Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe
Delight in these luscious Tiramisu Cupcakes, combining the rich flavors of espresso-soaked cake with creamy mascarpone frosting. This recipe layers moist cupcake batter infused with coffee, followed by a light coffee syrup brush and a fluffy mascarpone whipped cream topping, dusted with cocoa powder and optionally garnished with chocolate curls or coffee beans for an elegant finish.
- Author: Caleb
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Cupcake Batter
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (can swap part with cake flour for lighter crumb)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust if syrup is sweet)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder (leavening)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk (or buttermilk)
- 1/4 cup espresso or strong coffee, cooled (can replace part of milk)
Coffee Syrup
- 1/2 cup espresso (for brushing warm cupcakes)
- 2–3 Tbsp granulated sugar (to taste)
Mascarpone Frosting
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese (cold, then softened slightly)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (kept cold for whipping)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (or to taste)
- 1 pinch fine salt (optional, balances sweetness)
Garnish (optional)
- 1–2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
- Chocolate curls or coffee beans
- Make the batter (5–10 min): Cream 1/2 cup softened butter with 3/4 cup sugar until fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Beat in 2 eggs one at a time. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt. Combine 1/2 cup milk and 1/4 cup cooled espresso. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk-espresso mixture to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Bake the cupcakes (15–20 min): Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners and fill each about two-thirds full with batter. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a cupcake comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the coffee syrup (optional): In a small saucepan, heat 1/2 cup espresso with 2–3 tablespoons sugar until the sugar dissolves completely. Using a pastry brush, gently brush the warm syrup over the tops of the warm cupcakes and allow it to soak in, adding moisture and enhancing the coffee flavor.
- Make the mascarpone frosting (5–10 min): Beat 8 oz mascarpone cheese in a bowl until smooth. Gradually drizzle in 1/2 cup cold heavy cream, whipping to soft peaks. Add approximately 1/2 cup powdered sugar and a pinch of fine salt if desired to balance the sweetness. Whip gently just until stable soft peaks form, being careful not to overwhip as mascarpone can curdle.
- Assemble and garnish: Once cupcakes are completely cooled, pipe or spread the mascarpone frosting evenly on top. Dust with unsweetened cocoa powder through a fine sieve for a classic tiramisu finish. Optionally, decorate with chocolate curls or a single coffee bean to add an elegant touch.
Notes
- For a lighter crumb, replace part of the all-purpose flour with cake flour.
- Adjust sugar quantities according to your sweetness preference and the coffee syrup’s sweetness.
- Ensure mascarpone and heavy cream are cold for easier whipping and best texture.
- Do not overmix batter to keep cupcakes tender.
- The coffee syrup step is optional but adds authentic tiramisu moisture and flavor.
- Use strong espresso for the best taste, but high-quality brewed coffee also works.
- Store cupcakes refrigerated due to the dairy-based frosting. Best consumed within 2 days.
Keywords: tiramisu cupcakes, espresso cupcakes, mascarpone frosting, coffee dessert, Italian dessert cupcakes