Tiramisu cupcakes are a delightful fusion of the classic Italian dessert and the convenience of cupcakes. These treats feature moist vanilla cupcakes soaked in a rich coffee and Kahlua mixture, topped with a creamy mascarpone frosting, and finished with a dusting of cocoa powder. Perfect for coffee enthusiasts and dessert lovers alike, these cupcakes offer a sophisticated twist on traditional flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
Rich Coffee Flavor: The cupcakes are infused with a coffee and Kahlua soak, delivering a deep and aromatic coffee taste reminiscent of traditional tiramisu.
-
Creamy Mascarpone Frosting: A light and fluffy mascarpone frosting complements the coffee-soaked cupcakes, adding a luxurious creaminess to each bite.
-
Elegant Presentation: A simple dusting of cocoa powder and optional garnishes like chocolate shavings or ladyfingers elevate the visual appeal, making them perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
-
Cake flour
-
Baking powder
-
Espresso powder
-
Kosher salt
-
Unsalted butter
-
Light brown sugar
-
Granulated sugar
-
Eggs
-
Vanilla extract
-
Whole milk
For the Coffee Soak:
-
Brewed espresso
-
Coffee liqueur (optional)
For the Mascarpone Frosting:
-
Unsalted butter
-
Mascarpone cheese
-
Powdered sugar
-
Coffee liqueur (or brewed espresso)
For Garnish (Optional):
-
Unsweetened cocoa powder
-
Chocolate shavings
-
Ladyfinger cookies
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
-
Prepare the Cupcakes:
-
Preheat your oven and line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
-
In a large bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, espresso powder, and salt.
-
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
-
Add half of the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until just combined.
-
Stir in the milk, followed by the remaining dry ingredients, mixing until fully combined. The batter will be thin.
-
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about halfway.
-
Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool for a few minutes in the pan, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
-
-
Prepare the Coffee Soak:
-
In a small bowl, mix together the brewed espresso and coffee liqueur until combined.
-
-
Soak the Cupcakes:
-
While the cupcakes are still warm, use a fork or toothpick to poke several holes in the tops.
-
Using a brush or spoon, evenly distribute the coffee soak over each cupcake, allowing it to absorb. Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.
-
-
Prepare the Mascarpone Frosting:
-
In a stand mixer, beat the softened butter and mascarpone cheese until smooth.
-
Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low until combined.
-
Add the coffee liqueur and beat on high for 2-3 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy.
-
-
Frost the Cupcakes:
-
Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, pipe or spread the mascarpone frosting onto each cupcake.
-
Lightly dust the tops with cocoa powder and garnish with chocolate shavings or ladyfinger pieces if desired.
-
Servings and Timing
-
Servings: 12 cupcakes
-
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
-
Baking Time: 18-22 minutes
-
Cooling Time: Approximately 30 minutes
-
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour
Variations
-
Non-Alcoholic Version: Omit the coffee liqueur in both the soak and frosting, using additional brewed espresso or milk as needed.
-
Flour Substitute: For a gluten-free option, consider using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.
-
Frosting Alternative: If mascarpone is unavailable, you can use cream cheese for the frosting, though the flavor and texture will differ.
Storage/Reheating
-
Storage: Store the frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
-
Serving: Allow refrigerated cupcakes to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving for optimal flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I make these cupcakes without the coffee liqueur?
Yes! You can substitute the coffee liqueur with additional brewed espresso or milk for a non-alcoholic version.
2. How do I make the cupcakes gluten-free?
You can use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour to make these cupcakes gluten-free.
3. How long will these cupcakes stay fresh?
The cupcakes will stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
4. Can I use cream cheese instead of mascarpone?
Yes, you can use cream cheese instead of mascarpone, though the flavor and texture of the frosting will be slightly different.
5. Can I freeze these cupcakes?
Yes, you can freeze the cupcakes without frosting for up to 3 months. Let them thaw completely before frosting and serving.
6. How can I make these cupcakes more coffee-flavored?
You can increase the amount of espresso powder or add a bit more brewed coffee to both the batter and the soak for a stronger coffee flavor.
7. Can I decorate these cupcakes with chocolate?
Yes, you can garnish these cupcakes with chocolate shavings or drizzle some melted chocolate on top for added flavor.
8. How do I make the frosting less sweet?
To make the frosting less sweet, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar and balance it with more mascarpone cheese.
9. Can I add flavoring to the frosting?
Yes, you can experiment with adding a dash of vanilla or almond extract to the frosting for a different flavor profile.
10. How do I store leftover frosting?
Store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature before using it again.
Conclusion
Tiramisu cupcakes are a perfect dessert for coffee lovers, offering a delightful mix of rich coffee flavor and creamy frosting. These cupcakes bring the indulgence of a classic tiramisu in a more portable and fun form. Whether for a casual treat or a special occasion, they’re sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth!
Tiramisu Cupcakes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
iramisu cupcakes combine the rich flavors of coffee and mascarpone frosting, offering a perfect bite-sized treat inspired by the classic Italian dessert. With coffee-soaked cupcakes and creamy mascarpone frosting, these cupcakes are perfect for coffee lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike. Serve them at parties, gatherings, or special occasions for a sophisticated and delicious dessert.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
For the Cupcakes:
Cake flour
Baking powder
Espresso powder
Kosher salt
Unsalted butter
Light brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Whole milk
For the Coffee Soak:
Brewed espresso
Coffee liqueur (optional)
For the Mascarpone Frosting:
Unsalted butter
Mascarpone cheese
Powdered sugar
Coffee liqueur (or brewed espresso)
For Garnish (Optional):
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Chocolate shavings
Ladyfinger cookies
Instructions
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Cupcakes:
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
-
In a large bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, espresso powder, and salt.
-
In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
-
Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
-
Stir in the milk, then add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until fully incorporated. The batter will be thin.
-
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about halfway.
-
Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
-
-
Prepare the Coffee Soak:
-
Mix brewed espresso and coffee liqueur (if using) in a small bowl until combined.
-
-
Soak the Cupcakes:
-
While the cupcakes are still warm, poke several holes in the tops using a fork or toothpick.
-
Brush or spoon the coffee mixture evenly over each cupcake, allowing it to absorb. Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.
-
-
Prepare the Mascarpone Frosting:
-
In a stand mixer, beat softened butter and mascarpone cheese until smooth.
-
Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low until combined.
-
Add coffee liqueur (or espresso) and beat on high for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
-
-
Frost the Cupcakes:
-
Once the cupcakes are completely cool, pipe or spread mascarpone frosting on each cupcake.
-
Lightly dust with cocoa powder and garnish with chocolate shavings or ladyfinger pieces if desired.
-
Notes
- Non-Alcoholic Version: Omit the coffee liqueur and use extra brewed espresso or milk in the soak and frosting.
- Flour Substitute: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cupcakes gluten-free.
- Storage: Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
