Tiramisu Cupcake Recipe

Have you ever wanted to bring the magic of Italy's most beloved dessert into bite-sized perfection? This tiramisu cupcake recipe transforms the classic coffee-soaked ladyfinger dessert into individual treats that are perfect for parties, gatherings, or whenever you're craving something special. These mini tiramisu cupcakes capture every layer of the traditional dessert ; the rich coffee flavor, creamy mascarpone frosting, and that signature dusting of cocoa powder.

What makes this tiramisu cupcake recipe truly special is how it maintains all the authentic flavors while being incredibly easy to make and serve. Instead of worrying about perfect layers in a large dish, you get perfectly portioned Italian dessert cupcakes that look as impressive as they taste. Each cupcake delivers that perfect balance of coffee, cream, and sweetness that makes tiramisu so irresistible.

Why This Italian Dessert Recipe Will Become Your Go-To

Traditional tiramisu requires careful layering, overnight chilling, and can be tricky to serve at parties. This tiramisu cupcake recipe solves all those problems while keeping every bit of the original's charm. The coffee-flavored cupcake base mimics the espresso-soaked ladyfingers, while the mascarpone buttercream creates that signature creamy texture we all love. These individual dessert cupcakes are perfect for portion control and presentation.

The beauty of this tiramisu cupcake recipe lies in its versatility. Whether you're hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or just want to impress your family, these cupcakes deliver restaurant-quality results at home. The combination of moist coffee cupcakes with rich mascarpone frosting creates a dessert that's both familiar and exciting. Plus, they're much easier to transport and serve than traditional tiramisu, making them ideal for potlucks and gatherings.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Expert Cooking Tips
• Recipe Variations & Substitutions
• Equipment Recommendations
• Storage & Meal Prep Tips
• Grandma's Secret That Changed Everything
• FAQ
• Sweet Endings Await
• Related
• Pairing
• Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe

Ingredients

For the Coffee Cupcakes

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Strong brewed coffee, cooled
• Vegetable oil
• White vinegar
• Vanilla extract

For the Mascarpone Frosting

• Mascarpone cheese, room temperature
• Heavy cream
• Powdered sugar
• Kahlua or strong coffee (optional)
• Vanilla extract

For Assembly and Topping

• Chocolate shavings or espresso beans for decoration (optional)
• Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Prepare the Cupcake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine cooled coffee, oil, vinegar, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Don't overmix ; a few lumps are perfectly fine for tender cupcakes.

Bake the Cupcakes

1. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about ⅔ full.
2. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Once cooled, use a small knife to hollow out the center of each cupcake, creating space for extra filling.

Make the Mascarpone Frosting

1. In a large bowl, beat mascarpone cheese until smooth and creamy.
2. Add heavy cream and beat until mixture starts to thicken.
3. Gradually add powdered sugar, Kahlua (if using), and vanilla extract.
4. Beat until frosting reaches a pipeable consistency that holds its shape.
5. If frosting is too thin, chill for 30 minutes before using.

Assemble Your Tiramisu Cupcake Recipe

1. Add optional decorations like chocolate shavings or a single espresso bean on top.
2. Fill a piping bag fitted with a star tip with the mascarpone frosting.
3. Pipe a generous swirl of frosting on top of each cooled cupcake.
4. Dust the frosted cupcakes with unsweetened cocoa powder using a fine-mesh sieve.

Expert Cooking Tips

• Temperature Matters for Success Make sure your mascarpone cheese is at room temperature before mixing. Cold mascarpone can become lumpy and won't create the smooth, creamy frosting that makes this tiramisu cupcake recipe shine. Take it out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before you plan to make the frosting.
• Coffee Concentration is Key Use strong brewed coffee or espresso for the cupcake batter. Weak coffee won't give you that authentic tiramisu flavor profile. If you only have instant coffee, use 2 tablespoons dissolved in 1 cup of hot water for the right intensity.
• Prevent Overmixing When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until the flour disappears. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough, dense cupcakes instead of the tender crumb you want.
• Frosting Consistency Tips If your mascarpone frosting becomes too loose, don't panic. Place the bowl in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes, then whip it again. The cold temperature will help it firm up to the perfect piping consistency.
• Make-Ahead Strategy These cupcakes actually taste better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store frosted cupcakes in the refrigerator overnight, then bring to room temperature 30 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

• Alcohol-Free Version For alcohol-free tiramisu cupcakes, simply omit the Kahlua and replace it with an equal amount of strong brewed coffee or espresso. This version is perfect for family gatherings where kids will be enjoying the desserts too.
• Cream Cheese Alternative Can't find mascarpone? Create a substitute by mixing 8 oz of softened cream cheese with ¼ cup heavy cream and 2 tablespoons sour cream. While not exactly the same, this creates a similar tangy, creamy texture that works beautifully in this tiramisu cupcake recipe.
• Gluten-Free Option Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture. The coffee flavor helps mask any slight differences in taste that sometimes occur with gluten-free flours.
• Dairy-Free Modifications Use coconut cream in place of heavy cream and dairy-free cream cheese instead of mascarpone. Chill the coconut cream overnight and use only the thick part that separates at the top for the best whipping results.
• Intensify the Coffee Flavor For true coffee lovers, brush each cupcake with a coffee simple syrup before frosting. Mix equal parts strong coffee and sugar, heat until sugar dissolves, then cool. This adds an extra layer of moisture and coffee intensity.

Equipment Recommendations

• A good stand mixer or hand mixer is essential for creating the perfect mascarpone frosting texture. The KitchenAid stand mixer works wonderfully, but a quality hand mixer will also do the job for this tiramisu cupcake recipe.
• Heavy-duty muffin tins ensure even baking and easy removal. Non-stick tins are helpful, but paper liners work in any standard muffin pan. A fine-mesh sieve is crucial for dusting the cocoa powder evenly across the frosted cupcakes.
• Piping bags and star tips create that professional bakery look. If you don't have piping equipment, a large zip-lock bag with the corner cut off works in a pinch. A small offset spatula helps spread frosting smoothly if you prefer a more rustic appearance.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Refrigerator Storage

• Store completed cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The mascarpone frosting needs to stay chilled, so don't leave these tiramisu cupcake recipe treats at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Freezing Instructions

• Unfrosted cupcakes freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap each cooled cupcake individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature and frost before serving.

Make-Ahead Strategy

• Bake cupcakes up to 2 days in advance and store covered at room temperature. Make the frosting the day you plan to serve for the best texture. Assemble no more than 4 hours before serving to prevent the cocoa powder from dissolving into the frosting.

FAQ

Sweet Endings Await

These delightful tiramisu cupcake recipe creations prove that classic Italian desserts can be transformed into modern, convenient treats without losing their soul. Each bite delivers the perfect combination of coffee, cream, and sweetness that makes tiramisu so beloved worldwide. The individual presentation makes them perfect for entertaining, while the familiar flavors ensure they'll be a hit with guests of all ages.

If you enjoyed mastering this tiramisu cupcake recipe, you might also love trying our French Butter Cake Recipe for another elegant European dessert, or our Oatmeal Raisin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe for a more casual sweet treat. Both recipes share the same attention to detail and authentic flavors that make this tiramisu cupcake recipe so special. Happy baking, and remember that the best desserts are made with love and shared with the people who matter most!

With love & sweet treats
By Lisa Johnson💛

Related

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with Tiramisu Cupcake Recipe