Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe

Introduction

Tiramisu Cupcakes are a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, combining moist cupcakes with rich mascarpone filling and coffee-infused frosting. These individual treats are perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a special homemade indulgence.

A vanilla cupcake with three visible layers stands in focus on a white marbled surface with a textured cloth underneath. The base layer is light, fluffy vanilla cake, showing a moist crumb texture and a hollow center filled with smooth, creamy white cheesecake. Above that is a swirl of thick, white frosting with a light dusting of brown cinnamon powder. At the top sits a small, shiny dark brown coffee bean-shaped candy. In the blurred background, two more cupcakes with similar layers are visible, along with a white cupcake stand holding cupcakes on the upper left side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 6 tbsp salted butter, room temperature
  • 3/4 cups sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 6 tbsp sour cream
  • 3 egg whites
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 6 tbsp milk
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 6 tbsp sugar
  • 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 1/2 tbsp warm water
  • 1 tbsp instant espresso coffee granules
  • 1/4 cup Kahlua
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 1/2 tbsp Kahlua or espresso
  • 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese, room temperature (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the salted butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Add vanilla extract and sour cream, mixing until fully combined.
  4. Step 4: Add the egg whites in two batches, mixing well after each addition.
  5. Step 5: In separate bowls, combine the dry ingredients (flour and baking powder) and mix milk with water.
  6. Step 6: Add half of the dry ingredients to the batter and mix, then add the milk mixture and mix again. Finally, add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until combined.
  7. Step 7: Fill the cupcake liners about halfway and bake for 15-17 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few crumbs.
  8. Step 8: Remove cupcakes from the oven, let cool for 2-3 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
  9. Step 9: To make the filling, combine egg yolks and sugar in the top of a double boiler over simmering water. Stir constantly and cook for 6-8 minutes until light in color and sugar dissolves. Avoid overcooking to prevent a thick, dark mixture.
  10. Step 10: Remove from heat and beat the yolk mixture until thickened and slightly yellow.
  11. Step 11: Fold the mascarpone cheese into the whipped yolks until smooth.
  12. Step 12: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks (about 5-7 minutes).
  13. Step 13: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture to create the filling.
  14. Step 14: Mix warm water, instant espresso granules, and Kahlua in a small bowl.
  15. Step 15: When cupcakes are cool, use a cupcake corer or a knife to cut out the centers.
  16. Step 16: Drizzle about 1 tbsp of the espresso mixture into each cupcake hole, then fill with the tiramisu filling.
  17. Step 17: To make the frosting, beat the unsalted butter until smooth.
  18. Step 18: Add 2 cups of powdered sugar and 1 tbsp of Kahlua, mixing until smooth.
  19. Step 19: Add another cup of powdered sugar and the remaining Kahlua, mixing until smooth again.
  20. Step 20: Carefully fold in the room temperature mascarpone cheese.
  21. Step 21: At low mixer speed, add the last cup of powdered sugar and mix just until smooth to avoid thinning the frosting.
  22. Step 22: Pipe or spread the frosting onto each cupcake and optionally garnish with cocoa powder and chocolate-covered espresso beans.

Tips & Variations

  • Use a double boiler or a makeshift setup with a heatproof bowl over simmering water to gently cook egg yolks without scrambling them.
  • For a non-alcoholic version, substitute Kahlua with extra espresso or coffee flavoring.
  • Chilling the cupcakes after assembling helps the flavors meld and improves texture.
  • Top with shaved dark chocolate or a dusting of cocoa powder for an extra touch of elegance.

Storage

Store tiramisu cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because they contain dairy and eggs, they are best enjoyed fresh. When ready to serve, remove from the fridge 15-20 minutes beforehand to soften the frosting slightly.

How to Serve

The image shows five vanilla cupcakes placed on a round silver metal stand. Each cupcake has a creamy off-white swirl of frosting piped high in a spiral shape, sprinkled lightly with brown powder. On top of each frosting swirl sits a single dark brown shiny coffee bean. The cupcakes have light yellow cake bases wrapped in pale paper liners. The stand is set on a piece of burlap cloth lying on a white marbled surface, with a few loose dark brown coffee beans scattered around. The background is softly blurred with warm wooden tones visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day in advance and keep them covered at room temperature. Prepare the filling and frosting fresh, then assemble on the day you plan to serve for best texture and flavor.

What if I don’t have Kahlua?

If you don’t have Kahlua, you can substitute with any coffee-flavored liqueur or simply use brewed espresso or strong coffee for the same rich coffee flavor without the alcohol.

Print
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Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe


  • Author: Aiden
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Tiramisu Cupcakes are a delightful fusion of the classic Italian dessert and a fluffy cupcake. Featuring layers of espresso-soaked cake filled with a creamy mascarpone filling and topped with a luscious Kahlua mascarpone frosting, these cupcakes offer a perfect balance of coffee flavor and sweet indulgence.


Ingredients

Scale

Cupcakes

  • 6 tbsp salted butter, room temperature
  • 3/4 cups sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 6 tbsp sour cream
  • 3 egg whites
  • 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 6 tbsp milk
  • 2 tbsp water

Filling

  • 2 egg yolks
  • 6 tbsp sugar
  • 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 1/2 tbsp warm water
  • 1 tbsp instant espresso coffee granules
  • 1/4 cup Kahlua

Frosting

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 1/2 tbsp Kahlua or espresso
  • 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese, room temperature

Instructions

  1. Make the Cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners. Beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add vanilla extract and sour cream, mixing well. Incorporate the egg whites in two batches, ensuring each is well combined.
  2. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: In separate bowls, mix together the flour and baking powder, and blend the milk with water. Add half the dry ingredients into the batter and mix thoroughly, then add the milk mixture. Follow with the remaining dry ingredients, mixing until fully incorporated.
  3. Bake the Cupcakes: Fill each cupcake liner about halfway and bake for 15-17 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few crumbs. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  4. Prepare the Filling: Set up a double boiler or a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Stir together egg yolks and sugar, cooking gently for 6-8 minutes until the mixture lightens in color and sugar dissolves. Whip the mixture with a mixer until thickened and pale yellow. Fold in the mascarpone cheese.
  5. Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold this whipped cream into the mascarpone and egg yolk mixture, creating a light tiramisu filling.
  6. Espresso Mixture: In a small bowl, combine warm water, instant espresso granules, and Kahlua. Once the cupcakes have cooled, use a cupcake corer to remove the centers of each cupcake.
  7. Fill the Cupcakes: Drizzle about 1 tablespoon of the espresso mixture into the hollowed centers, then fill each hole with the tiramisu filling.
  8. Make the Frosting: Beat butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar in two additions with Kahlua, mixing until smooth after each addition. Carefully fold the room temperature mascarpone cheese into the mixture. Finally, add the last portion of powdered sugar on low speed and mix just until smooth to avoid thinning the frosting.
  9. Decorate: Pipe the frosting onto each filled cupcake. For an authentic touch, sprinkle with cocoa powder and garnish with chocolate-covered espresso beans if desired.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth batter and frosting.
  • Do not overcook the egg yolk mixture to avoid curdling.
  • Folding whipped cream gently into the mascarpone filling helps maintain its light texture.
  • For a non-alcoholic version, omit Kahlua and replace with additional espresso or water.
  • Chocolate-covered espresso beans add a nice crunchy garnish but are optional.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 17 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Keywords: tiramisu cupcakes, coffee cupcakes, mascarpone frosting, Italian dessert cupcakes, espresso cupcakes

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