Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe

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If you are someone who adores the classic Italian dessert but wants a fun and portable twist, these Tiramisu Cupcakes are an absolute game changer. Soft and fluffy almond and espresso-infused cupcakes come together with a heavenly Amaretto mascarpone buttercream that perfectly captures the nostalgic flavors of tiramisu in every bite. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or indulging in a solo treat, these cupcakes combine rich coffee notes, creamy mascarpone, and just the right hint of almond to deliver a dessert experience that’s bursting with love and flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe might look impressively decadent, but the ingredients are simple and straightforward, each bringing its own magic to create the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance in your Tiramisu Cupcakes. The balance of almond flour with espresso powder and mascarpone cheese is key to that authentic tiramisu vibe, while a few pantry staples keep everything moist and tender.

• 150 g all-purpose flour: The base that provides structure to the cupcake, keeping it light yet firm.
• 50 g almond flour: Adds a subtle nutty richness and tender crumb; can be swapped for regular flour if needed.
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda: Helps with leavening and adds lightness.
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder: Works alongside baking soda for that perfect rise.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors without being noticeable.
• 70 g butter (room temperature): Provides richness and contributes to the cupcake’s tender texture.
• 200 g granulated sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes while helping with moisture retention.
• 3 large eggs (room temperature): Bind everything together, adding moisture and structure.
• 150 g sour cream or full-fat Greek yogurt (room temperature): Adds tang and keeps the cupcakes wonderfully moist.
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (canola oil preferred): Ensures extra moistness and tenderness without weighing the cupcake down.
• 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warm, comforting aromatic notes that deepen the flavor.
• 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder: Packs that rich coffee punch, essential for tiramisu flavor authenticity.
• 200 g butter (for buttercream): Creamy base for the mascarpone buttercream, providing smoothness and sweetness.
• 100 g mascarpone cheese: The star ingredient that makes the frosting rich, tangy, and perfectly luscious.
• 360 g powdered sugar: Sweetens the buttercream and helps achieve that silky consistency.
• ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste: Intensifies the vanilla flavor with subtle flecks for a homemade feel.
• 2 teaspoons Amaretto or vanilla extract: Adds a delightful almond liqueur note that ties the tiramisu flavors together.
• Cocoa powder for dusting: The finishing touch that adds a bit of bitterness and classic tiramisu character.

How to Make Tiramisu Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare Your Batter for the Ultimate Almond-Espresso Cake

Start by preheating your oven to 160ºC (320ºF conventional) and line a 12-cup cupcake pan with liners. Then sift together your all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to ensure everything is evenly distributed for a light, fluffy texture. In a separate bowl, cream 70 grams of softened butter with 200 grams of granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and airy—that step is key for a soft crumb. Next, add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Scrape down the bowl sides to keep everything mixed evenly.

Step 2: Combine and Alternate the Batters

Gradually add your dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture on low speed to avoid overmixing, followed by the sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold everything together once mixed, maintaining the batter’s airiness. Now divide the batter in half. Stir one half together with instant espresso powder until smooth and fragrant. Finally, fill the cupcake liners by alternating spoonfuls of plain batter and espresso batter—use a toothpick to swirl them just enough to create a marbled effect. This swirl is not just pretty to look at but delivers beautiful layers of flavor in each cupcake.

Step 3: Bake and Cool

Bake your cupcakes for 20 to 23 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, signaling they are perfectly moist but fully cooked. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely—cool cupcakes help the buttercream hold its shape and prevent melting.

Step 4: Create the Silky Amaretto Mascarpone Buttercream

About 10 minutes before decorating, take your butter and mascarpone out of the fridge so they soften slightly but don’t melt. Beat the butter alone for 4 minutes until fluffy, then add mascarpone and mix gently at low speed to avoid curdling. Gradually add powdered sugar in two parts along with vanilla bean paste and Amaretto, mixing gently until smooth and airy. The slow mixing and gradual sugar addition are what make this buttercream heavenly smooth and luxurious.

Step 5: Decorate and Dust

Pipe generous swirls of the mascarpone buttercream onto each cupcake using a large round tip for that elegant, creamy finish. Finally, dust with cocoa powder for a nostalgic tiramisu touch that completes both flavor and presentation flawlessly.

How to Serve Tiramisu Cupcakes

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can elevate your Tiramisu Cupcakes to a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. A light dusting of cocoa powder is classic, but you can also add a few chocolate shavings, a few espresso beans for crunch, or even a tiny sprinkle of crushed amaretti cookies. These touches add texture and visual appeal that makes serving them even more special.

Side Dishes

Although these cupcakes are delightful on their own, pairing them with certain sides can create an unforgettable dessert experience. Consider a small scoop of coffee gelato, a spoonful of fresh raspberries, or even a delicate espresso shot alongside. Each option plays well with the rich flavors in the cupcakes, providing contrast and balance that will have your guests begging for more.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation is part of the magic! Try serving Tiramisu Cupcakes on a rustic wooden platter dusted lightly with cocoa powder or nest them in individual clear cupcake boxes tied with ribbon for gifting. You can also assemble a mini tiramisu charcuterie board with biscotti, coffee beans, and small jars of the mascarpone buttercream for dipping—it’s a show-stopping take on the classic dessert that’s just as fun to eat as it is to assemble.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Because the mascarpone buttercream is delicate, it’s best to keep leftover Tiramisu Cupcakes refrigerated in an airtight container. They’ll stay soft and fresh for up to three days, making them an ideal treat to enjoy over a couple of days without any loss in flavor or texture.

Freezing

If you want to prepare these cupcakes in advance, freeze them before frosting. Wrap the cooled cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. When you’re ready to serve, thaw completely at room temperature before piping on the mascarpone buttercream and finishing with cocoa powder to keep things fresh and luscious.

Reheating

Since these cupcakes are best enjoyed cool or at room temperature, avoid reheating. Instead, allow them to come to room temperature after refrigeration for about 30 minutes before serving, which will let all the flavors and textures shine through beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour in Tiramisu Cupcakes?

Yes, you can substitute the almond flour with all-purpose flour if you prefer, but almond flour adds a lovely nutty flavor and moistness that complements the espresso and mascarpone perfectly.

Is it okay to use instant coffee instead of espresso powder?

Instant espresso powder is preferred for its strong, pure coffee flavor without added moisture, but instant coffee granules can work in a pinch; just be sure to dissolve them thoroughly to avoid grainy texture.

Can I omit the Amaretto in the mascarpone buttercream?

Absolutely. If you don’t have Amaretto or want to keep it alcohol-free, substitute with extra vanilla extract or almond extract for a similar flavor profile without the alcohol content.

How long do Tiramisu Cupcakes last at room temperature?

Because of the mascarpone buttercream, it’s best not to leave these cupcakes out for more than 2 hours. Keep them refrigerated for safety and freshness.

Can I make Tiramisu Cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free. The almond flour already adds moisture and texture that supports gluten-free baking.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about combining the beloved tiramisu flavors into the charming format of a cupcake, and these Tiramisu Cupcakes do it beautifully. From the tender almond-espresso swirl to the rich Amaretto mascarpone topping, every bite is a love letter to this classic dessert. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at how effortless it is to bring your favorite tiramisu to the cupcake world in such a stunning, delicious way.

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