Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe
If you love the classic Italian dessert but want it in a fun, party-ready form, you have to try these Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes. They capture everything magical about tiramisu—rich layers of cocoa, strong coffee notes, and creamy mascarpone—in adorable, individual servings. Each bite delivers the dreamy contrast of a moist chocolate cake soaked with espresso and topped with a cloud of luscious mascarpone frosting. Whether you’re impressing dinner guests or just treating yourself to a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, these cupcakes bring pure joy to every occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes is short but mighty! Every component is thoughtfully chosen, and together, they create a cupcake that’s moist, flavorful, and utterly decadent. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:
- All-purpose flour: Provides the cupcake’s structure and keeps the crumb tender, not heavy.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the cupcakes their deep chocolate flavor and iconic color.
- Baking powder and baking soda: These two leaveners work together to give your cupcakes a lovely rise.
- Salt: Just a pinch balances out the sweetness and intensifies all the flavors.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Brings rich flavor and helps the cupcakes turn out perfectly soft and fluffy.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes and gives moisture to the crumb.
- Eggs: Two large eggs bind everything together and add richness.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavors and brings depth.
- Buttermilk: Keeps the cupcake crumb extra tender and moist, with a hint of tang.
- Hot brewed coffee: The secret ingredient for boosting the chocolate flavor and adding a mocha twist.
- Hot brewed espresso or strong coffee: This gets brushed over the baked cupcakes for an authentic tiramisu vibe.
- Coffee liqueur (optional): Adds warmth and a grown-up touch—if you’re serving kids, just skip it and add more coffee!
- Mascarpone cheese, softened: This creamy Italian cheese is essential for the classic tiramisu tang and the dreamy frosting.
- Heavy cream: Whips up gorgeously to help the frosting hold its shape and stay luxuriously soft.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the mascarpone frosting while keeping it silky smooth.
- Cocoa powder (for dusting): A finishing flourish that makes your cupcakes look and taste just like tiramisu.
How to Make Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Liners
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper cupcake liners. This helps your cupcakes bake evenly and makes them easier to serve and frost later on!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these now ensures your cupcakes will have an even texture and full, chocolatey flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until the mixture looks pale and fluffy—this usually takes about 2–3 minutes. Creaming introduces air and lays the foundation for a cupcake crumb that’s airy, not dense.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is blended in before you add the next. Splash in your vanilla extract at the end, which will make the batter incredibly fragrant and flavorful.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients, Buttermilk, and Coffee
Now, stir in half of your dry ingredients, followed by the buttermilk, then the rest of the dry mixture. Finally, pour in the hot brewed coffee and mix until everything is just combined. The hot coffee will help bloom the cocoa, making your Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes ultra-rich and moist.
Step 6: Bake the Cupcakes
Spoon the batter evenly among your cupcake liners, filling them about two-thirds of the way. Bake for 18–20 minutes. When a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, you know they’re ready. Let the cupcakes cool completely before moving to the next delicious steps.
Step 7: Soak the Cupcakes
Whisk together the hot espresso (or strong coffee) and coffee liqueur if using. Once the cupcakes are cooled, generously brush the tops with the coffee mixture. This soak is the secret to infusing each cupcake with amazing tiramisu flavor.
Step 8: Make Mascarpone Frosting
In a bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. The result should be dreamy, creamy, and thick enough to pipe or swirl onto your cupcakes—just like classic tiramisu cream.
Step 9: Frost and Dust
Pipe or spread the mascarpone frosting onto each cupcake. Finish with a generous dusting of cocoa powder for that irresistibly elegant tiramisu look. Dive in and enjoy—these beauties are best the same day!
How to Serve Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes
Garnishes
The most classic finish is a dramatic veil of cocoa powder, but you can take them over the top by adding chocolate shavings, espresso beans, or even a little sprinkle of cinnamon. If you want to get truly decadent, top each cupcake with a chocolate curl or a swirl of lightly sweetened whipped cream alongside the mascarpone frosting.
Side Dishes
These Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes are rich and satisfying all on their own, but they pair beautifully with fresh berries (like raspberries or strawberries) which add a pop of brightness. A scoop of vanilla gelato or even a little fruit compote makes them a memorable plated dessert for dinner parties.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving a crowd, arrange the cupcakes on a vintage cake stand for café-chic vibes. For a cute touch at parties, tuck a chocolate-dipped espresso spoon into the frosting of each one, or present mini-cupcakes in espresso cups to echo the tiramisu theme. They’re the perfect conversation starter!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes in an airtight container and refrigerate. Thanks to the mascarpone frosting, they’ll stay fresh for up to three days, though the frosting is at its dreamy best on day one.
Freezing
If you want to freeze them, do so before adding the frosting. Wrap the unfrosted cupcakes in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature, then frost right before serving to preserve the best texture.
Reheating
Since these are best served cold or at cool room temperature, there’s no need to reheat Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes. Just let refrigerated cupcakes sit out for 10–15 minutes before serving so the frosting softens slightly and the flavors sing.
FAQs
Can I make Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes without coffee liqueur?
Absolutely! While the coffee liqueur adds a subtle warmth and depth, simply omit it and use extra brewed coffee for a family-friendly version that’s just as delicious.
Is there a substitute for mascarpone cheese in the frosting?
If you can’t find mascarpone, you can use full-fat cream cheese instead. The flavor will be tangier and a bit firmer, but still creamy and satisfying—just note it will shift the taste away from classic tiramisu.
How far in advance can I frost these cupcakes?
You can frost the cupcakes a few hours in advance and keep them chilled. For the best texture, frost them the day you plan to serve, since mascarpone frosting is softest and smoothest when freshly made.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you’re good to go.
What’s the best way to pipe the mascarpone frosting?
A large round piping tip works beautifully for tall, pillowy swirls that mimic the look of classic tiramisu. Don’t worry if you don’t have one—simply use a spatula or the back of a spoon to create soft waves and swoops.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that brings a little luxury to everyday life, Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes are where it’s at. They’re delightfully impressive but so achievable, and every bite tastes like a celebration. Go on and give them a try—you’ll be making new fans with every batch!
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Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful fusion of classic tiramisu flavors and rich chocolate in these luscious Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes. A perfect treat for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the cupcakes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup hot brewed coffee
For the coffee soak:
- 1/2 cup hot brewed espresso or strong coffee
- 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)
For the mascarpone frosting:
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare cupcake batter: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a muffin tin. Whisk dry ingredients. Beat butter and sugar, add eggs and vanilla. Alternate mixing dry ingredients, buttermilk, and coffee. Fill cupcake liners and bake.
- Prepare coffee soak: Combine espresso and coffee liqueur. Brush cooled cupcakes generously with the mixture.
- Make mascarpone frosting: Beat mascarpone, cream, sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Pipe onto cupcakes and dust with cocoa powder.
Notes
- For an alcohol-free version, omit the coffee liqueur and use extra coffee.
- Best served the day they are frosted.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
