Creamy Dreamy Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe

Dreamy Creamy Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe: A Heavenly Treat

Indulge in the ultimate dessert fusion where classic Italian tiramisu meets adorable cupcake charm.

These irresistible tiramisu cupcakes blend rich espresso-soaked sponge with silky mascarpone frosting that melts on your tongue.

Coffee lovers will swoon over each decadent bite packed with deep, complex flavors.

Layers of delicate cake and creamy filling create a sophisticated treat that feels like a special occasion.

Elegant yet approachable, these cupcakes transform an iconic dessert into a handheld delicacy.

The perfect balance of sweet and bold, they promise to become your new favorite showstopping dessert.

Why These Tiramisu Cupcakes Are A Dream

  • Savor Instant Italian Elegance: Transform classic tiramisu into adorable, portable cupcakes that bring gourmet dessert magic right to your plate.
  • Master Impressive Baking Skills: Create a show-stopping dessert that looks professionally crafted but requires basic baking techniques anyone can learn.
  • Customize Flavor Adventure: Easily adjust coffee intensity and liqueur amounts to match personal taste preferences, making these cupcakes perfectly adaptable for different palates.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Party Sensation: Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, and celebrations where guests will be amazed by your bakery-worthy dessert that combines familiar cupcake comfort with sophisticated Italian flair.

Shopping List For Dreamy Tiramisu Cupcakes

Cake Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure to the cupcake.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender texture.
  • Butter: Contributes to the rich and moist character of the cupcake.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients and provide richness.
  • Sour Cream: Ensures a soft and tender crumb.
Leavening Agents:
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt: Help the cupcakes rise and enhance flavor balance.
Coffee and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Espresso, Vanilla Extract: Provide deep coffee flavor and aromatic sweetness.
Coffee Soak Ingredients:
  • Espresso, Coffee Liqueur: Create a rich, intense coffee-soaked effect for the cupcakes.
Frosting Ingredients:
  • Mascarpone Cheese: Offers a creamy, luxurious base for the frosting.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize the frosting.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds lightness and volume to the mascarpone mixture.
Garnish:
  • Cocoa Powder, Chocolate Curls: Provide a classic tiramisu-inspired finishing touch.

Bake Creamy Dreamy Tiramisu Cupcakes Today

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

Gather your flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.

Whisk them together until perfectly combined, creating a smooth base for your delectable cupcakes.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate large mixing bowl, beat sugar and butter until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and almost cloud-like.

This process helps create an incredibly tender cupcake texture.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Pour in vanilla extract, sour cream, and espresso.

Stir until the ingredients are beautifully incorporated and create a silky batter.

Step 4: Combine and Prepare

Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.

Avoid overmixing to keep the cupcakes tender.

Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners and preheat the oven to 350°F.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Fill cupcake liners about 3/4 full with batter.

Slide the tin into the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 6: Create Coffee Soak

Combine:
  • Espresso
  • Coffee liqueur

Use a fork to gently pierce the cooled cupcake tops.

Brush each cupcake generously with the coffee mixture, allowing it to soak in completely.

Step 7: Craft Creamy Frosting

In one bowl, beat together:
  • Mascarpone cheese
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract

In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.

Carefully fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, creating a light and airy frosting.

Step 8: Decorate and Serve

Pipe or spread the mascarpone frosting generously over each cupcake.

Dust with cocoa powder and sprinkle with delicate chocolate curls for an elegant finishing touch.

Tips For Perfect Tiramisu Cupcakes Every Time

  • Adjust espresso strength to suit your taste preference, using decaf or mild coffee for a gentler flavor profile.
  • Prepare cupcakes and coffee soak a day in advance to enhance flavor development and save time on serving day.
  • Substitute mascarpone with coconut cream and use dairy-free whipping cream for a vegan-friendly version.
  • Keep mascarpone and cream chilled before whipping to ensure a stable, light, and airy frosting texture.
  • Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.

Tiramisu Cupcake Upgrades To Try Tonight

  • Gluten-Free Tiramisu Cupcakes: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free baking powder and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Vegan Espresso Cupcakes: Swap butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, sour cream with coconut yogurt. Use dairy-free mascarpone alternative and coconut whipped cream for frosting.
  • Low-Sugar Version: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Reduce coffee liqueur amount or use sugar-free coffee syrup. Use low-fat mascarpone and Greek yogurt for lighter frosting.

