If you love the rich, coffee-infused flavors of classic tiramisu, these tiramisu cupcakes are the perfect way to enjoy them in a portable, single-serving treat! Imagine light and fluffy vanilla cupcakes soaked in espresso, layered with a creamy mascarpone frosting, and dusted with cocoa powder—every bite is pure indulgence.
These coffee-flavored cupcakes are great for parties, special occasions, or when you just crave an Italian-inspired dessert. Whether you’re a fan of tiramisu or just love moist and flavorful cupcakes, this recipe is sure to impress!
The Perfect Treat for Any Occasion
Tiramisu cupcakes are not just a dessert; they are an elegant, crowd-pleasing indulgence that fits any occasion. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering, birthday celebration, bridal shower, or simply treating yourself, these cupcakes add a touch of sophistication to your dessert table. Unlike a traditional tiramisu, which requires assembling layers in a dish, these individual-sized treats make it easy for guests to grab and enjoy without the hassle of slicing and serving. Their rich espresso flavor and creamy mascarpone frosting make them an ideal choice for coffee lovers, while their soft, fluffy texture keeps them light enough to enjoy any time of the day.
These cupcakes also make a great homemade gift! Pack them in a beautiful box, dust them lightly with cocoa powder, and tie a ribbon around them for a thoughtful, gourmet-style present. Whether you’re surprising a loved one or bringing them to a potluck, they’re guaranteed to impress. If you want to make them even more special, serve them with a small cup of espresso or cappuccino for the ultimate Italian café experience.
Why Tiramisu Cupcakes Are a Must-Try Dessert
The beauty of tiramisu cupcakes lies in their perfect balance of flavors and textures. The espresso-soaked cake provides a bold coffee flavor without overpowering sweetness, while the light and airy mascarpone frosting adds a velvety, creamy contrast. Unlike buttercream, which can feel heavy, mascarpone frosting is smooth, rich, and delicate. When paired with the slight bitterness of cocoa powder dusting on top, every bite offers a harmonious blend of sweetness, creaminess, and depth.
For those who love experimenting in the kitchen, this recipe is highly customizable. You can swap the vanilla cupcake base for a chocolate version, infuse the espresso soak with a touch of hazelnut syrup, or even add a drizzle of chocolate ganache for extra decadence. Whether you stay true to the classic tiramisu flavors or add your own creative twist, these cupcakes are bound to be a new favorite in your baking repertoire!
Why You’ll Love These Tiramisu Cupcakes
All the flavors of tiramisu in cupcake form – Espresso-soaked cake, mascarpone frosting, and cocoa powder.
Perfect for coffee lovers – Rich, aromatic flavors with just the right touch of sweetness.
Elegant yet easy to make – Looks fancy but is simple enough for any home baker.
Great for special occasions – Ideal for birthdays, holidays, and dinner parties.
Ingredients for Tiramisu Cupcakes
These homemade tiramisu cupcakes have three key components: vanilla cupcakes, espresso soak, and mascarpone frosting.
The Vanilla Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
The Espresso Soak:
- ½ cup strong brewed espresso or coffee, cooled
- 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa, optional)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
The Mascarpone Frosting:
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish:
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
- Dark chocolate shavings (optional)
- Ladyfinger cookie pieces (optional, for decoration)
How to Make Tiramisu Cupcakes
1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Cupcake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk, mixing just until combined.
2: Bake the Cupcakes
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3: Prepare the Espresso Soak
- In a small bowl, mix brewed espresso, coffee liqueur (if using), and sugar until the sugar dissolves.
- Using a fork or skewer, poke small holes in the tops of the cooled cupcakes.
- Spoon about 1-2 teaspoons of the espresso soak over each cupcake, letting it absorb into the cake.
4: Make the Mascarpone Frosting
- In a mixing bowl, beat mascarpone cheese, heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Be careful not to overmix, as mascarpone can become grainy if overbeaten.
- Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a round or star tip.
5: Assemble & Garnish the Cupcakes
- Pipe a generous swirl of mascarpone frosting on top of each espresso-soaked cupcake.
- Lightly dust with unsweetened cocoa powder using a fine sieve.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings or a small piece of ladyfinger cookie for an elegant touch.
Tips for the Best Tiramisu Cupcakes
Don’t Overmix the Batter – Mix just until combined for soft, fluffy cupcakes.
Use Strong Espresso – A bold coffee flavor enhances the tiramisu experience.
Chill the Frosting Before Piping – It holds its shape better when slightly cold.
Serve Slightly Chilled – Just like traditional tiramisu, these cupcakes taste amazing when slightly cold!
Variations & Customizations
☕ Alcohol-Free Tiramisu Cupcakes
- Skip the coffee liqueur and use extra espresso or vanilla extract for flavor.
🍫 Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes
- Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the cupcake batter for a richer, chocolatey base.
🎂 Layered Tiramisu Cupcakes
- Cut each cupcake in half horizontally, soak both halves with espresso, and add frosting between layers for an extra decadent version.
🥜 Tiramisu Cupcakes with Nutella Swirl
- Swirl Nutella into the mascarpone frosting for a chocolate-hazelnut twist!
What to Serve with Tiramisu Cupcakes
☕ Espresso or Cappuccino – Enhances the coffee flavor.
🍓 Fresh Berries – Adds a refreshing contrast.
🍨 Vanilla Gelato – Complements the creamy mascarpone frosting.
🥂 Sweet Dessert Wine – Like a Moscato or Vin Santo for a special occasion.
How to Store Tiramisu Cupcakes
Refrigerating Leftovers
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Bring to room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.
Freezing the Cupcakes
- You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months.
- When ready to serve, thaw and add fresh mascarpone frosting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make These Cupcakes Ahead of Time?
Yes! Bake the cupcakes a day in advance, store them in the fridge, and frost them before serving for the freshest taste.
Can I Use Cream Cheese Instead of Mascarpone?
Yes, but the flavor will be slightly tangier. Mix 6 oz cream cheese + 2 oz mascarpone for a similar taste.
Can I Make These Without Coffee?
Yes! Substitute the espresso soak with hot chocolate or vanilla syrup for a coffee-free version.
Nutritional Information (Per Cupcake, Approximate)
- Calories: 280
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 15g
- Sugar: 21g
Note: Values may vary based on ingredients used.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Dessert for Tiramisu Lovers!
These homemade tiramisu cupcakes are decadent, rich, and bursting with coffee flavor. Whether you’re a fan of classic tiramisu or simply love moist and flavorful cupcakes, this recipe is a winner!
So, get ready to bake, soak, frost, and enjoy these heavenly espresso-infused cupcakes. ☕🍰✨
Would you try these tiramisu cupcakes? Let us know in the comments! 😊