Description
These Easy Tiramisu Cupcakes deliver all the rich, coffee-infused flavor of classic Italian tiramisu in a soft, fluffy cupcake form. A white cake base is soaked with sweet espresso and Kahlua, then topped with light almond cream cheese frosting and a dusting of cocoa powder. Perfect for parties, holidays, or an elegant make-ahead dessert, these cupcakes are bakery-worthy with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Cupcakes
- White cake mix - 2 boxes (15.25 oz each)
- Large eggs - 6
- Milk - 2 cups
- Vegetable oil - 1 cup
For the Coffee Soak
- Hot water - 3/4 cup
- Granulated sugar - 3 tablespoons
- Instant espresso powder - 2 tablespoons
- Kahlua coffee liqueur - 2 tablespoons
For the Frosting
- Cream cheese frosting - 4 containers (16 oz each)
- Almond extract - 2 teaspoons
Garnish
- Unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/2 cup (for dusting)
Instructions
- Bake the Cupcakes
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line muffin tins with cupcake liners.
In a large bowl, mix cake mix, eggs, milk, and oil. Beat on low until combined, then on medium-high for 2 minutes.
Fill liners ⅔ full and bake for 18–25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool slightly. - Prepare Coffee Soak
In a bowl, combine hot water, espresso powder, sugar, and Kahlua. Stir until dissolved. - Soak the Cupcakes
While cupcakes are warm, poke holes with a fork. Brush coffee mixture generously over each cupcake. - Prepare Frosting
In a bowl, whip cream cheese frosting with almond extract until fluffy. - Decorate
Pipe frosting onto cooled cupcakes. Dust lightly with cocoa powder before serving.
Notes
- For an alcohol-free version, replace Kahlua with extra espresso or brewed coffee.
- Cupcakes can be refrigerated up to 3 days; bring to room temperature before serving.
- For a more authentic tiramisu flavor, add ½ teaspoon vanilla extract to the frosting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired / American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
