If you adore the rich, creamy flavors of classic tiramisu but want a fun and bite-sized twist, try these incredible Tiramisu Madeleines (Coffee & Mascarpone Filled) – Easy Mini French-Italian Dessert. These delightful little cakes combine the buttery texture of traditional French madeleines with the heavenly coffee and mascarpone filling that Italian tiramisu is known for. With each bite, you’ll enjoy a perfect balance of coffee-infused sponge and luscious creamy filling, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are thoughtfully chosen to create a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Each item plays a key role in achieving that light, tender crumb and that signature creamy filling that makes these Tiramisu Madeleines (Coffee & Mascarpone Filled) – Easy Mini French-Italian Dessert stand out so beautifully.
- Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and moistness to the madeleine batter for a delicate crumb.
- Eggs: Act as a binding agent and add fluffiness to the cake base.
- Castor Sugar: Dissolves easily for a smooth batter and subtle sweetness.
- Instant Coffee: Infuses the batter with aromatic coffee flavor fundamental to tiramisu.
- Hot Water: Helps dissolve the coffee and blend flavors evenly.
- Cake Flour: Gives the madeleines their signature tender, light texture.
- Cocoa Powder: Adds a delicate chocolate undertone complementing the coffee notes.
- Baking Powder: Provides gentle lift ensuring the madeleines are airy but still moist.
- Salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness and flavor complexity.
- Mascarpone Cheese: The creamy star of the filling that mimics classic tiramisu’s smooth texture.
- Confectioners’ Sugar: Sweetens the mascarpone filling without graininess.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Adds lightness and fluff to the filling for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Kahlua Coffee Liqueur: Introduces a sophisticated kick and depth to the filling (optional but highly recommended).
- Cocoa Powder (for dusting): Finishes the dessert with a classic, elegant touch.
How to Make Tiramisu Madeleines (Coffee & Mascarpone Filled) – Easy Mini French-Italian Dessert
Step 1: Prepare the Coffee Mixture
Begin by dissolving instant coffee in hot water, stirring well until fully blended. This mixture is the flavor backbone, so take your time ensuring the coffee is well dissolved, then let it cool slightly. This allows the coffee flavor to infuse through the batter evenly, setting the stage for your mini desserts’ signature taste.
Step 2: Whisk Eggs and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together the eggs and castor sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly fluffy. This process incorporates air which helps the madeleines rise to that delicate, spongy perfection.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Sift the cake flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt into the wet ingredients. This ensures there are no lumps and that every bite has a consistent texture and harmonious balance of flavors. Gently fold them in to avoid deflating the mixture.
Step 4: Add Coffee and Butter
Slowly whisk in the cooled coffee mixture, then pour in the melted unsalted butter. These ingredients enrich the batter and give the madeleines their moist crumb with that unmistakable coffee aroma. Make sure everything is fully combined before moving forward.
Step 5: Chill the Batter
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the batter for at least one hour. This chilling step is crucial as it helps the madeleine batter develop better texture and flavor, making each finished cake tender and flavorful.
Step 6: Bake the Madeleines
Preheat your oven to 370°F (190°C) and grease your madeleine pan lightly. Fill each mold about 80-90% full using a piping bag or spoon—being careful not to overfill. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn golden and the centers spring back when touched, signaling they are perfectly baked.
Step 7: Cool and Prepare Filling
Allow the madeleines to cool completely on a wire rack before removing them from the pan. While they cool, whip mascarpone cheese, sifted confectioners’ sugar, and heavy whipping cream together until smooth and fluffy. Stir in the Kahlua for a touch of boozy richness, then chill this luscious filling until you’re ready to assemble.
Step 8: Fill and Finish
Use a small knife to carefully create a hole in each madeleine, then pipe the creamy mascarpone filling inside. Top the filled madeleines with a dusting of cocoa powder for a classic presentation that looks and tastes simply divine.
How to Serve Tiramisu Madeleines (Coffee & Mascarpone Filled) – Easy Mini French-Italian Dessert
Garnishes
These petite desserts invite a variety of beautiful garnishes. A simple dusting of cocoa powder or powdered sugar gives a traditional feel, while fresh mint leaves or a few coffee beans on top add visual appeal and an aromatic hint.
Side Dishes
Pair these madeleines with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a truly indulgent experience. A small cup of espresso or cappuccino also complements the coffee flavors perfectly, rounding out the dessert like a true French-Italian affair.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your tiramisu madeleines on a rustic wooden board or delicate china for an elegant dessert platter. You might also layer them in a clear glass trifle dish to show off the creamy filling or serve them alongside bite-sized biscotti for a coffee-themed party centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place your filled madeleines in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will keep their freshness and texture for up to two days. The filling remains creamy and the cakes remain tender, ideal for enjoying later without losing their charm.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these beauties in advance, freeze the unfilled madeleines in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to one month. Fill and assemble the madeleines only after thawing for optimal texture and freshness.
