If you adore the classic flavors of Italian dessert but crave an individual treat, this Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe is a brilliant way to enjoy tiramisu in a fun, handheld form. Imagine moist, coffee-infused cupcakes filled with smooth mascarpone cream and topped with a delicate dusting of cocoa powder, combining all the elements of tiramisu into one irresistible confection. Whether it’s a special occasion or a sweet pick-me-up, these cupcakes deliver that perfect balance of rich coffee and creamy sweetness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple, everyday pantry staples that come together to create something truly special. Each ingredient plays a key role, from the tender crumb of the cupcakes brought to life by the coffee, to the luscious mascarpone filling that makes each bite indulgent but light.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for your cupcake’s soft yet sturdy texture.
- Baking Powder: Helps the cupcakes rise beautifully and stay fluffy.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness.
- Sugar: Sweetens the batter, making the cupcakes perfectly tender.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moistness to the cupcake base.
- Eggs: Bind ingredients together while contributing to structure and moisture.
- Milk: Keeps the batter smooth and tender for a soft crumb.
- Strong Brewed Coffee (cooled): Infuses that signature tiramisu flavor into the cupcakes.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
- Mascarpone Cheese: The star of the filling, offering creamy and slightly tangy richness.
- Heavy Cream: Whipped to create a light, airy texture in the mascarpone filling.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the mascarpone filling without graininess.
- Cocoa Powder: To dust the tops and give that classic tiramisu finish.
- Dark Chocolate Shavings (optional): Adds texture and a hint of bitter contrast on top.
How to Make Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cupcake Batter
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents. In another bowl, beat the unsalted butter with sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which creates airiness in the cupcakes. Add the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next to build a stable batter structure.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with the milk; starting and ending with the flour mixture ensures the batter stays smooth and well balanced. Stir in the cooled strong brewed coffee along with vanilla extract to infuse the batter with that unmistakable coffee aroma. Divide the batter into your cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow space for rising.
Step 3: Bake and Cool
Bake the cupcakes for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This step is crucial to ensure your cupcakes are moist but cooked through. Let them cool completely before moving on—this prevents the mascarpone filling from melting when assembled.
Step 4: Prepare the Mascarpone Filling
In a mixing bowl, whisk together mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened. This filling should be light and creamy, complementing the coffee notes of the cupcake without overpowering them.
Step 5: Make the Coffee Syrup
Heat brewed coffee and sugar over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely, then allow this syrup to cool. This syrup will soak into the hollowed-out centers of each cupcake, intensifying the coffee flavor and keeping each bite wonderfully moist.
Step 6: Assemble Your Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe
Using a small spoon or cupcake corer, carefully remove the center of each cooled cupcake. Brush inside each cavity with the coffee syrup, letting it soak in fully. Fill the hollowed centers with the mascarpone filling, generously packing in that rich creaminess. Finally, dust the tops with cocoa powder and, if you like, sprinkle dark chocolate shavings for a gorgeous finishing touch. Refrigerate the cupcakes for about 30 minutes to let the flavors mingle and the filling set.
How to Serve Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe
Garnishes
For a classic tiramisu look, a simple dusting of cocoa powder is perfection. You can also add a few dark chocolate shavings for a little crunch and visual appeal. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries offer a bright contrast if you want to play with colors and flavors.
Side Dishes
These cupcakes shine on their own but can be paired wonderfully with a light espresso or a creamy cappuccino to echo the coffee notes. Alternatively, a small scoop of vanilla gelato alongside adds a touch of cooling sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving your tiramisu cupcakes on a tiered stand at a party for elegant presentation. You could also place each cupcake in a decorative paper liner or into mini glass jars for a charming, rustic appeal. Experiment with layering the mascarpone filling inside clear cups for a deconstructed tiramisu feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping them chilled ensures the mascarpone filling stays fresh and the cupcakes maintain their perfect texture.
Freezing
If you want to make these cupcakes ahead of time, you can freeze them without filling and frosting. Wrap the cooled but unfilled cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to one month. Thaw completely before filling and topping to preserve freshness.
Reheating
Because these cupcakes contain delicate mascarpone filling, they are best served cold or at room temperature. Avoid reheating as warm temperatures can cause the filling to melt and change texture.
FAQs
Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee?
Yes, instant coffee can be substituted, but make sure to dissolve it completely in a small amount of hot water first to avoid graininess and to ensure the coffee flavor is rich enough.
Is mascarpone cheese the same as cream cheese?
Mascarpone and cream cheese taste quite different. Mascarpone is creamier, richer, and less tangy, which makes it ideal for authentic tiramisu flavor and texture.
How do I avoid soggy cupcakes?
Brush the coffee syrup sparingly and allow the cupcakes to absorb it slowly to avoid sogginess. The right balance creates moistness without becoming too wet.
Can I make these cupcakes vegan?
Traditional tiramisu cupcakes rely on dairy and eggs, so making a vegan version requires substituting ingredients like plant-based butter, milk, and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, which may alter the texture and flavor.
What if I don’t have a cupcake corer?
A small spoon or knife can work to remove the center of the cupcakes carefully. Just scoop gently to create a little hollow without breaking the cupcake apart.
Final Thoughts
This Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe is a delightful way to enjoy one of Italy’s most beloved desserts with a cozy, personal twist. Once you try these, you’ll understand why they’re a hit for gatherings or even just a comforting treat at home. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into the beautiful world of tiramisu in cupcake form—you won’t be disappointed!
Print
Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Delight in these luscious Tiramisu Cupcakes that capture the essence of the classic Italian dessert in a perfectly portioned treat. Moist coffee-infused cupcakes are filled with a creamy mascarpone filling, soaked with sweetened coffee syrup, and topped with a dusting of cocoa powder and optional dark chocolate shavings. Perfect for gatherings or as an elegant dessert.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Mascarpone Filling:
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Coffee Syrup:
- ½ cup strong brewed coffee
- ¼ cup sugar
For Topping:
- Cocoa powder, for dusting
- Dark chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cupcakes: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners to ensure easy removal after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, providing a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate them.
- Combine Flour and Milk: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients alternately with milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients for best texture.
- Add Coffee and Vanilla: Stir in the cooled brewed coffee and vanilla extract which adds the signature flavor to the cupcakes.
- Fill and Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool completely.
- Make Mascarpone Filling: Whisk together mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and slightly thickened for a creamy filling.
- Prepare Coffee Syrup: In a small saucepan, gently heat brewed coffee and sugar over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and cool completely.
- Hollow Cupcakes: Once cooled, use a spoon or cupcake corer to carefully remove the center of each cupcake to create space for the filling.
- Soak Cupcakes: Brush the hollowed centers with the cooled coffee syrup to infuse moisture and enhance coffee flavor.
- Fill Cupcakes: Spoon or pipe the mascarpone filling into each cupcake hollow, filling them generously.
- Add Toppings: Dust the tops with cocoa powder and optionally garnish with dark chocolate shavings for added richness and decoration.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled cupcakes for about 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving, ensuring a delightful taste experience.
Notes
- Allow the coffee to cool completely before adding to batter and syrup to prevent eggs from cooking or cream breaking.
- You can prepare the cupcakes a day ahead, store them cooled and wrapped, then assemble just before serving for freshness.
- For a stronger coffee flavor, use espresso instead of regular brewed coffee.
- Mascarpone filling can be gently folded with whipped cream for a lighter texture if preferred.
- Store leftover cupcakes in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
