Tiramisu Madeleines: Luxuriously Fun Mini Desserts Recipe

If you adore both classic French patisserie and the dreamy flavors of Italian dessert, then you simply have to try this Tiramisu Madeleines: Luxuriously Fun Mini Desserts Recipe. These adorable little cakes combine the tender shell of a traditional madeleine with the creamy, coffee-infused taste of tiramisu, offering a bite-sized experience that feels indulgent without being overwhelming. They’re perfect for sharing at gatherings, but honestly, I won’t judge if you keep them all to yourself because each madeleine bursts with wonderfully balanced flavors that make dessert time something truly special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe leans on ingredients that are straightforward but powerfully important — each one plays a key role in creating both the delightfully tender texture of madeleines and the luscious tiramisu flavor profile. From the richness of unsalted butter to the aromatic punch of instant coffee, these essentials come together beautifully.

  • Unsalted Butter: Provides a rich, creamy base and helps achieve the madeleine’s iconic tender crumb.
  • Eggs: Important for structure and giving the batter its lightness and fluffiness.
  • Castor Sugar: Dissolves quickly to create a smooth, sweet flavor without graininess.
  • Instant Coffee: Gives that signature coffee note that ties the tiramisu concept together perfectly.
  • Hot Water: Needed to dissolve the coffee for an even infusion of flavor.
  • Cake Flour: Ensures a delicate, tender texture typical of a madeleine.
  • Cocoa Powder: Adds a subtle chocolate undertone and color depth.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the madeleines rise beautifully while maintaining their iconic hump.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
  • Mascarpone Cheese: The creamy heart of the filling, delivering that authentic tiramisu richness.
  • Confectioners’ Sugar: Smoothly sweetens the mascarpone without any grit.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Whipped into the filling for light, fluffy texture.
  • Kahlua Coffee Liqueur: Optional boozy touch that amps up the tiramisu vibes.
  • Cocoa Powder (for dusting): Finishing touch for a classic tiramisu look and taste.

How to Make Tiramisu Madeleines: Luxuriously Fun Mini Desserts Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Coffee Base

Start by dissolving the instant coffee in hot water. Stir it around until it’s completely smooth and aromatic. Letting this cool just a bit is key so it won’t scramble your eggs when mixed later — plus, it allows the coffee flavor to develop fully for that authentic tiramisu taste.

Step 2: Whisk Eggs and Sugar

In a large bowl, combine your eggs and castor sugar. Whisk these together vigorously until the mixture is smooth and pale. This step is crucial because beating in air here helps give your madeleines that lovely light texture we all adore.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Sift together the cake flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Sifting ensures there are no lumps and that the cocoa blends evenly, which keeps your batter silky and consistent in color and taste.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add your coffee-infused water to the egg mixture, then fold in the sifted dry ingredients carefully to keep the batter light. This gentle mixing helps maintain airiness while ensuring every flavor melds beautifully.

Step 5: Add Melted Butter

Pour in the melted unsalted butter and whisk gently until smooth. This fat is essential for that tender crumb and rich mouthfeel that make madeleines so irresistible.

Step 6: Chill the Batter

Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This chilling time firms up the batter so it bakes into those classic ridges and humps that are signature to madeleines.

Step 7: Bake the Madeleines

Preheat your oven to 370ºF (190ºC) and grease your madeleine pan lightly. Fill each cavity about 80 to 90 percent full using a piping bag or spoon for neatness. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn golden and the centers spring back when touched.

Step 8: Prepare the Filling

While the madeleines cool on a wire rack, beat mascarpone, sifted confectioners’ sugar, and heavy whipping cream together until lush and smooth. For an extra indulgent kick, fold in the Kahlua coffee liqueur. Chill this until you’re ready to fill the cakes.

Step 9: Fill and Dust

Using a small knife, carefully create little holes in the center of each cooled madeleine. Use a piping bag to fill them generously with the mascarpone mixture, then dust the tops with cocoa powder for that perfect tiramisu finish.

How to Serve Tiramisu Madeleines: Luxuriously Fun Mini Desserts Recipe

Garnishes

These madeleines shine as is, but adding a dusting of cocoa powder or a few shavings of dark chocolate elevates their appearance and depth of flavor. Fresh mint leaves can add a pop of color and a refreshing contrast, while a sprinkle of finely chopped espresso beans lends a delightful crunch.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries to add bright, juicy bursts that balance the creaminess and cocoa notes. A small cup of espresso or cappuccino pairs beautifully, extending the coffee theme and rounding out this mini dessert experience perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the tiramisu madeleines on a tiered dessert stand for a stunning display at parties. You can also serve them individually in pretty mini dessert cups or alongside a small scoop of vanilla gelato for an added wow factor that impresses guests and comforts any sweet tooth.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your filled tiramisu madeleines in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The coffee and mascarpone flavors meld deliciously over time, making day-two bites even tastier but do keep them chilled to maintain that fresh, luscious texture.

