Tiramisu Cupcakes

If you’re looking for a pick-me up, then look no further than these Tiramisu Cupcakes! Infused with coffee and topped with rich mascarpone cream, they’ll put some pep in your step.

Tiramisu Cupcakes

If you’re like me and like a little coffee with your coffee, then I have a great recipe for you!

These tiramisu cupcakes belong next to your java and newspaper for an afternoon pick-me-up (but I can tell you from experience they make a tasty breakfast, too). The yellow cakes get dipped in a mixture of strong coffee, espresso and coffee liqueur – much like the ladyfingers in the original dessert. The frosting is a tall swirl of whipped mascarpone cream which is so silky and light, I’d use it to cover just about any sweet thing.

Tiramisu Cupcakes

You can easily manage these cupcakes from start to finish in just a couple of hours (if that!) and with a yield of two dozen they’ll feed a crowd. I made some curvy chocolate shards using melted chocolate chips and a piece of parchment paper for extra pizazz. I think they look cute and they’re so easy to make. You can see exactly how they are made in the video tutorial below.

Tiramisu Cupcakes
Tiramisu Cupcakes

Do we really need an occasion to make these? Naaaah. But I think they would be great for an office party or a special birthday. My favorite part of the recipe is the coffee soak. It is so rich and flavorful. The creamy mascarpone frosting does a good job of adding lightness and it balances the espresso flavor well. This is a must-try for any coffee (or tiramisu) lover!

Tiramisu Cupcakes

Heather Baird
These tiramisu cupcakes belong next to your java and newspaper for an afternoon pick-me-up (but I can tell you from experience they make a tasty breakfast, too). The yellow cakes get dipped in a mixture of strong coffee, espresso and coffee liqueur – much like the ladyfingers in the original dessert. 
5 from 4 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 24

Ingredients
 
 

Cakes

  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole milk

Coffee liqueur soak

  • 3 tablespoons coffee liqueur
  • 2 tablespoons espresso powder
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 3/4 cup hot coffee

Frosting

  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2/3 cup confectioners' sugar
  • 1 cup mascarpone cheese
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnish

  • Cocoa powder to dust tops
  • Chocolate shards or shavings

Instructions
 

  • Make the cakes: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two cupcake tins with paper liners
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat the eggs in one at a time. Add the vanilla. Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, begin and end with flour. Spoon (or scoop as in the video) the batter into the paper liners. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cakes spring back with touch in their centers. Let cool completely.
  • Make the coffee soak: Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Remove the paper liners from the cupcakes and quickly dip the bottoms into the coffee soak. (The dip should take less than one second. If you over-soak the cupcakes they’ll fall apart.) Place the dipped cakes on a serving platter or in decorative cupcake papers.
  • Make the frosting: Beat the heavy whipping cream in the bowl of an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Add the cornstarch and confectioners’ sugar. Beat until stiff peaks form. Add the cheese and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and thick. Transfer the frosting to a large piping bag fitted with a large French pastry tip. Pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcake in a swirling motion.
  • Garnish: Sprinkle each cupcake with cocoa powder and top with chocolate shards or shavings (see video for more info).
  • Store the cakes loosely covered in plastic wrap in the refrigerator.
Keyword coffee soak, instant espresso powder, mascarpone
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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Shannon
Shannon
6 years ago

These look amazing! I think 24 would be way to many for me-would it be easy to halve the recipe? Just not sure about the 3 eggs- how to measure 1/2? Thanks.

Heather Baird
Heather Baird
6 years ago
Reply to  Shannon

Hi Shannon!

I totally feel you on the 24 cupcakes. It's too many if you're baking for 1 or 2. The recipe should divide well. To divide an egg, beat it in a bowl with a fork and then pour half the egg into the recipe. You can eyeball it, or if you have a scale you can weigh out 1 ounce. Most grade A large eggs are 2 ounces without their shells. I hope this helps! xo

Alma E. Antwine
Alma E. Antwine
1 year ago
Reply to  Shannon

I suggest making the 24 per the recipe and freeze half of them I double freezer zip locks, Saran or aluminum foil. Wrapping them in double wrap or bags prevents freezer burn.

Anonymous
Anonymous
6 years ago

Thanks for the awesome video! Where did you purchase the fun liners??

Heather Baird
Heather Baird
6 years ago
Reply to  Anonymous

Hi! I purchase them in bulk, but you can find similar cupcake liners in smaller quantity at the following link. 50 ct. is probably a more reasonable quantity for home bakers.

50 count: http://amzn.to/2p4yDsz
200 count (as pictured): http://amzn.to/2owYTx1

We Are Not Martha
We Are Not Martha
6 years ago

YESSSS. Tiramisu is one of my all-time favorite desserts and these cupcakes look both delicious and BEAUTIFUL!!

