Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe

There's something magical about the combination of coffee, mascarpone, and cocoa that makes tiramisu an all-time favorite. Now imagine all that goodness in a handheld cupcake form! These tiramisu cupcakes are a perfect balance of fluffy vanilla cake, coffee-soaked layers, and a rich mascarpone frosting.

this Recipe

I first made these for a friend's birthday who adores both cupcakes and tiramisu. The result? They were an instant hit, disappearing within minutes. If you're a fan of classic Italian desserts but want something a little more portable, this recipe is for you.

Why You'll Love These Tiramisu Cupcakes

Get ready to fall in love with these decadent cupcakes. They bring the same luxurious flavors of traditional tiramisu, but in a fun and easy-to-serve format.

First off, these cupcakes are incredibly light yet packed with flavor. The sponge-like cake absorbs the coffee beautifully, creating that signature tiramisu experience in every bite.

They are surprisingly easy to make! While tiramisu often requires chilling and layering, this version comes together much faster while still delivering that beloved creamy, coffee-infused taste.

Perfect for any occasion, these cupcakes are elegant enough for a dinner party but simple enough for a casual treat. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself, these will impress.

And let’s not forget the frosting. The mascarpone topping is velvety smooth with just the right amount of sweetness, making it a dream pairing with the coffee-soaked cake.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of these cupcakes lies in using high-quality ingredients that elevate their flavor and texture.

Cake Flour is the base of these cupcakes, giving them a delicate, airy texture. If you don’t have cake flour, you can make your own by replacing two tablespoons of all-purpose flour with cornstarch per cup.

Mascarpone Cheese is what makes tiramisu so irresistible. This Italian cream cheese is rich, slightly tangy, and ultra-creamy, creating the perfect frosting. Make sure it’s at room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps.

Espresso or Strong Coffee is the key to achieving that classic tiramisu flavor. If you don’t have an espresso machine, a strong-brewed coffee or instant espresso powder dissolved in hot water works well.

Heavy Cream is whipped into the mascarpone frosting to add a luscious, airy texture. Be sure to whip it just until soft peaks form so it stays light and fluffy.

You’ll also need a good quality cocoa powder for dusting. This final touch adds a slight bitterness that balances the sweetness of the frosting beautifully.

How To Make These Tiramisu Cupcakes

Making these tiramisu cupcakes is easier than you think! Follow these simple steps to create a batch of irresistible treats.

Start by preparing the vanilla cupcake batter. Cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a tender, airy cake. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk to keep the batter smooth and well-blended.

Divide the batter evenly into a lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F for about 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool completely before moving on to the next step.

Once cooled, brush each cupcake generously with cooled espresso or strong coffee. This is where the tiramisu magic happens! The coffee infuses into the sponge, giving each bite that signature flavor.

For the frosting, whip together mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, then gently fold it into the mascarpone mixture. This creates a silky, cloud-like frosting that’s not overly sweet but incredibly rich.

Pipe the frosting onto the cupcakes using a pastry bag fitted with a round or star tip. Finish with a generous dusting of cocoa powder for that classic tiramisu touch.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (though that’s unlikely!), store these tiramisu cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because of the mascarpone frosting, they should be kept chilled and will stay fresh for up to three days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to a month. Just thaw them at room temperature before adding the frosting.

When ready to enjoy, let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly. This enhances the flavors and ensures the frosting is at its creamiest.

Variations and Substitutions

The versatility of these cupcakes means you can easily customize them to suit your taste or dietary needs.

For a boozy twist, add a splash of coffee liqueur like Kahlúa or rum to the espresso before brushing it onto the cupcakes. This will enhance the depth of flavor and bring out the traditional tiramisu taste.

Need a gluten-free option? Simply swap the cake flour for a high-quality gluten-free baking blend. The texture may be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious.

If you don’t have mascarpone, a cream cheese substitute works in a pinch. While it won’t be quite as rich, blending cream cheese with a bit of heavy cream can mimic the silky texture.

Want a stronger coffee flavor? Add a teaspoon of espresso powder directly into the cupcake batter for an extra kick of caffeine and richness.

No piping bag? No problem! Simply spread the frosting on with a spoon or a butter knife. It may look more rustic, but it will taste just as good.

These tiramisu cupcakes are proof that a little creativity goes a long way. Whether you stick to the classic version or put your own spin on them, you’re in for a treat. Enjoy!

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