Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe

The Ultimate Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe for Coffee Lovers

Soft, decadent cupcakes infused with tiramisu flavors dance between classic dessert and modern indulgence.

Coffee-soaked sponge layers melt into creamy mascarpone frosting with delightful Italian charm.

Rich espresso notes weave through each delicate bite, creating an irresistible treat.

These elegant cupcakes capture the essence of traditional tiramisu in a handheld form.

Delicate and sophisticated, they promise to elevate any gathering or quiet moment of personal pleasure.

Prepare to transport your taste buds straight to the charming cafes of Italy with this luxurious dessert experience.

Why Tiramisu Cupcakes Are Worth Making Soon

  • Craft a Culinary Adventure: Transform ordinary baking into an exciting journey with these wild blueberry ricotta sweet buns that blend rich flavors and playful textures.
  • Master Impressive Techniques: Learn professional pastry skills like working with yeast dough, creating homemade blueberry sauce, and crafting delicate cheese-filled buns that look like they're from a gourmet bakery.
  • Customize Your Dessert: Personalize these buns by adjusting sweetness levels, experimenting with different fruit sauces, or adding unique toppings to make them your signature treat.
  • Share Love Through Baking: Create a memorable experience by preparing these buns that bring family and friends together, sparking conversation and spreading joy around the table.

Ingredients for Classic Tiramisu Cupcake Batter

Cupcake Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cupcakes.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help 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 crumb in the cupcakes.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cupcake's moisture and texture.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the cupcakes.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor to the cupcake base.
  • Sour Cream: Keeps the cupcakes moist and adds a subtle tangy flavor.
  • Espresso: Introduces a deep coffee flavor that complements the tiramisu theme.
Frosting and Garnish Ingredients:
  • Mascarpone Cheese, Powdered Sugar: Create a smooth, creamy frosting with a classic tiramisu flavor.
  • Whipped Cream: Adds lightness and airiness to the frosting.
  • Coffee Liqueur, Espresso: Provide a coffee soak that enhances the tiramisu-inspired flavor.
  • Cocoa Powder, Chocolate Curls: Decorative elements that add visual appeal and traditional tiramisu flavor.

Steps for Baking Tiramisu Cupcakes Perfectly

Steps for Baking Tiramisu Cupcakes Perfectly

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn on the oven to 350F (175C) and place cupcake liners in a 12-cup muffin tin. This prepares the perfect environment for baking delicious cupcakes.

Step 2: Create the Dry Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine these dry ingredients:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Whisk them together until well blended.

Step 3: Cream the Base

In a large mixing bowl, blend butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

This creates a smooth and creamy foundation for your cupcakes.

Step 4: Add Moisture and Flavor

Gently incorporate eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed.

Stir in vanilla extract to enhance the overall taste.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly blend the dry ingredients with sour cream and espresso.

Alternate between dry ingredients and liquids, starting and ending with the dry mixture. Mix until just combined to keep the batter tender.

Step 6: Fill the Cupcake Liners

Distribute the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. This allows room for the cupcakes to rise beautifully.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Allow cupcakes to cool completely.

Step 8: Whip Up the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat mascarpone cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.

Step 9: Create Fluffy Frosting

Gently fold in whipped cream to maintain a light, airy texture. Refrigerate the frosting until you’re ready to use it.

Step 10: Prepare the Coffee Soak

Mix espresso and coffee liqueur for an extra burst of flavor.

Step 11: Soak the Cupcakes

Lightly brush the cooled cupcakes with the coffee mixture to add moisture and depth.

Step 12: Frost and Decorate

Pipe or spread the mascarpone frosting over each cupcake. Dust the tops with cocoa powder and add chocolate curls for an elegant finish.

Step 13: Serve and Store

Enjoy the cupcakes immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. These tiramisu cupcakes are perfect for special occasions or a delightful treat anytime!

Notes to Read Before Baking Tiramisu Cupcakes

  • Alternate dry and wet ingredients slowly to prevent overmixing, ensuring a light and tender cupcake texture.
  • Use freshly brewed espresso at room temperature for a rich, deep coffee flavor that complements the mascarpone frosting.
  • Fold whipped cream gently into mascarpone to maintain its airy consistency and prevent deflating the delicate texture.
  • Dust cocoa powder just before serving to keep the surface crisp and prevent moisture absorption from the frosting.
  • Refrigerate cupcakes in an airtight container to preserve freshness, but bring to room temperature before serving for optimal taste and texture.

