Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes (Moist, Rich & Filled With Espresso Bliss!)
If you love tiramisu and you love chocolate cupcakes, then prepare yourself — these Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes are the ultimate fusion dessert. Imagine rich, moist chocolate cupcakes dipped lightly in espresso syrup, topped with a cloud-soft mascarpone frosting, and finished with a delicate dusting of cocoa powder. They’re elegant enough for entertaining yet simple enough to make on an average weeknight when you’re craving something indulgent.
Tiramisu, the iconic Italian dessert, traditionally layers espresso-soaked ladyfingers with mascarpone cream and cocoa. These cupcakes transform those flavors into a handheld, bakery-style treat that’s deeply chocolatey, lightly caffeinated, and unbelievably silky.
The balance is everything:
- Soft, tender chocolate cupcake base
- Espresso soak that adds flavor without sogginess
- Whipped mascarpone frosting (not overly sweet)
- Classic cocoa powder finish
These cupcakes taste like a café dessert — rich but not heavy, sweet but not overwhelming, elegant but not fussy. And unlike traditional tiramisu, you don’t need hours of chilling.
Let’s dive in.
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes
✔ Moist, rich chocolate base that stays soft for days
✔ True tiramisu flavor using real espresso
✔ Mascarpone frosting that’s silky, creamy, and not too sweet
✔ Fast, easy, and bakery-style beautiful
✔ Perfect for parties, holidays, date nights, or gifts
✔ Make-ahead friendly
✔ They taste EVEN BETTER the next day
If chocolate + coffee is your love language, these cupcakes are your dream dessert.
What Makes Them “Tiramisu”?
These are not just chocolate cupcakes with frosting. They stay true to the soul of tiramisu through three key elements:
1. Espresso Soak
Warm cupcakes are brushed with a real espresso syrup. Not too much — just enough for flavor.
2. Mascarpone Frosting
Traditional tiramisu relies on mascarpone.
The frosting is airy, smooth, and luscious — no heavy buttercream vibes here.
3. Cocoa Finish
A dusting of cocoa powder gives that signature tiramisu look and taste.
Together, these flavors hit you with nostalgia AND rich chocolate comfort.
Ingredients for Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes
Chocolate Cupcakes
- All-purpose flour
- Cocoa powder
- Sugar
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Eggs
- Milk
- Vegetable oil
- Vanilla
- Hot coffee or hot water
Espresso Soak
- Fresh espresso or strong coffee
- Sugar
- Vanilla
Mascarpone Frosting
- Mascarpone cheese
- Heavy cream
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
Finishing
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Optional chocolate shavings
How to Make Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes
1. Make the Chocolate Cupcakes
Start by whisking dry ingredients — flour, cocoa, sugar, leavening, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then add hot coffee (or hot water). This creates a smooth, glossy batter and enhances the chocolate flavor.
Bake until the cupcakes spring back when touched.
2. Make the Espresso Soak
Stir together espresso, sugar, and vanilla until the sugar dissolves.
This should be warm, not hot.
3. Soak the Cupcakes
Once cupcakes cool slightly, use a toothpick to poke tiny holes in the tops.
Brush each cupcake with espresso syrup — enough to flavor, not enough to make them mushy.
4. Make the Mascarpone Frosting
Whip cold mascarpone with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whip cold heavy cream to medium peaks.
Fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture to create a cloud-like frosting.
5. Frost the Cupcakes
Use a piping bag for tall swirls or spread with a spatula for rustic charm.
6. Dust with Cocoa Powder
Sift unsweetened cocoa lightly over the frosting.
Instant tiramisu vibe.
Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with liners.
- Whisk flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- Whisk eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla in a separate bowl.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, then slowly mix in hot coffee until smooth.
- Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full and bake 16–18 minutes.
- Mix espresso, sugar, and vanilla for the soak.
- Brush warm cupcakes with espresso soak and cool completely.
- Whip mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. In another bowl whip cream to medium peaks.
- Fold whipped cream into mascarpone to create frosting.
- Pipe frosting onto cupcakes and dust with cocoa powder.
Notes
Tips for Perfect Tiramisu Cupcakes
Use cold mascarpone
Warm mascarpone can curdle when whipped.
Don’t over-soak
Brush, don’t pour — tiramisu flavor should enhance, not overwhelm.
Whip cream separately
It gives the frosting its signature lightness.
Sift cocoa lightly
A little goes a long way.
Serve chilled or room temperature
Both taste incredible.
Variations
Tiramisu Mocha Cupcakes
Add a bit of espresso powder to the cupcake batter.
Chocolate-Chip Tiramisu Cupcakes
Fold mini chocolate chips into the batter.
White Chocolate Tiramisu Frosting
Drizzle in melted cooled white chocolate.
Boozy Tiramisu Cupcakes (Adults Only)
Add a splash of coffee liqueur to the espresso soak.
(Not for anyone under 18 — skip entirely for you.)
Serving Ideas
- Serve with berries or sliced strawberries
- Add chocolate curls on top
- Serve with iced coffee or hot cocoa
- Great for birthdays, bridal showers, holidays, and dessert platters
Storage Instructions
Fridge: 3–4 days (frosting stays perfect)
Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes only; thaw, soak, then frost
Do not freeze mascarpone frosting — texture can separate
