Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe

The Dreamiest Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe for Coffee Lovers

Crafting delightful tiramisu cupcakes brings pure magic to your dessert repertoire.

Sweet layers of coffee-soaked sponge promise an Italian-inspired adventure.

Mascarpone cream whispers delicate elegance across each tender bite.

Rich espresso notes dance through soft cake textures.

Delicate chocolate dusting adds sophisticated charm to these miniature treats.

Creamy, intense flavors merge seamlessly in every perfect morsel.

Tiramisu Cupcakes with Creamy Delight Inside

  • Quick and Easy Baking: Whip up these delightful cupcakes with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
  • Gourmet Twist on Classic Dessert: Transform traditional tiramisu into a portable, bite-sized treat that combines rich espresso flavor with creamy mascarpone frosting.
  • Coffee Lover's Dream: Indulge in the perfect balance of bold espresso-infused cupcakes and smooth, decadent frosting that satisfies caffeine cravings and sweet tooth simultaneously.
  • Impressive Party Showstopper: Create a stunning dessert that looks professionally made but can be prepared with minimal effort, guaranteed to wow friends and family at gatherings.

Ingredients You Need for These Cupcakes

Cake Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental ingredient that provides structure to the cupcakes.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cupcakes rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cupcake batter.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Creates a rich and tender texture in the cupcakes.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cupcake's caramelization.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide moisture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor to the cupcake base.
  • Milk: Provides moisture and helps create a smooth batter.
  • Brewed Espresso: Infuses a deep coffee flavor into the cupcake.
Frosting Components:
  • Mascarpone Cheese: A creamy Italian cheese that creates a luxurious frosting texture.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, fluffy frosting.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize the frosting.
Finishing Touches:
  • Cocoa Powder, Chocolate Shavings: Provide a classic tiramisu garnish and additional flavor.
Syrup Ingredients:
  • Espresso, Sugar: Create a sweet coffee syrup to soak the cupcakes.

Mixing and Baking Cupcakes Made Simple

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C).

Grab your cupcake tin and line it with cute paper liners.

Step 2: Create the Dry Mix

Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until perfectly blended.

Step 3: Cream the Base

In a separate large bowl, whip butter and sugar until they transform into a fluffy cloud.

Gently add eggs one by one, then splash in vanilla extract.

Mix until everything looks smooth and dreamy.

Step 4: Blend the Batter

Gradually fold in dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture.

Stir carefully, stopping just when everything is combined – no overmixing allowed!

Step 5: Add Espresso Magic

Pour in the brewed espresso and give a gentle stir.

Divide the batter evenly into the cupcake liners.

Slide the tin into the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes.

Let the cupcakes cool completely.

Step 6: Soak with Espresso Syrup

Ingredients:
  • Hot espresso
  • Sugar

Mix hot espresso and sugar until sugar dissolves completely.

Using a pastry brush, generously coat the cooled cupcakes with the syrupy goodness.

Step 7: Whip Up Creamy Frosting

Ingredients:
  • Mascarpone cheese
  • Heavy cream
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Beat all ingredients in a bowl until the mixture becomes smooth, light, and irresistibly fluffy.

Step 8: Decorate and Finish

Pipe the mascarpone frosting onto each cupcake.

Dust with cocoa powder and sprinkle chocolate shavings on top for a gorgeous final touch.

Tricks for Perfect Tiramisu Cupcake Texture

  • Use high-quality, freshly brewed espresso for intense coffee flavor that elevates the cupcake's taste.
  • Brush espresso syrup carefully to prevent soggy cupcakes, ensuring just enough moisture for rich flavor.
  • Beat frosting at medium speed to maintain smooth texture without over-mixing or causing separation.
  • Refrigerate cupcakes for 30 minutes before serving to help frosting set and enhance flavor melding.
  • Sift cocoa powder lightly over cupcakes for an elegant finish and balanced bitter-sweet taste profile.

