Name: Decadent Tiramisu Cupcakes with Creamy Amaretto Frosting
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 23 min
Total time: 48 min
Ingredients: 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (Substitute with almond flour if desired.); 1 cup Almond Flour (Can be replaced 1:1 with all-purpose flour.); 1 teaspoon Baking Soda; 1 teaspoon Baking Powder; 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 1/2 cup Butter (At room temperature.); 1 cup Granulated Sugar; 2 large Eggs (At room temperature.); 1/2 cup Sour Cream (Can replace with full-fat Greek yogurt.); 1/4 cup Vegetable Oil (Can use canola oil.); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 2 tablespoons Instant Espresso Powder; 1 cup Mascarpone Cheese; 2 cups Powdered Sugar; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Bean Paste; 1/4 cup Amaretto (Can substitute with vanilla extract.); 2 tablespoons Cocoa Powder (For presentation.)

As I stood in my kitchen, the aroma of freshly brewed espresso wafted through the air, instantly whisking me away to a charming café in Italy. This Tiramisu Cupcakes recipe merges two beloved delights—the classic tiramisu and the ever-appealing cupcake—into an irresistible bite-sized treat. Tender cupcakes, graced with almond flour and rich espresso, are topped with a fluffy Amaretto mascarpone buttercream that is pure magic. These cupcakes not only provide a delightful escape from ordinary desserts but also come together in a flash, making them a perfect choice for gatherings or a sweet pick-me-up. Are you ready to embark on a scrumptious journey with these Tiramisu Cupcakes? Let’s get baking!

Why are Tiramisu Cupcakes a must-try?

Irresistible Fusion: These Tiramisu Cupcakes beautifully blend the classic flavors of a traditional tiramisu with a convenient cupcake format. Decadent Richness: The soft almond and espresso-infused cupcakes paired with a fluffy Amaretto mascarpone buttercream create a heavenly taste experience. Quick and Easy: With straightforward instructions, this recipe saves you time while delivering gourmet results. Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Perfect for any occasion, these cupcakes will impress family and friends alike. Want to explore more delightful desserts? Check out our Italian Tiramisu Home or indulge in delicious Pumpkin Cupcakes Deliciously.

Tiramisu Cupcakes Ingredients

For the Cupcakes
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; substitute with more almond flour if desired.
• Almond Flour – Adds moistness and a nutty flavor; can be replaced 1:1 with more all-purpose flour.
• Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent for rise.
• Baking Powder – Works alongside baking soda for lightness.
• Salt – Enhances overall flavor.
• Butter – Adds richness and moisture; ensure it’s at room temperature for thorough mixing.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cupcakes beautifully.
• Eggs – Provide structure and moisture; should be at room temperature for even blending.
• Sour Cream – Contributes moisture and tanginess; can replace with full-fat Greek yogurt.
• Vegetable Oil – Keeps the cupcakes moist; can use canola oil as an alternative.
• Vanilla Extract – Infuses a warm vanilla flavor.
• Instant Espresso Powder – Imparts the quintessential tiramisu flavor into the cupcakes.

For the Amaretto Buttercream
• Mascarpone Cheese – Essential for that creamy buttercream texture.
• Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the buttercream and ensures a smooth texture.
• Vanilla Bean Paste – Enhances flavor with delightful vanilla specks.
• Amaretto – Provides a unique liqueur flavor; may substitute with more vanilla extract for a non-alcoholic version.

For Dusting
• Cocoa Powder – Adds a classic tiramisu finish to your cupcakes for that stunning presentation.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Tiramisu Cupcakes

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 160ºC (320ºF) and line a 12-cup cupcake tray with colorful liners. This ensures your Tiramisu Cupcakes are fun and festive! Make sure the liners are pressed securely against the tray so that they hold the batter well while baking.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step aerates the flours and ensures a light and fluffy texture for your cupcakes. Set this mixture aside as it will beautifully blend with the wet ingredients later on.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a stand mixer bowl, cream the room-temperature butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for about 3 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy. The mixture should have a pale yellow hue, indicating that air has been incorporated, which is key for the moist, tender texture of your Tiramisu Cupcakes.

