Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe

There's nothing quite like the rich, creamy flavors of tiramisu, but what if you could enjoy that same indulgence in a handheld treat? Enter Tiramisu Cupcakes—a delightful fusion of soft, coffee-infused cake and velvety mascarpone frosting. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of espresso-soaked goodness and delicate sweetness, making them impossible to resist.

I first discovered these cupcakes when searching for a way to bring my favorite Italian dessert to family gatherings without the hassle of assembling a full tiramisu. These cupcakes quickly became a hit, offering all the classic flavors in a fun, easy-to-serve format. Trust me—once you try them, you'll never look at tiramisu the same way again.

Why You'll Love These Tiramisu Cupcakes

If you're a tiramisu lover, you're going to adore these cupcakes. They capture everything you love about the classic dessert while adding a playful twist.

First off, they're surprisingly simple to make. While traditional tiramisu requires careful layering and overnight chilling, these cupcakes come together in just over an hour, making them a fantastic last-minute dessert option.

Another reason to love them? The perfect coffee kick. Each cupcake is lightly brushed with espresso or strong coffee, infusing it with that signature tiramisu flavor. Whether you're a coffee enthusiast or just enjoy a subtle caffeine boost in your sweets, these cupcakes deliver.

Plus, they're great for entertaining. Since they come in individual servings, there's no need for slicing or plating—just grab a cupcake and enjoy. They're ideal for parties, potlucks, or even an elegant afternoon tea.

And let’s not forget the luxurious mascarpone frosting. Light, creamy, and just the right amount of sweet, it pairs beautifully with the coffee-infused cake, bringing everything together in one bite-sized masterpiece.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these Tiramisu Cupcakes comes from a handful of key ingredients that mimic the flavors of classic tiramisu. Let’s take a closer look at what makes them so special.

The cake base is a soft and airy vanilla sponge, which acts as the perfect canvas for soaking up the espresso. Using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour ensures a delicate crumb, while a hint of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor.

The espresso soak is what gives these cupcakes their tiramisu essence. A mixture of strong brewed coffee and a touch of rum (optional) is brushed over the cupcakes, allowing them to absorb that deep coffee flavor without becoming soggy.

The mascarpone frosting is the real star of the show. Made with mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, and powdered sugar, it’s lusciously smooth and lightly sweetened, complementing the espresso-soaked cake beautifully.

A dusting of cocoa powder on top brings it all together, just like in traditional tiramisu. This final touch adds a slight bitterness that balances the sweetness and enhances the overall presentation.

If you want to take it up a notch, consider using a pastry brush to evenly distribute the espresso soak, ensuring each cupcake gets an even infusion of flavor without becoming overly saturated.

How To Make These Tiramisu Cupcakes

Creating these delicious cupcakes is easier than you think. Follow these steps for the perfect tiramisu-inspired treat.

Start by preparing the cupcake batter. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract, then gradually mix in the dry ingredients and milk until a smooth batter forms.

Divide the batter evenly among 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. Once baked, let them cool completely before adding the espresso soak.

For the espresso soak, brew a strong cup of coffee or espresso and let it cool slightly. If desired, mix in a splash of rum for that authentic tiramisu touch. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush each cupcake with the coffee mixture, allowing it to seep in without oversaturating the cake.

Next, prepare the mascarpone frosting. In a large bowl, beat together mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla extract until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, then gently fold it into the mascarpone mixture to create a light, airy frosting.

Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a round or star tip, then pipe generous swirls onto each cupcake. Finish with a dusting of cocoa powder for that classic tiramisu look and flavor.

Enjoy these cupcakes immediately, or let them chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld even more.

Storage Options

These Tiramisu Cupcakes store beautifully, making them a great make-ahead dessert.

To keep them fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The mascarpone frosting is perishable, so refrigeration is essential.

If you’d like to freeze them, store the unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw them at room temperature, then add the espresso soak and frosting just before serving.

For the best texture, let refrigerated cupcakes sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before eating. This allows the frosting to soften slightly and enhances the overall flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

These cupcakes are already delightful, but there are plenty of ways to switch things up to suit your taste.

If you’re looking for a non-caffeinated version, swap the espresso for decaf coffee or even a coffee-flavored syrup.

Want a boozy kick? Increase the rum in the espresso soak or add a splash of coffee liqueur like Kahlúa for an extra depth of flavor.

For a chocolatey twist, stir mini chocolate chips into the cupcake batter or drizzle melted chocolate over the frosted cupcakes for a decadent touch.

Prefer a lighter frosting? Swap half the mascarpone for cream cheese to create a slightly tangier and fluffier topping.

No mascarpone on hand? Use a mixture of cream cheese and heavy cream as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.

With so many ways to customize them, these Tiramisu Cupcakes are sure to become a favorite in your baking rotation. Try them out and let me know how you like them!

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