Freezing

If you want to save them longer, freeze unfilled madeleines in an airtight container wrapped with plastic wrap for up to one month. Thaw completely before filling with mascarpone mixture for best results. The filling is best made fresh or stored separately in the fridge.

Reheating

To enjoy madeleines warm, pop them in a low oven (around 300ºF / 150ºC) for a few minutes before filling, but avoid reheating once filled as the mascarpone won’t hold up well to heat. Warming unfilled madeleines gently brings back that freshly baked joy.

FAQs

Can I make these Tiramisu Madeleines dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the unsalted butter with coconut oil and the mascarpone cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, plus use coconut cream instead of heavy whipping cream. These swaps still deliver indulgent creaminess and texture.

What if I don’t have a madeleine pan?

While a madeleine pan is ideal for the classic shape and texture, you can use mini muffin tins as an alternative. Just expect a slightly different shape and texture but the flavors will remain fantastic.

Can I skip the alcohol?

Yes, you can omit the Kahlua coffee liqueur without losing the essence of the dessert. The instant coffee and espresso flavors will keep the tiramisu spirit alive, making this a family-friendly treat.

How long should I chill the filling?

Chilling the mascarpone filling for at least 30 minutes allows it to firm up and develop deeper flavors, which makes it easier to pipe into the madeleines and enhances the overall creamy texture.

Are these madeleines best served immediately?

They are wonderful fresh, but the flavors actually improve after a few hours in the fridge as the coffee and mascarpone meld beautifully. Just bring them out 10 minutes before serving so they’re not too cold on the palate.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend this Tiramisu Madeleines: Luxuriously Fun Mini Desserts Recipe enough — it’s a delightful hybrid that brings together the best of two beloved desserts in a playful, elegant form. Whether you’re surprising someone special or indulging your own sweet tooth, these treats truly make any moment feel like a celebration. Give it a whirl and watch your kitchen become your new favorite cozy spot!

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Tiramisu Madeleines: Luxuriously Fun Mini Desserts Recipe

Tiramisu Madeleines: Luxuriously Fun Mini Desserts Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.8 from 87 reviews
  • Author: Elina
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 42 minutes
  • Yield: 12 pieces 1x
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French, Italian

Description

Enjoy the luxurious fusion of classic Italian tiramisu and French madeleines in these perfectly sized mini desserts. Featuring a light coffee-infused sponge base filled with creamy mascarpone and dusted with cocoa powder, these tiramisu madeleines are a delightful treat ideal for parties or elegant dessert servings.


Ingredients

Scale

Madeleines

  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter (substitute with coconut oil for dairy-free)
  • 3 large Eggs (use egg replacers for vegan option)
  • 3/4 cup Castor Sugar (granulated sugar works as an alternative)
  • 2 tablespoons Instant Coffee (substitute with espresso powder for bolder flavor)
  • 1/4 cup Hot Water
  • 1 cup Cake Flour (all-purpose flour can be used)
  • 1 tablespoon Cocoa Powder (Dutch-processed for milder taste)
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder (ensure it’s fresh)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt (omit only on sodium-restricted diet)

Filling

  • 1 cup Mascarpone Cheese (can be substituted with cream cheese)
  • 1/4 cup Confectioners’ Sugar (granulated sugar for grainier texture)
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Whipping Cream (substitute with coconut cream for dairy-free)
  • 2 tablespoons Kahlua Coffee Liqueur (omit for non-alcoholic option)
  • 1 tablespoon Cocoa Powder (for dusting, swap with powdered sugar for sweetness)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Coffee Mixture: In a small bowl, dissolve the instant coffee in hot water, stirring until fully blended. Set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and castor sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the prepared coffee mixture and mix well.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients: Sift the cake flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt into the wet ingredients. Gently fold and mix until the batter is smooth without lumps.
  4. Incorporate Butter: Pour in the melted unsalted butter and whisk until the batter is well combined and homogeneous.
  5. Chill Batter: Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to improve texture and flavor.
  6. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 370°F (190°C). Lightly grease the madeleine pan to prevent sticking.
  7. Fill Madeleines Molds: Using a piping bag or spoon, fill each madeleine mold about 80-90% full to allow room for rising.
  8. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden and centers spring back when gently pressed.
  9. Cool Madeleines: Remove from oven and let the madeleines cool on a wire rack completely before filling.
  10. Prepare Filling: Beat together mascarpone cheese, sifted confectioners’ sugar, and heavy whipping cream until smooth and fluffy. Add Kahlua and mix well, then chill the filling.
  11. Fill Madeleines: Use a small knife to create holes in the cooled madeleines and pipe in the mascarpone filling carefully.
  12. Finish and Serve: Dust the filled madeleines with cocoa powder. Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve for best flavor.

Notes

  • Serve with fresh berries for added color and flavor.
  • Substitute coconut oil and coconut cream for dairy-free versions.
  • Use egg replacers to make the recipe vegan.
  • For non-alcoholic option, omit Kahlua or use coffee extract.
  • Dutch-processed cocoa powder provides a smoother, milder flavor compared to natural cocoa.
  • Ensure baking powder is fresh to achieve proper rise.

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