Sues

Rachael @ Rachael's Foodie Life
Rachael @ Rachael's Foodie Life
6 years ago

These look gorgeous and a perfect way to end our dinner party this weekend!!

Unknown
Unknown
6 years ago

These look incredible! So beautiful!

Steve
Steve
6 years ago

Heather, as always these look amazing. Thanks for the video, too. Is there any chance that the cake will soak up too much liquid and become soggy? Can you recommend a yellow cake recipe since cake mixes are not readily available where I live?

Heather Baird
Heather Baird
6 years ago
Reply to  Steve

Hi Steve,

Thank you! I recommend using the scratch cake recipe at the bottom of this blog post. It is butter-based, which creates a firm cake. Cake mixes and other oil-based cakes are not recommended because they will be too soft and become soggy when dipped. The butter cake recipe will hold up well. I also mention in the recipe text to dip the cakes no longer than 1 second. This helps prevent a soggy bottom.

I hope this helps! Good luck with the cakes!

Joan-My Cookie Clinic
Joan-My Cookie Clinic
6 years ago

Heather, What will you think of next? These cupcakes are fabulous! As you mentioned, this would be great with a cup of morning Joe. The newspaper cupcake liners are really cute and I enjoyed the video.

Roshini
Roshini
6 years ago

Love it!

Colette (Coco)
Colette (Coco)
6 years ago

The most beautiful interpretation of an Italian classic!

Cori @ Sweet Coralice
Cori @ Sweet Coralice
6 years ago

Wow Heather, you rocked my coffee world when I read this post! They look heavenly and I love the bottoms being dipped like the lady fingers and those liners! A nice touch 🙂

Anonymous
Anonymous
6 years ago

What a great idea – they look fabulous!

Jodie
Jodie
6 years ago

I've had a hankering for tiramisu recently, ever since the tiramisu brownie recipe I made didn't quite have the coffee flavor I was craving. Gonna make these cupcakes ASAP!

Phan Hang
Phan Hang
6 years ago

they look yummy, i like a dessert like this. definitely try that

Unknown
Unknown
6 years ago

Hi Heather! Amazing-cannot wait to try to make these and eat them too! I don't see your cake recipe? Also, I am ordering the liners (thanks for posting that info) but will they fit into a clear/plastic 12pk cupcake display box or are they too tall? thanks again!!

Heather Baird
Heather Baird
6 years ago
Reply to  Unknown

Hi Christine!

The recipe is at the bottom of this blog post, just past the last paragraph. There's a 'click to print' in the top right hand corner. Do you see it? I hope the recipe is viewable. Perhaps try viewing the page with the Chrome browser?

The cakes as I made them are a little bit tall, but you could probably dial back the height of the frosting. I'd say they should fit in a display box that way.

Thanks for asking! Let me know if you're still having trouble viewing the recipe! xo-h

Anonymous
Anonymous
6 years ago

Thank you for the wonderful recipe. I'm using this recipe as inspiration for my own tiramisu cupcake creation on my new blog.?

Anonymous
Anonymous
6 years ago

What is the purpose of the cornstarch in the frosting? I didnt like the texture it gave…

Heather Baird
Heather Baird
6 years ago
Reply to  Anonymous

Hi! The purpose is to give the mascarpone frosting more structure so it is pipeable. Without it the frosting can sag and be too soft to pipe. You may omit the cornstarch if you don't enjoy the texture. Instead, just spread it on with an offset spatula. There's also a different type of stablilizer that can be used in frosting called Instant Clear Jel. You may find it more to your liking. You can find it at the following link:

http://amzn.to/2qRr3mV

Tracy Watkins
Tracy Watkins
6 years ago

Can't wait to try these,they look amazing!

Anonymous
Anonymous
6 years ago

Please post the cake recipe ?

Heather Baird
Heather Baird
6 years ago
Reply to  Anonymous

Hi, the cake recipe is at the end of this post. Please let me know if you're having trouble viewing it. The printable recipe is just below the last picture and paragraph in this blog post.

Anonymous
Anonymous
6 years ago

They look amazing!!! Just with a quick question, is the espresso powder the same as espresso instant coffee? Thanks!!

Heather Baird
Heather Baird
6 years ago
Reply to  Anonymous

Hi! Yes! The product is called espresso powder or instant espresso. Regular freeze-dried coffee is not as strong, but if you can't find espresso powder then it will work in a pinch!

Thanks for asking!

Unknown
Unknown
6 years ago

Hi Heather, I just love this Tiramisu Cupcake. But I would love the cake recipe but I can't view it below. Pls post it. Thank you!!!

