Tiramisu Cupcakes: An Irresistible Coffee-Infused Treat

Tiramisu, the classic Italian dessert, is a symphony of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone, and a dusting of cocoa powder. What if we could capture all those wonderful flavors in a single, adorable cupcake? Well, we can! This recipe transforms the traditional tiramisu into a delightful and portable treat: Tiramisu Cupcakes. These cupcakes are perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth with a sophisticated and coffee-infused delight.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you create the perfect Tiramisu Cupcakes every time. We’ll cover everything from making the coffee-infused cupcake base to the luscious mascarpone frosting and the final dusting of cocoa. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this unique and delicious dessert!

## Why You’ll Love These Tiramisu Cupcakes

* **All the Flavor of Tiramisu in a Cupcake:** These cupcakes perfectly mimic the taste of classic tiramisu, offering a delightful combination of coffee, mascarpone, and cocoa.
* **Portable and Convenient:** Cupcakes are individual servings, making them easy to transport and serve at gatherings.
* **Impressive Presentation:** These cupcakes look beautiful and sophisticated, making them a crowd-pleaser.
* **Relatively Easy to Make:** While there are a few components, each step is straightforward and easy to follow.
* **Customizable:** You can adjust the coffee flavor, sweetness, and even add a touch of liqueur for an extra kick.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we begin, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. This recipe is divided into three main components: the coffee-infused cupcakes, the coffee syrup, and the mascarpone frosting.

**For the Coffee-Infused Cupcakes:**

* 1 ½ cups (192g) all-purpose flour
* 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
* ¼ teaspoon baking soda
* ½ teaspoon salt
* ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
* ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* ½ cup (120ml) strong brewed coffee, cooled
* ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk (or milk with 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar)

**For the Coffee Syrup:**

* ½ cup (120ml) strong brewed coffee, hot
* ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
* 1 tablespoon coffee liqueur (optional, such as Kahlúa or Baileys)

**For the Mascarpone Frosting:**

* 8 ounces (227g) mascarpone cheese, softened
* 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
* 3-4 cups (360-480g) powdered sugar, sifted
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* Pinch of salt

**For Garnish:**

* Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
* Chocolate shavings (optional)

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Muffin tin
* Cupcake liners
* Mixing bowls
* Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Whisk
* Spatula
* Small saucepan
* Pastry bag and tip (optional, for frosting)
* Sifter

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get baking! Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Tiramisu Cupcakes.

### Part 1: Making the Coffee-Infused Cupcakes

1. **Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Muffin Tin:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. This prevents the cupcakes from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
2. **Whisk Dry Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the batter, resulting in a light and fluffy cupcake.
3. **Cream Butter and Sugar:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, which is essential for a tender crumb.
4. **Add Eggs and Vanilla:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. The vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the cupcakes.
5. **Alternate Adding Dry and Wet Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the cooled coffee and buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cupcakes. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a denser texture. The order of adding dry and wet ingredients is crucial for proper emulsification and texture.
6. **Fill Cupcake Liners:** Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full. This prevents the cupcakes from overflowing during baking.
7. **Bake the Cupcakes:** Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the cupcakes.
8. **Cool the Cupcakes:** Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling on a wire rack allows air to circulate around the cupcakes, preventing them from becoming soggy.

### Part 2: Making the Coffee Syrup

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a small saucepan, combine the hot strong brewed coffee and granulated sugar.
2. **Heat and Stir:** Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved.
3. **Simmer:** Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Be careful not to burn the syrup.
4. **Add Liqueur (Optional):** Remove from heat and stir in the coffee liqueur, if using. The liqueur adds a depth of flavor and complements the coffee notes.
5. **Cool the Syrup:** Let the syrup cool completely before using. Cooling the syrup prevents it from melting the frosting later.

### Part 3: Making the Mascarpone Frosting

1. **Cream Butter and Mascarpone:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened mascarpone cheese and softened butter using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Make sure both the butter and mascarpone are at room temperature for a smooth and consistent frosting.
2. **Add Powdered Sugar:** Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Sifting the powdered sugar prevents lumps in the frosting. Adjust the amount of powdered sugar to achieve your desired consistency. More powdered sugar will result in a stiffer frosting.
3. **Add Vanilla and Salt:** Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. The vanilla extract enhances the flavor, and the salt balances the sweetness.
4. **Whip Until Fluffy:** Continue to whip the frosting until it is light and fluffy. Be careful not to overwhip, as this can cause the frosting to separate.

### Part 4: Assembling the Tiramisu Cupcakes

1. **Poke Holes in the Cupcakes:** Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, use a skewer or toothpick to poke several holes in the top of each cupcake. This allows the coffee syrup to soak into the cupcakes.
2. **Soak the Cupcakes with Coffee Syrup:** Gently brush or spoon the cooled coffee syrup over the top of each cupcake, allowing it to soak in. Don’t over-saturate the cupcakes, or they will become soggy.
3. **Frost the Cupcakes:** Transfer the mascarpone frosting to a pastry bag fitted with your desired tip (or simply use a knife or spatula). Frost each cupcake with a generous swirl of frosting.
4. **Dust with Cocoa Powder:** Dust the tops of the frosted cupcakes with unsweetened cocoa powder. This gives them the classic tiramisu look and adds a touch of bitterness that complements the sweetness of the frosting.
5. **Add Chocolate Shavings (Optional):** If desired, garnish the cupcakes with chocolate shavings for an extra touch of elegance.
6. **Chill (Optional):** For best results, chill the cupcakes for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the frosting to firm up.

