If you’re a dessert lover who enjoys the cozy, rich flavors of classic Italian sweets but in a fun, handheld form, this Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe is going to be your new obsession. Imagine the perfect marriage of moist chocolate cupcakes soaked in coffee, topped with a dreamy mascarpone cream, and finished with a delicate dusting of cocoa powder. These cupcakes capture all the indulgence of tiramisu with a playful twist that makes sharing—and sneaking bites—a joyful experience. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this recipe brings together simple ingredients into something truly spectacular.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet purposeful, each playing a vital role in achieving the incredible flavors and textures that make this recipe shine. From the cocoa’s deep chocolate richness to the mascarpone’s creamy tang, every element has a delicious job.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone for soft and tender cupcakes that hold the coffee soak beautifully.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds intense chocolate flavor and a rich, dark color.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Ensures your cupcakes rise perfectly and stay light.
- 1/2 tsp baking powder: Works alongside baking soda for extra lift and fluffiness.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds moistness and a tender crumb texture.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create a light batter when creamed with butter.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the cupcake flavor.
- 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled: Infuses authentic tiramisu notes and moistens the cake.
- 1/2 cup whole milk: Keeps the batter smooth and enhances tenderness.
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese: Classic Italian cream cheese that makes the frosting luxuriously smooth.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Whipped to add lightness and volume to the mascarpone topping.
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting without grit.
- 2 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional): Boosts the espresso flavor for grown-up indulgence.
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting: The final elegant touch for that signature tiramisu look.
How to Make Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the cupcake batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 12-cup muffin tin with liners—you’ll want a perfectly ready setup to pour your delicious batter into. Whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl to ensure even distribution of all the dry ingredients, which is key for that consistent chocolate depth in every cupcake.
Step 2: Cream butter and sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is crucial because it traps air in the batter, providing the cupcakes their tender crumb and light texture.
Step 3: Add eggs and vanilla
Beat in eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract, which subtly enhances the chocolate’s richness while complementing the coffee notes that will come later.
Step 4: Combine dry and wet ingredients
Alternately add the dry ingredient mixture with the cooled coffee and milk to your butter-sugar-egg mixture. This alternating method helps maintain a smooth batter and prevents overmixing, which could make the cupcakes tough. Mix just until everything is combined—you want tenderness, not toughness.
Step 5: Bake the cupcakes
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rise without spilling over. Bake them for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will start to smell heavenly with the scent of chocolate and coffee coming together.
Step 6: Cool and soak with coffee
After removing the cupcakes from the oven, place them on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, gently poke holes in each cupcake with a toothpick and slowly pour cooled coffee over the top, letting it soak into every nook and cranny. This soaking is what transforms the cupcakes into tiramisu-inspired bites bursting with flavor.
Step 7: Make the mascarpone frosting
While the cupcakes cool, beat mascarpone cheese and heavy cream together until stiff peaks form. Add powdered sugar and the optional coffee liqueur for an extra kick, then continue beating until everything blends into a silky, airy frosting that’s both light and luscious.
Step 8: Frost and dust
Pipe or spread the mascarpone frosting over each soaked cupcake, creating a smooth or swirled finish. Finally, dust each cupcake with unsweetened cocoa powder for that signature tiramisu look—a dusting that adds just the right touch of bitterness to balance all the sweet and creamy goodness.
How to Serve Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe
Garnishes
These cupcakes shine with their classic dusting of cocoa powder, but you can take things up a notch by adding a chocolate-covered espresso bean or a sprinkle of finely grated dark chocolate on top. Fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of cinnamon can serve as quirky yet complementary garnishes that bring a little freshness or warm spice to your presentation.
