Decadent Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes (Printable)

Rich chocolate cupcakes infused with coffee syrup and crowned with luscious mascarpone frosting for an elegant Italian-inspired treat.

# What You'll Need:

→ For the Chocolate Cupcakes

01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
03 - 1 tsp baking powder
04 - 1/2 tsp baking soda
05 - 1/4 tsp salt
06 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
07 - 1 cup granulated sugar
08 - 2 large eggs, at room temperature
09 - 2 tsp vanilla extract
10 - 1/2 cup whole milk
11 - 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled

→ For the Coffee Syrup

12 - 1/2 cup strong brewed espresso or coffee
13 - 2 tbsp granulated sugar
14 - 1 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional)

→ For the Mascarpone Frosting

15 - 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
16 - 8 oz mascarpone cheese, cold
17 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted
18 - 1 tsp vanilla extract

→ For Assembly

19 - Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
20 - Dark chocolate shavings (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
02 - Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
03 - In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
04 - Mix in half of the dry ingredients, then add milk and coffee. Stir in the remaining dry ingredients until just combined.
05 - Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
06 - Cool cupcakes in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
07 - Dissolve sugar in hot espresso. Stir in coffee liqueur if using. Set aside to cool.
08 - Whip the cold cream to soft peaks. In a separate bowl, beat mascarpone with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Gently fold in whipped cream until fully combined and fluffy. Chill until ready to use.
09 - Using a skewer or fork, poke several holes in the top of each cooled cupcake. Brush or spoon coffee syrup generously over each cupcake to soak the tops.
10 - Pipe or spread mascarpone frosting onto each cupcake. Dust with cocoa powder and garnish with chocolate shavings if desired.

# Helpful Tips:

01 -
  • The way the coffee syrup soaks into the chocolate cake creates those same tender, coffee kissed layers that make traditional tiramisu so addictive
  • Mascarpone frosting is lighter than buttercream but still rich enough to feel indulgent
  • You get all the sophistication of an Italian dessert in adorable, portion controlled form
02 -
  • The cupcakes must be completely cool before brushing with syrup or the liquid will run off instead of soaking in properly
  • Mascarpone frosting can curdle if over mixed or if the cheese gets too warm, so work quickly and keep everything chilled
  • The syrup might seem like a lot but each cupcake really does need that generous soaking for authentic tiramisu flavor
03 -
  • Use room temperature ingredients for both cupcakes and frosting to ensure proper emulsification and smooth texture
  • If your frosting seems too soft, chill it for 15 minutes before piping, which helps it hold those beautiful swirls

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