Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe

If you adore the classic flavors of tiramisu but want a fun, individual twist, these Tiramisu Cupcakes are your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine soft almond and espresso-infused cupcakes swirled together and topped with a luscious Amaretto mascarpone buttercream that melts in your mouth. Each bite is a harmonious blend of rich coffee, delicate almond notes, and creamy, dreamy frosting—it’s like having your favorite Italian dessert in a perfectly portable cupcake form. Whether you’re baking for a party, a weekday treat, or just because, these Tiramisu Cupcakes will turn any moment into a celebration of flavor and texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple but absolutely essential to achieve the perfect balance of taste and texture that make Tiramisu Cupcakes so irresistible. From rich mascarpone to aromatic espresso powder, each component plays a vital role in bringing this dessert alive.

• All-purpose flour: The base that adds structure to the cupcakes, ensuring a tender crumb.
• Almond flour: Gives a subtle nuttiness and moist texture, but can be swapped for more all-purpose flour if needed.
• Baking soda & baking powder: These leavening agents help the cupcakes rise beautifully and stay light.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors, a little goes a long way in perfecting the taste.
• Butter (room temperature): Provides richness to the batter and ensures a velvety crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes just right and aids in creating a tender texture.
• Large eggs (room temperature): They bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
• Sour cream or full-fat Greek yogurt: Brings moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness beautifully.
• Vegetable oil: Adds extra moisture, keeping the cupcakes soft for days.
• Vanilla extract: Boosts the warmth and depth of flavor in the batter.
• Instant espresso powder: Adds that distinct coffee kick without making the cupcakes bitter.
• Butter (for buttercream): Creamy and rich, it’s the backbone of the frosting.
• Mascarpone cheese: The star ingredient in the frosting, delivering that traditional tiramisu creaminess.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the buttercream and ensures it’s silky smooth.
• Vanilla bean paste: Adds natural vanilla flavor and little flecks that look gorgeous on the frosting.
• Amaretto or vanilla extract: Amaretto gives an authentic almond aroma, but vanilla extract works as a lovely alternative.
• Cocoa powder: For that final dusting to make it unmistakably tiramisu.

How to Make Tiramisu Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare the Cupcake Batter

To start, preheat your oven to 160ºC (320ºF) and line your 12-cup cupcake pan with liners. Sifting the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together ensures they mix into the batter seamlessly, preventing clumps and giving your cupcakes a light texture.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for about 3 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This step is key because it incorporates air, which helps the cupcakes rise beautifully.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Dry Ingredients

Add eggs one at a time, blending on low speed just until combined after each addition. Scrape down the bowl to keep everything even before gently mixing the sifted flour mixture on low speed. Avoid overmixing here to maintain a tender crumb in your cupcakes.

Step 4: Add Moisture and Flavor

Mix in sour cream (or Greek yogurt), vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until everything is just combined. This combination keeps the cupcakes moist and adds a subtle tang that pairs perfectly with the espresso.

Step 5: Create Espresso Batter and Swirl

Split the batter in half and fold in the instant espresso powder to one portion until fully dissolved and smooth. Then, alternate spoonfuls of the plain and espresso batter into the cupcake liners. Use a toothpick to swirl the two together gently—this marble effect not only looks beautiful but ensures each bite has an exciting mix of flavors.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake for 20 to 23 minutes, or until a cake tester comes out clean. Once done, cool the cupcakes in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely. Cooling fully helps the frosting to spread more smoothly and prevents melting.

Step 7: Make the Mascarpone Buttercream

Start by bringing the butter and mascarpone to room temperature, then beat the butter on medium-high speed for 4 minutes until fluffy. Add mascarpone and mix gently for a minute—or until smooth. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, vanilla bean paste, and Amaretto, mixing on low to combine everything into a gloriously creamy frosting. Give it a final whip on medium speed to ensure it’s light and spreadable.

Step 8: Frost and Finish the Tiramisu Cupcakes

Transfer the buttercream to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip and pipe generous swirls onto each cooled cupcake. Finish with a dusting of cocoa powder, giving that unmistakable tiramisu touch that’s both beautiful and delicious.

How to Serve Tiramisu Cupcakes

Garnishes

Though the cocoa powder dusting is iconic, you can elevate your Tiramisu Cupcakes with a sprinkle of chocolate shavings, a few coffee beans on top, or a tiny almond sliver for some crunch and extra flair. These little touches make your cupcakes look as good as they taste and add delightful texture contrasts.

Side Dishes

If you’re serving these cupcakes at a gathering, pair them with a light, fresh fruit salad or a berry compote to cut through the richness of the mascarpone buttercream. A cup of freshly brewed espresso or a glass of dessert wine like Vin Santo also makes a superb accompaniment, highlighting the coffee and almond notes beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

You can present the Tiramisu Cupcakes in charming little cupcake boxes tied with rustic twine for gifts, arrange them on a tiered stand for an elegant dessert display, or even serve them alongside mini dessert spoons for guests to enjoy their own bite-sized tiramisu experience. The swirled batter pattern and cocoa topping make them an eye-catching dessert no matter how you plate them.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, store your Tiramisu Cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge. The mascarpone buttercream is perishable, so keeping them chilled is essential. They’ll stay fresh and delightful for up to 3 days—perfect if you want to prepare ahead for a party or special occasion.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. This method preserves their texture for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before frosting. Avoid freezing cupcakes after applying the mascarpone buttercream because it doesn’t freeze well and can separate.

Reheating

If you like your cupcakes slightly warmed, gently heat unfrosted cupcakes in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before frosting. Avoid reheating frosted cupcakes, as the buttercream will melt and lose its lovely texture.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?

Absolutely! Almond flour adds a subtle nutty flavor and moisture, but if you don’t have it on hand, simply use all-purpose flour in its place. The cupcakes will still be deliciously tender.

Can I make the espresso flavor stronger?

Yes, you can add a bit more instant espresso powder if you want a bolder coffee taste, but be careful not to add too much as it can make the batter bitter. Start with an extra half teaspoon and adjust to your preference.

Is there a non-alcoholic alternative to Amaretto in the buttercream?

Definitely! You can substitute Amaretto with an equal amount of vanilla extract or an almond extract (but use less since almond extract is stronger). This keeps the almond flavor without the alcohol.

How do I prevent the buttercream from being too soft?

Make sure your butter and mascarpone are cold but not too cold when mixing. Also, chilling the buttercream for 15-20 minutes before piping can help it firm up and hold its shape better.

Can I double this recipe to make more cupcakes?

Yes, doubling the ingredients is straightforward. Just make sure to split your batter evenly and bake in batches if your oven can’t fit all the cupcakes at once, maintaining the baking temperature and time as recommended.

Final Thoughts

These Tiramisu Cupcakes are more than just a dessert—they’re a delicious little celebration of everything wonderful about tiramisu, wrapped up in a single, perfect cupcake. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just to treat yourself, they’re sure to impress with their rich flavors and elegant appearance. Go ahead, whip up a batch, and experience why these cupcakes quickly become a beloved favorite!