Easy Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe

Fluffy Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe: Sweet Italian-Inspired Joy

Crafting delectable tiramisu cupcakes brings a delightful twist to the classic Italian dessert that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Sweet coffee-soaked layers meld perfectly with creamy mascarpone frosting.

Silky textures and rich flavors combine in a miniature package that feels both elegant and playful.

Each bite promises a luxurious experience reminiscent of traditional tiramisu, but with a modern cupcake charm.

Delicate espresso-drenched cake creates a sophisticated dessert that impresses without complicated techniques.

Whipping up these treats lets you enjoy a gourmet experience right in your kitchen.

Follow along, and you’ll create a show-stopping dessert that looks as incredible as it tastes.

Tiramisu Cupcakes to Impress Your Guests

Tiramisu Cupcakes to Impress Your Guests
  • Elevate Classic Dessert: Transform traditional tiramisu into charming, portable cupcakes that capture the beloved Italian flavor profile.
  • Master Gourmet Baking: Create sophisticated bakery-style treats without professional training, perfect for home bakers wanting to impress.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Celebration Treat: Ideal for parties, gatherings, and special occasions where guests crave a delightful coffee-infused dessert.
  • Quick Culinary Adventure: Prepare delectable cupcakes with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, delivering complex flavors in minimal preparation time.

Ingredients for These Decadent Cupcakes

Cake Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides the cupcake's soft and tender structure.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cupcakes rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cupcake batter.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cupcake base.
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the cupcake's structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor to the cupcake.
  • Milk: Ensures a moist and tender cake texture.
Soaking and Flavoring:
  • Brewed Espresso, Coffee Liqueur: Infuse the cupcakes with rich, deep coffee flavor typical of traditional tiramisu.
Frosting:
  • Mascarpone Cheese: Provides the classic creamy and tangy tiramisu flavor.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a light and airy frosting texture.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize the frosting.
  • Cocoa Powder: Adds a final touch of traditional tiramisu flavor and decoration.

How to Make Tiramisu Cupcakes from Scratch

How to Make Tiramisu Cupcakes from Scratch

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners for perfect individual servings.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Set the dry mixture aside for later use.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, beat butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light, airy, and creates a fluffy texture.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract to enhance the flavor profile.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually blend dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until the batter becomes smooth and consistent.

Step 6: Bake Cupcakes

Distribute the batter evenly into cupcake liners. Bake for 18-20 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick that should come out clean when inserted.

Step 7: Create Coffee Soak

Brush cupcake tops with a mixture of freshly brewed espresso and coffee liqueur, infusing rich coffee flavor throughout.

Step 8: Whip Luxurious Frosting

Beat together:
  • Mascarpone cheese
  • Heavy cream
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Blend until the frosting becomes smooth and beautifully fluffy.

Step 9: Decorate and Serve

Pipe the mascarpone frosting onto cooled cupcakes. Dust the tops with cocoa powder for an elegant, classic tiramisu finish.

Expert Notes on Texture and Flavor Balance

  • Brush cupcakes generously with espresso and coffee liqueur for an authentic tiramisu flavor boost while ensuring the cake remains moist and rich.
  • Select high-quality mascarpone cheese to create a smooth, creamy frosting that perfectly mimics traditional tiramisu texture and taste.
  • Dust cocoa powder lightly just before serving to prevent moisture absorption and maintain a crisp, elegant presentation.
  • Refrigerate cupcakes for at least 30 minutes before serving to help frosting set and enhance flavor melding between cake and topping.
  • Consider using decaf espresso for kid-friendly versions or substitute coffee liqueur with additional espresso for non-alcoholic alternatives.

Fun Flavors to Try Beyond Classic Tiramisu

  • Gluten-Free Coffee Cupcakes: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Tiramisu Cupcake: Swap butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, mascarpone with cashew cream, and use dairy-free milk.
  • Low-Sugar Mocha Cupcakes: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reduce liqueur amount, and use dark cocoa for intense flavor.
  • Alcohol-Free Espresso Cupcake: Replace coffee liqueur with strong brewed coffee or coffee extract for a kid-friendly alternative.

