These Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe pack all the rich, coffee-soaked flavor of the classic Italian dessert into soft, handheld treats.
With a moist espresso-infused base and creamy mascarpone frosting, Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe bring elegance and indulgence—no layering, no long chill time required.
Each bite delivers the perfect balance of sweetness and bold coffee flavor, finished with that signature cocoa dusting.
Whether you're baking for a party or just craving something special, Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipeare simple, stunning, and ready in under an hour.
If you’ve never tried making Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe, this is your sign—they’re the dessert everyone will ask for again and again.
Why These Tiramisu Cupcakes Stand Out
Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe has been stealing hearts since its origins in Italy’s Veneto region. The name means “pick me up”—and these Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe do just that with every bite.
Instead of the traditional layering and long wait, these Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe offer instant indulgence. Rich coffee flavor, creamy mascarpone, and a dusting of cocoa—all in a soft, handheld dessert.
Perfect for parties, potlucks, or even a cozy Tuesday night, these single-serve Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe bring a touch of Italy to any occasion.
Pair them with espresso or dessert wine for an authentic experience. Want more Italian-inspired sweets? Try them alongside cannoli cookies or chocolate hazelnut biscotti.
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Ingredients
For the Coffee Cupcakes:
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Large eggs
- Whole milk
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Instant espresso powder
- Vanilla extract
For the Mascarpone Frosting:
- Mascarpone cheese, room temperature
- Heavy whipping cream
- Powdered sugar
- Coffee liqueur (optional)
- Vanilla extract
For Assembly:
- Strong brewed coffee, cooled
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Dark chocolate shavings (optional)
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Make the Cupcakes
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with paper liners
- Whisk together all dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and espresso powder) in one bowl
- In another bowl, mix softened butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla until smooth
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed, then divide batter among cupcake liners
- Bake for 18-22 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean, then cool completely
Prepare the Mascarpone Frosting
- Whip heavy cream to soft peaks in a large bowl
- Gently fold in room temperature mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla, and coffee liqueur if using
- Continue whipping just until stiff peaks form (don't overwhip or frosting will break)
Assemble Your Tiramisu Cupcakes
- Brush cooled cupcakes lightly with strong brewed coffee for that authentic tiramisu flavor
- Pipe or spread mascarpone frosting generously on each cupcake
- Dust with cocoa powder using a fine-mesh sieve and top with chocolate shavings if desired
- Make Cupcakes: Spoon the espresso batter into liners and get ready to bake.
- Frosting: Whip mascarpone, cream, and sugar until smooth with soft peaks.
- Assemble: Brush with coffee, frost generously, and finish with cocoa powder.
Equipment For Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe
Must-Have Tools:
- Electric mixer (stand or hand mixer works)
- 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners
- Fine-mesh sieve for cocoa dusting
- Wire cooling rack
Budget-Friendly Alternatives:
- No electric mixer? Whisk frosting by hand (great arm workout!)
- Use a fork to create rustic frosting swirls instead of piping
- A regular strainer works for dusting cocoa if you don't have a fine mesh
Expert Cooking Tips & Tricks
Time-Saving Hacks:
- Make cupcakes the night before and frost the day of serving
- Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized cupcakes
- Chill your mixing bowl and beaters before making frosting for faster whipping
Pro Ingredient Swaps:
- No instant espresso? Use 3 tablespoons strong brewed coffee, reducing milk by 3 tablespoons
- Missing mascarpone? Blend cream cheese with heavy cream (4:1 ratio)
- Want stronger coffee flavor? Add 1 tablespoon coffee extract to the batter
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Don't overbake – cupcakes continue cooking in the hot pan
- Never use cold mascarpone in frosting
- Don't skip the coffee soak – it's what makes these taste like authentic tiramisu
Recipe Variations
Vegan Tiramisu Cupcakes
Replace eggs with flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed + 6 tablespoons water). Use plant-based butter and coconut cream. Substitute mascarpone with cashew cream cheese.
Keto-Friendly Version
Replace flour with almond flour and use erythritol instead of sugar. This creates a dense but delicious low-carb treat.
Boozy Adult Version
Brush cupcakes with coffee mixed with rum or Kahlua. Add an extra tablespoon of coffee liqueur to the frosting for grown-up parties.
Mini Tiramisu Treats
Use a mini muffin tin for bite-sized portions. Reduce baking time to 12-15 minutes. Perfect for wedding dessert tables or cocktail parties.
Storage
Refrigerator Storage
Store frosted cupcakes covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The mascarpone frosting must stay chilled. Let them come to room temperature for 15 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
Freezing Instructions
Unfrosted cupcakes freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then store in freezer bags. Thaw at room temperature and frost fresh. The mascarpone frosting doesn't freeze well, so make it fresh.
