Tiramisu cupcakes are more than just a sweet treat — they’re a bite-sized celebration of flavor and texture. Inspired by the beloved Italian dessert, these cupcakes merge layers of vanilla sponge with espresso infusion, creamy mascarpone filling, and a dreamy whipped topping that’ll have everyone begging for more.
A Sweet Fusion of Tradition and Modern Twist
Classic tiramisu is known for its ladyfinger base soaked in coffee, layered with mascarpone and dusted with cocoa. But in cupcake form? It’s a whole new experience. Instead of ladyfingers, you get moist, fluffy vanilla cupcakes that hold the essence of the original dish — only now, they’re portable, prettier, and perfect for any occasion.
What Are Tiramisu Cupcakes?
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Moist coffee-flavored cupcakes topped with a mascarpone frosting, inspired by the classic Italian tiramisu dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee
- 2 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional)
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- Cocoa powder, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
- Mix in half of the dry ingredients, followed by milk, then the remaining dry ingredients until just combined.
- Stir in the espresso or coffee.
- Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners and bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat mascarpone cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream to stiff peaks and fold into mascarpone mixture.
- Brush cooled cupcakes with coffee liqueur (if using).
- Pipe mascarpone frosting on top of cupcakes and dust with cocoa powder.
Notes
- You can omit the coffee liqueur for a kid-friendly version.
- Refrigerate cupcakes until ready to serve.
- Best enjoyed within 2 days for freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Essential Ingredients for Tiramisu Cupcakes
Creating the perfect batch of tiramisu cupcakes starts with quality ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building those irresistible layers of flavor and texture that make this dessert so unforgettable.
The Cupcake Base
Start with a moist and tender vanilla cupcake. You’ll need:
- Cake flour – for that soft, bakery-style crumb
- Egg whites – to keep the batter light and airy
- Unsalted butter – gives richness without overwhelming flavor
- Sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt – the basics, but essential
- Milk and sour cream – add moisture and tang, a must for balance
The Coffee Syrup
To give that signature espresso flavor, a strong brew is key. While traditional tiramisu uses espresso, instant espresso powder or concentrated coffee works wonders too. Just drizzle it over your baked cupcakes to mimic the soaked ladyfinger effect.
The Creamy Center & Frosting
The heart of any tiramisu cupcake is the mascarpone filling. Combine mascarpone cheese with egg yolks and a bit of sugar to create a light, creamy center. For the frosting, go for whipped mascarpone or a smooth buttercream infused with espresso for that final touch of decadence.
Step-by-Step Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe
Making tiramisu cupcakes from scratch might sound fancy, but it’s surprisingly doable — even if you’re not a pro baker. With the right steps, you’ll turn simple ingredients into bakery-worthy masterpieces.
1. Bake the Vanilla Cupcakes
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tray. In a bowl, whisk together egg whites, milk, sour cream, and vanilla. In another bowl, sift flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Slowly mix in butter until the mixture looks crumbly. Gradually blend in the wet ingredients until smooth. Fill each cupcake liner about ¾ full and bake for 18–20 minutes. Let them cool completely.
2. Make the Coffee Soak
Brew strong coffee or use instant espresso. Let it cool, then brush or drizzle over each cupcake to soak the sponge lightly — don’t drench it!
3. Prepare the Mascarpone Filling
Whisk egg yolks and sugar over simmering water until thickened. Cool slightly and fold into mascarpone until creamy.
4. Fill and Frost
Core each cupcake and pipe in the filling. Then, top with a whipped mascarpone or espresso buttercream. Finally, dust with cocoa powder for that iconic tiramisu finish.
Tools and Equipment for Tiramisu Cupcakes
To make truly perfect tiramisu cupcakes, having the right tools on hand can make a world of difference. While you don’t need a professional kitchen setup, a few essentials will help you nail that creamy filling, moist sponge, and smooth frosting like a pro.
Must-Have Baking Tools
- Cupcake pan and liners – no surprise here; go for a non-stick muffin tin and quality paper liners
- Electric mixer or stand mixer – a must for whipping up fluffy batter and silky frosting
- Mixing bowls (various sizes) – you’ll need separate bowls for dry ingredients, wet ingredients, and frosting
- Measuring cups and spoons – accuracy matters, especially in baking
Helpful Extras
Cooling rack – helps prevent soggy bottoms while your cupcakes cool evenly
Cupcake corer or small spoon – to hollow out the center for that luscious mascarpone filling
Piping bags and tips – essential for neatly filling and frosting cupcakes
Fine mesh sieve or cocoa shaker – for dusting that final layer of cocoa
Creative Variations of Tiramisu Cupcakes
One of the best things about tiramisu cupcakes? You can get wildly creative with them! Whether you’re tweaking for dietary needs or just craving something extra, these flavor-packed ideas will keep your cupcake game fresh and exciting.
Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes
Swap vanilla cake for rich chocolate sponge, and you’ve got an irresistible twist. The deep cocoa flavor pairs beautifully with the espresso soak and mascarpone filling. Add a swirl of mocha buttercream for extra indulgence.
Vegan and Dairy-Free Options
Yes, you can make vegan tiramisu cupcakes! Use plant-based milk, dairy-free butter, and a vegan cream cheese–based filling. Replace eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce — the result is still moist, flavorful, and satisfying.
Gluten-Free Tiramisu Cupcakes
A simple flour swap makes these treats gluten-friendly. Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to ensure texture stays soft and airy.
Mini Tiramisu Cupcakes for Parties
Make bite-sized versions using a mini muffin tin. They’re perfect for entertaining, and no one can resist popping more than one.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tiramisu Cupcakes
Got questions about making the perfect tiramisu cupcakes? You’re not alone. These FAQs cover the most common concerns — from ingredients to techniques — so your cupcakes come out flawless every time.
Can I make tiramisu cupcakes without mascarpone?
Yes! If you can’t find mascarpone, you can mix cream cheese, heavy cream, and a little unsalted butter to create a similar texture and taste. It’s a great homemade alternative that still delivers that rich, creamy center.
Curious about how mascarpone compares to cream cheese? Here’s a helpful comparison for understanding both!
Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso?
Absolutely. While espresso adds bold flavor, a strong brewed coffee or even instant coffee works fine. Just make sure it’s concentrated to get that classic coffee-soaked cupcake feel.
How do I fill the cupcakes neatly?
Use a cupcake corer or a small spoon to remove the center, then pipe in your filling with a pastry bag. It’s quick, clean, and keeps the cupcake structure intact.
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