Step 4: Add the Eggs One by One
Lower the mixer speed and add the eggs one by one, allowing each egg to mix thoroughly before adding the next. This gradual incorporation ensures a smooth batter. Once combined, gradually add the previously prepared flour mixture until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep your cupcakes fluffy and tender.

Step 5: Mix in Sour Cream and Oil
Gently incorporate the sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract into the batter. Mix just until everything is well combined and smooth. This step adds necessary moisture and flavor to your Tiramisu Cupcakes, making them irresistibly soft and delightful.

Step 6: Incorporate Espresso Powder
Divide the batter in half and fold the instant espresso powder into one portion. Swirl the espresso-infused batter back into the plain batter, creating a marbled effect. This fun technique will give your cupcakes a beautiful presentation with bursts of coffee flavor throughout.

Step 7: Fill the Cupcake Liners
Scoop the batter into each cupcake liner, filling them about two-thirds full to allow for rising. The marbled effect will be visible as you fill them, creating visual excitement for your Tiramisu Cupcakes. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-23 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool the Cupcakes
Once baked, allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This brief cooling period prevents them from becoming soggy. Let them cool completely before moving on to the delicious buttercream frosting.

Step 9: Prepare the Amaretto Buttercream
In a clean stand mixer bowl, beat the room-temperature butter for 6 minutes until it’s fluffy and light in color. Gradually add the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and Amaretto, mixing on low speed until everything is fully combined and smooth. The mixture should be creamy and thick, perfect for piping.

Step 10: Frost the Cupcakes
Once your Tiramisu Cupcakes are fully cooled, it’s time to pipe the Amaretto buttercream on top. Use a piping bag fitted with your favorite tip to create lovely swirls, making each cupcake visually appealing. Finish with a dusting of cocoa powder on top for that classic tiramisu touch.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy
These gorgeous Tiramisu Cupcakes are now ready to be served! Whether for a party or a cozy dessert at home, they are sure to impress with their rich flavors and fluffy textures. Dig in and enjoy the delightful combination of coffee and creaminess in every bite!

What to Serve with Tiramisu Cupcakes

Indulge your senses in a deliciously complete meal experience that tantalizes the taste buds!

Rich Espresso: A freshly brewed, bold espresso elevates the coffee notes in the cupcakes, creating a perfect dessert pairing.
Vanilla Gelato: Its creaminess and cool temperature provide a blissful contrast to the cupcakes’ texture, making every bite heavenly.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: Juicy, sweet berries dipped in dark chocolate complement the rich coffee flavors with a fruity freshness that’s irresistible.
Savory Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses like goat cheese or Brie can enhance the flavors of the cupcakes, offering a delightful flavor contrast.

Treat your guests to a beautifully arranged cheese platter for an elegant touch. The creaminess of the cheeses will balance the sweetness of the cupcakes while adding a different dimension to the dessert experience.

Decadent Mocha Milkshake: A thick, creamy milkshake marries the stunning flavors of chocolate and espresso, accentuating the tiramisu cupcakes in a fun and playful way.
Almond Biscotti: Crunchy and lightly sweet, almond biscotti pair beautifully with the coffee flavors, adding a satisfying texture to your dessert spread.

These pairings create a perfect finale to any gathering or special occasion, allowing your Tiramisu Cupcakes to shine in delightful company. Enjoy a symphony of flavors and textures with each bite!

How to Store and Freeze Tiramisu Cupcakes

Room Temperature: Store Tiramisu Cupcakes without frosting in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and soft while allowing the flavors to develop.

Fridge: If you’ve already frosted the cupcakes with Amaretto buttercream, store them in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just remember to let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for optimal texture.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze un-frosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before frosting and serving.

Reheating: If desired, gently reheat individual cupcakes in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to enjoy a cozy, warm treat reminiscent of fresh-baked goodness.