Fun Add-Ins for Coffee Flavors

  • Gluten-Free Tiramisu Cupcakes: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a gluten-free alternative that maintains the rich coffee flavor.
  • Vegan Coffee Delight: Swap butter with coconut oil, use plant-based milk, replace eggs with flax eggs, and use vegan mascarpone for a dairy-free version.
  • Low-Sugar Coffee Treat: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reduce overall sugar content while keeping the classic tiramisu essence.
  • Mocha Chocolate Variation: Add dark chocolate to the batter and frosting, intensify coffee notes with additional espresso powder for chocolate lovers.

Sweet Ideas to Dress Cupcakes Up

  • Coffee Shop Pairing: Serve alongside a hot cappuccino or strong espresso for an authentic Italian dessert experience.
  • Elegant Dessert Platter: Arrange cupcakes on a rustic wooden board with fresh berries, chocolate truffles, and a light dusting of cocoa powder for visual appeal.
  • Wine Companion: Pair with a sweet dessert wine like Vin Santo or a light Moscato to complement the rich mascarpone and coffee flavors.
  • Party Presentation: Create a stunning cupcake tower with varying heights, sprinkle cocoa powder between levels, and add edible gold leaf for a sophisticated touch.

Store Cupcakes Without Losing Moisture

  • Store frosted tiramisu cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap unfrosted cupcakes individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Keep frozen for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.
  • Keep unrefrigerated for only 4-6 hours. Do not leave mascarpone frosting at room temperature longer due to dairy content.
  • Warm slightly in microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. Avoid overheating to maintain frosting texture and prevent cupcake dryness.

FAQs

  • What is mascarpone cheese?

Mascarpone is a soft, creamy Italian cheese with a rich, buttery texture made from cream. It’s commonly used in desserts like tiramisu and provides a smooth, luxurious flavor to frosting and other sweet recipes.

  • Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso?

Yes, you can substitute instant coffee by dissolving 1-2 teaspoons of instant coffee granules in hot water to create a strong coffee base for the cupcake batter and syrup.

  • How do I prevent my cupcakes from becoming dry?

Avoid overmixing the batter and don’t overbake. Check cupcakes at the earliest recommended baking time and remove them from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out clean to maintain moisture.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe

Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Creamy Italian tiramisu cupcakes blend classic dessert elegance with modern bakery charm. Coffee-soaked sponge and mascarpone frosting create a delightful sweet experience you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons (1.5 teaspoons) baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon (0.25 teaspoon) salt
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

Liquid Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Flavor Enhancers:

  • No additional flavor enhancers in this recipe

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and arrange cupcake liners in a standard muffin tin.
  2. Combine the dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, and salt – in a mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
  3. Cream butter and sugar in a separate bowl until light and airy, creating a smooth base for the cupcake batter.
  4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, mixing completely after each addition, then blend in vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually fold dry ingredients and milk into the butter mixture, alternating between the two, stirring until just incorporated to maintain a tender crumb.
  6. Gently fold brewed espresso into the batter, creating a rich coffee undertone.
  7. Evenly distribute the batter among cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
  8. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack.
  9. Prepare espresso syrup by dissolving sugar in hot espresso, creating a concentrated coffee liquid.
  10. Using a pastry brush, generously soak each cooled cupcake with the espresso syrup, enhancing moisture and flavor.
  11. Whip mascarpone, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla together until the frosting becomes smooth and peaks form.
  12. Transfer frosting to a piping bag and elegantly pipe swirls onto each cupcake.
  13. Dust the frosted cupcakes with cocoa powder and garnish with delicate chocolate shavings for an elegant finish.

Notes

  • Brew fresh, high-quality espresso for the most intense coffee flavor in your cupcakes and syrup.
  • Softly fold dry ingredients into wet mixture to maintain a light, airy cupcake texture without overmixing.
  • Chill mascarpone and cream before whipping to ensure a stable, silky smooth frosting that holds its shape perfectly.
  • Substitute gluten-free flour blend for traditional flour to make these cupcakes suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 157 kcal
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 80 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
  • Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
  • Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.​

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.


Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star