Reheating
For best results, gently warm unfrozen, filled madeleines in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5-7 minutes just before serving. This revives their delicate texture without melting the mascarpone filling, preserving the perfect contrast.
FAQs
Can I make Tiramisu Madeleines (Coffee & Mascarpone Filled) – Easy Mini French-Italian Dessert dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the unsalted butter with coconut oil and use a dairy-free cream alternative instead of heavy whipping cream. For mascarpone, you can blend silken tofu or use dairy-free cream cheese for a similar creamy texture.
Is it necessary to use Kahlua in the filling?
No, Kahlua is optional but highly recommended for authentic coffee liqueur flavor. You can omit it or substitute with coffee extract or a splash of strong brewed coffee if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
How do I know when the madeleines are done baking?
The madeleines are ready when their edges turn a beautiful golden brown and the centers spring back to the touch. Timing is key—avoid overbaking to keep them soft and moist.
Can these madeleines be made ahead and frozen with filling?
It’s best to freeze madeleines before filling to maintain the freshest texture. Once thawed, fill them with mascarpone just before serving to keep the filling smooth and light.
What makes these Tiramisu Madeleines (Coffee & Mascarpone Filled) – Easy Mini French-Italian Dessert different from regular madeleines?
The coffee infusion in the batter and the luscious mascarpone filling make these mini desserts truly unique. They blend the delicate texture of madeleines with the rich flavors of classic tiramisu, creating an extraordinary French-Italian fusion.
Final Thoughts
There is something wonderfully charming and utterly delicious about these Tiramisu Madeleines (Coffee & Mascarpone Filled) – Easy Mini French-Italian Dessert. They are the perfect pick-me-up after dinner or a delightful treat with your afternoon coffee. Once you try them, you’ll find this recipe is a new favorite worth sharing with every special person in your life.
PrintTiramisu Madeleines (Coffee & Mascarpone Filled) – Easy Mini French-Italian Dessert
Tiramisu Madeleines offer a delightful fusion of classic Italian tiramisu and delicate French madeleines, creating luxuriously fun mini desserts perfect for savoring any time. These bite-sized treats combine the rich flavors of coffee, cocoa, mascarpone, and a light, buttery sponge, dusted with cocoa powder for an elegant finish.
- 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
Ingredients
For the 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 (no substitutions needed)
- 1 cup Cake Flour (all-purpose flour can be used)
- 1 tablespoon Cocoa Powder (Dutch-processed cocoa yields milder taste)
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder (ensure it’s fresh for best results)
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt (omit only on sodium-restricted diet)
For the 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
- Prepare Coffee Mixture: In a small bowl, dissolve the instant coffee in hot water, stirring until fully blended. Set it aside to cool slightly.
- Mix Eggs and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and castor sugar until smooth and slightly fluffy. Then add the prepared coffee mixture and blend well.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: Sift the cake flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt into the wet ingredients to avoid lumps. Mix gently until combined into a smooth batter.
- Add Butter: Pour in the melted unsalted butter and whisk the batter until well combined, ensuring a smooth consistency.
- Chill Batter: Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the batter to rest and develop flavor.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 370°F (190°C). Lightly grease the madeleine pan to prevent sticking.
- Fill Madeleine Molds: Using a piping bag or spoon, fill each madeleine mold about 80-90% full with the chilled batter for perfect shape.
- Bake: Bake the madeleines for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the centers spring back when pressed lightly.
- Cool Madeleines: Remove the madeleines from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack completely before proceeding.
- Prepare Filling: Beat together mascarpone cheese, sifted confectioners’ sugar, and heavy whipping cream until smooth and fluffy. Add Kahlua for flavor and chill the filling.
- Fill Madeleines: Use a small knife to create holes in the cooled madeleines, then pipe in the mascarpone filling through the openings.
- Garnish: Dust the filled madeleines generously with cocoa powder for the finishing touch. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Serve with fresh berries for added color and a complementary fruity flavor.
- For dairy-free or vegan versions, substitute mascarpone with coconut cream-based alternatives and eggs with plant-based replacers.
- Omit Kahlua for a non-alcoholic dessert that’s equally delicious.
- Ensure baking powder is fresh to help madeleines rise properly.
- Use Dutch-processed cocoa for a smoother, milder chocolate taste.