Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe

There's something truly irresistible about the rich, creamy flavors of classic tiramisu. Now imagine all that deliciousness packed into a perfectly portioned cupcake! These Tiramisu Cupcakes combine the bold taste of espresso-soaked cake with a luscious mascarpone frosting, creating a dessert that feels both elegant and indulgent.

this Recipe

I first discovered this recipe when looking for a way to bring the flavors of my favorite Italian dessert to a party without the need for serving spoons and plates. These cupcakes quickly became a hit—easy to grab, beautifully layered, and bursting with coffee-infused goodness.

Why You'll Love These Tiramisu Cupcakes

Get ready to fall in love with these delightful Tiramisu Cupcakes! They offer all the decadence of a traditional tiramisu but in an easy-to-eat, single-serving form.

First, they’re incredibly moist and flavorful. Each cupcake is infused with a rich espresso syrup, ensuring every bite is packed with bold coffee flavor.

They’re also elegantly simple to make. While tiramisu typically requires layering and chilling, these cupcakes streamline the process, making them perfect for beginner bakers or anyone short on time.

Plus, they’re ideal for parties and gatherings. No need to slice and serve—just place them on a tray and watch them disappear!

Finally, if you love classic tiramisu, you’ll adore this handheld version. The balance of coffee, mascarpone, and cocoa creates a truly authentic flavor in a convenient cupcake form.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these Tiramisu Cupcakes lies in the carefully selected ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in capturing the essence of the classic Italian dessert.

Cake Base: A soft vanilla cupcake acts as the perfect foundation. Using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour gives these cupcakes a lighter, fluffier texture. The addition of butter and sour cream ensures they stay moist and rich.

Espresso Syrup: This essential step brings that bold coffee flavor. A mixture of strong brewed espresso and sugar is brushed over the baked cupcakes, soaking in to create that signature tiramisu taste. If you don’t have an espresso machine, very strong coffee works too.

Mascarpone Frosting: Unlike traditional buttercream, this frosting is light and creamy, made with mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, and powdered sugar. Mascarpone gives it that authentic tiramisu flavor, so don’t substitute it with cream cheese!

Cocoa Powder & Chocolate Shavings: A dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder over the frosting ties the whole dessert together, mimicking the final touch of a classic tiramisu. For extra elegance, sprinkle on some chocolate shavings or curls.

Special Equipment: While no fancy tools are required, having a pastry brush to apply the espresso syrup and a piping bag for the frosting will make the process much easier.

How To Make These Tiramisu Cupcakes

Making these Tiramisu Cupcakes is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have an elegant treat in no time!

Start by preparing the cupcake batter. Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a soft texture. Then, mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract for added depth of flavor.

In a separate bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with sour cream to keep the batter smooth and moist.

Scoop the batter into lined cupcake tins and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely before adding the espresso syrup.

To make the espresso syrup, dissolve sugar in freshly brewed espresso. Using a pastry brush, gently dab the syrup onto the tops of the cooled cupcakes, allowing it to soak in gradually without making them too soggy.

For the mascarpone frosting, beat together mascarpone cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Slowly add cold heavy cream and whip until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overmix, as mascarpone can become grainy if overworked.

Pipe or spread the frosting generously onto each cupcake. Dust with a fine layer of cocoa powder, and for an extra touch, add chocolate shavings or a ladyfinger piece on top.

Storage Options

These Tiramisu Cupcakes store beautifully, making them great for make-ahead desserts!

If you plan to eat them within a day, keep them covered in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. The mascarpone frosting is perishable, so don’t leave them at room temperature for too long.

For longer storage, place the cupcakes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop more over time, making them even tastier the next day!

To freeze, store the unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight, brush with espresso syrup, and frost as usual.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of these Tiramisu Cupcakes is their versatility! Here are some fun ways to customize them.

If you don’t want caffeine, you can use decaf espresso or coffee for a kid-friendly version with all the flavor but none of the buzz.

For an extra indulgent twist, add a splash of coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa) to the espresso syrup for a subtle boozy kick.

Not a fan of mascarpone? While it’s key to achieving an authentic tiramisu taste, you can substitute it with whipped cream cheese for a slightly tangier but still creamy frosting.

Want a gluten-free option? Swap out the cake flour for a gluten-free flour blend, making sure to add a teaspoon of xanthan gum for better texture.

Experimenting with flavors is always fun—try adding a hint of cinnamon to the batter for a warm spice twist or swap the cocoa topping for grated white chocolate for a sweeter contrast.

No matter how you customize them, these cupcakes will be a delightful treat every time!

Print