Description
These Tiramisu Cupcakes capture the rich, creamy essence of classic Italian tiramisu in a convenient, bite-sized cupcake form. Featuring coffee-soaked cake layers, luscious mascarpone frosting, and a dusting of cocoa powder, this easy-to-follow recipe delivers authentic tiramisu flavors with a simple baking process. Perfect for celebrations or sweet cravings, these cupcakes impress with their elegant taste and perfect portion control.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 1 cup espresso or strong coffee, cooled
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee powder (optional, for stronger coffee flavor)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mascarpone Frosting
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Assembly and Garnish
- Espresso or strong coffee for brushing
- Cocoa powder, for dusting
- Optional: chocolate shavings or shaved dark chocolate
Instructions
- Prepare the Coffee Soak: Brew 1 cup of strong espresso or coffee and let it cool slightly. This coffee soak is essential for infusing the cupcake layers with authentic tiramisu flavor.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift together the flour (or gluten-free blend), cocoa powder, instant coffee powder (if using), and baking powder to ensure even distribution and a light cake texture.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy. This step helps create a tender crumb in the cupcakes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, then add the vanilla extract. Mixing thoroughly builds structure and enhances the flavor depth.
- Combine Ingredients: Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the brewed coffee into the butter mixture, mixing gently until all ingredients are just combined to avoid dense cupcakes.
- Bake the Cupcakes: Divide the batter evenly into prepared cupcake liners. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cupcakes cool completely.
- Make the Mascarpone Frosting: In a chilled bowl, whip the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and fluffy, creating a light and creamy frosting.
- Assemble and Decorate: Once the cupcakes are cooled, brush them generously with the prepared coffee soak to infuse flavor. Pipe or spread the mascarpone frosting on top, then finish with a dusting of cocoa powder and optional chocolate shavings for the classic tiramisu look.
Notes
- Use freshly brewed espresso for the best coffee flavor in batter and soaking syrup.
- Do not overmix the batter; mix until ingredients are just combined to keep cupcakes tender.
- Keep mascarpone frosting chilled until ready to use for easier handling and better texture.
- Brush the cupcakes multiple times with coffee soak for deeper coffee flavor.
- Refrigerate cupcakes for a few hours after assembly to allow flavors to meld beautifully before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: tiramisu cupcakes, tiramisu, coffee cupcakes, mascarpone frosting, Italian dessert, gluten free cupcakes
