Tiramisu Cupcakes

Tiramisu Cupcakes are loaded with expresso and Kahlua flavors and topped with sweet mascarpone frosting and a dusting of cocoa powder.

Get ready to be whisked away to a little piece of dessert heaven! You love tiramisu cake, right? I mean, does cake really get any better than that?

Well, maybe it does. What if we could take that amazing tiramisu flavor that we all know and love and shrink it down to cupcake size? 

Imagine sinking your teeth into a fluffy vanilla cupcake, only to be greeted with a rich espresso flavor, all crowned with a creamy mascarpone frosting and a light dusting of cocoa powder.

Got the image? Great! That’s exactly what these Tiramisu Cupcakes are all about. Dive in as we get into this delicious tiramisu cupcake recipe together.

If you’ve been on the hunt for a cupcake that’s a step above the rest, these Tiramisu Cupcakes are a golden ticket. They manage to capture all the elegance and depth of flavor of a classic tiramisu in a delightful cupcake form.

Don’t just take my word for it. Whip up a batch, and let every bite take you on a little Italian getaway.

And when you do, be sure to share your delightful creations on social media! We’d love to see your take on this classic dessert.

Common Questions About Tiramisu Cupcakes

Can kids enjoy Tiramisu Cupcakes?

Absolutely! Just replace the Kahlua with an espresso extract for a non-alcoholic version. You can also use the extract with some water for the espresso flavor instead of giving the kiddos cupcakes with caffeine in them.

There is no reason we can’t let the little ones enjoy the amazingness that is tiramisu!

Why is my cupcake batter too thin/thick?

It’s all about the wet ingredients and dry ingredients ratio. Ensure you measure your purpose flour and other ingredients correctly using the spoon and level technique.

I like to take notes on my recipe card. That way, if something was a little off last time, I can make adjustments!

Do I need to use mascarpone cheese?

While mascarpone cheese adds that authentic tiramisu touch, you can use all cream cheese if that’s what you have on hand. If possible, though, get ahold of that mascarpone. You won’t regret it!

Storage

Let’s be honest, guys. These decadent cupcakes are going to be devoured faster than it takes to get them to the fridge. It might be a good idea to make an extra batch!

Refrigerator
Keep the finished cupcakes in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to two days.

Freezer
If you want to enjoy them later, place the unfrosted cupcakes in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the fridge before frosting.

Tips

This recipe will bring you some of the most delicious tiramisu cupcakes that you’ve ever tried. Be sure to let me know how it goes in the comments below!

• Ensure your mascarpone cheese and cream cheese are at room temperature for the best results.
• When filling the muffin cups, use a cookie scoop for even distribution.
• Don’t forget the importance of the espresso mixture; it’s what gives that classic tiramisu coffee flavor!

Ingredients

I really love these ingredients. I get all excited just looking at them! Sometimes you just know when something is going to be amazing. This is one of those times. 

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Ground cinnamon
• Vegetable oil
• Milk
• Large eggs
• Pure vanilla extract
• Mascarpone cheese (softened)
• Cream cheese (softened)
• Butter
• Confectioner’s sugar
• Espresso or strongly brewed coffee
• Kahlua
• Unsweetened cocoa powder

How to Make Tiramisu Cupcakes

If you’re a little daunted by a long recipe, don’t worry! These are simple steps and if you just follow them one by one, you’ll get to the finish line in no time flat.

Cupcakes

1. Preheat the oven to 350F and line a muffin tin with 12 paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, milk, eggs, and vanilla.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix just until the dry ingredients are fully combined. You don’t want to overmix!
5. Divide the batter between the muffin wells, making sure to fill each one about ¾ of the way full. I use a ¼ cup cookie scoop to make it easy!
6. Bake for 14-16 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Remove the cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely before continuing.

Mascarpone Frosting

1. Add the softened mascarpone, cream cheese, and butter to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Cream them together until they are smooth and well combined– about 2 minutes.
2. Next, add the vanilla and mix to combine.
3. With the mixer on low speed, add the confectioner’s sugar slowly. Once all of the sugar has been incorporated, turn the mixer to high speed and whip the icing until it becomes light and fluffy.
4. Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with your choice of tip (I use a Wilton 2A) and set aside until ready to use.

Assembly

1. Once the cupcakes have cooled, poke the top of each cupcake 5 times with a fork.
2. In a small bowl, combine the espresso and Kahlua. Pour 2 teaspoons of the mixture over the top of each cupcake. 
3. Pipe the icing on top of the cupcake and dust the top of each with cocoa powder.
4. Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.

Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need for Tiramisu Cupcakes

I am a huge fan of cupcake liners. Sure, you can try to grease those cupcake tins so things don’t stick. Does that ever really work out though? Better just use the liners!

• Muffin tin
• Paper liners or cupcake liners
• Large bowl
• Medium bowl
• Small bowl
• Wire rack for cooling
• Stand mixer with paddle attachment or hand mixer
• Piping bag
• Toothpick for testing

What to Serve With Tiramisu Cupcakes

Think of beverages that complement the rich espresso flavor, like a steaming cup of cappuccino or even a glass of sweet dessert wine. But to be honest, they’re delightful on their own!

Why You Should Make Tiramisu Cupcakes

These cupcakes are great just for the wow factor. Bring these out to any crowd and you’ll love the expressions you get. Not to mention the hums of approval when they dig in!

• Irresistible Flavor: The blend of espresso and mascarpone cream is heavenly.
• Perfect for Celebrations: Birthdays, anniversaries, or a simple get-together; they’re a crowd-pleaser!
• Great Alternative to Cake: Love tiramisu but want to serve individual portions? These cupcakes are your answer.
• Looks Gourmet, Yet So Simple: They look and taste sophisticated, but our recipe makes them easy to whip up!

Variations and Add-Ins for Tiramisu Cupcakes

Let me know if you have any other variations in mind for this cupcake. Changing things too much will take it out of tiramisu status, but hey, it’ll be delicious anyway!

• Chocolate Shavings: Add some atop the frosting for an extra chocolatey touch.
• Chocolate-Covered Espresso Bean: Place one on top of each cupcake for a gourmet finish.
• Whipped Cream: Add a dollop on top for a lighter topping choice.
• Almond Flavored: Swap out the vanilla extract for almond extract in the batter for a nutty twist.

Ingredient Notes

• The flour helps give the cupcakes structure. Make sure to measure using the spoon and level technique.
• Sugar helps sweeten the cupcakes.
• Baking powder helps the cupcakes rise.
• Cinnamon adds a bit of spice and warmth!
• Vegetable oil keeps the cupcakes moist.
• Milk adds richness and moisture to the cupcakes.
• Eggs help bind the cupcakes together.
• Vanilla enhances the flavor of the coffee and cocoa.
• I love the combination of mascarpone and cream cheese but feel free to use all cream cheese if it’s what you have on hand.
• Butter adds a bit of structure to the icing so it’s easier to pipe.
• The confectioner’s sugar also adds structure and sweetness to the icing.
• Espresso adds the classic coffee flavor we all love in tiramisu.
• Kahlua adds a bit more coffee flavor— feel free to substitute more espresso for a nonalcoholic version.
• Dusting the cupcakes with cocoa powder enhances the “tiramisu” look and flavor! Make sure to use unsweetened baking cocoa, not hot cocoa mix.

If you love this easy cupcake recipe, you’re going to love these other cupcakes too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!

More Great Tiramisu Recipes

Easy Tiramisu Recipe

Tiramisu Cheesecake

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