Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Tiramisu Cupcakes blend the best elements of a traditional tiramisu into a bite-sized dessert. The rich, moist cupcakes are soaked in espresso and topped with a light, creamy mascarpone frosting. They offer the perfect balance of coffee flavor and sweetness. Plus, the added cocoa powder and chocolate garnish make them visually stunning, making them ideal for parties, gatherings, or a special treat.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup espresso or strong brewed coffee, cooled
For the Coffee Soak:
- 1/2 cup espresso or strong brewed coffee
- 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)
For the Mascarpone Frosting:
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Garnish:
- Cocoa powder
- Chocolate curls or grated chocolate
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream together sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla. Mix in sour cream and espresso.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full with batter and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
- For the coffee soak, combine espresso and coffee liqueur. Pierce each cupcake with a fork and brush with the coffee soak.
- For the frosting, beat mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Whip heavy cream to stiff peaks and fold into the mascarpone mixture.
- Pipe or spread frosting onto each cupcake. Dust with cocoa powder and garnish with chocolate curls.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 cupcakes
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend and ensure other ingredients are gluten-free.
- Non-Alcoholic: Omit the coffee liqueur and substitute with extra vanilla or almond extract.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the mascarpone cheese and heavy cream with dairy-free alternatives.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap cupcakes individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Frosting Refresh: If the frosting softens, whip it gently to restore its consistency.
FAQs
Can I make Tiramisu Cupcakes without espresso?
Yes, you can substitute espresso with strong brewed coffee or instant coffee dissolved in hot water.
How can I make Tiramisu Cupcakes gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Can I make Tiramisu Cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cupcakes and make the frosting in advance, then assemble just before serving.
How should I store leftover Tiramisu Cupcakes?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso?
Yes, instant coffee dissolved in hot water works well as a substitute for espresso.
Can I freeze Tiramisu Cupcakes?
Yes, you can freeze the cupcakes for up to 1 month. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.
What can I substitute for mascarpone cheese?
You can use cream cheese or a mascarpone alternative in place of mascarpone cheese.
How can I make the frosting lighter?
Whip the cream to stiff peaks before folding it into the mascarpone mixture for a lighter texture.
Can I decorate with something other than cocoa powder?
You can use chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for a different look.
Conclusion
Tiramisu Cupcakes are a sophisticated dessert that combines the rich, indulgent flavors of tiramisu with the convenience and portability of a cupcake. Whether for a special occasion or a simple indulgence, these cupcakes are sure to impress. Their perfect balance of coffee, cream, and sweetness makes them a must-try for dessert lovers.
Tiramisu Cupcakes
Tiramisu Cupcakes are a bite-sized version of the classic Italian dessert, combining espresso, coffee liqueur, and mascarpone cheese for a luxurious treat. These cupcakes are moist, rich, and topped with a creamy mascarpone frosting, making them the perfect dessert for any occasion. Garnished with cocoa powder and chocolate curls, they offer an irresistible combination of coffee flavor and sweetness. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving a special dessert, these cupcakes are sure to delight!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert, Cupcakes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup espresso or strong brewed coffee, cooled
For the Coffee Soak:
- 1/2 cup espresso or strong brewed coffee
- 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)
For the Mascarpone Frosting:
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Garnish:
- Cocoa powder
- Chocolate curls or grated chocolate
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla. Mix in sour cream and espresso.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full and bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool completely.
- For the coffee soak, combine espresso and coffee liqueur. Pierce each cupcake with a fork and brush with the coffee soak.
- To make the frosting, beat mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Whip heavy cream to stiff peaks and fold into the mascarpone mixture.
- Pipe or spread frosting onto each cupcake. Dust with cocoa powder and garnish with chocolate curls or grated chocolate.
Notes
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and ensure other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Non-alcoholic: Omit the coffee liqueur and replace with extra vanilla or almond extract.
- Dairy-free: Substitute mascarpone cheese and heavy cream with dairy-free alternatives
