the prepared coffee mixture, permitting thorough absorption.
  11. Whip mascarpone cheese until smooth and creamy in a large mixing bowl.
  12. Separately whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks develop.
  13. Delicately fold whipped cream into mascarpone, creating a uniform, silky frosting.
  14. Elegantly pipe or spread mascarpone frosting across the coffee-soaked cupcakes.
  15. Dust cupcake tops with cocoa powder and embellish with chocolate shavings or a coffee bean.
  16. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

Notes

  • Customize coffee intensity by adjusting brewed coffee strength or using espresso for deeper flavor.
  • Prevent cupcake dryness by not overbaking, checking doneness around 18 minutes with a toothpick test.
  • Ensure mascarpone frosting stays light by gently folding whipped cream and avoiding overmixing.
  • Create gluten-free variation by substituting all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 26 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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