Heather Baird
Heather Baird
6 years ago
Reply to  Unknown

Tiramisu Cupcakes Yields about 24 cupcakes Adapted from King Arthur Flour Cakes 2 3/4 cups (325g) all-purpose flour 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 3/4 teaspoon salt 1 3/4 cups (360g) sugar 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened 3 large eggs 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1 cup (230g) whole milk Coffee liqueur soak 3 tablespoons coffee liqueur 2 tablespoons espresso powder 3 tablespoons sugar 3/4 cup (170g) hot coffee Frosting 2 cups (450g) heavy whipping cream 1 tablespoon cornstarch 2/3 cup (71g) confectioners' sugar 1 cup (227g/8oz) mascarpone cheese 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Garnish Cocoa powder, to dust tops Chocolate shards… Read more »

Megan
Megan
6 years ago

Hi there! What is espresso powder? Is this like instant espresso that will dissolve completely in the liquid? Thanks! Can't wait to try them out 🙂

Heather Baird
Heather Baird
6 years ago
Reply to  Megan

Hi Megan! Yes – Espresso powder refers to instant espresso that dissolves in water. Nescafe and Cafe Bustelo brands are both widely available, or you can find it at specialty baking shops online such as King Arthur Flour. Thanks for asking!

Sherry Hubbard
Sherry Hubbard
6 years ago

I made these today…..Amazing!!

joenvicki
joenvicki
5 years ago

Hi ! Just wondering if the Chocolate Shards are Dark Chocolate or Milk Chocolate in the Picture. Perfect ! Thanks !

Heather Baird
Heather Baird
5 years ago
Reply to  joenvicki

Hi! I'm 90% sure I used dark chocolate. There's a small chance it could be semisweet baker's chocolate – I just can't remember. I feel like I used dark chocolate because I remember purchasing an 11 lb. bag in April.

Michelle
Michelle
5 years ago

I absolutely love your blog, Heather! I've made these cupcakes at least three times, and every time they get wonderful reactions. There's a smile on my face every time I see another blog post notification. Thank you!

Rachel Shimon
Rachel Shimon
4 years ago

Made these tonight for a friend, and they were so freaking tasty! I’m always a little skeptical of trying out new recipes without reviews and/or ratings, but took a chance with these. I’m so glad that I did, just the right balance of coffee and Kahlua flavor.
I will definitely be making these again! ?

Paula
Paula
4 years ago

Hello Heather…I have tried to make this mascarpone frosting twice now and each time, it unfortunately becomes a wet, sloppy mess. I have watched your video a few times and see that you use your whisk, not the paddle, and you are shown adding the confectioners sugar but the cornstarch written in your recipe is not mentioned. Is it added with the sugar? I really want this to work, but am getting discouraged. Any thoughts as to how I can be successful or what I may be doing wrong? Thank you….I have a specific request for these and I have… Read more »

Heather Baird
Heather Baird
4 years ago
Reply to  Paula

Hi Paula! This frosting can be tricky, so I'll try to give you some of my best tips and an alternative recommendation to the cornstarch that may give you the end result you're looking for. You're not alone in having some trouble with this recipe, and I've learned a few things after troublshooting with other bakers. Try whisking the confectioners sugar and cornstarch together, then gradually adding it to the beaten whipped cream until just incorporated. Then, gently and briefly whisk in the mascarpone cheese by hand until the mixture is thick and creamy – about 5 passes with a… Read more »

Paula
Paula
4 years ago

Awww Heather…thank you SO MUCH for your very thoughtful and detailed reply. I am very hopeful that the mascarpone frosting will work out, and I will try your suggested way. Glad to hear that I am not alone, and just serves to show me that trying again, and maybe a few more times, may yield my desired outcome! You are so kind to take the time to answer back so thoughtfully…thank you so much…I will try again and let you know. 🙂 Thumbs up!!!

Anonymous
Anonymous
4 years ago

Hi Heather,

Can the frosting be made in advance to piping it and stored in the fridge (a day in advance)? Or will it get too firm? How well does the frosting hold up on the cupcakes in the fridge?

Lisalove
Lisalove
3 years ago

How long will these store? I want to make them a day or two ahead of a picnic!

Heather Baird
Heather Baird
3 years ago
Reply to  Lisalove

Hi! These could be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. I wouldn't recommend making them any further in advance.

Shauna
Shauna
1 year ago

5 stars
I made these yesterday my friend sampled one and said they were amazing!!! Question though, refrigerated the rest unfrosted overnight, do I need to let them get to room temp before frosting them.

Jodie
Jodie
1 month ago

5 stars
Absolutely delicious, the marscapone frosting was surprisingly light. Thank you for your tutorial video on making easy chocolate curls, it helped to dress up my cupcakes.