Name: Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; ¾ cup sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ cup whole milk; ¼ cup brewed espresso or strong coffee (cooled); ⅓ cup brewed espresso or strong coffee; 2 tbsp sugar; 1 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional); 1 cup heavy whipping cream (cold); ¾ cup mascarpone cheese or cream cheese; ¼ cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Cocoa powder (for dusting); Chocolate shavings or espresso beans (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 41 reviews

If you have a soft spot for that classic Italian dessert but love cupcake treats, this Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe is absolutely going to steal your heart. Imagine moist coffee-infused cupcakes layered with luscious mascarpone cream, dusted with cocoa powder, and finished with a touch of espresso charm. It’s the perfect marriage of flavors and textures that bring all the cozy indulgence of traditional tiramisu into a delightful handheld delight. Whether for a special occasion or a weekend baking adventure, these cupcakes promise to wow your taste buds with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A metal baking tray with 12 cups filled evenly with a pale yellow batter, each cup lined with a white paper cupcake liner. The tray sits on a white marbled surface, and the batter is smooth and level, ready to be baked. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple ingredients is the first exciting step in making these irresistible cupcakes. Each component plays a crucial role—from the flour and butter that build the structure, to espresso that infuses an authentic rich coffee flavor, and mascarpone cream that adds dreamy smoothness. Here’s what you’ll need to create this classic treat in cupcake form:

1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: Acts as the base providing structure and softness.
1 ½ tsp baking powder: Helps the cupcakes rise beautifully and get fluffy.
¼ tsp salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances sweetness.
½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness and tenderness to the crumb.
¾ cup sugar: Sweetens the batter to perfection without overpowering.
2 large eggs: Bind ingredients and add moisture and richness.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to flavor.
½ cup whole milk: Keeps the cupcakes moist and tender.
¼ cup brewed espresso or strong coffee (cooled): Infuses that signature tiramisu coffee taste.
⅓ cup brewed espresso or strong coffee: Used for soaking the cupcakes for extra flavor punch.
2 tbsp sugar: Sweetens the soaking syrup lightly.
1 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional): Adds an adult twist and depth to the soak.
1 cup heavy whipping cream (cold): Whipped to fluffy peaks for the creamy topping.
¾ cup mascarpone cheese or cream cheese: Gives that iconic creamy texture synonymous with tiramisu.
¼ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting smoothly.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses the frosting with subtle aromatic vanilla.
Cocoa powder (for dusting): Finishing touch providing that classic tiramisu look and flavor.
Chocolate shavings or espresso beans (optional): Decorative accents that add a little extra flair and texture.

How to Make Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Cupcake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. In one bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to set the foundation of your batter. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy—the key to those airy cupcakes. Then add the eggs one by one followed by vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Finally, fold in the cooled brewed espresso; this step gives the cupcakes their signature coffee flavor and keeps them wonderfully moist.

Step 2: Baking the Cupcakes

Fill your cupcake liners about three-quarters full with the batter. Bake for about 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely—this cooling time is essential before you move on to soaking and frosting.

Step 3: Preparing the Coffee Soak

While your cupcakes cool, combine ⅓ cup brewed espresso and 2 tablespoons sugar in a small saucepan. Warm them gently just until the sugar dissolves, then remove from heat and stir in the coffee liqueur if you choose to use it. This soak will transform your cupcakes by intensifying their coffee flavor.

Step 4: Soaking the Cupcakes

Use a skewer or fork to poke holes all over each cupcake. This little trick lets the coffee soak seep deep inside rather than just coating the surface. Brush each cupcake generously with the espresso syrup and let them absorb the flavors fully, elevating them from simple cupcakes to something truly special.

Step 5: Making the Mascarpone Frosting

Whip the cold heavy cream in a chilled bowl until soft peaks form—this is the fluffy base for your frosting. In another bowl, beat together the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, creating a luscious, airy frosting that captures the essence of tiramisu perfectly.

Step 6: Frosting and Finishing Touches

Once your cupcakes are completely cooled and soaked, pipe or spread the mascarpone frosting on top. To achieve that classic tiramisu look and taste, dust the frosting generously with cocoa powder. For an extra bit of elegance, add chocolate shavings or a few espresso beans on top—both look beautiful and add a pleasant crunch.

How to Serve Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe

A metal cupcake pan holds eight cupcakes and one cup filled with dark brown coffee beans in the center. Each cupcake has one layer of light brown cake, topped with a swirl of white cream frosting sprinkled with fine dark brown cocoa powder. The pan sits on a white marbled surface scattered with a few coffee beans and small chocolate pieces. Pieces of dark chocolate bars rest nearby to the right of the pan. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Presentation makes all the difference! Dusting the cupcakes with a good-quality unsweetened cocoa powder is essential. You can also add chocolate curls or espresso beans for texture and visual appeal. Even a sprinkle of finely chopped dark chocolate can heighten the experience. These simple garnishes turn your cupcakes into irresistible showstoppers.

Side Dishes

For a delightful coffee break or dessert spread, serve these tiramisu cupcakes alongside a steaming cup of espresso or cappuccino to echo their robust coffee notes. Fresh berries, particularly raspberries or strawberries, also make a fresh contrast—balancing the rich creaminess of the cupcakes perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Thinking beyond traditional presentation can turn your cupcakes into conversation starters. Try stacking them on a tiered cake stand for a stunning display or serve them in clear cupcake wrappers to showcase their layers. If you’re feeling fancy, place each cupcake in a glass dessert dish with extra mascarpone cream and a dusting of cocoa powder for a “deconstructed” tiramisu effect that guests will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, these cupcakes are best stored in the refrigerator to keep the mascarpone cream fresh. Place them in an airtight container, and enjoy within 2 to 3 days. Proper refrigeration will maintain their moist texture and keep the coffee flavors lively.

Freezing

If you want to make these tiramisu cupcakes ahead of time, you can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to two months. Wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add the mascarpone frosting fresh for the best results.

Reheating

Because of their delicate texture and creamy frosting, we recommend enjoying these cupcakes chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer them slightly warm, allow frozen cupcakes to thaw completely and then bring to room temperature naturally. Avoid microwaving as it can change the texture and cause the frosting to separate.

FAQs

Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of espresso?

Absolutely! Strong brewed coffee works wonderfully if you don’t have an espresso machine. Just make sure it’s robust and cooled down before adding it to the batter and soak.

Is mascarpone cheese necessary or can I substitute it?

Mascarpone is traditional and lends that signature creamy richness, but cream cheese is a common substitute that works well and is more accessible. Just keep in mind the flavor will be slightly tangier with cream cheese.

How long do these cupcakes last once frosted?

Once assembled and frosted, these cupcakes are best eaten within 2 to 3 days if stored in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and flavor integrity.

Can I make the cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well.

What’s the best way to get the coffee soak to penetrate the cupcakes evenly?

Using a skewer or fork to poke holes before brushing on the coffee syrup helps the liquid sink deeper into the cupcake, ensuring every bite bursts with coffee flavor instead of just the surface tasting strongly.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to impress friends or treat yourself to a dreamy dessert that combines classic Italian flavors in a fun, individual format, this Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe is your new best friend. Easy to make yet impressively delicious, these cupcakes deliver all the creamy coffee goodness you love from tiramisu in every bite. So grab your ingredients, invite a friend over, and get ready to bake up something truly unforgettable.