Side Dishes
Pair your Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe with bold coffee or an espresso shot to amplify that coffee flavor. For an elegant dessert spread, a small scoop of vanilla gelato or fresh berries can provide contrasting coldness and tartness that harmonize beautifully with the rich cupcakes.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these cupcakes on a tiered dessert stand for a celebration-worthy display, or individually wrapped with a delicate ribbon for party favors that guests will adore. You can also layer cupcake halves in a glass jar with alternating mascarpone cream and cocoa powder for a delightful tiramisu parfait twist that will wow everyone at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain the freshness of the mascarpone cream and the coffee-soaked cake. They are best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days, as the flavors deepen but the texture stays delightfully moist and creamy.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead of time, freeze the unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw them completely in the refrigerator before soaking with coffee and adding frosting, which ensures the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Because these cupcakes are delicate and soaked with coffee, reheating is generally not recommended, as it may affect their texture. Instead, serve chilled or at room temperature to fully appreciate the luscious, creamy mascarpone frosting and rich coffee-infused cake.
FAQs
Can I make the mascarpone frosting without a mixer?
Absolutely! You can whisk the mascarpone and heavy cream by hand, though it will take some elbow grease. Use a balloon whisk and beat vigorously until you achieve stiff peaks, then fold in the powdered sugar and coffee liqueur gently.
What can I substitute for coffee liqueur?
If you don’t have coffee liqueur or prefer to skip alcohol, simply leave it out or swap it for an equal amount of strong brewed coffee or espresso for the flavor without the alcohol punch.
Are these cupcakes suitable for kids?
Yes, the cupcakes themselves are kid-friendly. If you want to keep it alcohol-free, omit the coffee liqueur and just use brewed coffee in the soaking step. The coffee flavor is subtle enough so it won’t be overwhelming.
Can I use regular cream cheese instead of mascarpone?
While regular cream cheese can be used in a pinch, mascarpone offers a sweeter, creamier texture that’s essential to capturing the authentic tiramisu taste. If substituting, soften the cream cheese completely and consider adding a bit of heavy cream to lighten it.
How do I know when the cupcakes are perfectly baked?
Insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, they are done. Overbaking can dry them out, which would affect the soaking process later on.
Final Thoughts
There is truly something magical about this Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe that brings together the best of two worlds—the classic elegance of tiramisu and the playful joy of cupcakes. Once you try these, you’ll find it hard to go back to ordinary desserts. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to delight your taste buds and anyone lucky enough to share these with you!
Print
Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Description
Indulge in these decadent Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes that combine rich cocoa flavors with the iconic coffee-soaked tiramisu cream. Perfect for dessert lovers looking for a delightful twist on a classic Italian favorite, these cupcakes are moist, creamy, and beautifully presented with a dusting of cocoa powder.
Ingredients
Cupcake Batter
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Mascarpone Cream Topping
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional)
Finishing Touch
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes and adds air to the batter for a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the creamed butter and sugar, beating well after each addition to ensure full incorporation. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients alternately with the cooled strong brewed coffee and whole milk, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cupcakes tender.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Evenly divide the batter among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool Cupcakes: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely; this prevents the mascarpone cream from melting when applied.
- Make Mascarpone Cream: In a separate bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese and heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Add powdered sugar and coffee liqueur, if using, then continue beating until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Soak Cupcakes with Coffee: Once cooled, use a toothpick to poke small holes into each cupcake. Slowly pour cooled coffee over the top, allowing it to soak in and infuse the cupcakes with tiramisu flavor.
- Frost with Mascarpone Cream: Pipe or spread the prepared mascarpone cream generously over each cupcake, creating a luscious topping.
- Garnish and Serve: Dust the cupcakes with unsweetened cocoa powder for the classic tiramisu finish. Serve immediately or chill slightly before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly brewed strong coffee that has been cooled to avoid melting the cream.
- Coffee liqueur is optional but adds authenticity to the tiramisu flavor.
- Make sure cupcakes are completely cooled before adding coffee and cream to prevent melting and sogginess.
- You can substitute whole milk with any milk of choice, but it may slightly affect texture.
- These cupcakes can be refrigerated for up to 2 days; bring to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor.