Serve Dreamy Tiramisu Cupcakes With Flair

  • Coffee Lover's Delight: Pair these cupcakes with a freshly brewed espresso or cappuccino to enhance the rich coffee flavors.
  • Party Platter Magic: Arrange cupcakes on a elegant tiered stand, dusting with extra cocoa powder and adding chocolate-covered espresso beans as decorative accents.
  • Dessert Wine Companion: Serve alongside a sweet dessert wine like Vin Santo or a smooth amaretto to complement the creamy mascarpone and coffee notes.
  • Make-Ahead Brunch Star: Prepare cupcakes the night before a gathering, storing in an airtight container and adding fresh cocoa dusting just before serving to keep them looking pristine.

Save Tiramisu Cupcakes For Later Treats

  • Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them covered to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
  • Wrap unfrosted cupcakes individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.
  • Let chilled cupcakes sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the frosting and enhance flavors.
  • Gently warm cupcakes in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power, being careful not to melt the delicate mascarpone frosting.

FAQs

  • Are tiramisu cupcakes different from regular cupcakes?

Tiramisu cupcakes are unique because they’re inspired by the classic Italian dessert, featuring an espresso coffee soak that adds moisture and rich flavor, creating a more sophisticated and intense taste compared to traditional cupcakes.

  • Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso?

Yes, you can substitute espresso with strong instant coffee dissolved in hot water. Just ensure the coffee is concentrated and cooled before using in the recipe to maintain the desired depth of flavor.

  • Is mascarpone cheese necessary for the frosting?

Mascarpone is key to authentic tiramisu flavor, providing a creamy, slightly tangy texture. If unavailable, you can use cream cheese, though the taste will be slightly different from traditional tiramisu.

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Creamy Dreamy Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe

Creamy Dreamy Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe


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4.6 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Irresistible Tiramisu Cupcakes blend Italian dessert magic with delicate cake perfection. Coffee-soaked layers and silky mascarpone cream invite you to savor each luxurious bite of pure culinary bliss.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1.25 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter
  • 0.75 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup sour cream

Liquid Ingredients:

  • 0.75 cup espresso or strong brewed coffee
  • 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnish and Frosting Ingredients:

  • 1 cup mascarpone cheese
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 0.5 cup powdered sugar
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon baking soda
  • Cocoa powder
  • Chocolate curls or grated chocolate

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a muffin tin with cupcake liners, ensuring an even spacing for uniform baking.
  2. Create a dry mixture by whisking flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined and free of lumps.
  3. In a separate bowl, cream sugar and butter until the mixture becomes light, airy, and pale in color, indicating proper incorporation.
  4. Gradually incorporate eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain a smooth consistency.
  5. Blend sour cream and espresso into the batter, creating a rich, moisture-enhancing liquid component.
  6. Slowly fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender crumb.
  7. Fill cupcake liners approximately 3/4 full with the prepared batter, allowing room for rising during baking.
  8. Bake for 18-20 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through to ensure even browning, and test doneness with a toothpick that comes out clean.
  9. Allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack, creating space for air circulation and preventing soggy bottoms.
  10. Prepare a coffee soak by combining espresso and coffee liqueur, creating an intense flavor infusion.
  11. Using a fork, gently pierce the top of each cooled cupcake multiple times to create channels for the coffee soak.
  12. Brush each cupcake generously with the coffee mixture, allowing the liquid to penetrate and enhance the flavor profile.
  13. Whip mascarpone cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth and creamy, creating a luxurious base for the frosting.
  14. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream to stiff, billowy peaks that hold their shape when the whisk is lifted.
  15. Delicately fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, maintaining the airiness while creating a light, silky frosting.
  16. Pipe or spread the frosting elegantly over each cupcake, creating decorative swirls or smooth peaks.
  17. Finish by dusting with cocoa powder and garnishing with delicate chocolate curls for an elegant, professional presentation.

Notes

  • Adjust espresso intensity by using decaf or reducing coffee concentration for a milder flavor profile.
  • Ensure ingredients like mascarpone and eggs are at room temperature for smoother, more consistent mixing.
  • Prevent dense cupcakes by avoiding overmixing the batter and using fresh baking powder for optimal rise.
  • Create gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free blend, maintaining similar texture and taste.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 308 kcal
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 106 mg
  • Fat: 21 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 76 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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