There's nothing quite like the rich, indulgent flavors of classic tiramisu, but when transformed into cupcake form, it becomes even more irresistible. These Tiramisu Cupcakes combine the fluffy texture of vanilla cake with the bold flavors of coffee, cocoa, and mascarpone cream, making them the perfect dessert for any occasion.
I first made these cupcakes for a friend's birthday, and they were an instant hit. The moist coffee-infused cake paired with the silky mascarpone frosting created a treat that disappeared within minutes. Now, they’re my go-to dessert when I want something elegant yet easy to make.
Why You'll Love These Tiramisu Cupcakes
Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite cupcake recipe. These Tiramisu Cupcakes bring all the flavors of traditional tiramisu in a fun, handheld version.
First off, they’re incredibly easy to make. While tiramisu usually requires layering and chilling, these cupcakes streamline the process without sacrificing flavor.
They’re also the perfect balance of flavors. The combination of coffee-soaked cupcakes, a hint of rum, and the light mascarpone frosting ensures that every bite is rich, yet not overwhelming.
Best of all, they’re a showstopper. Whether you're serving them at a dinner party, bringing them to a potluck, or just treating yourself, these cupcakes look and taste like they came straight from a bakery.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of these Tiramisu Cupcakes lies in their carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays an important role in recreating the signature tiramisu experience.
Cake Flour is the key to a light, fluffy cupcake. Its lower protein content results in a softer texture compared to all-purpose flour.
Espresso or Strong Brewed Coffee infuses the cupcakes with the deep, bold flavor that makes tiramisu so unique. If you don’t have espresso, a strong coffee will work just as well.
Mascarpone Cheese is essential for the frosting, giving it a creamy, velvety texture with a slight tang. Be sure to use full-fat mascarpone for the best results.
Dark Rum or Coffee Liqueur enhances the depth of flavor. If you prefer an alcohol-free version, simply omit it or replace it with vanilla extract.
You’ll also need a piping bag for frosting to achieve that beautiful, bakery-style finish.
How To Make These Tiramisu Cupcakes

Creating these luscious cupcakes is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps for perfect results.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a muffin tin with cupcake liners. This ensures your cupcakes come out perfectly shaped and easy to remove.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients, including cake flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl, beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender crumb.
Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients, alternating with milk, until you have a smooth batter. Fill the cupcake liners about two-thirds full and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
While the cupcakes bake, prepare your coffee soak by mixing warm espresso with rum or coffee liqueur. Once the cupcakes are out of the oven and slightly cooled, brush the tops with the coffee mixture to infuse them with that classic tiramisu flavor.
For the frosting, beat together mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. Transfer the frosting to a piping bag and swirl it onto each cupcake. Finish with a dusting of cocoa powder for the perfect finishing touch.
These cupcakes take about 40 minutes from start to finish, making them an easy yet impressive dessert.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), these cupcakes store well in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted cupcakes in a sealed container for up to a month. When ready to serve, thaw them in the fridge and frost before enjoying.
To reheat, simply bring the cupcakes to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
Variations and Substitutions
These Tiramisu Cupcakes are incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to customize them to your preference.
For a kid-friendly version, skip the rum and use a coffee-flavored syrup instead. You’ll still get the delicious taste without the alcohol.
If you’re a chocolate lover, add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the cupcake batter for a mocha twist.
For a dairy-free option, swap out the mascarpone for a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
Feeling adventurous? Add a layer of chocolate ganache between the cupcake and the frosting for an extra indulgent treat.
However you make them, these Tiramisu Cupcakes are bound to be a hit. Enjoy experimenting and making them your own!
PrintTiramisu Cupcakes Recipe
Indulge in homemade Tiramisu Cupcakes featuring coffee-soaked vanilla cake, creamy mascarpone frosting, and a dusting of cocoa powder. A perfect twist on the classic Italian dessert!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
-
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
-
For the Coffee Soak:
- ½ cup strong brewed espresso, cooled
- 2 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional)
-
For the Mascarpone Frosting:
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
-
For Garnish:
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- Gradually add dry ingredients, alternating with milk, until combined.
- Divide batter into liners and bake for 18-20 minutes. Let cool completely.
- Make Coffee Soak: Mix espresso and coffee liqueur. Brush or drizzle over cooled cupcakes.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat mascarpone, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy.
- Assemble: Pipe frosting onto soaked cupcakes. Dust with cocoa powder and garnish with chocolate shavings.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy!
Notes
- For an alcohol-free version, omit the coffee liqueur.
- Best served chilled for a classic tiramisu experience.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: : 1 cupcake
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
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