Tiramisu Cups

Introduction

Close your eyes for a moment and imagine the first spoonful: a cool, velvety cloud of mascarpone that melts on your tongue, punctuated by the gentle bite of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and the faint, bittersweet echo of cocoa. The aroma of fresh coffee and dark chocolate drifts up from each layered cup, promising a dessert that is both comforting and a little indulgent. Tiramisu Cups are the kind of dessert that stops conversation mid-sentence and invites everyone to savor the moment—perfect for intimate dinners, holiday gatherings, or when you simply want a refined treat without a lot of fuss.

If you love portable, layered desserts, these cups are a smaller, elegant spin on the classic tiramisu—and if you’re in the mood for related ideas, try pairing this technique with other portable sweets like our indulgent Brownie Batter Cookie Dough Cups for a contrasting texture and flavor.

At a Glance

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes (no-bake)
• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (including chilling)
• Servings: 6 cups
• Difficulty Level: Easy — great for beginner bakers and entertaining

Nutrition Highlights

Estimated nutrition per serving (recipe yields 6 servings). These values are approximate and derived from ingredient data referenced against USDA FoodData Central and general nutrition guidance from government health resources (USDA). Values will vary slightly if you add optional chocolate or liqueur.

Per serving (approximate)

• Calories: 430 kcal
• Total Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Sugars: 19 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Sodium: ~120 mg

Notes on accuracy: Estimates were calculated from typical nutrient profiles for mascarpone, heavy cream, granulated sugar, and ladyfingers as listed in USDA FoodData Central. If you want to reduce calories or saturated fat, consider lighter substitutions (see Variations). For general dietary guidance on saturated fat and overall heart-health, resources such as the Mayo Clinic and CDC offer helpful recommendations.

Why You’ll Love It

• Irresistible combination: The interplay of bright espresso and rich mascarpone is a match made in dessert heaven—creamy, slightly tangy, and gently sweet.
• Perfect for gatherings: Built as individual cups, they’re easy to serve and feel elegant without extra plating work. Guests can grab a cup and dive in.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare these hours (or a day) ahead to let the flavors harmonize; they’re a stress-free solution for entertaining.
• Nostalgia and comfort: Tiramisu carries an old-world charm—familiar yet sophisticated—making it ideal for holidays and cozy celebrations.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ingredients

• 1 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee (cooled)
• 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)
• 8 ounces mascarpone cheese (softened)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 12 ladyfingers (halved)
• Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
• Dark chocolate shavings (optional)

Optional ingredients and substitutions

• Substitute 8 oz cream cheese (lightened) + 2–3 tbsp sour cream for a lower-fat option (changes flavor slightly).
• Use coconut cream and a vegan mascarpone alternative for a vegan version (see Variations).
• Replace ladyfingers with gluten-free sponge fingers for GF diets.
• Swap coffee liqueur for 2 tablespoons strong coffee for an alcohol-free version.

Method (numbered steps)

1. Prepare the coffee mixture: Combine 1 cup cooled espresso or strong coffee with 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (if using) in a shallow bowl. Set aside.
2. Whip the mascarpone base: In a bowl, beat the 8 ounces softened mascarpone with 1/3 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and slightly aerated—avoid overbeating to prevent graininess.
3. Whip the cream: In a separate cold bowl, whip 1 cup heavy cream to medium-stiff peaks.
4. Fold together: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture in two additions until smooth and airy. Use a light hand to keep the mixture fluffy.
5. Assemble the cups: Quickly dip each halved ladyfinger into the coffee mixture—do not soak; a 1–2 second dunk per side is enough. Arrange a layer of dipped ladyfingers in the bottom of six small serving cups (or ramekins).
6. Add mascarpone layer: Spoon or pipe a generous layer of mascarpone-cream over the ladyfingers.
7. Repeat layers: Add a second layer of quickly dipped ladyfingers, then finish with another layer of mascarpone cream.
8. Finish and chill: Dust the tops with unsweetened cocoa powder, cover the cups, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is ideal) to set and let flavors meld.
9. Serve: Just before serving, shave dark chocolate over each cup if desired for texture and aroma.

Practical tips

• Avoid over-dunking ladyfingers; they should be moist but not soggy.
• Keep bowls and beaters cold when whipping cream to speed whipping and increase volume.
• If mascarpone becomes too firm to whisk, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes—too-warm mascarpone can break, so don’t overheat.
• For neat presentation, pipe the mascarpone layer with a large round tip.

