Tiramisu Cupcakes: A Dreamy Italian Dessert in Every Bite

Tiramisu is a timeless Italian dessert known for its rich layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone filling, and a dusting of cocoa. Now, imagine all that deliciousness transformed into a handheld treat—Tiramisu Cupcakes! These cupcakes capture the essence of the classic dessert, combining a fluffy espresso-infused cake with a luscious mascarpone frosting, topped with a dusting of cocoa powder.

Perfect for parties, gatherings, or just a luxurious treat for yourself, these cupcakes are a delightful fusion of cake and coffee. They bring the best of both worlds—light and airy cake with the creamy indulgence of tiramisu. Plus, they don’t require layering and setting like the traditional version, making them easier to whip up. Whether you’re a coffee lover or a tiramisu fan, these cupcakes will surely satisfy your sweet cravings.

Ingredients

Cupcake Batter	Quantity
All-purpose flour	1 ¼ cups
Baking powder	1 ½ tsp
Salt	¼ tsp
Unsalted butter (softened)	½ cup
Granulated sugar	¾ cup
Eggs	2
Vanilla extract	1 tsp
Whole milk	½ cup
Brewed espresso (or strong coffee)	¼ cup

Coffee Syrup	Quantity
Brewed espresso (or strong coffee)	½ cup
Granulated sugar	2 tbsp
Coffee liqueur (optional, e.g., Kahlúa)	1 tbsp

Mascarpone Frosting	Quantity
Mascarpone cheese	8 oz
Heavy whipping cream	1 cup
Powdered sugar	½ cup
Vanilla extract	1 tsp

Garnish	Quantity
Cocoa powder (for dusting)	As needed
Chocolate shavings (optional)	As needed

💡 Tip: If mascarpone is unavailable, you can substitute it with cream cheese, but the flavor will be slightly different.

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls – For combining dry and wet ingredients separately.
• Electric mixer – To cream butter and sugar and whip the mascarpone frosting.
• Cupcake pan & liners – Essential for shaping the cupcakes.
• Whisk & spatula – To mix and fold ingredients smoothly.
• Cooling rack – For allowing the cupcakes to cool properly.
• Piping bag & round tip – To create a smooth, elegant frosting swirl.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cupcake Batter

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.

Alternately add the dry ingredients and the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Finally, stir in the brewed espresso until just combined.

Step 2: Bake the Cupcakes

Fill each cupcake liner about ⅔ full with batter. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Coffee Syrup

While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the coffee syrup by mixing hot brewed espresso with granulated sugar until dissolved. Stir in the coffee liqueur if using.

Once the cupcakes have cooled, use a fork or skewer to poke small holes on the top of each cupcake. Brush the coffee syrup over each cupcake, letting it soak in for a deeper tiramisu flavor.

Step 4: Prepare the Mascarpone Frosting

In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Frost and Garnish

Transfer the mascarpone frosting into a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe a generous swirl onto each cupcake. Lightly dust with cocoa powder and sprinkle with chocolate shavings if desired.

Tips and Variations

• Alcohol-Free Version: Simply omit the coffee liqueur from the syrup for a kid-friendly version.
• Gluten-Free Alternative: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.
• Extra Coffee Kick: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the frosting for a more intense coffee flavor.
• Chocolate Tiramisu Twist: Add mini chocolate chips to the batter or drizzle chocolate ganache on top.

Serving Suggestions

Tiramisu cupcakes are best served chilled, just like the classic dessert. Pair them with:

• Fresh Berries: Strawberries or raspberries add a lovely tart contrast.
• Espresso or Cappuccino: A hot coffee beverage enhances the tiramisu flavors.
• Whipped Cream on the Side: For an extra indulgent touch.

For an elegant presentation, serve the cupcakes on a dessert stand with dusted cocoa around the plate. A chocolate-covered coffee bean on top also makes for a stylish garnish.

Pairings

Since these cupcakes are inspired by the classic Italian dessert, they pair beautifully with:

• Dessert Wines: A sweet Moscato or Vin Santo complements the coffee flavors.
• Liqueurs: Amaretto or Frangelico enhance the nutty, creamy elements of tiramisu.
• Cocktails: Espresso martinis or Irish coffee are fantastic indulgent pairings.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight before adding frosting.
• Reheating: These cupcakes don’t require reheating but should be brought to room temperature before serving if stored in the fridge.

Nutritional Information

Per Cupcake	Approximate Value
Calories	280-320 kcal
Carbohydrates	35g
Protein	4g
Fat	15g
Sugar	20g
Sodium	120mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Conclusion

Tiramisu cupcakes are the perfect fusion of two beloved desserts. They bring all the flavors of the classic Italian tiramisu into a convenient and delicious cupcake form. Whether you’re serving them at a party, gifting them, or treating yourself, these cupcakes are sure to impress.

Try this recipe and let us know what you think! Share your creations on social media and tag us. Happy baking!