Tiramisu Cupcakes

Tiramisu Cupcakes are a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert that perfectly combines rich espresso flavor, creamy mascarpone frosting, and moist vanilla cupcakes. Each bite delivers the essence of traditional tiramisu — soft cake soaked in coffee syrup, layered with a smooth, velvety frosting, and dusted with cocoa powder.

These cupcakes are elegant, indulgent, and ideal for parties, holidays, or a simple sweet treat. They offer all the charm of the original tiramisu in a perfectly portioned handheld dessert that’s as pretty as it is delicious.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love Tiramisu Cupcakes because they blend my two dessert favorites — cupcakes and tiramisu — into one irresistible creation. The soft, fluffy cake paired with creamy mascarpone topping gives the same luxurious texture as the traditional dessert but with the convenience of individual servings.

I especially adore how the espresso syrup soaks into the cupcakes, giving a deep, aromatic flavor without being overly sweet. They’re elegant enough for special occasions yet easy enough for everyday indulgence.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This is a must-try recipe because it delivers the authentic taste of tiramisu in a fun, modern form. Perfect for coffee lovers, these cupcakes strike a balance between creamy, rich, and light. They’re impressive at dinner parties, birthdays, or as a dessert for coffee dates.

The recipe uses simple ingredients yet creates a professional bakery-quality result. Once you try these, you’ll find yourself making them again and again — they’re simply unforgettable.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 18–20 minutes
• Cooling & Assembly: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 12 cupcakes
• Calories: Approximately 310 per cupcake
• Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
• Course: Dessert

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ cup milk

For the Coffee Syrup

• ½ cup strong brewed espresso (or coffee)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon coffee liqueur (optional)

For the Mascarpone Frosting

• 8 oz mascarpone cheese, chilled
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For Garnish

• Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
• Chocolate shavings (optional)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Bake vanilla cupcakes and let them cool.
2. Brew coffee and mix with sugar (and liqueur if using).
3. Whip mascarpone, cream, sugar, and vanilla until fluffy.
4. Brush cupcakes with coffee syrup.
5. Pipe mascarpone frosting on top.
6. Dust with cocoa powder and chill before serving.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Cupcakes
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 2: Mix the Batter
In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla. Gradually add dry ingredients alternately with milk until smooth.

Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes
Divide the batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 4: Prepare the Coffee Syrup
In a small saucepan, combine brewed coffee, sugar, and liqueur (if using). Heat gently until sugar dissolves. Let it cool.

Step 5: Make the Mascarpone Frosting
In a mixing bowl, whip heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Add chilled mascarpone and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy — do not overmix.

Step 6: Assemble the Cupcakes
Brush the tops of cooled cupcakes generously with coffee syrup. Allow a few minutes for absorption. Pipe mascarpone frosting on each cupcake using a star or round tip.

Step 7: Finish and Chill
Dust the tops lightly with unsweetened cocoa powder and garnish with chocolate shavings if desired. Chill the cupcakes for at least 30 minutes before serving for best texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve Tiramisu Cupcakes chilled for a refreshing dessert. Pair them with a shot of espresso, cappuccino, or dessert wine. These elegant treats are perfect for dinner parties, afternoon tea, or romantic evenings. Present them on a dessert platter dusted with extra cocoa for a café-style finish.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use freshly brewed espresso for the best flavor.
• Keep mascarpone cheese cold — it helps the frosting stay firm.
• Avoid over-soaking cupcakes with coffee to prevent sogginess.
• Chill cupcakes before serving to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
• For a non-alcoholic version, skip the liqueur in the syrup.

Variations

• Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes: Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to the batter for a richer base.
• Strawberry Tiramisu Cupcakes: Add a layer of strawberry jam under the frosting for a fruity twist.
• Caramel Espresso Tiramisu: Drizzle caramel sauce over the frosting for extra indulgence.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Mini Tiramisu Bites: Make them in mini muffin tins for bite-sized treats.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before assembling and frosting. Avoid freezing mascarpone frosting as it can separate when thawed.

Special Equipment Needed

• 12-cup muffin tin
• Cupcake liners
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Piping bag with star tip
• Fine mesh sieve (for cocoa dusting)

FAQ

Q1: Can I use cream cheese instead of mascarpone?
Yes, but it will slightly alter the flavor and texture. Mascarpone provides a lighter, creamier taste.

Q2: Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the cupcakes and store them unfrosted in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Assemble before serving.

Q3: Do I need to refrigerate Tiramisu Cupcakes?
Yes, due to the mascarpone and cream frosting, they must be kept chilled.

Q4: Can I make this recipe without coffee?
Yes, use decaffeinated coffee or a coffee-flavored syrup alternative.

Q5: Can I use boxed cake mix?
Yes — a vanilla or white cake mix works well if you’re short on time.

Conclusion

Tiramisu Cupcakes are a luxurious yet simple dessert that brings all the flavors of the iconic Italian treat into a fun, elegant cupcake form. They’re soft, creamy, and perfectly infused with espresso, making them irresistible for coffee and dessert lovers alike.

With their delicate mascarpone frosting and cocoa-dusted tops, they look stunning and taste divine. Perfect for parties, holidays, or special moments, these cupcakes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. One bite and you’ll fall in love with this indulgent twist on a timeless classic.