## Tips for Success

* **Use High-Quality Coffee:** The coffee flavor is a key component of these cupcakes, so use a good-quality coffee for the best results.
* **Don’t Overmix the Batter:** Overmixing can lead to tough cupcakes. Mix until just combined.
* **Cool the Cupcakes Completely:** Make sure the cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting them, or the frosting will melt.
* **Soften the Butter and Mascarpone:** Ensure the butter and mascarpone cheese are softened to room temperature before making the frosting. This will result in a smooth and creamy frosting.
* **Sift the Powdered Sugar:** Sifting the powdered sugar prevents lumps in the frosting.
* **Adjust the Sweetness:** You can adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the frosting to achieve your desired level of sweetness.
* **Add a Touch of Liqueur:** For a more authentic tiramisu flavor, add a tablespoon of coffee liqueur to the coffee syrup.
* **Make Ahead:** The cupcakes and coffee syrup can be made a day in advance. Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature and the coffee syrup in the refrigerator. The frosting can also be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Espresso Powder:** Add 1-2 teaspoons of espresso powder to the dry ingredients for a more intense coffee flavor.
* **Chocolate Cupcakes:** Use a chocolate cupcake recipe instead of the coffee-infused cupcake recipe for a chocolate tiramisu cupcake.
* **Different Liqueurs:** Experiment with different liqueurs in the coffee syrup, such as amaretto or rum.
* **Whipped Cream Frosting:** Substitute the mascarpone frosting with a stabilized whipped cream frosting for a lighter option.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cupcakes gluten-free.
* **Vegan:** Use plant-based butter, milk, and mascarpone cheese alternatives to make these cupcakes vegan.

## Serving Suggestions

* Serve these cupcakes chilled for the best flavor and texture.
* Pair them with a cup of coffee or espresso.
* They are perfect for parties, potlucks, and special occasions.
* Arrange them on a platter for an elegant presentation.
* Enjoy them as a decadent dessert any time of day.

## Storage Instructions

* Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* Unfrosted cupcakes can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days.
* You can also freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil.

## Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe

Here’s the complete recipe for easy reference:

**Yields:** 12 cupcakes
**Prep time:** 30 minutes
**Cook time:** 20 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* **For the Coffee-Infused Cupcakes:**
* 1 ½ cups (192g) all-purpose flour
* 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
* ¼ teaspoon baking soda
* ½ teaspoon salt
* ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
* ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* ½ cup (120ml) strong brewed coffee, cooled
* ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk (or milk with 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar)
* **For the Coffee Syrup:**
* ½ cup (120ml) strong brewed coffee, hot
* ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
* 1 tablespoon coffee liqueur (optional, such as Kahlúa or Baileys)
* **For the Mascarpone Frosting:**
* 8 ounces (227g) mascarpone cheese, softened
* 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
* 3-4 cups (360-480g) powdered sugar, sifted
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* Pinch of salt
* **For Garnish:**
* Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
* Chocolate shavings (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. **Whisk Dry Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. **Cream Butter and Sugar:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. **Add Eggs and Vanilla:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. **Alternate Adding Dry and Wet Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the cooled coffee and buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. **Fill Cupcake Liners:** Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full.
7. **Bake Cupcakes:** Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. **Cool Cupcakes:** Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. **Make Coffee Syrup:** In a small saucepan, combine the hot strong brewed coffee and granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Bring to a simmer and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the coffee liqueur (if using). Let the syrup cool completely.
10. **Make Mascarpone Frosting:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened mascarpone cheese and softened butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Whip until fluffy.
11. **Assemble Cupcakes:** Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, use a skewer or toothpick to poke several holes in the top of each cupcake. Gently brush or spoon the cooled coffee syrup over the top of each cupcake, allowing it to soak in. Transfer the mascarpone frosting to a pastry bag fitted with your desired tip (or simply use a knife or spatula). Frost each cupcake with a generous swirl of frosting. Dust the tops of the frosted cupcakes with unsweetened cocoa powder. Garnish with chocolate shavings (optional).
12. **Chill (Optional):** For best results, chill the cupcakes for at least 30 minutes before serving.

## Conclusion

These Tiramisu Cupcakes are a delightful twist on a classic dessert. With their coffee-infused cake, luscious mascarpone frosting, and dusting of cocoa powder, they are sure to impress everyone who tries them. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Italy in every bite! Happy baking!

## Call to Action

What are you waiting for? Give this Tiramisu Cupcakes recipe a try today! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and share your baking experience with us. We’d love to hear how they turned out! Also, share this recipe with your friends and family who love tiramisu and cupcakes. Let’s spread the deliciousness!