Classic Tiramisu Cupcakes

Transform the beloved Italian dessert into elegant handheld treats with these irresistible Tiramisu Cupcakes. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of coffee-soaked cake topped with cloud-like mascarpone frosting, capturing all the sophisticated flavors of traditional tiramisu in a modern format.

Classic Tiramisu Cupcakes

Recipe by Mai TestyCourse: DessertCuisine: Italian-American FusionDifficulty: Medium

Servings

12 cupcakes

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Calories

320 per cupcake

kcal

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1/4 cup brewed coffee, cooled

• For the Coffee Soak:

• 1/3 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee

• 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• For the Mascarpone Frosting:

• 1 cup mascarpone cheese, chilled

• 1 cup heavy cream, chilled

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• For Topping:

• Cocoa powder, for dusting

• Chocolate shavings (optional)

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
• Make the Cupcakes:
• Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl
• Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy in a large bowl
• Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition
• Stir in vanilla extract
• Gradually mix in dry ingredients alternating with milk
• Fold in cooled coffee
• Divide batter among cupcake liners
• Bake for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean
• Cool completely
• Prepare Coffee Soak:
• Whisk together espresso, coffee liqueur (if using), and sugar
• Poke several holes in cooled cupcakes with a skewer
• Spoon 1-2 teaspoons of coffee soak over each cupcake
• Make Mascarpone Frosting:
• Whisk together mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla
• Beat until stiff peaks form, being careful not to overbeat
• Assemble:
• Pipe or spread frosting onto soaked cupcakes
• Dust with cocoa powder
• Top with chocolate shavings if desired
• Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving

Notes

• Storage: Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days
  Make-Ahead: Can be prepared one day in advance
  Kid-Friendly Version: Omit coffee liqueur from soak
  Frosting Tip: Ensure all ingredients are well-chilled for best results
  Serving Suggestion: Pair with espresso or coffee for the complete experience

Pro Tips

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring butter and eggs to room temperature for better mixing
2. Don’t Oversoak: Add coffee soak gradually to prevent soggy cupcakes
3. Frosting Technique: Create a layered effect by adding cocoa powder between frosting layers
4. Chilling Time: Don’t skip the final chill – it helps flavors develop and sets the frosting
5. Presentation: Save some chocolate shavings to add just before serving for the freshest look

These Tiramisu Cupcakes are perfect for special occasions, dinner parties, or whenever you want to impress with an elegant twist on a classic Italian dessert. Each cupcake delivers the perfect balance of coffee, cream, and chocolate that makes traditional tiramisu so beloved.