Make Ahead Options

These Tiramisu Cupcakes are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cupcake base up to 24 hours in advance. Simply bake and cool the cupcakes, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature without frosting. This will keep them fresh and delicious, ensuring a moist texture when it’s time to serve. The Amaretto buttercream can also be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Just before serving, allow the buttercream to come to room temperature and give it a quick whisk to restore its creamy consistency before piping it onto the cupcakes. With this prep, you’ll have restaurant-quality Tiramisu Cupcakes ready to impress with minimal effort!

Expert Tips for Tiramisu Cupcakes

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature to achieve a beautifully blended batter for your Tiramisu Cupcakes.
Avoid Overmixing: Mix just until combined after adding dry ingredients to maintain that delicate, fluffy texture—overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes.
Coffee Flavor Boost: If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, increase the amount of instant espresso powder slightly, but be careful not to overpower the cupcake’s balance.
Proper Cooling: Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting; this prevents the buttercream from melting and keeps your Tiramisu Cupcakes looking picture-perfect.
Creative Decoration: Use a variety of piping tips for the buttercream to add a fun twist to your cupcakes, making them even more inviting for guests!

Tiramisu Cupcakes Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing these delightful Tiramisu Cupcakes just the way you like!

Gluten-Free: Replace almond flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a delicious gluten-free treat. The flavor remains rich, and your friends won’t even notice the difference!
Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter and a non-dairy yogurt in place of sour cream for a tasty lactose-free version. The texture will still be fabulous!
Flavor Twist: Swap out Amaretto for hazelnut extract in the buttercream for a nutty flair. This twist adds a delightful surprise that will leave your guests asking for the recipe.
Coffee-Free: Replace espresso powder with cocoa powder for a chocolatey cupcake. These mocha-inspired treats will be a hit among chocolate lovers.
Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter to warm up the flavor profile, bringing a cozy vibe to your dessert.
Mini Cupcakes: Make mini versions for bite-sized delights! Adjust the baking time to about 12-15 minutes for these little treats.
Extra Moisture: Incorporate a tablespoon of coffee liqueur into the frosting for an added depth of flavor. It not only tastes divine but also packs a flavorful punch!
Flavor Boost: Top with a drizzle of chocolate ganache instead of cocoa powder for a rich, luscious finish. It takes your Tiramisu Cupcakes to another level of indulgence!

These variations help you celebrate every occasion with creative flair! If you’re looking for more dessert inspiration, check out our Italian Tiramisu Home or whip up some cozy treats with our Pumpkin Cupcakes Deliciously.

Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe FAQs

How do I select the right almond flour for my Tiramisu Cupcakes?
When selecting almond flour, look for a fine texture and ensure it’s blanched for a smoother consistency. Blanched almond flour will prevent any graininess in your cupcakes, giving them a lovely tender crumb!

What is the best way to store Tiramisu Cupcakes?
Store your Tiramisu Cupcakes without frosting in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh while maintaining their delicious flavor, avoid refrigerating unless they are frosted; then, they can stay in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Can I freeze Tiramisu Cupcakes, and how should I do it?
Absolutely! For freezing, it’s best to freeze the un-frosted cupcakes. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave them in the fridge overnight before frosting and serving.

What if my cupcakes sink in the middle after baking?
If your Tiramisu Cupcakes have sunk in the middle, it might be due to overmixing or underbaking. To prevent this, ensure you mix the batter just until incorporated when adding dry ingredients and check for doneness with a toothpick, which should come out clean.

Are Tiramisu Cupcakes suitable for those with nut allergies?
Since this recipe includes almond flour, it’s not safe for those with nut allergies. To make a nut-free version, you can substitute the almond flour with equal parts of all-purpose flour and keep the texture rich and delicious.

Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Certainly! You can bake the Tiramisu Cupcakes a day in advance. Prepare and store them un-frosted in an airtight container at room temperature. Frost them the day you plan to serve for the best taste and appearance.