Make-Ahead Strategy
Bake cupcakes up to 2 days ahead and store covered at room temperature. Make frosting the day of serving for peak freshness and stability.
The Secret That Took My Tiramisu Cupcakes from Good to Unforgettable
I’ll never forget the first time someone asked me if my Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe came from a bakery in Rome. That was the moment I knew I had found the secret; something I picked up from a pastry chef during a trip to Italy. The trick? A double coffee soak. Right after baking, I gently brushed the warm cupcakes with a light layer of coffee syrup. But the real magic happened when I did it again, just before frosting. That second soak turns each cupcake into a rich, velvety bite of pure tiramisu bliss. Try it once, and you’ll never skip this step again—it’s the little touch that makes them truly restaurant-quality.
FAQ
What not to do when making tiramisu?
Avoid using cold mascarpone cheese as it causes lumpy frosting. Don't oversoak cupcakes with coffee or they'll become mushy. Never skip room temperature ingredients for smooth mixing. Avoid overwhipping mascarpone frosting as it breaks and becomes grainy. Don't assemble tiramisu cupcakes recipe too early; frost just before serving to prevent soggy bottoms and maintain fresh taste.
What is so special about tiramisu cake?
Tiramisu's magic lies in its perfect coffee-cream balance. The rich mascarpone cheese creates silky texture while espresso adds bold flavor depth. Traditional Italian dessert combines wine-soaked ladyfingers with creamy layers. Tiramisu cupcakes recipe offer individual portions with authentic taste - coffee-infused sponge, mascarpone frosting, and cocoa dusting create an irresistible handheld version of Italy's beloved classic dessert
How do you keep tiramisu from getting soggy?
Prevent soggy tiramisu cupcakes by using light coffee brushing instead of heavy soaking. Cool cupcakes completely before adding coffee mixture. Use strong brewed coffee rather than weak liquid for better flavor without excess moisture. Apply mascarpone frosting shortly before serving. Store assembled cupcakes refrigerated and consume within 24 hours. Avoid plastic wrap directly touching frosting.
What are the guidelines to be followed in storing tiramisu?
Store tiramisu cupcakes covered in refrigerator for maximum 3-4 days. Keep mascarpone frosting chilled at all times to prevent spoilage. Use airtight containers to prevent odor absorption. Freeze unfrosted cupcakes up to 3 months wrapped individually. Thaw frozen cupcakes at room temperature before frosting. Serve chilled tiramisu cupcakes within 30 minutes of removing from refrigerator.
Bring Italy Home, One Tiramisu Cupcake at a Time
These Tiramisu Cupcakes prove that you don’t need a passport; or a pastry degree, to enjoy the soul-satisfying flavors of Italy’s most beloved dessert. With every moist, coffee-soaked bite and swirl of mascarpone frosting, this handheld twist on the classic delivers pure indulgence made easy.
Even better? You can whip up this Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe with everyday ingredients and simple steps—no fancy tools, no fuss, just bakery-quality results from your own oven.
Craving more tiramisu-inspired delights? Try our Quick Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe for a fruity twist, or indulge in the creamy layers of our Easy Biscoff Tiramisu Recipe—perfect for cookie lovers.
Ready to impress your friends, your family, or just yourself? Bake a batch of these irresistible Tiramisu Cupcakes today. Don’t forget to leave a 5-star rating if you loved them, and share your creations in the comments below—we can’t wait to see your delicious take!
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe
Tiramisu Cupcakes
Equipment
- 1 Electric mixer Stand or hand mixer
- 1 12-cup muffin tin Use with paper liners
- 1 Fine-mesh sieve For cocoa powder dusting
- 1 Wire cooling rack
Ingredients
🧁 Ingredients – Coffee Cupcakes
- 1 ½ cups All-purpose flour
- ¾ cup Granulated sugar
- ½ cup Unsalted butter Softened
- 2 Large eggs
- ½ cup Whole milk
- 1 ½ teaspoon Baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- 1 tablespoon Instant espresso powder
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
🍦 Ingredients – Mascarpone Frosting
- 8 oz Mascarpone cheese Room temperature
- ¾ cup Heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup Powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon Coffee liqueur Optional
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
🍫 Ingredients – For Assembly
- ½ cup Strong brewed coffee Cooled
- 2 tablespoon Unsweetened cocoa powder For dusting
- 2 tablespoon Dark chocolate shavings Optional
Instructions
- Bake the cupcakes and let them cool completely.
- Whip the mascarpone frosting until smooth and fluffy.
- Brush the tops of the cupcakes with cooled coffee.
- Frost cupcakes, dust with cocoa powder, and top with chocolate shavings.
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