Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe

There's something magical about the combination of coffee, mascarpone, and cocoa in a classic tiramisu. Now, imagine all those indulgent flavors packed into a soft, moist cupcake. These Tiramisu Cupcakes bring together the richness of espresso-soaked cake, a luscious mascarpone frosting, and a dusting of cocoa powder for the ultimate dessert experience.

I first discovered this recipe when searching for a way to impress my guests without the hassle of assembling a full tiramisu. The result? A handheld version of the beloved Italian dessert that's just as elegant and delicious. These cupcakes are perfect for birthdays, dinner parties, or when you simply crave something sweet and sophisticated.

Why You'll Love These Tiramisu Cupcakes

Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to dessert. These cupcakes capture everything you adore about tiramisu in a fun, easy-to-serve package.

First, they’re incredibly light and fluffy. The sponge-like vanilla cupcakes soak up just the right amount of espresso, ensuring every bite is infused with rich coffee flavor without becoming soggy.

The mascarpone frosting is the true star. Unlike traditional buttercream, this frosting is silky, slightly tangy, and not overly sweet, complementing the cupcakes beautifully.

No fancy techniques required! While tiramisu often involves layering and setting time, these cupcakes come together with simple baking steps and a quick assembly.

They’re guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re serving them at a special gathering or enjoying them with a cup of coffee, these elegant treats will make any occasion feel extra special.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of these Tiramisu Cupcakes lies in the carefully selected ingredients, each contributing to the dessert’s signature taste and texture.

Cake Flour creates an ultra-soft, delicate cupcake. If you only have all-purpose flour, you can make a substitute by removing two tablespoons of flour per cup and replacing it with cornstarch.

Espresso or Strong Coffee gives these cupcakes their deep, rich flavor. For the best results, use freshly brewed espresso or a high-quality instant coffee dissolved in hot water.

Mascarpone Cheese is the key to achieving the creamy, slightly tangy frosting that makes tiramisu so irresistible. Be sure to use full-fat mascarpone for the best texture.

Heavy Cream helps whip the frosting into a light and airy consistency. Make sure it’s cold before whipping to ensure stability.

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder is the finishing touch, adding a classic tiramisu dusting that enhances both flavor and presentation.

How To Make These Tiramisu Cupcakes

Creating these decadent cupcakes is easier than you might think. Follow these steps for the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a cupcake tray with paper liners. In a mixing bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt to ensure even distribution.

In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a tender crumb. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in a splash of vanilla extract.

Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with the dry mixture. This method helps keep the batter light and smooth. Once combined, divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

While the cupcakes cool, prepare the espresso soak by combining brewed espresso with a touch of sugar. Use a fork or skewer to poke small holes in the cooled cupcakes, then brush the espresso mixture over each one, allowing it to soak in gently.

For the mascarpone frosting, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. In a separate bowl, mix mascarpone cheese until smooth, then fold in the whipped cream to create a light, airy texture. Pipe or spread the frosting generously onto the cupcakes.

Finish with a dusting of cocoa powder, and for an extra-special touch, garnish with chocolate shavings or a coffee bean. Enjoy immediately or chill for a more authentic tiramisu experience.

Storage Options

These cupcakes taste best fresh but can be stored for later enjoyment with a few simple steps.

For short-term storage, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The mascarpone frosting will stay stable and flavorful when kept cold.

If you need to store them longer, freeze the unfrosted cupcakes in a sealed container for up to a month. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature before adding the frosting.

To reheat, let refrigerated cupcakes sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to ensure the frosting is creamy and smooth.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about these Tiramisu Cupcakes is their adaptability. Here are some fun ways to customize the recipe to suit your taste.

Swap out the espresso for a coffee liqueur such as Kahlúa or Tia Maria for an extra depth of flavor that complements the mascarpone frosting beautifully.

For a chocolate twist, add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the cupcake batter for a mocha-inspired variation.

Prefer a non-caffeinated version? Replace the espresso with a coffee-flavored syrup or a mild caramel drizzle for a similar taste without the caffeine.

Dairy-free? Use a dairy-free butter substitute, coconut cream in place of heavy cream, and a vegan mascarpone alternative to recreate the classic flavors without the dairy.

No cake flour? Simply use all-purpose flour with a bit of cornstarch mixed in, and your cupcakes will still turn out soft and tender.

No matter how you customize them, these Tiramisu Cupcakes are sure to delight. Experiment with flavors and toppings to make them your own, and enjoy every indulgent bite!

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