Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe
Introduction
Tiramisu cupcakes bring together the rich flavors of classic tiramisu in a delightful individual treat. These moist coffee-infused cupcakes topped with creamy mascarpone buttercream are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the perfect balance of espresso and sweetness in every bite.

Ingredients
- 150 g all-purpose flour
- 50 g almond flour (can be replaced with all-purpose flour)
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 70 g butter, room temperature
- 200 g granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 150 g sour cream (12-18%), room temperature or full-fat Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (e.g. canola oil)
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
- 200 g butter (for buttercream)
- 100 g mascarpone cheese
- 360 g powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- 2 teaspoons Amaretto or vanilla extract
- Cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 160ºC (320ºF) for a conventional oven. Line a 12-cup cupcake tray with cupcake liners.
- Step 2: Sift together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Step 3: In a stand mixer bowl with a paddle attachment, or using a hand mixer, beat the butter and sugar on medium-high speed for 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Step 4: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until combined after each addition.
- Step 5: Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then add the flour mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined.
- Step 6: Add the sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix gently until combined, being careful not to overmix the batter.
- Step 7: Using a rubber spatula, fold the batter gently to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Step 8: Transfer half the batter into a separate bowl and stir in the instant espresso powder until smooth and fully dissolved.
- Step 9: Alternate spooning the plain and espresso batters into the cupcake liners. Use a toothpick to swirl the batters gently for a marbled effect.
- Step 10: Bake for 20-23 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool cupcakes in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Step 11: For the mascarpone buttercream, remove butter and mascarpone from the fridge 10 minutes before starting. Cut butter into cubes and sift the powdered sugar.
- Step 12: Beat the butter on medium-high speed for 4 minutes until smooth. Scrape down the bowl and continue mixing for 2 more minutes.
- Step 13: Add mascarpone and mix on low speed for 1 minute until combined.
- Step 14: Add half the powdered sugar, vanilla bean paste, and Amaretto or vanilla extract. Mix on low speed, scrape down sides, then add the remaining powdered sugar. Mix until fully combined and smooth.
- Step 15: Transfer the buttercream to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip (e.g., Wilton 1A). Pipe the buttercream on top of each cooled cupcake.
- Step 16: Finish with a light dusting of cocoa powder before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Substitute almond flour with more all-purpose flour if you prefer a less nutty flavor.
- For a stronger coffee flavor, add a shot of cooled espresso to the batter along with the instant espresso powder.
- Use vanilla extract instead of Amaretto in the buttercream for an alcohol-free version.
- Chill the mascarpone buttercream before piping if it becomes too soft to hold shape.
Storage
Store the tiramisu cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow them to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture. These cupcakes are not ideal for freezing due to the mascarpone buttercream.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cupcakes and store them without frosting for up to 2 days in an airtight container at room temperature. Add the buttercream just before serving for the freshest taste.
What can I use instead of mascarpone cheese?
If you can’t find mascarpone, full-fat cream cheese mixed with a small amount of heavy cream can be a suitable substitute in the buttercream, though the flavor and texture will be slightly different.
PrintTiramisu Cupcakes Recipe
Delight in these luscious Tiramisu Cupcakes that combine the classic Italian dessert flavors with a moist coffee-infused cake and rich mascarpone buttercream frosting. Swirled with espresso powder and topped with a dusting of cocoa powder, these cupcakes are perfect for a sophisticated treat or special occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Tiramisu Cupcakes
- 150 g all-purpose flour
- 50 g almond flour (can be replaced with all-purpose flour)
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 70 g butter, room temperature
- 200 g granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 150 g sour cream (12-18%), room temperature or full-fat Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoon vegetable oil (e.g., canola oil)
- 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
Mascarpone Buttercream
- 200 g butter
- 100 g mascarpone cheese
- 360 g powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- 2 teaspoon Amaretto or vanilla extract
- Cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 160ºC (320ºF) conventional. Line a 12-cup cupcake tray with cupcake liners.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a stand mixer bowl using the paddle attachment or a large bowl with a hand mixer, beat the room temperature butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed until each is combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the sifted flour mixture and mix on low speed until just combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined without overmixing the batter.
- Fold and Divide Batter: Gently fold the batter with a rubber spatula to ensure even mixing. Transfer half of the batter to a separate bowl and fold in instant espresso powder until fully dissolved and smooth.
- Fill and Swirl: Alternate spoonfuls of the plain and espresso batter into the cupcake liners. Use a toothpick to gently swirl the two batters together for a marble effect.
- Bake: Bake cupcakes for 20-23 minutes or until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes before removing them from the cupcake tin. Let cool completely.
- Prepare Buttercream: Take butter and mascarpone out of the refrigerator 10 minutes before starting. Cut butter into cubes and sift powdered sugar.
- Cream Butter: Beat the butter on medium-high speed for 4 minutes. Scrape the bowl and beat for another 2 minutes until fluffy.
- Add Mascarpone: Mix in mascarpone with the butter for 1 minute on low speed.
- Add Sugar and Flavorings: Add half of the powdered sugar, vanilla bean paste, and Amaretto; mix on low speed. Scrape sides and add remaining powdered sugar, then mix until combined. Final beat for 1 minute.
- Pipe and Finish: Transfer buttercream to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip (e.g., Wilton 1A). Pipe onto cooled cupcakes and dust with cocoa powder.
Notes
- Almond flour can be replaced with an equal amount of all-purpose flour if preferred.
- Ensure eggs, sour cream, and butter are at room temperature for best mixing results.
- Do not overmix the batter once wet ingredients are added to maintain cupcake tenderness.
- Use instant espresso powder for easy dissolving; avoid regular coffee or brewed espresso to keep batter consistency.
- Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting to prevent buttercream from melting.
- Amaretto can be substituted with additional vanilla extract for alcohol-free version.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator; bring to room temperature before serving for best texture and flavor.
Keywords: tiramisu cupcakes, espresso cupcakes, mascarpone buttercream, coffee dessert, Italian dessert cupcakes

