Name: Tiramisu Cupcakes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup milk; 2 tablespoons espresso or strong brewed coffee; 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; Cocoa powder (for dusting)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tiramisu Cupcakes offer the best of both worlds: the elegance of tiramisu with the convenience of a cupcake. These cupcakes are packed with coffee flavor, a creamy mascarpone filling, and a dusting of cocoa powder for that authentic tiramisu taste. They’re light, decadent, and a fun way to serve a beloved dessert in a new form. Whether you’re a fan of the traditional tiramisu or new to the dessert, these cupcakes are bound to impress.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons espresso or strong brewed coffee
1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Cocoa powder (for dusting)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
While the cupcakes are baking, prepare the coffee mixture by combining the espresso and 2 tablespoons of sugar in a small bowl. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
Once the cupcakes are done, allow them to cool for about 10 minutes. Using a skewer or toothpick, poke a few holes in each cupcake and drizzle the coffee mixture over the top of each one.
For the mascarpone frosting, beat the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, and powdered sugar in a bowl until soft peaks form.
Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, frost each with the mascarpone mixture.
Dust the tops with cocoa powder before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes 12 cupcakes.
Prep Time: 20 minutes.
Cook Time: 18-20 minutes.
Total Time: 40-45 minutes.

Variations

Alcoholic Tiramisu Cupcakes: Add a splash of coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa) to the espresso mixture for an adult twist on the classic.
Vegan Tiramisu Cupcakes: Use dairy-free butter, a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and substitute the mascarpone with a vegan alternative.
Gluten-Free Tiramisu Cupcakes: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolatey version.
Mini Cupcakes: Make smaller versions of these cupcakes by using a mini muffin tin. Adjust the baking time to 12-15 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover Tiramisu Cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Allow the cupcakes to come to room temperature before serving. If you prefer a firmer frosting, you can also store the cupcakes in the fridge and serve chilled.

FAQs

1. Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso for these cupcakes?

Yes, you can use instant coffee if you don’t have espresso, but the flavor may be slightly different.

2. How do I make the mascarpone frosting fluffier?

Make sure the mascarpone and heavy cream are chilled before whipping them together. This will help achieve a fluffier texture.

3. Can I make the cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day ahead, but wait to frost them until just before serving.

4. Can I freeze these cupcakes?

Yes, you can freeze the cupcakes (without frosting) for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.

5. How do I avoid dry cupcakes?

Be careful not to overmix the batter or overbake the cupcakes. Check them at the 18-minute mark, and remove them from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out clean.

6. Can I make these cupcakes without coffee?

Yes, you can substitute the coffee with hot water or milk for a milder flavor.

7. How do I store the mascarpone frosting?

Store any leftover mascarpone frosting in the fridge for up to 2 days. Make sure to bring it to room temperature before using it again.

8. Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?

Yes, adding chocolate chips can give these cupcakes an extra layer of flavor and texture. Just fold in about 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips into the batter before baking.

9. Can I use whipped cream instead of mascarpone frosting?

While whipped cream can be used, mascarpone gives a more authentic tiramisu flavor and richer texture.

10. How can I make these cupcakes less sweet?

Reduce the amount of sugar in the frosting and coffee mixture to taste.

Conclusion

Tiramisu Cupcakes bring the beloved flavors of the classic Italian dessert into a fun, handheld treat. With their delicate balance of espresso, mascarpone, and cocoa, these cupcakes are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a sweet snack, they’re sure to impress and satisfy your cravings for something indulgent yet light.

Tiramisu Cupcakes

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Tiramisu Cupcakes are a delectable twist on the classic Italian dessert. Combining the rich flavors of espresso, mascarpone, and cocoa, these fluffy, moist cupcakes capture the essence of tiramisu in a convenient, individual-sized form. Perfect for any occasion, Tiramisu Cupcakes are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With an easy-to-follow recipe, these treats are ideal for dinner parties, celebrations, or a sweet indulgence!

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 20min
Cook Time: 20min
Total Time: 45min
Yield: 12 cupcakes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with the batter.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
While baking, combine espresso and 2 tbsp sugar in a bowl, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Once the cupcakes have cooled for 10 minutes, poke holes in them using a skewer or toothpick. Drizzle the coffee mixture over each cupcake.
Beat mascarpone, heavy cream, and powdered sugar until soft peaks form to make the frosting.
Once cooled, frost each cupcake with the mascarpone mixture and dust with cocoa powder.

Notes

For an adult twist, add coffee liqueur like Kahlúa to the coffee mixture.
Substitute mascarpone with a vegan alternative to make this recipe vegan.
Ensure the mascarpone and cream are chilled to achieve a fluffier frosting.