Serving Suggestions for Parties and Celebrations

  • Coffee Shop Companion: Serve these cupcakes alongside a steaming cappuccino for an authentic Italian dessert experience.
  • Elegant Dinner Finale: Present on a beautiful white plate with a light dusting of cocoa powder and a small chocolate espresso bean garnish.
  • Brunch Showstopper: Create a dessert bar featuring these tiramisu cupcakes with additional mini pastries and fresh berries for a decadent spread.
  • Gifting Delight: Package individually in clear bakery boxes with a silk ribbon, perfect for hostess gifts or special occasion treats.

Best Ways to Store Your Cupcakes

  • Store leftover Tiramisu Cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain their fresh flavor and texture.
  • Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap before placing in the container to prevent them from drying out.
  • Keep the cupcakes away from strong-smelling foods to preserve their delicate coffee and mascarpone taste.

FAQs

  • What is the key difference between traditional tiramisu and these cupcakes?

These cupcakes transform the classic Italian dessert into an individual, portable treat while maintaining the authentic coffee and mascarpone flavors of the original dessert.

  • Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have exactly what the recipe calls for?

Yes, you can use strong brewed coffee instead of espresso, and replace coffee liqueur with additional coffee if needed. For mascarpone, cream cheese can work as an alternative frosting base.

  • How do I know my cupcakes are perfectly baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake – if it comes out clean with no wet batter, your cupcakes are done. They should also have a light golden color and slightly springy top when gently pressed.

Print
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Easy Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe

Easy Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe


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4.7 from 17 reviews

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

Description

Rich chocolate cupcakes layered with tiramisu essence bring Italian dessert magic to your table. Creamy mascarpone frosting and espresso-soaked cake create an irresistible sweet experience you’ll cherish.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Base Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup whole milk

Coffee Soaking Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee
  • 1/4 cup coffee liqueur (optional)

Flavoring Ingredient:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven to 350F (175C) and arrange cupcake liners in a muffin tin.
  2. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl, setting the dry ingredients aside.
  3. Cream butter and sugar until achieving a light, airy consistency.
  4. Incorporate eggs individually, then blend in vanilla extract thoroughly.
  5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the mixture, alternating with milk until a smooth batter forms.
  6. Distribute batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
  7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick that should emerge clean when inserted.
  8. Allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack.
  9. Create a coffee mixture by combining brewed espresso and coffee liqueur.
  10. Gently brush the cooled cupcake tops with the coffee mixture, allowing liquid to absorb.
  11. Whip mascarpone, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until achieving a fluffy, spreadable consistency.
  12. Use a piping bag to elegantly distribute frosting over each cupcake.
  13. Finish by delicately dusting the frosted cupcakes with cocoa powder just before serving.

Notes

  • Opt for room-temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and consistent texture in your cupcakes.
  • Use high-quality espresso and coffee liqueur for an authentic, rich flavor that elevates the tiramisu essence.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent tough, dense cupcakes and maintain a light, tender crumb.
  • For a non-alcoholic version, replace coffee liqueur with additional brewed espresso or strong coffee.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 233 kcal
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 97 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
John Conley

John Conley

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Writing, Home Cooking Techniques, Seasonal Ingredient Utilization​

Education

Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
​Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning.

​Gotham Writers Workshop, New York, NY
Course in Food Writing
Explored the art of crafting engaging culinary narratives and recipe development.


John grew up where food meant connection: big bowls, warm kitchens, and meals that told a story. After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Lane Community College and diving deep into food writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, he found his calling: turning everyday recipes into something worth savoring.
At The Liffey, John’s focus is all about crafting dishes that feel easy, honest, and full of heart.

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