If you love the rich, creamy decadence of tiramisu but want to enjoy it in a fun, handheld form, this Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe is exactly what you need. These cupcakes combine the deep chocolate flavor with that signature coffee-soaked mascarpone frosting to create a passionate, irresistible bite. Each element plays its part perfectly, making these cupcakes a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert that’s sure to impress anyone lucky enough to have one.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe are simple yet absolutely essential to bringing together the perfect taste and texture. Each one contributes a vital part—whether it’s moisture, richness, or that unforgettable coffee kick.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cupcake that provides structure without weighing it down.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds that deep chocolate intensity that makes these cupcakes truly indulgent.
- Baking soda and baking powder: The magic duo that ensures your cupcakes rise beautifully and stay fluffy.
- Salt: A small pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance all other flavors.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Offers richness and tenderness, creating a moist crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens everything just right, without overpowering the chocolate.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the cupcake’s light texture.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a warm, fragrant note that complements the chocolate and coffee.
- Strong brewed coffee, cooled: The star of the tiramisu flavor, infusing the cupcakes with that unmistakable espresso tone.
- Whole milk: Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb.
- Mascarpone cheese: The creamy, luscious heart of the frosting that makes your cupcakes shine.
- Heavy cream: Whipped to perfection, it lightens the mascarpone for that classic tiramisu texture.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and helps it hold its shape beautifully.
- Coffee liqueur (optional): Provides an extra boozy kick for grown-up indulgence.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting): The finishing touch that gives your cupcakes that elegant tiramisu look.
How to Make Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your baking environment
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. This simple prep ensures your cupcakes bake evenly and come out with a perfect shape ready for decorating.
Step 2: Combine dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This step mixes the leavening agents evenly throughout the dry base and evenly distributes the chocolate for consistent flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Cream butter and sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process is crucial for creating an airy cupcake texture that feels so tender on the tongue.
Step 4: Add eggs and vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for that warm, fragrant boost that perfectly complements the coffee and chocolate.
Step 5: Incorporate dry ingredients and liquids
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture alternately with the coffee and milk. Mixing slowly and just until combined prevents overworking the batter, which keeps your cupcakes moist and tender.
Step 6: Bake the cupcakes
Divide the batter evenly into your prepared liners, filling each about two-thirds full for just the right rise. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before moving to the next step.
Step 7: Prepare the mascarpone frosting
Beat the mascarpone and heavy cream together in a separate bowl until stiff peaks form. Then, fold in the powdered sugar and coffee liqueur (if you’re using it), blending until silky and smooth. This frosting is the creamy heart of the Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe.
Step 8: Infuse cupcakes with coffee
Once cooled, poke small holes in the center of each cupcake using a toothpick, then slowly pour the cooled brewed coffee over the top, allowing it to soak deep inside. This step delivers that iconic tiramisu punch and keeps every bite moist.
Step 9: Frost and finish
Pipe or spread the mascarpone frosting lavishly over each cupcake. Finally, dust them with cocoa powder to add an elegant and slightly bitter contrast that balances the creamy sweetness.
How to Serve Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond the cocoa dusting, you can add chocolate shavings, a sprinkle of espresso powder, or even a single espresso bean on top for extra visual appeal and flavor depth. These small touches make the serve feel extra special and show off your attention to detail.
Side Dishes
Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes pair wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed espresso, a glass of dessert wine, or even a silky panna cotta if you want to continue the indulgence. These sides complement the cupcakes’ rich coffee and chocolate notes beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your cupcakes on a tiered cake stand for an elegant dessert display at gatherings. You might also package them in individual clear boxes tied with a ribbon for gifting—sharing your favorite Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe is a wonderful way to spread joy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cupcakes stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to preserve the fresh mascarpone frosting. They’ll stay moist and flavorful for up to 3 days, so you can savor that perfect tiramisu taste even after the party ends.
Freezing
You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them completely before soaking with coffee and adding the frosting to maintain that just-made texture and flavor signature of the Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe.
Reheating
Because of the mascarpone frosting, reheating isn’t recommended. Instead, bring refrigerated cupcakes to room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors and textures to shine at their best.
FAQs
Can I make these cupcakes without coffee liqueur?
Absolutely! The coffee liqueur is optional and adds a nice boozy note, but the strong brewed coffee alone delivers that classic tiramisu flavor beautifully.
What kind of coffee should I use for soaking?
Use a strong brewed coffee or espresso that is cooled before using. This will give your cupcakes that rich, authentic tiramisu coffee flavor without overwhelming bitterness.
Can I substitute mascarpone cheese with cream cheese?
You can, but mascarpone has a lighter, creamier texture and less tang compared to cream cheese, which makes it ideal for this recipe’s frosting to capture the authentic tiramisu vibe.
How long do these cupcakes last once frosted?
Because of the mascarpone and cream, these cupcakes are best eaten within 2 to 3 days if stored properly in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, you can enjoy a gluten-free version without sacrificing texture or flavor.
Final Thoughts
Nothing quite beats the joy of baking something as delicious and inviting as the Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy night in, these cupcakes bring all the magic of tiramisu in an easy-to-share form. I can’t wait for you to try them—you’re going to fall head over heels for these decadent little treats as much as I have!
Print
Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes, where rich cocoa and strong coffee blend seamlessly with a creamy mascarpone topping. Inspired by the classic Italian dessert, this recipe combines moist chocolate cupcakes soaked in coffee and layered with a luscious mascarpone cream, making for an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion.
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 Topping
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional)
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners to ensure even baking and easy removal of cupcakes.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly combined. Set aside to incorporate flavors uniformly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes, to create a tender cupcake texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to emulsify. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor depth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the batter alternately with the cooled brewed coffee and whole milk, mixing each addition until just combined to avoid overmixing and keep cupcakes light.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow for proper rising.
- Bake Cupcakes: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Cool Completely: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack, allowing them to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the creamy topping.
- Prepare Mascarpone Cream: In a separate bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese and heavy cream together until stiff peaks form. Add powdered sugar and coffee liqueur if using, and continue beating until fully combined for a smooth, fluffy topping.
- Soak Cupcakes with Coffee: Once cooled, poke holes in the center of each cupcake with a toothpick. Slowly pour cooled coffee over the holes, permitting the cupcakes to absorb the liquid and enhance the tiramisu flavor profile.
- Apply Mascarpone Topping: Pipe or spread the mascarpone cream over each cupcake generously to form a rich, creamy layer reminiscent of traditional tiramisu.
- Dust with Cocoa Powder: Finish by dusting the tops lightly with unsweetened cocoa powder for an elegant and classic tiramisu appearance before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the coffee is cooled before mixing into the batter and soaking to prevent cooking the eggs in the batter or melting the topping.
- You can omit the coffee liqueur for a non-alcoholic version, or substitute with additional coffee or espresso.
- Use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor in both the batter and dusting.
- Allow cupcakes to cool completely to maintain the structure and prevent the mascarpone cream from melting.
- Store leftover cupcakes in the refrigerator due to the dairy-based mascarpone topping and consume within 2 days for optimal freshness.