Filling and Topping Ideas for Tiramisu Cupcakes

  • Gluten-Free Tiramisu Cupcakes: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version. Use gluten-free baking powder and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Vegan Coffee Cream Cupcakes: Swap butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and mascarpone with cashew cream. Use plant-based milk and dairy-free whipped topping for a completely vegan dessert.
  • Low-Sugar Espresso Cupcakes: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and reduce coffee liqueur for a lighter, less sweet option.

Sweets to Serve With Tiramisu Cupcakes

  • Pair with Sweet Espresso Martini: Amplify the coffee notes with a smooth, boozy cocktail that mirrors the tiramisu cupcake's espresso and liqueur essence. The martini's rich, velvety texture complements the creamy mascarpone frosting perfectly.
  • Complement with Dark Chocolate Truffles: Enhance the dessert experience by serving small, intense dark chocolate truffles alongside. These bite-sized treats will echo the cocoa powder dusting and provide a decadent contrast to the light, airy cupcake.
  • Match with Amaretto Affogato: Create a luxurious Italian-inspired pairing by serving a small affogato with amaretto liqueur. The warm espresso poured over vanilla gelato will beautifully highlight the cupcake's coffee undertones and provide a refreshing counterpoint.

Storing Tiramisu Cupcakes to Keep Them Moist

  • Store covered tiramisu cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent frosting from sticking.
  • Wrap individual cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Remove cupcakes from refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to soften frosting and enhance flavors. Do not leave out for more than 2 hours due to mascarpone cheese.
  • Gently warm in microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. Avoid overheating to prevent frosting from melting or becoming runny.

FAQs

  • What makes mascarpone frosting different from regular buttercream?

Mascarpone frosting is lighter, creamier, and less sweet than traditional buttercream. It uses mascarpone cheese, which gives a rich, tangy flavor and smooth texture that’s characteristic of Italian desserts.

  • Can I make these cupcakes without coffee liqueur?

Yes, you can skip the coffee liqueur or replace it with additional espresso or coffee extract. The goal is to enhance the coffee flavor, so use what works best for your taste preferences.

  • How do I get perfect chocolate curls for garnish?

Use a vegetable peeler on a block of room temperature chocolate. Gently run the peeler along the edge of the chocolate, and the curls will naturally form. Chilled chocolate works best for crisp, defined curls.

Print
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Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe

Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe


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4.7 from 14 reviews

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

Description

Indulgent Tiramisu Cupcakes elevate classic Italian dessert into a delightful handheld treat. Rich espresso-soaked sponge, creamy mascarpone frosting, and a delicate cocoa dusting promise a sophisticated sweet experience you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Cupcake Base:

  • 1 1/4 cups (156 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Coffee and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) strong brewed espresso
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and arrange cupcake liners in a 12-cup muffin tin.
  2. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl, then set aside.
  3. Cream butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture becomes light and airy.
  4. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring thorough mixing after each addition, then blend in vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually integrate dry ingredients with sour cream and espresso, alternating and ending with dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  6. Distribute batter evenly into cupcake liners, filling approximately two-thirds full.
  7. Bake for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick emerges clean from the center, then allow cupcakes to cool completely.
  8. Whip mascarpone cheese and powdered sugar until smooth in a mixing bowl.
  9. Gently incorporate whipped cream, maintaining a delicate texture, and refrigerate until needed.
  10. Combine espresso and coffee liqueur for the optional coffee soak.
  11. Delicately brush cooled cupcake tops with the coffee mixture.
  12. Apply mascarpone frosting using a piping bag or spreading technique.
  13. Sprinkle cocoa powder and garnish with chocolate curls.
  14. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Notes

  • Enhance coffee flavor by using freshly brewed espresso at room temperature for maximum taste intensity.
  • Ensure mascarpone frosting stays light by folding whipped cream gently and avoiding overmixing.
  • Prevent dry cupcakes by measuring flour accurately and not overbaking; check doneness early to maintain moisture.
  • Adapt for gluten-free diets by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and adding xanthan gum for better texture.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 90 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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