Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe
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If you’ve ever dreamed of capturing the luscious, creamy essence of tiramisu in a hand-held delight, then you are absolutely going to adore this Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe. Combining the fluffy texture of homemade coffee-infused cupcakes with a dreamy mascarpone filling and topped with cocoa powder, this recipe takes the classic Italian dessert to a whole new level. It’s perfect for sharing at parties, impressing guests, or simply indulging in a little sweet escape whenever you crave that rich coffee and cream combination. Trust me, once you make these cupcakes, they’ll become your new favorite treat!

Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the flavor and texture just right means using simple, quality ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the tender crumb of the cupcake to the silky mascarpone filling and the bold coffee syrup, these ingredients work together like a delicious symphony.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for soft, tender cupcakes.
- Baking Powder: Ensures the cupcakes rise beautifully and have a light texture.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Sugar: Sweetens the cupcake and the coffee syrup perfectly.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and a moist crumb.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the cupcake’s fluffy texture.
- Milk: Keeps the batter smooth and moist.
- Strong Brewed Coffee (cooled): Infuses the cupcakes with authentic tiramisu flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the overall taste.
- Mascarpone Cheese: The star of the filling, delivering creaminess and that classic tiramisu tang.
- Heavy Cream: Whipped into the mascarpone to create a luscious, airy filling.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling and balances the coffee notes.
- Cocoa Powder: Dusts the top for that signature tiramisu look and flavor.
- Dark Chocolate Shavings (optional): Adds a delightful texture and extra indulgence on top.
How to Make Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cupcakes
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your muffin tin with cupcake liners to ensure easy removal later. This sets the stage for perfectly baked cupcakes with a tender crumb.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This combination provides the structure and proper rise for the cupcakes.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate bowl, beat the unsalted butter and sugar until they become light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a soft cupcake texture. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to fully incorporate air and create a smooth batter.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. This technique helps prevent overmixing and keeps the cupcakes tender.
Step 5: Add Coffee and Vanilla
Gently fold in the cooled brewed coffee and vanilla extract. These two ingredients deliver the unmistakable tiramisu flavor that makes these cupcakes stand out.
Step 6: Bake the Cupcakes
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely to prepare for filling.
Step 7: Make the Mascarpone Filling
In a bowl, whisk mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and slightly thickened, creating a rich, creamy filling that melts in your mouth.
Step 8: Prepare the Coffee Syrup
In a small saucepan, warm the brewed coffee and sugar over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Let it cool to room temperature. This syrup will soak into the cupcakes, infusing them with that classic coffee kick.
Step 9: Hollow and Soak Cupcakes
Using a small spoon or cupcake corer, carefully remove the center of each cupcake to create a well. Brush the hollowed section with the coffee syrup to make every bite moist and flavorful.
Step 10: Fill and Top the Cupcakes
Fill each cupcake with the luscious mascarpone mixture, then dust generously with cocoa powder. For an elegant touch, add dark chocolate shavings on top, making these beauties almost too pretty to eat.
Step 11: Chill and Let Flavors Meld
Place the cupcakes in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. This final chill allows the flavors to marry beautifully, delivering a delightful tiramisu experience in cupcake form.
How to Serve Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe

Garnishes
To elevate your Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe, dust them with a fine layer of cocoa powder just before serving for that authentic look. Dark chocolate shavings or even a light sprinkle of finely grated espresso beans can add texture and a hint of sophistication.
Side Dishes
Serve these cupcakes alongside a fresh espresso or a creamy cappuccino to complement their coffee flavors perfectly. A small bowl of mixed berries can add a refreshing contrast to the creamy richness and bittersweet cocoa notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these cupcakes in elegant mini paper cups or on a tiered dessert stand for parties. You could also add a small edible gold leaf on top to make them shine at special occasions. Layering the coffee syrup on top before adding filling and dusting cocoa creates a more dramatic presentation as well.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though they might disappear fast!), store the tiramisu cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, ensuring that creamy mascarpone stays luscious and the coffee notes remain vibrant.