Best Pairings

• Beverage pairings: Serve with fresh espresso, a cappuccino, or a bold dessert wine like Marsala or Vin Santo to match tiramisu’s coffee notes.
• Light accompaniments: Fresh berries (raspberries or strawberries) or a citrus salad contrast the richness and add brightness.
• Cheese board twist: Offer small espresso biscotti alongside the cups for added crunch.
• Presentation tips: Use clear glass cups to showcase layers; finish rims with a light cocoa dusting and a single chocolate curl for an elegant look.

How to Store

• Room temperature: Do not store tiramisu cups at room temperature for more than 2 hours—dairy and whipped cream require refrigeration.
• Refrigeration: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The texture will continue to soften over time; for best flavor and texture, consume within 48 hours.
• Freezer: You can freeze fully assembled cups for up to 1 month. Wrap individually with plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving; note that whipped cream texture may be slightly altered after freezing.

Expert Tips

• Mascarpone care: Buy a good-quality mascarpone and bring it to just-soft room temperature before whipping to avoid graininess.
• Texture balance: Aim for medium-stiff whipped cream peaks so the mascarpone mixture holds shape but stays airy.
• Coffee temp: Always use cooled coffee—hot coffee melts the cream and creates a soupy texture.
• Cocoa application: Dust cocoa right before serving; otherwise cocoa can absorb moisture and look dull.
• Layering trick: If you want perfectly even layers, use a piping bag for the mascarpone mixture.

Creative Twists

• Vegan tiramisu cups: Substitute vegan mascarpone (cashew-based), chilled coconut cream whipped with a little powdered sugar, and gluten-free vegan ladyfingers. Add a splash of coffee extract for depth.
• Liqueur-free citrus version: Omit coffee liqueur and add a thin layer of orange marmalade between layers for a bright, Italian-inspired twist.
• Chocolate-hazelnut tiramisu: Swap half the mascarpone with a chocolate-hazelnut spread folded into the cream, and use chocolate ladyfingers or cocoa-dusted sponge for an indulgent variation.
• Boozy adult version: Increase coffee liqueur to 3 tablespoons and add 1 tablespoon dark rum for a richer boozy profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make these the day before serving?
A: Yes—assemble them a day ahead and refrigerate. Overnight chilling improves flavor melding and texture.

Q: My mascarpone mixture is grainy—what went wrong?
A: Graininess often comes from overbeating mascarpone or using it too cold. Let it warm slightly and gently whisk to smooth it out; avoid high-speed whipping.

Q: Can I skip alcohol entirely?
A: Absolutely—use extra brewed coffee or a teaspoon of coffee extract to maintain depth without alcohol.

Q: How can I make this lighter?
A: Use reduced-fat mascarpone alternatives or blend part mascarpone with light cream cheese and use a smaller sugar amount. Keep in mind texture and flavor will change.

Q: Are ladyfingers essential?
A: They’re traditional for structure and texture, but you can substitute thin sponge cake strips or gluten-free ladyfingers if needed.

Conclusion

Give these Tiramisu Cups a try the next time you want a dessert that’s both elegant and effortless—perfect for dinner parties or a quiet, indulgent night in. For another portable tiramisu-style idea, see this delightful Easy Italian Tiramisu Cups – Marcellina In Cucina and for a vibrant alternative approach, check out this creative Tiramisu Cups recipe – Sugar Salt Magic. If you make them, share your photos and tweaks—I love seeing how readers personalize the recipe.

Tiramisu Cups

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• Author: recipechangegmail-com
• Total Time: 260 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Miniature, portable tiramisu cups featuring layers of mascarpone cheese, espresso, and ladyfingers for an indulgent yet easy dessert.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee (cooled)
• 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)
• 8 ounces mascarpone cheese (softened)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 12 ladyfingers (halved)
• Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
• Dark chocolate shavings (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the coffee mixture: Combine 1 cup cooled espresso or strong coffee with 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (if using) in a shallow bowl. Set aside.
2. Whip the mascarpone base: In a bowl, beat the 8 ounces softened mascarpone with 1/3 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and slightly aerated.
3. Whip the cream: In a separate cold bowl, whip 1 cup heavy cream to medium-stiff peaks.
4. Fold together: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture in two additions until smooth and airy.
5. Assemble the cups: Quickly dip each halved ladyfinger into the coffee mixture for 1–2 seconds and arrange in the bottom of six small serving cups.
6. Add mascarpone layer: Spoon or pipe a generous layer of mascarpone-cream over the ladyfingers.
7. Repeat layers: Add a second layer of dipped ladyfingers, then finish with another layer of mascarpone cream.
8. Finish and chill: Dust the tops with unsweetened cocoa powder, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
9. Serve: Just before serving, shave dark chocolate over each cup if desired.

Notes

For best flavor and texture, consume within 48 hours. Use cold bowls and beaters for whipping cream to maximize volume.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Bake
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 19g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 22g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 100mg