Freezing
You can freeze unfilled cupcakes wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw completely, then fill and top with the mascarpone mixture and toppings for the freshest taste.
Reheating
Since tiramisu cupcakes are best served chilled to maintain their texture and flavor, avoid reheating after assembly. If you need to warm the unfrosted cupcakes, briefly microwave them until just warm, then cool completely before adding filling and toppings.
FAQs
Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee?
Yes! Instant coffee dissolved in hot water works well as a convenient shortcut, but brewed coffee generally gives a richer, more authentic flavor to the cupcakes and syrup.
Is mascarpone cheese necessary for the filling?
Mascarpone is key to achieving the creamy, smooth texture and flavor that define tiramisu. Using cream cheese would alter the taste and texture, so it’s best to stick with mascarpone for this recipe.
Can I make these cupcakes dairy-free?
While this recipe relies heavily on dairy products like butter, cream, and mascarpone, you could experiment with dairy-free substitutes. However, the texture and flavor might differ from the classic tiramisu experience.
How should I adjust the recipe for high altitude baking?
At high altitudes, you may need to slightly reduce the baking powder and sugar or add a bit more liquid. Keeping the cupcakes under-baked slightly can help maintain moistness; testing and adjusting based on experience is ideal.
What is the best way to hollow out cupcakes without ruining them?
Use a small spoon or specialized cupcake corer to gently remove the center. Twist carefully and avoid going all the way through to the bottom, to maintain the cupcake base intact for filling.
Final Thoughts
Making the Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe is such a joyful journey from mixing batter to savoring every bite of creamy, coffee-infused bliss. These cupcakes are sure to impress friends and family with their decadent flavor and charming presentation. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and treat yourself to a sweet taste of Italy anytime you want! Once you do, I bet these cupcakes will become a beloved staple in your dessert rotation.
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Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Tiramisu Cupcakes combine the classic flavors of traditional tiramisu dessert in a convenient, individual-sized treat. Moist coffee-infused cupcakes are filled with a rich mascarpone cream, soaked with a sweet coffee syrup, and finished with a dusting of cocoa powder and optional dark chocolate shavings for an elegant touch. Perfect for coffee lovers and easy to make for parties or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Baking Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 3/4 cup Sugar
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
- 2 large Eggs
- 1/2 cup Milk
- 1/4 cup Strong Brewed Coffee, cooled
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
For the Mascarpone Filling:
- 8 ounces Mascarpone Cheese
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
- 1/4 cup Powdered Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
For the Coffee Syrup:
- 1/4 cup Strong Brewed Coffee
- 2 tablespoons 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 prepare for baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to combine the dry components evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating an airy base for the cupcakes. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients, mixing gently to avoid overworking the batter.
- Add Coffee and Vanilla: Stir in the cooled strong brewed coffee and vanilla extract, adding moisture and that signature coffee flavor to the batter.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full for proper rising.
- Bake Cupcakes: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove and allow cupcakes to cool completely before filling.
- Make Mascarpone Filling: In a bowl, whisk together the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened, perfect for filling.
- Prepare Coffee Syrup: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brewed coffee and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and let cool before use.
- Hollow Out Cupcakes: Once cooled, use a small spoon or cupcake corer to gently remove the center portion of each cupcake, creating space for the filling.
- Soak Cupcakes: Brush the hollowed centers generously with the cooled coffee syrup to infuse more coffee flavor and moisture.
- Fill with Mascarpone Cream: Spoon or pipe the mascarpone filling into the hollowed centers of each cupcake.
- Add Topping: Lightly dust the filled cupcakes with cocoa powder. Optionally, garnish with dark chocolate shavings for an extra decadent finish.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cupcakes for about 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the filling to set before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the brewed coffee used is strong for the best flavor infusion.
- Cool the coffee syrup completely before brushing to avoid melting the cupcakes or filling.
- The mascarpone filling can be piped for a more decorative presentation.
- For a firmer filling, chill the mascarpone mixture before assembling.
- Store leftover cupcakes in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days for peak freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian